Thursday 17 December 2009 Cycle Eight, Day Twenty-two, Treatment Three

Well another cycle complete. I don't have any more chemo appointments this year----YEAH!!! can't help it if there are only two weeks left in the year.

It's been another boring week in the **cure** here. nothing much happening. the Oregon rains have returned so that means that the weather has warmed up again. Appointment was on time, the nurse got the IV started first try and I didn't even hardly feel it go in. Everything went like clock work, I was in and out in record time it seems.

Quote of the week:
“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”
John Ruskin



~~Jann

Thursday 10 December 2009 Cycle Eight, Day Fifteen, Treatment Two

Well it was a very boring week. I did see the ophthalmologists this week and she said that there is nothing physically wrong with my eyes---she agrees with the optometrist that it's most likely my Chemotherapy drugs that are causing my problem and that should clear up once I'm off those drugs. So I can HOPE for that.

my appointment was only a little late getting started and then the meds were late being given sooooo it' goes in the life of MY Chemo treatments

The weather is cold but I like it----no one else does at least it's dry (at the moment), clear, with a little bit of wind.

Quote of the week: “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”
John Ruskin

Thursday 03 December 2009 Cycle Eight, Day One, Treatment One

Well another interesting day trying to visit the DR. I knew with a noon appointment that he was automatically going to be running late---just a given, unless you are one of the first appointments of the day or right after lunch that your appointment time is going to be later than originally scheduled for. But my appointment was an hour and half late----so I asked the DR what was for lunch----he's quick on his feet---told me Chemotherapy DANG!!!! So being an hour and half late for the Dr put me about two hours late for Chemo treatment today.. then the scheduler is out sick, so I wasn't given any follow-up appointments. they called me today (Friday) with my follow-up appointments for the rest of this cycle.

After seeing me today he's ordered my routine CT scan to be done at the end of the month and also gave me a referral to the ophthalmologists to see if we can figure out what's going on with my eye sight. the Optometrists says that my vision is OK, my prescription hasn't changed so we'll see.

other than that not much happening here.



Quote of the Week:: GO Oregon Ducks---off to the Rose Bowl

Thursday 26 November 2009 Cycle Seven, Day Twenty-two, Treatment NONE :-) OFF week

thought for the day: The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. -- Eric Hoffer

Thursday 19 November 2009 Cycle Seven, Day Fifteen, Treatment Three

Well this week it only took One nurse two tries to get the IV started. She got in on the first try but for some reason the IV *catheter* (These Intravenous Catheters have a central needle, for starting the IV, surrounded by a soft, flexible catheter.) would not **thread** into the vein. She finally gave up and pulled it out---no wonder it was defective material. The needle had gone thru the catheter about ¼ of an inch from the end of it. So she tried a 2nd spot and got that one in and working ok. She hooked up the IV fluid and I said ----ummmm it’s leaking. Where she hooked up the IV tubing to the IV site wasn’t quite secure, she tightened it up, then cleaned up my hand and arm and all was well for the rest of the time.
The ribs are finally starting to feel better. I’m not taking near as many pain pills for it any more.
Quote of the week: A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. (Herm Albright)

Friday 13th November 2009 Cycle Seven, Day Nine, Treatment Two

my Friday the 13th from HELL

it took two different nurses a total of 4 tries to get the IV started today. the first Nurse the veins were playing hide-n-seek with. she could see them but as soon as the needle got close they ran away---she rooted around in each site for what seemed ages. The 2nd nurse usually has no problem getting in but today my veins just were not co-operating at all.

Hey I got good news this week. I got the results of last weeks rib x-rays back and I **just have** an OLD fracture (duh I've been complaining about it for over 2 months now folks). that means I don't have to live thru radiation treatments YET at this point in time!

Quote of the week:
Illness is the doctor to whom we pay most heed; to kindness, to knowledge, we make promise only; pain we obey.
Marcel Proust

Till next week~~Jann

Thursday 05 November 2009 Cycle Seven, Day One, Treatment One

Saw Dr R today, Blood counts are great and he feels that the chemo is working so we’ll keep on doing what we are doing. He ordered x-rays of the ribs to see if anything different shows up there. If it’s Cancer then he’ll refer me to a Radiation Oncologist for treatment. If it’s just broken ribs then I just have to be patient and wait for them to heal although this is the one I’m hoping it is.

