Hello one and all,
We know that it was January 28, 2013, since we lasted updated this blog. First of all, a belated Happy Easter to one and all. Now to the news. Karen is still receiving her monthly Xgeva shot and has her blood tests conducted. Her blood results (i.e. red blood count, white blood counts, etc.) are well within the established limits. However, Karen's cancer markers have increased from 135 in Nov. 2012 to 189 in Mar. 2013. As a result of the increase in these readings, Karen had a PET scan on March 25, 2013. Karen saw her oncologist on April 8, 2013, and found out that her cancer has returned. Luckily for Karen it is not affecting her lungs nor any vital organs. Additionally, it is not as widespread as it was last year. The oncologist, who was more disappointed than Karen, advised Karen that she will undergo chemo treatments again but it will not be as aggressive as it was last year. The chemo will be Taxol and will be administered every week for three weeks and one week off. Karen will undergo this treatment for a six month period. Anyhow, Karen is very upbeat and is looking forward to this new journey. Karen did ask her oncologist if there was a likelihood of her losing her hair again. Sure enough the oncologist gave her an affirmative nod. Of course Karen told her oncologist that losing her hair was not a problem. Maybe this time the good Lord will give Karen brown and wavy hair instead of white and straight. Karen will tell you that bald-headed people are beautiful and the look is definitely "fashionable." The doctor's office is acquiring approval from Karen's health insurance provider. Once that is approved, they will provide Karen with her chemotherapy schedule. The oncologist would like the treatment to start sometime next week or the week after. We will update the blog once the chemo treatments began. Please take care and thanks to all the family members and friends who are keeping Karen and her Mom in their thoughts and prayers.
Tip of the Blog: Angels fly above us for one reason so they can always watch over us.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Good evening one and all,
The authors of this blog realize that it has been about two months since the last writing. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot, port cleaning and blood tests conducted on the last Friday of December and January. Karen's blood results were well within the acceptable limits and she is improving each day. Although Karen had asked the nurse for her cancer marker readings for November and December, the nurse seemed pre-occupied with other pending issues in the infusion center that the information was not provided. Karen is not worry about these readings but will try to acquire them in February.
As written in some of the previous blogs, one of the nurses retired at the end of December. Karen surprised the nurse (Kathy) on her last day of work in December by giving her a handcrafted Heart Wreath (made from walnut), a bouquet of Origami flowers and big Thank You card. Contrary to popular belief, Karen made the wreath, some holiday hangings for the wreath and the Origami flowers even though Karen is still battling with the neuropathy in her hands. Kathy was truly surprised and very thankful for the gifts. Some of the other nurses have asked Karen to make them a Heart Wreath. Karen is thinking about it.
As stated above Karen is making milestones each day. She has been doing some little woodworking projects, yardwork with her Mom and oh yes, she even got up on the rooftop in the month of December. While Karen was working on the woodworking project (Heart Wreath) in December, she noticed a leak in the ceiling in the garage. Being the trained investigator, she immediately notified her Mom to verify if that was indeed a leak in the ceiling. After a few minutes of discussion it was determined to be a leak. Karen and her Mom decided to pull the ladders out to check the rain gutters. Needless to say, it wasn't the rain gutters so Karen ventured onto the rooftop to discover that the valleys and flashing on the rooftop were clogged by leaves and dirt. Karen spent, according to her Mom, at least 3 to 4 hours cleaning the roof of the clumps of leaves and dirt. Of course, the day was cold and Karen's Mom stood down below on the front lawn looking up at the roof and at times could not see Karen. Karen's Mom could only imagine what the neighbors thought of her while she stood there looking up at the roof. To say the least, Karen and her Mom became the talk of the neighborhood. Karen ended up with four bags of trash from the roof. The funny or sad part about this story is their property has no trees on it. The leaves are constantly blowing in from their neighbors' homes. And yes, the cleaning on the rooftop did in fact stop the leak from expanding.
Anyhow, thank you for keeping Karen and all of her family in your prayers and thoughts. Karen and her Mom want to wish all of you a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Tip of the Blog: What Cancer Cannot Do.
Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple Love. It cannot shatter Hope. It cannot corrode Faith. It cannot destroy Peace. It cannot kill Friendship. It cannot suppress Memories. It cannot silence Courage. It cannot invade the Soul. It cannot steal eternal Life. It cannot conquer the Spirit.
