Category: Support

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Weather: Rain or Shine

A wicked storm passed through our neighborhood last night and woke me up…twice. I vaguely recall Tim mentioning the beautiful light show, but I was too tired to open my eyes and watch. I could see it through my eyelids with each bright flash. I kept hearing it get closer and closer and closer and then BANG!

I was thankful for the rain, and the slightly cooler weather it provided. It has been HOT here in Texas. Over 100 degrees several days in a row. I was supposed to get a walk in, but that didn’t happen either. Tim had a meeting and we still have one car. We have the bikes, but rain is not their friend 😪. Our plan was for him to drop me off at a restaurant for lunch, and I would walk to my appointment from there. We changed our plans since the weather was so unpredictable. I could wait in the clinic just as easily as in the restaurant anyway.

This wasn’t meant to be a weather report. 😂 I’m sitting here at MDAnderson getting the drip. They got me in early. It is true I still have chemo whether it is raining 🌧, sunny 🌞, or otherwise. Every three weeks this thing rolls around. (Has it been 3 weeks already??? 🤔 ) Some people ask me when/if I am finished with chemo. The answer is always the same…I’m a lifer. I am on maintenance chemo until the day I die. That may sound grim, but I plan to be on chemo for a very long time!

A man just rang the bell. It is a tradition here at MD Anderson (and in many other centers as well). It means he is finished with chemo. Yay! I’m happy for him. I am reminded of the time I rang the bell when I finished radiation. It was a remarkable, emotional moment. I was allowed to have family there with me, but this gentleman had to ring it with only staff by his side due to all the COVID restrictions.

Reality is, I will never ring the bell again. And I am okay 👌 with that. I am so happy 😀 that I have treatment that is working. God is watching over my body to keep me stable. The nurses here are like family to me, and this center is like home. I walk in and things may look a little different (e.g. new PPE or longer lines), but there is something comforting about going to a center you understand, routines, and knowing there is always someone there to care for you, and care about you. They take a genuine interest. Nurses know me by name, and ask me personal things, like how is my book coming (yes, they remembered!).

AMEN!!

Just a few more minutes and I’ll be finished, so it’s time to wrap up this blog. I had an extra 15 minutes of drip today as it was time for my bag of Zometa. That’s the medicine that helps my bones 🦴 🦴 stay strong. I get it every three months. Even still, it seemed to go by pretty quickly. Spending time with you, my readers, has helped. Thank you for sharing my journey!

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Á la prochaine…until next time!

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Chemo, a Shot, and Florida-Bound

BCBannerMets

This morning is interrupted by chemo day, my routine every three weeks. Usually this starts by giving blood first thing, working for a couple of hours at Panera, and then back for chemo. I brought my nurse some chocolate chippers from Panera, and this put a smile on her face. There was enough to share, so I think several people were happy. They do so much for us; I like to give them something in return.

Technically, my treatment is considered “biotherapy” for the HER2+ cancer cells; but it does require an infusion that takes about 2-3 hours from start to finish (after the labs are drawn).

I can taste it today. It tastes a bit metallic. A few more sips from my hot tea do the trick at least temporarily.

I just learned from my nurse that even though they draw labs every time, there isn’t really have any requirements on my blood work to get the Perjeta and Herceptin. I just have to get echos every three months to ensure my heart is strong.

My body is stable, and the lesions are no longer visible (except two teeny, tiny spots on the brain), so it’s worth a couple of hours every three weeks.

I’m in a corner room, which is only separated from other patients by a thin, drawn curtain. It is my least favorite room in this suite since it is not as private, but today has been fairly interesting eves dropping on the conversations of my fellow patients. The first patient was only here for a few minutes to get an injection. She is looking for a labradoodle, and her breeder brought in pictures of her new puppies.  That brought some excitement to the air.  The next patient, who is getting chemo while I am writing this blog, is apparently using the cold cap.  If you’ve never heard of this, it is a pretty cool (pun intended) invention.  Cancer patients can save their hair by the use of this cap while receiving chemo.

Beeping interrupts my train of thought as the nurse comes in to turn off the machine. One down, one to go. I’m also getting my Xgeva injection today. For some reason this one sometimes gets overlooked on my schedule, so I have to ask about it. I’m “supposed” to get this shot once a month to help strengthen my bones. Xgeva does have a prerequisite – calcium and phosphorus levels. I don’t understand it all, but they checked my blood and everything is find. The last shot was September 19th, so the nurse will give me one today.  Frankly, I’m glad to save a trip since it doesn’t always align with chemo day.