He told me not to get the H1N1 (Swine flu) spray; but TO get the H1N1 flu SHOT when it becomes available.



Quote for the week:

Health and good humor are to the human body like sunshine to vegetation.

Massillon

Thursday 29 October 2009 Cycle Six Day Twenty-two Treatment NONE---OFF WEEK

Since it's my *OFF* week there's nothing much to report here.

Quote of the Week: The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. (Helen Keller)

Thursday 22 October 2009 Cycle Six Day Fifteen Treatment Three

Thursday 22 October 2009
Cycle Six Day Fifteen Treatment Three

My original appointment was scheduled for 9:30 AM but due to a *new computer program* on Tuesday 20 October 2009 they called me to moved my appointment up to 4:30 PM, I argued with them that I have been told in the past that if my Chemo was not started by 4:00 PM that I couldn’t have it that day. I called back on Wednesday 21 October 2009 and talked to Barbara Dradi to verify that my appointment was indeed at 4:30 PM and that they would not have a problem with it. Then about 4:30 that same afternoon they called and asked me to come in at 3:30 PM instead.

Thursday 22 October 2009 I checked in at the clinic about 3:10 PM for my 3:30 PM appointment. I was finally called back at 4:30 PM, with some song and dance about my orders not having been signed yet. Did you have your labs drawn? Yes yesterday oooh k.finally got my treatment and out of there about 6:00 PM---wasn’t as bad as the person in the chair next to me (happen to be my dog’s vet) she had been there since 2:30 and taken back just shortly before I was. She was still there when I left but was about to be sprung in the next 10 min or so.

Got the results of my bone scan back-----There is no significant change fron the previous examination.

Quote of the week: Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -- Buddha
~~Jann

Thursday 15 October 2009 Cycle Six; Day Eight; Treatment Two

This was just a treatment week, means I didn’t see the Dr. Just received treatment. The Gemza that I’m getting this time really stung going in this week. Not sure why some weeks sting less than others but hey that seems to be the way it goes.

Keep-Her and I are back to using the treadmill, at least she's still walking with me. Some days we go out and walk between rain storms, rather than on the treadmill.

Quote of the Week:
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.~~ Buddha

Thursday 08 October 2009 Cycle Six Day One Treatment One

This week was Doctor Appointment week, as it is at the beginning of every cycle. Last week he had a CT Scan ordered to see how things are progressing. Well the good news is it’s *stable* in other words nothing new. No shrinkage but also no new growth, so Chemo is at least holding it at bay and keeping it under control??

Amber went to Hawaii for a week’s vacation (during my *off* week) and had a great time. It was a well deserved rest for her. She’s been a great help to me here.

It rained a fair amount while she was gone, so the walking sort of got put on hold. I’m going to have to get the Treadmill out of storage and start walking on it again. Not sure what Amber, Sarah and or the Dogs are going to do for exercise.

Sarah is still with me and helping me a lot also. I really appreciate her being here to help, even with the **teenage attitude** that comes out every here and there .

This weeks QUOTE:----Every day think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life. ~ The XIV Dalai Lama

~~Jann

Thursday 02 October 2009 Cycle Five Day Twenty-two Treatment NONE--OFF WEEK

Since it's my *OFF* week there's nothing much to report here.

This weeks quote
What can’t be cured must be endured. Time and patience will make them easy
~~Author Unknown

~~Jann

Thursday 24 September 2009 Cycle Five Day Fifteen Treatment Three

Thank you all for your sponsoring Keep-Her and I in the Race for the Cure. Sarah, her sister Brookelyn, Amber and I were a few of the 40,000+ that walked that day.

We did the walk in a little less than two hours. it was a beautiful day in downtown Portland. We are still walking daily although not as far. Chemo today was OK.

