SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

Round 5 or 6? Who knows?

Well, today starts either Round 5, part deux, or Round 6. I should find out today. Either way, it's one step closer to the end of chemo (hopefully). I will try to blog tonight to let you know which round this is. I have a 1pm appt for chemo, and 1:30 appt with the PA, Bill. Hmph. Maybe he'll let me take these bandages off my neck from the port procedure.....

Oh - we spent Sunday with my friends, Jason and Jeff. It was so good to see them. Julia bonded to Jason instantly, and at one point, we headed to Best Buy to return something, and Jason and Julia played Guitar Hero. :-) Julia had a blast! We went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant, and then kind of hung out. It was really nice, b/c while I know Jason, I hadn't had much time to get to know Jeff really well, so we got a chance to talk, and I realized that I am SO glad to know him. He and Jason are both wonderful people, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

All right, off to finish up things before Dad and I head out today. Think of me.......(isn't it funny - when I typed that, I heard Christine from "Phantom of the Opera" singing it - have you seen that movie? It's wonderful.....)

Anywhoo, have a wonderful day. More later!

Comments:

Amanda: said...

Counting down to the end of chemo! Glad to hear that your CBC is holding steady - that's awesome!!!!

Jen Buck said I should let you know that I was JUST interviewed last week for our local news station about the importance of Clinical Trials. They are doing a special in conjunction with Stand Up To Cancer that should air sometime this week.

Our son was one of the first in our area to do a clinical trial of chemo only, no radiation for his malignant brain tumor, and it worked for him (4 1/2 years remission!!!), so we were asked to share our story to help raise awareness.

Whatever it takes to get the word out! Hope you handle this round of chemo well.

September 3, 2008 at 1:22 PM

AUGUST 31, 2008

Stand Up 2 Cancer

http://www.standup2cancer.org/

I ask you all, please visit this website. The three major television networks are banning together this coming Friday, September 5th, in an effort to raise money for cancer research. The reason for this: government spending and public dollars for cancer research is dwindling, and money is needed to continue the research and development of new ways to battle cancer.

Money raised from this hour-long show will go not only to the more conventional methods of cancer research, but money will also be provided to some of the more out-of-the-box research. Who knows - maybe some seeminglyunrealistic cancer research will result in the cure for colon cancer, breast cancer, etc. It's those odd, unknown ideas that often bring the best results.

Please consider donating to this cause. You can now say, without a doubt, that you know (and hopefully love...) someone with cancer. I read a statistic the other day that said 41% of people in America will be affected by cancer personally. Wouldn't you like to be able to say that you donated $1, $5, $10, or $500 to this cause, and to know that your money helped researchers find the cure that allowed you and your family to be cancer-free in the future?

Please, if only for me, consider not only watching this show, but donating to the cause. Any funds that can be raised will help me, help your friends and/or family that are affected by cancer, and may someday help you fight this disease. This is very important, and your money is going to the research companies directly - none of this money will be kept as "administrative" funds, as some of the races and such do. Please, watch and donate. My life is in your hands....

Comments:

Kevin said...

For those that can't donate money, there are other ways you can help. You can donate your computers extra energy. A project sponsored by IBM called "World Community Grid" uses your computers idle processing units to process cancer research data and reports this data back to the grid (as frequently or infrequently as you like). It runs in the background when your computer is not in use and doesn't interrupt your normal computing activities.

If there is alot of interest in this we can set up a specific group (a group of computer statistics) dedicated to Michelle.

I have been running it for over 5 years now, and my computers have alone processed 200,000 units (or cells) to aid in cancer research.

You can read more here:

http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/projects_showcase/hcc1/viewHcc1Main.do

September 2, 2008 at 6:58 AM

 Kevin said...

The URL appears to have gotten cut off. You can read more by going here:

http://www.worldcommunitygrid.org/

And clicking on the "Help Conquer Cancer" link.

September 2, 2008 at 7:00 AM

 Kevin said...

I created a group for everyone to join to support Michelle.

Click here to join: Michelle WILL Win

Group Statistics Statistics

September 3, 2008 at 11:54 AM

AUGUST 30, 2008

Port Placement - DONE!

Dad and I went to the hospital yesterday for the port placement. It went well, and was so much easier than the last time. Probably had as much to do with the fact that I knew what to expect as it did the hospital (I prefer the one I went to yesterday to the one I had the port placed in originally).

