Spot didn't make it through his surgery today. The tumor was so extensive under the skin that even if the vet had been able to remove it, there wouldn't have been enough skin left to close the wound. He also had tumors throughout his chest. Cathy, his "other mom," was able to get to the office and kiss him before they let him go. I really loved Spot and his passing leaves an empty space in my heart. He was a great dog -- sweet, loving, dumb as a brick sometimes, and always happy to see me.
If you ever think about getting a dog, please consider adopting a greyhound. They so appreciate the love and attention and they return your love a thousand-fold.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Post treatment update
My treatments on Thursday and Friday went well. In fact, my hemoglobin numbers were back over 10, so I didn't need to get the red cell booster shot. Hurray! On Friday, I was nauseated from the Gemzar, so when I went in for the Zometa, they gave me Zofran by IV. That took care of it for the weekend, so other than being tired and spending lots of time napping or watching television in bed, I felt okay. I even managed to pay some bills and wash and style my wig yesterday.
Ed continues to do practically everything around the house: laundry, cooking, dishes. The only thing we need to get accomplished when I have some more strength is cleaning. The dust and dirt is piling up. Hopefully next weekend I'll feel motivated to get some stuff done, and since my boss will be away in mid-April for about 10 days, I'll have plenty of time to catch up. I can't stand it when the house is dirty.
I am starting to think about our trip to Paris and what our tentative plans will be. I'm trying not to rush it since we have more than a month before we go. I think once I understand exactly how to get to the places outside the city we want to visit, I'll feel more comfortable. I guess I need to get out those travel guide books again.
The weather at home reached 72 yesterday and the sun even came out for a while. I missed it since I was sleeping, but Ed said it was like a little taste of summer. I can't wait until the warmer days of Spring are here to stay.
Finally, some sad news on the Spot front. Cathy, his "other mom," contacted us about his tumor, which is growing at a rapid rate. The skin is so thin over the tumor that it's starting to come off when she changes the bandage. Her vet is going to try to debulk the tumor in an operation tomorrow, but apparently he had some difficulty waking Spot up from the anesthesia during his last surgery so he isn't certain how this will go. Cathy said that if Spot was in pain or discomfort, it would be an easier decision to let him go. However, he seems to be in good spirits other than hating his collar (to prevent him from chewing off his bandages), not enjoying the daily dressing change, and limping a bit. I'm torn between wanting the surgery to go well and letting him go, since it's only a matter of time before the tumor becomes inoperable. We'll find out on Wednesday how he made out.
Ed continues to do practically everything around the house: laundry, cooking, dishes. The only thing we need to get accomplished when I have some more strength is cleaning. The dust and dirt is piling up. Hopefully next weekend I'll feel motivated to get some stuff done, and since my boss will be away in mid-April for about 10 days, I'll have plenty of time to catch up. I can't stand it when the house is dirty.
I am starting to think about our trip to Paris and what our tentative plans will be. I'm trying not to rush it since we have more than a month before we go. I think once I understand exactly how to get to the places outside the city we want to visit, I'll feel more comfortable. I guess I need to get out those travel guide books again.
The weather at home reached 72 yesterday and the sun even came out for a while. I missed it since I was sleeping, but Ed said it was like a little taste of summer. I can't wait until the warmer days of Spring are here to stay.
Finally, some sad news on the Spot front. Cathy, his "other mom," contacted us about his tumor, which is growing at a rapid rate. The skin is so thin over the tumor that it's starting to come off when she changes the bandage. Her vet is going to try to debulk the tumor in an operation tomorrow, but apparently he had some difficulty waking Spot up from the anesthesia during his last surgery so he isn't certain how this will go. Cathy said that if Spot was in pain or discomfort, it would be an easier decision to let him go. However, he seems to be in good spirits other than hating his collar (to prevent him from chewing off his bandages), not enjoying the daily dressing change, and limping a bit. I'm torn between wanting the surgery to go well and letting him go, since it's only a matter of time before the tumor becomes inoperable. We'll find out on Wednesday how he made out.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Back in the Big Apple
Before I tell you about our trip, I want to mention our former neighbor, Kay, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall. She recently completed her chemo and last week had successful surgery to remove the tumors. Best wishes for a rapid recovery, Kay. We were thinking of you.
It's hard to believe that we were gone for eight days. Our trip was mostly relaxing and we certainly enjoyed spending time with our friends Anne and Andy, who even surprised us by joining us for dinner the last evening of the cruise. We spent many hours in Michael's Club enjoying drinks and the piano player, and I hope it's not six years until we cruise together again.
Celebrity's Solstice is a lovely ship, although some of the areas are a little too modern and cold for my taste. There were several staff members onboard whom we had met on other Celebrity cruises and it was a pleasant surprise to see them again. We met several other friendly and talented crew and staff members, and unfortunately ran into a few employees who would be better used in non-passenger-related positions. That's true on every cruise, though.