~~Jann

We walked Race for the Cure 20 Sept 2009

Thursday 17 September 2009 Cycle Five Day Eight Treatment Two

Keep-Her & I; Amber & Napo; Sarah and Kerby all have been walking 4.0 miles most every day. We’ve started walking UP a killer hill. One day we decided to do the route in reverse and the Killer hill going up is even more of a KILLER going DOWN. We are getting in shape for Race for the cure 20 Sept 2009. Note even Keep-Her is a team member this year Keep-Her and I have joined two teams to walk with this year as I couldn't make up my mind the both teams started partly because of me so I feel obligated to support them both. Won't you sponsor at least one of us in our walk? Keep-Her is only dog from this house hold who is going to walk in the *Race for the Cure*---Dogs are not really encouraged to go---although you see a lot of them there. Keep-Her being my service dog is allowed. .

http://rfcp.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=40192


http://rfcp.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=44182

Other than that not much going on here. Chemo treatments are going OK!!
~~Jann

Thursday 03 September 2009 Cycle Four Day Twenty-two Treatment NONE--OFF WEEK

Since it's my *OFF* week there's nothing much to report here.

This weeks quote Here is the basic rule for winning success. Let's mark it in the mind and remember it. The rule is: Success depends on the support of other people. The only hurdle between you and what you want to be is the support of other people. David Joseph Schwartz

~~Jann

Thursday 27 August 2009 Cycle Four Day FifteenTreatment Three

Amber and Mack went with me today. Sarah started back to school today----she is Officially a Junior in High School----where did the time go???? When I checked in for my Chemo appointment today there was NO *interview* again today. I had to wait about half an hour after my appointment time to be called back. When nurse came and took me back for my treatment 70% of the beds/chairs empty . No vital signs taken again today. She got the IV in first try. The Gemzar stung again today while it was going in but a hot pack on the site helps.

This weeks Quote
Albert Schweitzer: Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.

~~Jann

Thursday 20 August 2009--Cycle Four--Day Eight--Treatment Two

Keep-Her & I; Amber & Napo; Sarah and Kerby all have been walking 3.0 miles most every day. ooops somebody UPPED it on the all Next I'm going to throw in a hill for them to start hiking also We are getting in shape for Race for the cure 20 Sept 2009. Note even Keep-Her is a team member this year Keep-Her and I have joined two teams to walk with this year as I couldn't make up my mind the both teams started partly because of me so I feel obligated to support them both. Won't you sponsor at least one of us in our walk?

http://rfcp.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=40192


http://rfcp.convio.net/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1110&team_id=44182

Other than that not much going on here. Chemo treatments are going OK!!
~~Jann

Thursday 13 August 2009 Cycle Four Day One Treatment One

I'm going to post my *Post office visit summary* from my Doctor today---this pretty much says it all.

I am glad we were able to see each other today. It does seem the chemotherapy is working. I hope this cycle of the chemotherapy goes well for you. Dr Mark

Other than that --- Keep-Her & I; Amber & Napo; Sarah and Kerby all have been walking 2.6 miles most every day. We are getting in shape for Race for the cure 20 Sept 2009. Sarah has been staying with me this summer and helping me out around here. She's been a big help.~~Jann

Cycle 3 Day 22 NO Treatment

Quite week on the Chemo front this week, as it's my *OFF* week.. No Chemo Therapy this week. no lab work to be done. nothing to report.~~Jann

This Weeks Quote
Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health and is as friendly to the mind as to the body.~~Joseph Addison

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Refuse to be ill. Never tell people you are ill; never own it to yourself. Illness is one of those things which a man should resist on principle at the onset.
~~Robert Bulwer-Lytton

Thursday 30 July 2009 Cycle Three Day Fifteen, Treatment Three

Sarah, Amber and Mack all went with me today. When I checked in for my Chemo appointment today there was NO *interview* again today. The nurse came and took me back for my treatment looked like a normal day (70% of the beds/chairs full but, but still empties) . No vital signs taken again today. She started to get ready to put the Normal Saline IV, she two tries to get the IV started. the IV site felt like a mosquito was biting me the whole time. Other than that it was an OK visit.