After my Herceptin is finished, and I get my shot, we will unplug and I will be on my way. Tim and I are packed and leaving for Florida as soon as we can. I’m taking some books in case anyone wants one at a huge discount. First-come, first-serve!

We are heading to our undergraduate alma mater – Warner University – for their Homecoming 50th anniversary celebration. In addition, Dr. Darr is being honored for his retirement after 40 years. He was leading the music program when I was there, and just retired at the end of last year. I will sing in the special alumni choir that has been put together for this celebration. I think there are almost 100 people in the choir.

Aside, in case you didn’t know, my undergraduate degree is in music and youth ministry. Attending school at Warner and singing in the groups transformed this painfully shy little girl into a confident young lady.  I used the skills I learned to lead worship for many years. I owe a lot to this place. Further, I met my lifelong companion there, and we have been together for 33 years.

I can’t wait to see everyone! I wonder if I will recognize people, or if they will recognize me…it’s been a loooong time.

Á la prochaine…until next time!

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Busy Day

the metastatic breast cancer journey banner

Chemo Day is always a busy day.  Fortunately, I have less work to do as the term is winding down and my biggest class finished early.  It has been a great day as well. Good news came my way on more than one occasion. But first, here’s a recap of my day…

8:30 Blood Draw

8:45-9:45 – Eat breakfast at Panera, and answer emails.

9:45 – 10:15 – Vitals, Nurse and Doctor’s appointment. Here’s where the first good news came in. The nurse told me a friend had mentioned my name. The conversation we had was positive, and I was a help to her. She couldn’t mention her name, of course, due to medical privacy. But she did say this lady was very encouraged by me, and I should keep what I’m doing. She indicates she was blessed as she was a witness to my “ministry.”  This made me feel like a rock star.  All I do is invite people to talk to me. Talk about your breast cancer, I say. This is one of the best ways to start healing. It is so great to hear my desire to help is…well… helping.

Oh, and the doctor said it’s time for more scans.  This is an every 3-4 month event, so I wasn’t surprised.  I was surprised it was February when I last had them done. Time flies. So those are now scheduled.

10:15 – 11:30 – Go to Wal-mart and do some shopping. The Wal-mart in The Woodlands is so much better than the one in Conroe.  I got an office item that should have been nearly $100, but they only charged me $40.  Again – great news!  Bought a banana and protein bars to tide me over until I can eat some lunch.

11:30 – 2:00 – Chemo – I was roomed in one of the best rooms in the house. I love the “back rooms,” which are old exam rooms converted to chemo rooms.  They have a desk, and it’s quiet back there. People don’t bother you. And the pharmacy is right by the room, so my nurse very quickly saw when my chemo was mixed and ready to go. I got a lot of work done as well.

It was 104 degrees when I came out of the building and got in my car. WOW! It’s a hot day.

 — Talk to my husband on the phone. He was getting pinged every time I would schedule a scan. He’s in Anderson this week, so he didn’t know if it was routine or something serious.  It’s great to know I have a hubby who loves me and supports me all the time!  He prayed for me this morning, and he is always telling me how much he loves me. He is definitely a keeper.

2:00 – 4:30 – Back to Panera. It’s hot outside, but still freezing in Panera.  Hot tea is always on my order, no matter how hot it is.  This time I had lunch and worked some more.  And blogged. I love their strawberry, poppyseed, chicken salad.  It’s only here in the summer, only 170 calories, and absolutely delicious! A half-salad is plenty, and I always get the sprouted grain-roll on the side, since I am cutting out white flour.

4:30 – I’m heading out to have dinner with some friends from my support group.

6:00 – 8:00 – Breast Friends. This is my monthly support group at MDAnderson.  Tonight the social worker will be speaking, so that is of interest to me as well. I’m there to get support, but I really see my role as a support to others. Plus, I can get a free massage. 🙂

All in all, it’s a very good day.

Á la prochaine…until next time.

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Who will take care of me?

I just realized it has been three months since my last blog. And it was the week of Residency, which is this week as well.  What are the odds…Perhaps my quantitative friends can help figure that one out.

