Yesterday I had my Drs appointment with Dr. K my plastic surgeon. I recieved more saline in my tissue expandures. I have been going every two weeks for the last 5 months. Each appointment I recieve saline in my chest. The purpose of this is to stretch my skin so Dr. K can restructure my chest, due to my mastectomy. It has been quite painful. It makes my skin so tight I feel the skin on my throat tightening and it tightens all the way back to the bottom of my shoulder blades. I cannot turn my neck, I have to turn my whole body. Thank goodness this only lasts for 3 or 4 days each visit.
I did receive my so called schedule for the next few months, it goes as is-(without complications)
1. I will recuperate and get my cell counts back up until the end of April. I then will have surgery on my chest the last week of April.
2. I will then rest and heal from surgery for another 4 weeks.
3. After the 4 weeks is over I will start 6-8 weeks of radiation. I will go everyday Mon-Fri with the weekends off.
I should finish the 1st or 2nd week of July. The goal is to be done for my family reunion on the 14th. I then can hopefully relax and put this year behind me. Don't worry I don't want to forget the whole year just a few parts.
So I hope this plan sounds good to everyone it sounds real good to me!
If anyone has suggestions regarding radiation please share.
No Regrets,
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
No More Chemotherapy
I am finished with my chemo treatments! I woke up Thursday morning so excited to head off to see the Doc. I had cinnamon rolls made by my friend Tara for Dr. H. and the nurses. (They loved them.) I wanted to celebrate somehow and show my appreciation and couldn't think of a better way than food.
Every visit I have my labs drawn first and then go in to see my Dr. After the Dr. I go into another room across the hall for my chemo treatment. I felt excitement and a little giddy inside waiting for the Dr. My appointment went great. And my labs didn't look too bad. He kept saying, "You did it Shaquel, you finished chemo, as difficult as it was you did it and with such a good attitude."
Well, I was fine until he said that. He gave me a hug and I shed a few tears. I just love Dr. H. I put so much trust in him. He also had to remind me that I will still feel weak and tired for 6-12 months even though I am done with my treatment.
After leaving the Dr. I headed over for my LAST chemotherapy. I ended up being there all day. The Dr. had increased my chemo so it took alittle longer. When I was leaving the nurses gave me hugs and a few gifts. You feel so close to them because they have seen you at your worst and you really rely on them. Although I know I will still see them in the next few weeks and for the next 5 years on this day I felt like I had just accomplished and endured something that was extraordinary that they shared with me.
As I was driving home I started crying then sobbing. I felt so many emotions: RELIEF, relief that this part is over, then EXHAUSTION, feeling so tired mentally, emotionally, physically, and yet, EXCITEMENT and even GUILT. Two of the men in treatment with me today are having severe side effects and they were going to be moved into the hospital that day. Glad that was not me but guilty because I was so fortunate its wasn't. Of course by the time I made it home I was fine. I opened up my car door to children yelling" mom your home and you won't be getting your sick medicine anymore." I am so blessed.
I will find out exactly what the plan is on Tuesday after another Dr's app. For now I get to recoup and get all my counts up for at least the next 3-4 weeks.
Every visit I have my labs drawn first and then go in to see my Dr. After the Dr. I go into another room across the hall for my chemo treatment. I felt excitement and a little giddy inside waiting for the Dr. My appointment went great. And my labs didn't look too bad. He kept saying, "You did it Shaquel, you finished chemo, as difficult as it was you did it and with such a good attitude."
Well, I was fine until he said that. He gave me a hug and I shed a few tears. I just love Dr. H. I put so much trust in him. He also had to remind me that I will still feel weak and tired for 6-12 months even though I am done with my treatment.
After leaving the Dr. I headed over for my LAST chemotherapy. I ended up being there all day. The Dr. had increased my chemo so it took alittle longer. When I was leaving the nurses gave me hugs and a few gifts. You feel so close to them because they have seen you at your worst and you really rely on them. Although I know I will still see them in the next few weeks and for the next 5 years on this day I felt like I had just accomplished and endured something that was extraordinary that they shared with me.
As I was driving home I started crying then sobbing. I felt so many emotions: RELIEF, relief that this part is over, then EXHAUSTION, feeling so tired mentally, emotionally, physically, and yet, EXCITEMENT and even GUILT. Two of the men in treatment with me today are having severe side effects and they were going to be moved into the hospital that day. Glad that was not me but guilty because I was so fortunate its wasn't. Of course by the time I made it home I was fine. I opened up my car door to children yelling" mom your home and you won't be getting your sick medicine anymore." I am so blessed.