Thank goodness for Central Air--I"m able to keep cool in this horrid heat wave we've been having here in Portland Oregon.

~~Jann

Cycle Two Day 22 NoTreatment Week.

This is my off week. No Chemo Therapy this week. no lab work to be done. nothing to report.~~Jann

Thursday 02 July 2009 Cycle Two Day Fifteen Treatment Three

Sarah, Amber and Mack all went with me today. When I checked in for my Chemo appointment today there was NO *interview* again today. The nurse came and took me back for my treatment looked like a normal day (70% of the beds/chairs full but, but still empties) . No vital signs taken again today. She started to get ready to put the Normal Saline IV, she tried twice and was unable to get the IV started, so she had a second nurse do it and she got in right away first try. While waiting for the 2nd nurse to get the IV in, Nurse #1 brought me my steroids and gave them to me (hey someone was thinking today!!). Once they got the IV in and started it still took the pharmacy over an hour to get my Chemo drugs mixed up and brought out for the nurses to hang. ---Nurse #1 said that pharmacy was a little back logged today---huh?

All I can say is thank goodness next week is my OFF week. I don’t have to do or think about Chemo at all. YEAH!! ~~~Jann

Cycle Two ---- Day One ---- Treatment One (18 June 2009)

There isn't much to report at the moment. Basically everything is sort of on hold. I'm on the waiting list for National Cancer Institute---I've not heard a word from them since they received my blood for their lab work. I'm receiving chemo as before three weeks on and one week off, between cycles.~~Jann

Cycle One Day 22 No Treatment Week.

This is my off week. No Chemo Therapy this week. no lab work to be done. nothing to report.~~Jann

Cycle 1 Day Fifteen Treatment Three

I had my third treatment with the new Chemo Drug. It wasn’t as painful as the first week’s was. However I do seem to bruise more easily with it, with the bruising last most of the week. This Chemo drug seems to be leaving me more nauseated. No vomiting just a queasy feeling in the tummy. I still have had no further word from National Cancer Institute. ~~Jann

Thursday 21 May 2009 Cycle One Day Eight Treatment two

I had my second dose of the new drug today. It wasn’t as painful as last week’s was. This time around I am more nauseated than I was on the study drug. Still no further word from National Cancer Institute ~~Jann

Back dating Baxter again 14 May 2009

on Tuesday 12 May I got a call from my Dr's Office stating that he wanted to see to discuss some possible chemotherapy treatments while we are waiting to see if I am eligible for any studies @ National Cancer Institute. So today we went in and chatted with him, next thing I knew I was getting Chemo. so we are back to the old routine again. I was just getting my taste buds back again too!~~Jann

Update as of 08 May 2009

Well is seems that one of my option could include becoming a frequent flyer. the Dr is looking to see if I'm eligible for any studies being done at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda MD, we are waiting to hear from them~~Jann

Maui, Hawaii.

By John Denver----Hey its good to be back home again - you know it is






A very relaxing week thinking about nothing---just enjoying the good company, the food, sun, sand and surf.

Thursday 23 April 2009

Well today's news wasn't great---but then I suspected as much---I'll write about it more later. nowin a nut shell ---- I'm OFF the study since the cancer seem to plateau on the first study, then the cancer started to grow again. The Dr gave me some new options to think about, and then discuss them with him again in a few weeks.

PS in the immortal words of John Denver
"I'm leaving on a Jet Plane......."

~~Jann

17 April 2009

This was my **Scheduled REST WEEK** so this week the research nurse called and said that she had ordered my CT scan to be done STAT---so that they could have the results back by the time I see the DR next Thursday 23 April 2009 to see how I’m doing. My cold/flu is soooooo much better this week. I’m finally starting to be up and around more during the day and doing stuff again. I’ve been doing short walks around the block again so Keep-Her is much happier

~~Jann

Today is the tomorrow that
you worried about yesterday

10 April 2009

Nothing new to report, except that I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of tunnel from this cold. The cough and fever are starting to let up. However it doesn’t take much activity to get me coughing again.

So as I stated in my last update Chemo is still on hold while I’m recuperating from this nasty bug that found me.