I had my chemo and XGeva this morning. My nurse was rushing like a bandit because she knew I was hoping to get out early. I got in early, about 30 minutes. That’s usually unheard of.  Unfortunately we can’t rush the chemo. Drip, drip, drip. It takes at least an hour regardless of how much we try to force it.  Then there is the preparation, and the flush in between, and after, and the Heparin. All in all, it takes a solid 90 minutes even if the stars align.

I’m sitting at Panera waiting for my hubby to join me. I was rushing to get out of chemo because he had a doctor’s appointment, and I wanted to be there.  My nurse could sense the urgency, as I don’t usually ask them to hurry up.  This is not your usual, ho-hum, mundane visit to the doctor. He’s been having symptoms. Headaches and such.  His doctor ordered a brain scan. They found “something.”  Today’s visit with the neurologist would help determine what they found. Unfortunately, he made it to the doctor before my last drip, so I’m waiting for him to tell me the results.

It’s always hard to wait for results from a scan, test, or other medical procedure, but I have learned how to be patient during the waiting.  Endurance produces character (Romans 5:4).  Last week I had a moment. Sometimes we joke about death – it may sound morbid but it’s our way of dealing with life with cancer. In the midst of laughing I had a sad thought. If something happened to him, who will take care of me? Shake it off…it was only a momentary lapse from the usual positivity we embrace.

He’s here…………….

Praise God my hubby came bearing good news! The spots on the brain scan, which were confirmed by the neurologist, are like age spots on your skin. (Ha! Despite his boyish face and blond hair, I knew he was aging.)  The doc says there is no concern. They ruled out all the biggies like MS, stroke, blockage, etc. In fact, it is likely the headaches created the spots. (I didn’t know headaches could do that.)  He does have some stress in his life, as any caregiver can relate, which may be contributing to the symptoms. The doctor recommended watching his cholesterol and blood pressure. Tim told me this as he was salting his apple.

Basically, the doctor ordered my hubby to de-stress and decompress.  Sounds like it is time for another ride.

À la prochaine…until next time.

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I Just Want to Help

I Just Want to Help

Michael Weaver

My Story

When my wife was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt helpless because I could not actually fight the cancer for her. I knew it was difficult for her because she is a clinical social worker, so she is aware of what women with breast cancer may go through, having helped many women in this situation herself. As a doctor it was difficult for me too, because I am used to helping people with different illnesses. This was not my specialty, and now there was even less that I could do for her medically. However, I made a choice early on after her diagnosis that I would be a husband for her, and not her doctor. Continue reading “I Just Want to Help”

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Life is Like Jazz

Life is Like Jazz

Sara Rogers

My Story

I was with my mom when the doctor told her she had Stage II breast cancer in her right breast. My first reaction was disbelief, then denial, and finally acceptance. “It’s nothing; we can get through this.” I am the eldest and my mother is a single parent. Therefore, I had to grow up pretty fast in my younger years. I helped raised my sister and my brother, so naturally, I felt I was responsible for taking my mother to her treatments while I was working and supporting my own family. Continue reading “Life is Like Jazz”

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To God Give the Glory

To God Give the Glory

Shavonda D. Nelson

I still see that “light in my mother’s eyes.”

My Story

I remember planning for my mother’s 56th birthday party, and I was so excited to just see her face. My mother told me that no one had ever given her a birthday party. My goal was to make this the best day of her life, filled with fun, family, and friends. The night of her party I saw a light in her that I will never forget.

Continue reading “To God Give the Glory”

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Shared Concerns

Shared Concerns

Karen D.

My Story

It was the summer of 2013 when my mom got the news that she had breast cancer. We were shocked and concerned since we had no known family history. She and Dad assured us that it was going to be okay; it was small, not aggressive, and could be removed. She had a lumpectomy and then started 21 days of radiation. We live eight hours apart, so we checked in often on the phone to see how she was doing. She was tired frequently but came through smoothly.

Continue reading “Shared Concerns”

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I Am a Warrior!

I Am a Warrior!

Judy A. Hataway

My Story

I was just recouping from adrenal cancer in June 2013 and I decided it was time to get my mammogram.  I was surprised to be diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Two cancers in one year! How could I muster the strength to go through this again? But I did. I proceeded with the prescribed treatment. I had chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, radiation, and later breast reconstruction. I fought like a warrior. It was challenging and very difficult at times, but I got through it.

Continue reading “I Am a Warrior!”

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