We got there at about 1pm, and got registered (is it bad when the registration people start to recognize you?!?!). We got escorted to the prep area, and I put on the fashionable hospital gown (this one was a classic grey with a maroon pattern - chic!) and the sexy hospital socks. The nurse, who was wonderful, put the IV in (and I didn't scream once!) and did the blood work needed to perform the procedure. The really good news - my CBC (complete blood count) was within *normal* range, meaning that I had the same blood levels as someone NOT fighting cancer. Woo!

Once they get all the prep work done, the dr that is performing the procedure comes in to talk with me about risks, etc. He tells me that they are going to put a port in, and I asked if it was the same PowerPort that was in before. He kind of looked at my and asked if that's what I wanted. I told him that I didn't have a preference, but wanted to know the pros and cons of both. Apparently, there isn't much difference except that the PowerPort has three nodules on it that allow the nurses and doctors accessing the port to feel where the center is. The regular port doesn't have those guides, but isn't any more difficult to use. Hmph. The major difference? The regular port is about half the price of the PowerPort. Apparently, the PowerPort is utilized more in people that are going to have multiple MRIs or CAT Scans, b/c the PowerPort allows for the injection of those dyes and chemicals to perform those procedures. Since I don't have those things in my future (God willing), I made the call that they just put the regular port in. This worked out well because the hospital was out of the PowerPorts, and I would have had to reschedule the procedure. And, you know me - I already had a needle/IV in me. Gosh darn it, they were going to do this procedure come hell or high water.

So, the nurses call the drs office, and of course, my oncologist isn't there. Hmph. The nurses at the hospital talk with the nurses at the drs office, and they concur that there isn't any reason for me to have the PowerPort. SWEET! We are all on-board, and ready for transport to the procedure room. And, off I go.

Got in there, and supposedly, they were going to put me into a "twilight sleep." Well, let's just say that while this did relax me considerably, I wasn't sleeping. I was awake during the whole thing, which was okay b/c they injected the area with a pretty strong local anesthetic, so I didn't feel anything but tugging and pulling. They actually said that of all the ports they put in that day (isn't it sad that they have to put that many into people?!?), I was the only one who didn't snore on the table. LOL!

Overall, this procedure was a piece of cake. I was awake during and afterwards, and while I was tired, that's about it. I am super sore today, but nothing that a little Tylenol isn't helping. I don't remember being this sore with the last port, but then again, I was only a week and a half out of the colon surgery at the time, so I probably didn't notice the pain as much.

I go into the office on Tuesday for chemo, and an appt with the PA, Bill. As I said, I am sore and stiff, but I am feeling well.

Okay - the one thing that surprised me....when they were discharging me, the recommendation to keep the bandages clean? Glad Press 'N Seal. Yup, the stuff that you get in the store next to your wax paper and your tin foil. Apparently, this stuff sticks REALLY well to skin, and will help seal off the area to prevent water from getting at the incisions. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I will let you know if it works.

Oh - the other thing. Because I have started to have some scar tissue grow up in the area of my previous port, they moved this new port into an area just to the right of my other incision. So, Jen and Andy, when you are coming up with renderings for my tattoo, you will now have to include TWO 1 1/2" incisions, side by side. I will send you pictures, once the bandages are off. Now I will have two battle wounds (at least) from this war. Ha - what kind of official does that make me? I'm not up on my military rankings. Anyone?

AUGUST 29, 2008

Port Placement Today

Well, today I get my port back in. Appointment is scheduled for 1pm arrival, 3 pm procedure, with an hour for the procedure and an hour for recovery. I was talking with a friend this morning, and I realized that I am anxious to get this in, mainly b/c I want to get started with chemo again. Getting back into a chemo schedule and routine means that I am that much closer to the end. Hopefully.....

I have had to come to some startling realizations since my admission to the hospital. I think the most important is that I don't have any control over what is going to happen with my chemo routine. I had set in my head this concrete deadline of November 20th, which would have been my last chemo day before the hospital stay happened. Now, because of the change in schedule, it's looking like I am going to be into December before all is said and done, chemo wise. And, having said that, there is always the possibility that we have to continue chemo after that point, because of any new growths that might be found. While I don't cherish that thought, I know that I will do what I have to to make sure that I can get to that all-important 5 year remission point. 