~~Jann

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why we call it the present.
~Babatunde Olatunji

26 March 2009

Due to illness (mine) Chemo has been suspended for a couple of weeks while I get over this horrid cold/flu thing that's going around. For inquiring minds yes I did get my flu shot this year but it obviously didn't help me.


~Jann

Cycle 10 Day 22 NO TREATMENT WEEK

I know that you’ve all been wondering what happened to my weekly entry to my blog. To put it bluntly I’ve been sick in bed with this lovely Cold/Flu thing that’s going around. So pretty much all I’ve been doing is sleeping. I lost my voice and couldn’t speak for about three days at all. Of course I waited till Amber had to work so she wasn’t available to help me so Sarah stepped in and was a great help to me during the first part of it, taking care of the dogs, answering my phone for me, getting me anything I needed. Strange as it sounds my counts were great this week.

Roxanne's brother-in-law came back up to OHSU via ambulance this time. His Blood Pressure bottomed out so he was passing out on them when he'd change positions, ie laying to sitting, sitting to standing. He Got out on Saturday 21 March 2009 in time to celebrate his/their birthday with Roxanne and other family members, at his uncles house in Beaverton. Then Mike went back home to Roseburg Sunday morning.

~~Jann

Cycle Ten, Day Fifteen, Treatment Three

KeepHer's idea for best use of the treadmill

Well this has been a so-so week. I’m still suffering GI problems from both ends. Although I’ve NOT had any vomiting this past week ----only close calls.

Amber, Roxanne, and Mack were with me today when I went for my chemo treatment.

I feel like I’m playing Goldilocks and the three bears, when I go back to the treatment room, as there are three different colored chairs, each has its own different type of controls, back there. The tan chair is the best, most comfortable, manually put into reclining position. The greenish blue ones are the most uncomfortable, also manually put into a reclining position. And the Dusty Pink colored ones, it’s adjusted electrically. Problem with them is that you have to have your feet all the way elevated before the head even starts to go back. Today I had a *pink* chair and a TV to watch. They were very busy back there in the treatment room again today.

~~Jann
http://jann-the-overcomer.blogspot.com/
click to give FREE Mammogram

Cycle Ten, Day Eight, Treatment Two

Amber, Roxanne, Sarah and Mack were with me today when I went for my chemo treatment. At the clinic today, they were running a little slow, as one of the Research nurses is off on a two week Mission trip to Guatemala, so everyone else has to pick up an extra case or two.

This weeks quote from the Dr is **the last blood counts are OK. Dr. Mark***

Roxanne’s Brother-in-law Mike got to go home this past Monday 02 March 2009 and they (family is really going to try to keep him home longer than a week this time. Then current plan is for Roxanne and family to go down and celebrate Mikes & Roxanne’s birthday at Mikes home in Roseburg---not up here in Portland.. I hope that they get to do that.

~~Jann
Jann the Overcomer The beginning
http://jann-the-overcomer.blogspot.com/
click to give FREE Mammogram

Cycle Ten, Day One, Treatment One

Amber, Roxanne, Sarah were with me today for my monthly visit with Dr Mark today. He can’t feel the lump in the breast, but can still feel the one under the arm. So he gave the go ahead for round 10 of Chemo Therapy. However he’s STILL/AGAIN/YET talking surgery after this go around of Treatments. We’ll see what the next CT scan say after this go around of treatments.---SoOOOO most likely May? By the time I’m off Chemo long enough to not affect the surgery or healing times.

While chatting with the research nurse today she asked me what i was giving up for lent---handed her my *pills* about the same time as Roxanne said *chemo* she about fell out of her chair LOL so hard

Mack showed up in time to sit with me for a bit during chemo----they get cranky if your *guest* stay longer than 10 min at a time, which I don’t think is right---but they didn’t ask me. They hook you up to an IV and other than to change bags, your existence is hardly acknowledged by the staff.

. I seem to be more tired these days. I have not done much walking in the last week or so.

Food has weird taste----you know plain bread or dry toast and water is about as good as it gets taste wise.