The first three days of our vacation were difficult. I was extremely tired Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't enjoy embarkation day as much as I usually do. Anne was kind enough to take us on a tour of the ship (she and Andy had already sailed her) so we were familiar with the layout immediately. Monday I was feeling nauseated all day and at first thought it was motion sickness. It took until the middle of the day when I realized it could be chemo related, and an Ativan, a four-hour nap, and a 10-hour night's sleep resulted in a whole new me.
On Tuesday, we finally -- on our third attempt -- met our friends Lydia and Wilfredo in San Juan. They picked us up at the pier, whisked us off for a delicious lunch with a beautiful view, took us for an apres lunch stroll, and then showed us some of the local sights before returning us to the pier. It was a wonderful visit and I was so happy to see them again. I've been so lucky in my life to meet good-hearted, loving, thoughtful and generous people like these two, and it makes me so happy to spend time with them. Thank you again for a lovely afternoon and for the goodies. Everything made it back home in one piece!
On Wednesday, we took a walk into Phillipsburg on St. Maarten to look for Ed's favorite bourbon, which -- although made in the United States -- is only sold in duty free shops and internationally. After scouring every liquor store along the main street (and there were many), we found one bottle. Andy was hoping for a bottle as well, but we couldn't find another one. After that, it was back to the ship for some sunbathing. Thursday we spent in the solarium, which is the adults only covered pool. It was lovely until everyone came back from Tortola (we sailed at 1 p.m.) and then it became crowded and noisy, so we left. The rest of the cruise was spent just relaxing on the promande deck in a cushioned lounge chair, looking out at sea from the Sky Lounge, enjoying the view and a latte (for me) in the cafe, eating, and having drinks in Michael's Club with Anne and Andy. Sunday morning came quite quickly.
Overall, it was a lovely vacation although we had to fight a few battles onboard, mainly to get some credits that were due us. The weather was perfect and the seas were calm until the last night when we were headed back to Florida. Our flights were uneventful (hurray for Southwest Airlines), and we had no problems getting to and from the airport. It was lovely to be back in our own bed, though, and it was tough getting up for work this morning.
Thanks again to Anne and Andy and to Lydia and Wilfredo helping to make this a wonderful vacation, and thanks also to Lydia G for checking on our house while we were gone. Thanks also to everyone who e-mailed or called us to welcome us home. I'll be in touch within a day or so.
The schedule for this week is chemo on Thursday and Zometa on Friday. Welcome back to reality!
It's hard to believe that we were gone for eight days. Our trip was mostly relaxing and we certainly enjoyed spending time with our friends Anne and Andy, who even surprised us by joining us for dinner the last evening of the cruise. We spent many hours in Michael's Club enjoying drinks and the piano player, and I hope it's not six years until we cruise together again.
Celebrity's Solstice is a lovely ship, although some of the areas are a little too modern and cold for my taste. There were several staff members onboard whom we had met on other Celebrity cruises and it was a pleasant surprise to see them again. We met several other friendly and talented crew and staff members, and unfortunately ran into a few employees who would be better used in non-passenger-related positions. That's true on every cruise, though.
The first three days of our vacation were difficult. I was extremely tired Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't enjoy embarkation day as much as I usually do. Anne was kind enough to take us on a tour of the ship (she and Andy had already sailed her) so we were familiar with the layout immediately. Monday I was feeling nauseated all day and at first thought it was motion sickness. It took until the middle of the day when I realized it could be chemo related, and an Ativan, a four-hour nap, and a 10-hour night's sleep resulted in a whole new me.
On Tuesday, we finally -- on our third attempt -- met our friends Lydia and Wilfredo in San Juan. They picked us up at the pier, whisked us off for a delicious lunch with a beautiful view, took us for an apres lunch stroll, and then showed us some of the local sights before returning us to the pier. It was a wonderful visit and I was so happy to see them again. I've been so lucky in my life to meet good-hearted, loving, thoughtful and generous people like these two, and it makes me so happy to spend time with them. Thank you again for a lovely afternoon and for the goodies. Everything made it back home in one piece!
On Wednesday, we took a walk into Phillipsburg on St. Maarten to look for Ed's favorite bourbon, which -- although made in the United States -- is only sold in duty free shops and internationally. After scouring every liquor store along the main street (and there were many), we found one bottle. Andy was hoping for a bottle as well, but we couldn't find another one. After that, it was back to the ship for some sunbathing. Thursday we spent in the solarium, which is the adults only covered pool. It was lovely until everyone came back from Tortola (we sailed at 1 p.m.) and then it became crowded and noisy, so we left. The rest of the cruise was spent just relaxing on the promande deck in a cushioned lounge chair, looking out at sea from the Sky Lounge, enjoying the view and a latte (for me) in the cafe, eating, and having drinks in Michael's Club with Anne and Andy. Sunday morning came quite quickly.