Author Unknown
The authors of this blog realize that it has been about two months since the last writing. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot, port cleaning and blood tests conducted on the last Friday of December and January. Karen's blood results were well within the acceptable limits and she is improving each day. Although Karen had asked the nurse for her cancer marker readings for November and December, the nurse seemed pre-occupied with other pending issues in the infusion center that the information was not provided. Karen is not worry about these readings but will try to acquire them in February.
As written in some of the previous blogs, one of the nurses retired at the end of December. Karen surprised the nurse (Kathy) on her last day of work in December by giving her a handcrafted Heart Wreath (made from walnut), a bouquet of Origami flowers and big Thank You card. Contrary to popular belief, Karen made the wreath, some holiday hangings for the wreath and the Origami flowers even though Karen is still battling with the neuropathy in her hands. Kathy was truly surprised and very thankful for the gifts. Some of the other nurses have asked Karen to make them a Heart Wreath. Karen is thinking about it.
As stated above Karen is making milestones each day. She has been doing some little woodworking projects, yardwork with her Mom and oh yes, she even got up on the rooftop in the month of December. While Karen was working on the woodworking project (Heart Wreath) in December, she noticed a leak in the ceiling in the garage. Being the trained investigator, she immediately notified her Mom to verify if that was indeed a leak in the ceiling. After a few minutes of discussion it was determined to be a leak. Karen and her Mom decided to pull the ladders out to check the rain gutters. Needless to say, it wasn't the rain gutters so Karen ventured onto the rooftop to discover that the valleys and flashing on the rooftop were clogged by leaves and dirt. Karen spent, according to her Mom, at least 3 to 4 hours cleaning the roof of the clumps of leaves and dirt. Of course, the day was cold and Karen's Mom stood down below on the front lawn looking up at the roof and at times could not see Karen. Karen's Mom could only imagine what the neighbors thought of her while she stood there looking up at the roof. To say the least, Karen and her Mom became the talk of the neighborhood. Karen ended up with four bags of trash from the roof. The funny or sad part about this story is their property has no trees on it. The leaves are constantly blowing in from their neighbors' homes. And yes, the cleaning on the rooftop did in fact stop the leak from expanding.
Anyhow, thank you for keeping Karen and all of her family in your prayers and thoughts. Karen and her Mom want to wish all of you a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Tip of the Blog: What Cancer Cannot Do.
Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple Love. It cannot shatter Hope. It cannot corrode Faith. It cannot destroy Peace. It cannot kill Friendship. It cannot suppress Memories. It cannot silence Courage. It cannot invade the Soul. It cannot steal eternal Life. It cannot conquer the Spirit.
Author Unknown
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hello everyone,
First of all, the Clarks and Karen specifically wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Since the last writing, Karen continues to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and has her port cleaned as well as blood withdrawn to monitor her blood levels. On December 4, 2012, Karen saw her oncologist and he was delighted with her blood results as they have been well within the acceptable limits. He did advise Karen that her cancer marker went up a few points, but he was not concerned about it. Additionally, he advised Karen that she would have another PET scan in February 2013. Karen was not particularly happy about another PET scan but knows that it is necessary.
When Karen received her Xgeva shot in November, one of the infusion nurse (K) told Karen that she was retiring at the end of the year. In fact, this particular nurse, who Karen has labeled as the "troublemaker," last day will be on December 28 and she told Karen that she would make it a point to handle Karen's issues (Xgeva shot, port cleaning, etc) that day. Karen was concerned that the shot will probably be given in the buttock instead of the usual place, the arm. As in the previous writings on this blog, this particular nurse (K) was given some socks by Karen, her mom and me. When Karen went in for her shot in November, this nurse (K) was wearing a different sock on her feet. Nurse K was so excited that she proudly came over, held her pant legs up and showed them to Karen and her mom. Karen started laughing and told nurse K that she had an identical pair like them at home. To say the least, not only were the nurses laughing but so were some of the other patients and their caregivers. Although Karen kept her laughter somewhat muffled, you guessed it, the head nurse came out and gave her stern look at Karen. Oh well, Karen can hardly wait to see what happens at the end of this month when she goes in for her shot. Maybe the head nurse will be on a Christmas vacation.