I will find out exactly what the plan is on Tuesday after another Dr's app. For now I get to recoup and get all my counts up for at least the next 3-4 weeks.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Children can be funny
Yahoooooooooooo! Tomorrow is my last chemo. I am so excited ! I always dread going but now it can't come fast enough. I want it over.
Yesterday was dress as your favorite book character day, at my kids school. I went over to pay for their lunch tickets and I had several kids just keeping looking at me. Finally a few kids asked me what character I was dressed up as. I said "what do you mean"? They said "you have normal clothes on but you have a scarf on". Finally one of the girls said "you are trying to look like a pirate" I thought that was so funny I couldn't stop laughing.
Yesterday was dress as your favorite book character day, at my kids school. I went over to pay for their lunch tickets and I had several kids just keeping looking at me. Finally a few kids asked me what character I was dressed up as. I said "what do you mean"? They said "you have normal clothes on but you have a scarf on". Finally one of the girls said "you are trying to look like a pirate" I thought that was so funny I couldn't stop laughing.
What I am grateful for today
Hard working Husband
Good Friends
Music
Spring
My Scriptures
Laughter
Kind & Giving People
The bowl of Sherbert ice cream and cookie I just ate(so good)
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Spirit Has No Boundaries
I was reading someone else's blog who has her own trials and I really connected with what she said. I thought it may help some of you as well.
"I pretend that I am perfectly healthy and normal, but I always wake up and remember that's not so. But I also remind myself that I am a perfect spirit enduring this imperfect world . No matter how abnormal I am on this earth, my spirit knows no boundaries of any type its comforting." By Stephanie
I wish I could say that I came up with that because that is exactly how I feel when I look in the mirror. I wake up feeling normal until I sit up on the side of the bed and I am dizzy or nauseous and I feel my achy bones. I then go into the bathroom and see a bald, pale, person with scars all over her chest starring back at me.
This quote reminded me about what my life is truly about. Hope you all enjoy it too.
"I pretend that I am perfectly healthy and normal, but I always wake up and remember that's not so. But I also remind myself that I am a perfect spirit enduring this imperfect world . No matter how abnormal I am on this earth, my spirit knows no boundaries of any type its comforting." By Stephanie
I wish I could say that I came up with that because that is exactly how I feel when I look in the mirror. I wake up feeling normal until I sit up on the side of the bed and I am dizzy or nauseous and I feel my achy bones. I then go into the bathroom and see a bald, pale, person with scars all over her chest starring back at me.
This quote reminded me about what my life is truly about. Hope you all enjoy it too.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Rough Weekend
I can't believe how long it has been since I posted. I am so sorry. I now know why I have been getting more phone calls from many of you concerned with how I am doing.
Where do I begin? The week before chemo I had several side effects that were quite painful. My feet and hands hurt. The Dr's call it a tingling sensation, I don't. I feel like I am on fire. The tighter my socks and shoes are the better it feels. I keep rubbing my hands together, if I squeeze them tight it feels better. My doctor prescribed me more medicine for the pain but, it knocks me out. Who has time to be knocked out when you have kids running wild.
I had chemo this past Thursday. I felt great until Friday at 5pm. It started with the ringing in my ears and feeling like I had a earache, then the pain spread to my head and neck. It finished with the nausea and not keeping anything down for two days. Not to mention the pain I have in my bones all the time. My husband has been helpful, he took all the kids to the sand dunes for the weekend. I hate having them see me so sick. Its nice knowing they are out having a good time and don't have to watch me. Chemo is a strange thing. Chemo knocks me on my butt, and then just as I am getting back on my feet its time for another round of treatment. Psychologically this has been the most difficult challenge I have faced. While the purpose of chemo is to make you better, it sure doesn't feel like it while your going through it. But I'm on the up and up.
For the great news, I only have one more treatment left. I am excited, relieved and tired. I pray I never have to go through chemo again. I was reading a book about cancer and it listed good things about cancer and the not so good. The not so good is that cancer is like your shadow at least for a couple of years.