Overall, it was a lovely vacation although we had to fight a few battles onboard, mainly to get some credits that were due us. The weather was perfect and the seas were calm until the last night when we were headed back to Florida. Our flights were uneventful (hurray for Southwest Airlines), and we had no problems getting to and from the airport. It was lovely to be back in our own bed, though, and it was tough getting up for work this morning.
Thanks again to Anne and Andy and to Lydia and Wilfredo helping to make this a wonderful vacation, and thanks also to Lydia G for checking on our house while we were gone. Thanks also to everyone who e-mailed or called us to welcome us home. I'll be in touch within a day or so.
The schedule for this week is chemo on Thursday and Zometa on Friday. Welcome back to reality!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Post-treatment Pre-Cruise Update
My treatment went off without a hitch yesterday, although my hemoglobin numbers were down. They wanted to give me a shot of Aranesp, which boosts your red blood counts and prevents anemia. Fortunately or not, they were unable to get approval from the insurance company before I left. I would like to do some research on this drug before agreeing to take it -- plus it's given by injection in the back of the arm, and you know how I feel about needles.
I spoke with the ENT and told him I have not noticed any difference in my cough since taking the Nexium. He informed me it could take up to 8 weeks to see a change. Yikes! His office called in a prescription to my pharmacy, which then called to inform me that the insurance company requires a pre-athorization (which may take up to 72 hours) and the doctor's office was closed (for a two hour lunch period!!!!). To make a long story short, we were able to pick up a free 10-day supply of Nexium from the ENT's office (located five minutes from the oncologist's office) so I'm set for our trip.
Discussed the "still coughing" routine with the oncologist who said he would write me a prescription for a cough supressant. Sounded like a great idea until I got to the pharmacy and found out it would cost me $118!!!!! The pharmacist tried to contact the oncologist to get a 15-day supply rather than a 30, but the office was closed. Since the pharmacist's assistant insisted that this medication would definitely stop my cough, I bought it. Well, I took a little less than the recommendated teaspoon dose and I can say that the dry cough has been eliminated but the wet cough continues. That is a plus, however, as it means a heck of a lot less hacking and throat clearing. Maybe after a few day's use the wet cough will be eliminated as well. I'll be sure to let you know. Now I can't wait to find out how much they are going to charge for the Nexium.
Does everyone agree that we need healthcare reform in this country????
Only one item left to add to the packing pile (other than a few toiletries). I plan to actually put the clothes in the suitcase Saturday morning since I'll have more energy and the clothes will spend less time getting themselves wrinkled. We are hoping for nice weather in Fort Lauderdale since we are planning to walk to dinner (the restaurant is about a 1/2 mile from the hotel). If not, we'll do it under an umbrella. Things are less of a big deal on vacation!
We are so looking forward to seeing our friends Lydia and Wilfredo in San Juan. Third times' a charm, right? Can't wait until Tuesday!
I also want to send out a "welcome home" to Lydia, Joe and the kids. They are on their way back from a week in Disney World and I can't wait to hear all about their trip. Hope you get home safely!!
I spoke with the ENT and told him I have not noticed any difference in my cough since taking the Nexium. He informed me it could take up to 8 weeks to see a change. Yikes! His office called in a prescription to my pharmacy, which then called to inform me that the insurance company requires a pre-athorization (which may take up to 72 hours) and the doctor's office was closed (for a two hour lunch period!!!!). To make a long story short, we were able to pick up a free 10-day supply of Nexium from the ENT's office (located five minutes from the oncologist's office) so I'm set for our trip.
Discussed the "still coughing" routine with the oncologist who said he would write me a prescription for a cough supressant. Sounded like a great idea until I got to the pharmacy and found out it would cost me $118!!!!! The pharmacist tried to contact the oncologist to get a 15-day supply rather than a 30, but the office was closed. Since the pharmacist's assistant insisted that this medication would definitely stop my cough, I bought it. Well, I took a little less than the recommendated teaspoon dose and I can say that the dry cough has been eliminated but the wet cough continues. That is a plus, however, as it means a heck of a lot less hacking and throat clearing. Maybe after a few day's use the wet cough will be eliminated as well. I'll be sure to let you know. Now I can't wait to find out how much they are going to charge for the Nexium.
Does everyone agree that we need healthcare reform in this country????
Only one item left to add to the packing pile (other than a few toiletries). I plan to actually put the clothes in the suitcase Saturday morning since I'll have more energy and the clothes will spend less time getting themselves wrinkled. We are hoping for nice weather in Fort Lauderdale since we are planning to walk to dinner (the restaurant is about a 1/2 mile from the hotel). If not, we'll do it under an umbrella. Things are less of a big deal on vacation!