For those of you wanting to know if the nurses keep items that they receive from their patients in the infusion center and the doctors' office, they most certainly do. The artificial bouquets of flowers crafted by me and Karen in the latter part of June are still proudly displayed in the center and the doctors' office.
Everyday Karen is making progress. Her hair is slowly growing back. Karen is riding her stationary bike everyday except on Sunday. She is able to do yard work (cutting the lawn, picking up leaves, etc), washed her vehicles after 10 months, and do some minor woodworking. In fact, she is making a woodworking project for nurse K for her retirement. Anyhow, Karen and her Mom are living one day at a time and thank God for their simple lives and most definitely their family and friends.
Tip of the Blog: Remember to face each day with certainty and sleep without fear as one of God's angel is standing near you.
First of all, the Clarks and Karen specifically wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Since the last writing, Karen continues to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and has her port cleaned as well as blood withdrawn to monitor her blood levels. On December 4, 2012, Karen saw her oncologist and he was delighted with her blood results as they have been well within the acceptable limits. He did advise Karen that her cancer marker went up a few points, but he was not concerned about it. Additionally, he advised Karen that she would have another PET scan in February 2013. Karen was not particularly happy about another PET scan but knows that it is necessary.
When Karen received her Xgeva shot in November, one of the infusion nurse (K) told Karen that she was retiring at the end of the year. In fact, this particular nurse, who Karen has labeled as the "troublemaker," last day will be on December 28 and she told Karen that she would make it a point to handle Karen's issues (Xgeva shot, port cleaning, etc) that day. Karen was concerned that the shot will probably be given in the buttock instead of the usual place, the arm. As in the previous writings on this blog, this particular nurse (K) was given some socks by Karen, her mom and me. When Karen went in for her shot in November, this nurse (K) was wearing a different sock on her feet. Nurse K was so excited that she proudly came over, held her pant legs up and showed them to Karen and her mom. Karen started laughing and told nurse K that she had an identical pair like them at home. To say the least, not only were the nurses laughing but so were some of the other patients and their caregivers. Although Karen kept her laughter somewhat muffled, you guessed it, the head nurse came out and gave her stern look at Karen. Oh well, Karen can hardly wait to see what happens at the end of this month when she goes in for her shot. Maybe the head nurse will be on a Christmas vacation.
For those of you wanting to know if the nurses keep items that they receive from their patients in the infusion center and the doctors' office, they most certainly do. The artificial bouquets of flowers crafted by me and Karen in the latter part of June are still proudly displayed in the center and the doctors' office.
Everyday Karen is making progress. Her hair is slowly growing back. Karen is riding her stationary bike everyday except on Sunday. She is able to do yard work (cutting the lawn, picking up leaves, etc), washed her vehicles after 10 months, and do some minor woodworking. In fact, she is making a woodworking project for nurse K for her retirement. Anyhow, Karen and her Mom are living one day at a time and thank God for their simple lives and most definitely their family and friends.
Tip of the Blog: Remember to face each day with certainty and sleep without fear as one of God's angel is standing near you.
Monday, October 29, 2012
A big H-E-L-L-O to all of you,
First of all, I will apologize to all of you for not keeping the blog up-to-date. Following Karen's last oncologist's visit in September, Karen's family and friends gathered together on September 16th for a birthday party. Karen's Mom celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends. Everybody at the party had a great time and shared many stories with Karen's Mom. Although she won't admit, Mom had a great time with everybody, including the friends from the old neighborhood in Los Angeles. She certainly enjoyed the food, especially the three birthday cakes as she did sample each one of them. As stated, the food and desserts were delicious and plentiful. Karen and her Mom had plenty of leftovers to last a week.
At the end of September, Karen had her Xgeva shot, her port cleaned and the monthly blood tests. Karen's blood results were well within the appropriate ranges. Karen and her Mom had a surprised visit from one of Karen's cousin (Mom's niece) from the east coast, who spent three days with them. There was a lot of laughter shared, good eats, and some great pictures taken of them, that unfortunately has not made it on YouTube. Ha, ha, ha.