Roxanne’s Brother-in-law is back up here at OHSU hospital. You can follow his progress on his blog http://www.bigmikemckay.blogspot.com/

So that should bring you up to par on my boring two weeks worth surviving.

~~Jann
Jann the Overcomer The beginning

Cycle Nine, Day Twenty-two, NO Treatment Week!!

OK so I missed posting to my blog last week --- My Bad!! Here’s my excuse.
My mother’s last living sibling passed away, so my husband Mack, my brother David and I made a whirlwind trip up to Langley BC Canada to attend her memorial service---with the blessing of my Dr, and research group. I was to wear my mask and use hand sanitizer, and be good. Well if any of you know me at all you know that last statement would be hard for me to do.

in my humble opinion my counts were not real good-----however the note from the DR says ****blood counts look OK, white cell is down just a little.
Dr. Mark

Makes one wonder what “low” is

~~Jann
Jann the Overcomer The beginning

Cycle Nine, Day Fifteen, Treatment Three

OOOOPS---well it was bound to happen sooner or later eh?

The white cells are down a little, red cells and platelets are fine, also the liver & magnesium tests are fine.
Dr. Mark

It was Amber, Roxanne, Sarah and I today at the clinic. Mack done flew to coop again----I got an E-mail from him telling me that he'd gone to Southern California to look for sunshine and all he's found so far is cool temperatures and RAIN he could have stayed home for that. Roxanne Brother-in-law Mike is still up at Oregon Health Science Hospital, he's been having a lot of problems with fluid retention and rapid heart rate. They were finally able to get it slowed down enough to get his MRI done, but the last I heard they still don't have the results of that. He is hoping and praying that he'll get out of there tomorrow so that he can be home for Valentine's Day.

Not much happening around here----you know me I just plain boring.

Keep-er and I have been to the park a couple of times this week, as the weather has been nice and I can walk around outside there and not meet up with other people, so I don't have to wear a mask. The Mask are just tooooooooooo hot to wear and it’s winter time----hate to think what it’s going to be like come summer if this keeps up.

Cycle Nine, Day Eight, Treatment Two

The blood counts are OK and the liver tests are fine.

Dr. Mark



Dr Mark mailed me a copy of the Cat Scan everything basically unchanged. The Muga Scan my heart has IMPROVED and is pumping much more efficiently. It’s gone from 71% in May 2008 to 82% now. (Normal is 50% to 80%) Hmmm I wonder you think my treadmill is paying dividends here?



Today I got a bed with a TV and a view.

It was Amber, Roxanne, Sarah and I today at the clinic. Mack is still up in Yakima, WA taking care of a rental problem that we had up there. Roxanne Brother-in-law Mike, is still up at Oregon Health Science Hospital, they took over a liter of fluid off his Heart on Monday 02 February 2009, then on Wednesday 04 February 2009 they did a cardio version (electric shock) to reset his heart to normal, it was very successful. They are hopeful that he’ll get to go home this weekend sometime.



Keep-er and I continue to walk two – three, times a day, since it’s helping my heart I guess I’ll keep it up---life is so boring around here but everyone keeps telling me that boring is good!!!


~~Jann
Jann the Overcomer The beginning
http://jann-the-overcomer.blogspot.com/
click to give FREE Mannpgrams

Cycle Nine, Day One, Treatment One

I had an appointment with Dr L (not my regular fellow) for my monthly check up. Got back my test results, everything's staying the same, nothing new, but the *old* stuff is still there. The Dr said that he could still feel the lump under my arm (that one has been a constant for everyone), but could not find the one in my breast. He said that the lab results look good!

It was just Amber, Sarah and I today at the clinic. Mack had to go up to Yakima, WA and take care of a rental problem that we had up there. Roxanne was up at Oregon Health Science Hospital, as her Brother-in-law Mike, got flown up from Roseburg, OR, last night due to low (as in zip) platelet count and he was having major problems with his heart not beating properly, so he was in ICU up there. She was torn about where she should be this morning. I told her to go, as Mike was all alone as his wife had to drive up, and chose to drive up in the daylight hours. Please send healing thoughts/vibes/prayers their way. They’ve been thru a lot.