We are so looking forward to seeing our friends Lydia and Wilfredo in San Juan. Third times' a charm, right? Can't wait until Tuesday!
I also want to send out a "welcome home" to Lydia, Joe and the kids. They are on their way back from a week in Disney World and I can't wait to hear all about their trip. Hope you get home safely!!
Monday, March 09, 2009
A cell primer
This is a short and informative article that describes simply how regular cells become cancer cells: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerandresearch/learnaboutcancer/whatiscancer/howdocellsbecome/?a=5441 It was written and published on a UK website, so the spelling will be a little unfamiliar, but I found it interesting.
I finally started to feel like myself on Saturday, a week after treatment. I rescheduled my next treatment to Wednesday the 10th from Friday the 13th, as I knew there was no way I would be able to have treatment on Friday and then travel to Florida the next day. It will make for a tough Thursday and Friday, since I'll have to come into the city and I'm usually home resting, but better to suffer through that than potentially not be able to get to that cruise.
The Nexium doesn't seem to be making a significant difference in my coughing, but I'm not sure how long it takes to really kick in. I'll be calling the ENT on Wednesday about the results so I have time to fill a prescription if necessary before we leave.
After having 10 inches of snow fall on Monday, by Friday the temperatures were in the 50s, Saturday it reached 74 and yesterday it was a cloudy 64. This week we will be back in the mid to upper 40s, but I suppose that was a little taste of Spring. My butt is dragging today as I try to get accustomed to the time change, which always throws me for a loop at this time of year.
I finally started to feel like myself on Saturday, a week after treatment. I rescheduled my next treatment to Wednesday the 10th from Friday the 13th, as I knew there was no way I would be able to have treatment on Friday and then travel to Florida the next day. It will make for a tough Thursday and Friday, since I'll have to come into the city and I'm usually home resting, but better to suffer through that than potentially not be able to get to that cruise.
The Nexium doesn't seem to be making a significant difference in my coughing, but I'm not sure how long it takes to really kick in. I'll be calling the ENT on Wednesday about the results so I have time to fill a prescription if necessary before we leave.
After having 10 inches of snow fall on Monday, by Friday the temperatures were in the 50s, Saturday it reached 74 and yesterday it was a cloudy 64. This week we will be back in the mid to upper 40s, but I suppose that was a little taste of Spring. My butt is dragging today as I try to get accustomed to the time change, which always throws me for a loop at this time of year.
We received some sad news Friday evening. Our former dog, Spot, has a malignant tumor on one of his front legs. The tumor has its own significant blood supply, so surgery is out of the question, although his vet said that if he were 3 instead of about to turn 12, he may have considered amputation. His new owners, Bill and Kathy (with whom we boarded him when we traveled and who own two other greyhounds), have decided to do nothing since the leg doesn't seem to be bothering him at this point. I'm looking forward to visiting him next month. Here's a photo of him in case you never had the pleasure of meeting him while he lived with us:
He's such a cutie!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Snowed in!
Since early last evening, we've been hit with about 10 inches of snow. Today, of course, became a snow day around here. The snow looks beautiful, and it's the most we have received in a few years. Ed finally got to use the snowthrower!! I took the opportunity to do our taxes. Now I feel like I actually accomplished something.
Chemo on Friday went fine. I was nauseated on Saturday but a Zofran took care of that. I was very tired yesterday and even took a one hour nap after lunch. Today I'm feeling better, but still a little run down.
The visit with the ENT on Friday was terrific. We really liked the doctor. He was well spoken and seemed very competent. He believes, based on my test results and a trip through my sinuses and into my throat with a scope, that acid reflux is causing my problem. I am now on Nexium for 14 days to see if there is any improvement. So far, there isn't any that I can feel as I continue coughing and clearing my throat. Let's hope that this stuff kicks in over the next several days and puts an end to my coughing. Otherwise, we'll have to go back after our vacation and try something else.
Hope you are all warm and cozy!
Chemo on Friday went fine. I was nauseated on Saturday but a Zofran took care of that. I was very tired yesterday and even took a one hour nap after lunch. Today I'm feeling better, but still a little run down.
The visit with the ENT on Friday was terrific. We really liked the doctor. He was well spoken and seemed very competent. He believes, based on my test results and a trip through my sinuses and into my throat with a scope, that acid reflux is causing my problem. I am now on Nexium for 14 days to see if there is any improvement. So far, there isn't any that I can feel as I continue coughing and clearing my throat. Let's hope that this stuff kicks in over the next several days and puts an end to my coughing. Otherwise, we'll have to go back after our vacation and try something else.
Hope you are all warm and cozy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