The month of October has been relatively quiet for Karen and her Mom. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot, port cleaning and blood tests on the 26th. Karen was advised by the nurse that her blood results looked great and well within the appropriate ranges. Additionally, Karen was told that her cancer marker was at 127, which was the September reading. As you can imagine, Karen was delighted with the news. Karen still has neuropathy in her hands and fingers. Her hair on her head is s-l-o-w-l-y growing back white and straight.
If you have been following this blog, you know that there is always a humorous story during Karen's visit to the infusion center. One of the nurses at the infusion center enjoys wearing fashionable socks. Prior to her visit to the center, Karen and her youngest sister, Margaret, had purchased two pairs of socks. Now these socks, one had a sheep pattern in blue and pink colors and the other with monkeys with red and brown colors, are vacuum sealed in plastic to look like a little sock. When you remove the plastic and place these socks in water, they expand. They are made of cotton and one size fits all. Anyhow, when Karen arrived at the infusion center on the 26th, luckily for her she got the nurse, K, who wears the fashionable socks. Karen told K that she had a gift for her. After sitting down, Karen took out the little socks and gave them to K. K was absolutely delighted with the socks. After K cleaned the port and took Karen's blood, K showed the other nurses the little gift she had received. As Karen sat in the chair, the other nurses paraded by and lifted their pant legs to show off their fashionable socks. Who would a thought that the infusion center nurses all wore fashionable socks and that Karen would be judging them on who had the cutest ones on. Some had kittens, Winnie the Pooh, Halloween theme socks, etc. Yes, the head nurse came out to see what all the ruckus was. Karen, however, kept her laughter to a minimum. To say the least, Karen, her mom and all the nurses, except the head nurse, all had a good laugh over the socks. Sometimes, we never know what brings a little laughter into our lives.
Tip of this blog: Take a few minutes out of each of your days to really enjoy your life and all its wonderful blessings.
First of all, I will apologize to all of you for not keeping the blog up-to-date. Following Karen's last oncologist's visit in September, Karen's family and friends gathered together on September 16th for a birthday party. Karen's Mom celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends. Everybody at the party had a great time and shared many stories with Karen's Mom. Although she won't admit, Mom had a great time with everybody, including the friends from the old neighborhood in Los Angeles. She certainly enjoyed the food, especially the three birthday cakes as she did sample each one of them. As stated, the food and desserts were delicious and plentiful. Karen and her Mom had plenty of leftovers to last a week.
At the end of September, Karen had her Xgeva shot, her port cleaned and the monthly blood tests. Karen's blood results were well within the appropriate ranges. Karen and her Mom had a surprised visit from one of Karen's cousin (Mom's niece) from the east coast, who spent three days with them. There was a lot of laughter shared, good eats, and some great pictures taken of them, that unfortunately has not made it on YouTube. Ha, ha, ha.
The month of October has been relatively quiet for Karen and her Mom. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot, port cleaning and blood tests on the 26th. Karen was advised by the nurse that her blood results looked great and well within the appropriate ranges. Additionally, Karen was told that her cancer marker was at 127, which was the September reading. As you can imagine, Karen was delighted with the news. Karen still has neuropathy in her hands and fingers. Her hair on her head is s-l-o-w-l-y growing back white and straight.
If you have been following this blog, you know that there is always a humorous story during Karen's visit to the infusion center. One of the nurses at the infusion center enjoys wearing fashionable socks. Prior to her visit to the center, Karen and her youngest sister, Margaret, had purchased two pairs of socks. Now these socks, one had a sheep pattern in blue and pink colors and the other with monkeys with red and brown colors, are vacuum sealed in plastic to look like a little sock. When you remove the plastic and place these socks in water, they expand. They are made of cotton and one size fits all. Anyhow, when Karen arrived at the infusion center on the 26th, luckily for her she got the nurse, K, who wears the fashionable socks. Karen told K that she had a gift for her. After sitting down, Karen took out the little socks and gave them to K. K was absolutely delighted with the socks. After K cleaned the port and took Karen's blood, K showed the other nurses the little gift she had received. As Karen sat in the chair, the other nurses paraded by and lifted their pant legs to show off their fashionable socks. Who would a thought that the infusion center nurses all wore fashionable socks and that Karen would be judging them on who had the cutest ones on. Some had kittens, Winnie the Pooh, Halloween theme socks, etc. Yes, the head nurse came out to see what all the ruckus was. Karen, however, kept her laughter to a minimum. To say the least, Karen, her mom and all the nurses, except the head nurse, all had a good laugh over the socks. Sometimes, we never know what brings a little laughter into our lives.