Other than that everything is the same around here. Keep-er and I continue to walk on the treadmill 2-3 times a day.

We’ve done a little Obedience and Rally Obedience training in the basement, as it’s too cold, blowy, rainy or snowy to be outdoors.

Cycle Eight, Day Twenty-Two, NO Treatment Rest Week

Research nurse called with Lab results—said that they are looking good!! She was going to check on my scan results and call me back. (She never did call back)

Not much to report this week. Not a whole lot going on here. I'm just hanging in there, taking it one day at a time. Keep-er and I continue to walk at least a couple of times a day on the treadmill for about 30 min at time doing 2.0 miles per hour pace.

Cycle Eight, Day Fifteen, Treatment Three

Keep-er and I both have been walking on the treadmill together----she joins me now on her own. We’ve also done a couple of outdoor walks this week as the weather has been dry, crisp and cool enough for it.

Amber, Mack and Roxanne were there with me this week, so I had some company and I requested a TV again.

Along about Tuesday the research nurse called and said that the Sponsor of the study now requires a MUGA test (The MUGA scan (MUltiple Gated Acquisition scan) is a noninvasive test that produces a moving image of the heart. From this image, the health of the heart’s major pumping chamber (the left ventricle) can be assessed.) So she scheduled for today Friday 16 January 2009 @ 3:00 PM. When I checked in to get my dye injection for the Bone Scan they said ummmmm we have a problem we cannot do both test today, as the two dyes are NOT compatible with each other. So you have a choice, we can do one or the other today. However if you choose NOT to have the Bone scan it cannot be done next week was we are OUT of dye and cannot get any by then. We can schedule the MUGA for next week no problem----I said not much of a choice really –we do the bone scan today. MUGA test rescheduled for Monday 19 January 2009 @ 8:00 AM before I start drinking the prep for the CT scan, so that stuff won’t interfere with it either.

I won’t get the results for two weeks when I see the DR next.

Veins playing hard to get today----took two tries to get the IV started. First one (in the back of the hand, by the pinky) hurt like @#$#$ as she put it thru the vein causing a big welt and bruising. The second one (in the wrist by thumb) hurt a little as it went in but then was ok once she got it hooked up to the IV and running.

So that’s my report/gripe session for this week. Other than that things are pretty much the same.

Now aren’t you sorry you asked?

Cycle Eight, Day Eight, Treatment Two

Another boring post--but if I don't post something you all get worried **grin**

I appreciate all the good thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, whatever else you are sending my way to keep it boring so I can at least let you know that I'm still here and still boringly good? **smile**

In spite of food tasting blah my appetite is still good, I'm walking on my treadmill at least an hour a day. some times I get Keep-er to walk with me some times she actually walks on it by her self. (Sarah was leaning on the console, straddling the belt, talking to me and Keep-er got up there to see what she was doing, so Sarah turned in on and Keep-er just walked like it was normal thing---lasted a couple of min. then she tried just the front feet on the treadmill then just the back feet. she's much more imaginative than I am about how to walk on the thing.)

Now for some more boring GOOD news!!!! :-)

My counts are all normal today

The blood counts are looking good!!!!

Dr. Mark

Cycle Eight, Day One, Treatment One

Happy New Year every one Sent from my Daughter up at Ski Bowl on Mt Hood

Today was a very long confusing day----they are playing catch-up from last week *snow days off work* and trying to stay on top of this week’s regularly scheduled appointments. We got there at 11:00 AM a half hour early for my 11:30 AM appointment; they checked me in as usual. ONLY thing is they forgot to tell the Dr's nurse that I was there! An hour and half later they took me back (only hour late from scheduled appointment).
After I got done with him I had to chat with the research people, then they were on hold for 45 min trying to get my research drug approved for release so the pharmacy could fill my RX.but she got it. So I’m BACK on the Study Drug after being off of it for 5-6 days….By then it was lunch hour and the infusion room was short staffed, I finally got called back for my two hours of Chemo. The Chemo drug got hung at 2:57 PM.
Of course NOW the rest of my schedule is all messed up . Other than that life goes on as usual.