If any of you wear red lipstick Elizabeth Arden is selling different shades of red lipstick and 100% of the proceeds go to a program that the Cancer society provides called "Look good feel better". It is for women who get to learn how to put makeup on with out eyebrows and lashes, teaches them about how to wears wigs, scarves, and then gives them makeup that will not irritate their face while going through chemo. I went to the class and it was very helpful. So just in case your interested its by Elizabeth Arden.
I just have to mention a few funny things my kids said today-
"Mom I'm glad you bought this house you did a good job picking it out" I asked whats your favorite part about it. "she said that we have enough room to plant a garden" Savannah
"Mom, I really don't like your new haircut, but when you comb my hair I want my hair cut like yours." Asia, while I was combing her hair.
"Mom do you ever wonder how you got so lucky to have such a good looking son?"
Rudy
Where do I begin? The week before chemo I had several side effects that were quite painful. My feet and hands hurt. The Dr's call it a tingling sensation, I don't. I feel like I am on fire. The tighter my socks and shoes are the better it feels. I keep rubbing my hands together, if I squeeze them tight it feels better. My doctor prescribed me more medicine for the pain but, it knocks me out. Who has time to be knocked out when you have kids running wild.
I had chemo this past Thursday. I felt great until Friday at 5pm. It started with the ringing in my ears and feeling like I had a earache, then the pain spread to my head and neck. It finished with the nausea and not keeping anything down for two days. Not to mention the pain I have in my bones all the time. My husband has been helpful, he took all the kids to the sand dunes for the weekend. I hate having them see me so sick. Its nice knowing they are out having a good time and don't have to watch me. Chemo is a strange thing. Chemo knocks me on my butt, and then just as I am getting back on my feet its time for another round of treatment. Psychologically this has been the most difficult challenge I have faced. While the purpose of chemo is to make you better, it sure doesn't feel like it while your going through it. But I'm on the up and up.
For the great news, I only have one more treatment left. I am excited, relieved and tired. I pray I never have to go through chemo again. I was reading a book about cancer and it listed good things about cancer and the not so good. The not so good is that cancer is like your shadow at least for a couple of years.
If any of you wear red lipstick Elizabeth Arden is selling different shades of red lipstick and 100% of the proceeds go to a program that the Cancer society provides called "Look good feel better". It is for women who get to learn how to put makeup on with out eyebrows and lashes, teaches them about how to wears wigs, scarves, and then gives them makeup that will not irritate their face while going through chemo. I went to the class and it was very helpful. So just in case your interested its by Elizabeth Arden.
I just have to mention a few funny things my kids said today-
"Mom I'm glad you bought this house you did a good job picking it out" I asked whats your favorite part about it. "she said that we have enough room to plant a garden" Savannah
"Mom, I really don't like your new haircut, but when you comb my hair I want my hair cut like yours." Asia, while I was combing her hair.
"Mom do you ever wonder how you got so lucky to have such a good looking son?"
Rudy
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Cleaning and More Cleaning
What a nice day! The weather was a little cooler then I prefer, but other then that I loved today, I felt good. I cleaned, then I would lay down for awhile, and then get up and clean again. I read to Asia, and then she painted my toenails, as well as my toes, a very bright pink. I just smiled thinking about how much fun she was having, and listening to her giggle while painting my toes.
When school was out I went for a walk with my kids. The walk was more painful then I would have liked. My ankles started hurting, stiffening up, and would not bend. My feet and hands felt like they were on fire, but don't worry I still enjoyed being outside with my kids. We only walked two blocks, I am so out of shape!
Yesterday, I spent the day seeing Doctors, I had 3 different appointments. It makes a long day, but better then having to go to the Dr. 3 different days. My appointments started with my plastic surgeon, he has been stretching my skin (not fun, painful), my 2nd appointment was with my radiation oncologist, who informed me that my radiation will be everyday for at least 6 weeks, not twice a day for five days that I thought I could do. I then went to my last appointment for the day, my surgeon who checked to see if I was healing alright, and if I had any tumors growing. All was well. I just have to say once again I love my Dr's. After visiting with the Docs, I am excited and see a end in sight. I should be done with my surgeries, chemo, and radiation, by the first part of July, just in time for my family reunions. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!
Next week, I will go back and see my oncologist who is over my chemo. Like I mentioned last week my last treatment went well. I felt good Thursday and most of Friday. By Friday evening I got sick again, but it only lasted the weekend. Thanks to my mom and brother, they came down watched my kids and cleaned my house. Thanks I love ya.
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