Tip of this blog: Take a few minutes out of each of your days to really enjoy your life and all its wonderful blessings.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hello one and all,
We apologize for the delay in the blog post. Karen had her Xgeva shot, blood tests and her port cleaned last Friday (08/31). Her blood counts looked very good and were well within the appropriate ranges/values. Yesterday, Karen saw her oncologist. At this medical appointment, Karen's oncologist finally shared the results of her PET Scan from July 24, 2012. "Yippee" does not adequately describe how Karen and her mom felt after looking at the images from the first PET scan Karen had in February and comparing it with the scan in July. The doctor was extremely pleased with the results as it showed the chemotherapy treatments had fought the cancer except a small area in Karen's right humerus bone. The doctor advised Karen to continue to do what she is doing (exercising, food diet and vitamin intake, prescribed medications, etc.). To say the least, Karen and her mom were very thankful to God, the doctors, the nurses/caregivers and the wonderful prayers her family and friends have been saying. Karen also inquired about her cancer markers and found that they were initially 300 and are now at 142. The doctor indicated that he would like to see the marker ideally at 40, but explained that 142 was okay as long as the number did not increase. Karen will continue to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and take her daily hormonal pill. Upon leaving the facility, Karen had the doctor and the nurses laughing again as she shared one of her funny stories with the staff. Karen will have her next Xgeva shot at the end of September and will see the doctor in December. Karen was given the go ahead to see her eye doctor and dentist without restrictions. Even with the wonderful news, Karen's journey, however, continues on.
On another positive note, Karen's mom will be 90 on the 7th of September. The family will be hosting her 90th birthday party on the 16th. Contrary to popular belief, Karen's mom is looking forward to her 90th birthday celebration on the 7th and again on the 16th.
As Karen's journey continues on, Karen and her family members realized that maintaining a journal, log and/or blog was vitally important and very helpful in many respects. In May, this became especially helpful when Karen's insurance carrier disputed a medical procedure, which had occurred in February. Additionally, there are other medical records that the patient should keep (i.e. PET Scans, blood test results, brochures on cancer, etc.). In Karen case, every time she had blood tests conducted, the infusion staff provided her copy so she could see where her blood counts were and could compare them. Karen keeps a daily journal which records items such her pain issues, doctor/medical visits, items accomplished, exercises, etc. When Karen initially started her first chemo sessions, Karen and her sister would take her journal/medical records with them. The nursing staff were very impressed with the binder they showed it to other patients to assist them in their journeys. Anyhow, these are our words of wisdom as you go through your journey.
Once again, thanks again for your prayers and positive thoughts for Karen and her family.
Tip: Our gentle yet strong angelic friends are the defenders of peace, joy and love in this world.
We apologize for the delay in the blog post. Karen had her Xgeva shot, blood tests and her port cleaned last Friday (08/31). Her blood counts looked very good and were well within the appropriate ranges/values. Yesterday, Karen saw her oncologist. At this medical appointment, Karen's oncologist finally shared the results of her PET Scan from July 24, 2012. "Yippee" does not adequately describe how Karen and her mom felt after looking at the images from the first PET scan Karen had in February and comparing it with the scan in July. The doctor was extremely pleased with the results as it showed the chemotherapy treatments had fought the cancer except a small area in Karen's right humerus bone. The doctor advised Karen to continue to do what she is doing (exercising, food diet and vitamin intake, prescribed medications, etc.). To say the least, Karen and her mom were very thankful to God, the doctors, the nurses/caregivers and the wonderful prayers her family and friends have been saying. Karen also inquired about her cancer markers and found that they were initially 300 and are now at 142. The doctor indicated that he would like to see the marker ideally at 40, but explained that 142 was okay as long as the number did not increase. Karen will continue to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and take her daily hormonal pill. Upon leaving the facility, Karen had the doctor and the nurses laughing again as she shared one of her funny stories with the staff. Karen will have her next Xgeva shot at the end of September and will see the doctor in December. Karen was given the go ahead to see her eye doctor and dentist without restrictions. Even with the wonderful news, Karen's journey, however, continues on.