So, for me, the biggest thing is that I have had to learn the very humbling lesson that I don't have any control over what happens regarding this cancer and the schedule. What I do have control over is my choices on how to view what happens. Do I laugh about it? Cry about it? Both? Yes. I have learned that I don't always have to be the strong one, the rock for everyone to lean on. I am the one battling this disease, and I (every once in a while) need someone to lean on. And, I am so lucky to have many of those people. Levi, for one. My parents. My brothers. My friends and extended family. You all have been amazing sources of strength and inspiration. It seems like some of you find me to be an inspiration, and yet, I find that you are my inspiration. I have so much to do with all of you (Vegas, girls?), and that is what helps me get through the tough times.

Now, I will say this. This past week, which back in the day would have been a chemo week, I have felt wonderful. Still a little tired, but the cold sensitivity has diminished, at least in my throat. I even had a drink with ice yesterday - woo! I have felt normal again, and it's been an uplifting experience. Maybe I needed this, to give me the time and the energy to get the fight back. Maybe my body needed this break, to be able to build back up the immunity it needs to fight off the bad things that happen during chemo. And, maybe mentally I needed this time to regroup, to recenter myself, and to deal with these emotions that I haven't been able to, up until now. 

Agh - cancer sucks. But, it allows you to see things in a whole different way. And that, my friends, is one of the so-called silver linings. I will post tonight or tomorrow to let you know how the procedure goes. 

Do you have any plans for the weekend? I have come of my best friends, Jason and Jeff, coming into town to visit. I can't wait - it's been over a year since I saw them. They arrive in the Valley tomorrow, and we plan on getting together on Sunday to hang out. YEAH!!!!

Comments:

Phil, Sharon & Rachael said...

OOOOOOH, lucky you! Give Jason & Jeff big hugs and smooches from me and tell them that I miss and love them even if I have sucked at keeping in touch lately.

J&J and ice for your Coke coke again - dang, you're having a good week! ;-)

And hey... it's August... we all totally missed our 12 year anniversary!!! ONE DOZEN BABY!!! Luv & hugs! :)

August 29, 2008 at 2:26 PM

AUGUST 28, 2008

A couple of wonderful resources....

I wanted to let you all know about some wonderful resources that I have come across in mu journeys. I thought they might be especially useful if you are either battling cancer yourself, or if you know of someone that is battling cancer. 

The first is through the American Cancer Society, and is called "Look Good, Feel Better." This is a program put on to help cancer patients (women) through the emotional and physical changes that chemo and radiation bring on, such as changes to skin, acne, hair loss, etc. This is about a two hour program, and provides women with guidance regarding make-up application, wigs, scarf techniques, etc. I attended this through my oncologists office, and was even given a large bag of cosmetics free. During the presentation, there is a licensed beautician (I am pretty sure that's her title) that walks you through the application techniques for the makeup provided, and everyone walks out of there looking fabulous. They also bring (courtesy of the American Cancer Society) various styles, colors, and hair lengths of wigs. I didn't realize this, but the ACS will actually provide chemo patients with a complimentary wig. You just need to contact them. Such a great service! When I went into this presentation, I was a little hesitant - I didn't know anyone, and was unsure as to what would happen. After two fun-filled hours, I had laughed with women of all ages, races, and cancer types, I had cried with them, and I had bonded with them. It was a wonderful experience, and I left there feeling revived and renewed in my fight for my life.

Another service that is provided to cancer patients is called Cleaning For A Reason. This is an organization that sets you up with a local maid service, who will come out to your home and do an overall cleaning once monthly for four months while you are in the midst of chemo. Let's face it - when you are undergoing chemo treatments and fighting cancer, dusting your knick-knacks really heads to the bottom of your priority list. This company has a website, www.cleaningforareason.com, and I have my first cleaning set up with them for the end of the month. (I would do it sooner, but my wonderful friend Sharon has provided us with a deep-cleaning through another maid service, and they are coming next week - yeah!!! Thanks, Sharon!) I just think this is a wonderful service, and should be made aware to all cancer patients. And, if you are not currently in a cancer battle but want to support someone, you can donate to the organization on their website. A great gift for anyone fighting this disease, to be sure.

So, there you go. Please let me know if you have any questions. I have been so blessed with what I have been given throughout this fight, and I feel like I need to share those insights with others, so that I might help make their battle with cancer just a little easier.