On another positive note, Karen's mom will be 90 on the 7th of September. The family will be hosting her 90th birthday party on the 16th. Contrary to popular belief, Karen's mom is looking forward to her 90th birthday celebration on the 7th and again on the 16th.
As Karen's journey continues on, Karen and her family members realized that maintaining a journal, log and/or blog was vitally important and very helpful in many respects. In May, this became especially helpful when Karen's insurance carrier disputed a medical procedure, which had occurred in February. Additionally, there are other medical records that the patient should keep (i.e. PET Scans, blood test results, brochures on cancer, etc.). In Karen case, every time she had blood tests conducted, the infusion staff provided her copy so she could see where her blood counts were and could compare them. Karen keeps a daily journal which records items such her pain issues, doctor/medical visits, items accomplished, exercises, etc. When Karen initially started her first chemo sessions, Karen and her sister would take her journal/medical records with them. The nursing staff were very impressed with the binder they showed it to other patients to assist them in their journeys. Anyhow, these are our words of wisdom as you go through your journey.
Once again, thanks again for your prayers and positive thoughts for Karen and her family.
Tip: Our gentle yet strong angelic friends are the defenders of peace, joy and love in this world.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Welcome one and all to Chippers Journey,
As written in the previous blog of August 7, 2012, the authors of this blog will continue to update you about Karen's status and will include some helpful insights in dealing/coping/understanding the issues associated with cancer. We will also try to keep the humor in our writings. That old adage, "Laughter is the best medicine" definitely helped Karen and her family coped with her cancer. Of course, Karen's hearty laughter was somewhat limited as the cancer had attacked her lungs as well as many other parts of her anatomy. Being the "iron horse" that she is, she didn't let her limited lung capacity dampen her laughter especially at the infusion center, the doctor's office or in her home.
Well for the update, Karen is slowly improving. She is losing the "cue ball" look, as her hair is coming back on her head as well as the rest of her body. Which means, she'll have to start purchasing the necessary hair removal products again. Karen was hoping her hair growth wouldn't happen until the end of the year. Karen is back to riding her stationary bike and doing arm exercises on a daily basis. She still has the neuropathy in her hands, but it is slowly improving. Her fingernails, however, are not growing back as fast as her hair. Karen is scheduled for her next Xgeva shot on Friday (08/31) and will have her port cleaned as well as the necessary blood tests. She will see her oncologist on the following Wed. Hopefully, all will go well for her. In the meantime, Karen and the rest of her siblings are planning a 90th birthday celebration for their Mom, who will turn 90 in Sept.
Happy 90th Birthday, Mom. We all love you.
Now we can change the subject. Are there any lessons to be learned when someone you know and love is diagnosed with cancer? The answer is a resounding yes, but the hard part is figuring out what the lesson to be learned is. To start off with, when Karen received the news that she had Stage 4 breast cancer and underwent the different medical tests, she truly believed she had been hit by the imaginary "Mack truck." However, first and foremost, Karen found her inner peace and ability to cope with her diagnosis with her daily prayers to God and the tremendous support she received from family members and friends. Additionally, for those of you unsure what you can do initially for the individual who has cancer, the first priority on your list of helpful items should be prayers. With all the prayers said, Karen was able to carry this cross as well as other issues that came her way. Like they say, prayers are indeed powerful. In addition to prayers, Karen's mom related, "When dealing with a life changing event, besides prayers, a good night sleep is also necessary." Mom's words of wisdom are so true as tomorrow definitely brings a new and refreshing perspective to the various life's trials we have or will encounter. Thank you for reading this blog and may the good Lord bless you and your family today and tomorrow.
Tip of the blog: As one of my angelic friend, please share your beautiful smile with someone today.
As written in the previous blog of August 7, 2012, the authors of this blog will continue to update you about Karen's status and will include some helpful insights in dealing/coping/understanding the issues associated with cancer. We will also try to keep the humor in our writings. That old adage, "Laughter is the best medicine" definitely helped Karen and her family coped with her cancer. Of course, Karen's hearty laughter was somewhat limited as the cancer had attacked her lungs as well as many other parts of her anatomy. Being the "iron horse" that she is, she didn't let her limited lung capacity dampen her laughter especially at the infusion center, the doctor's office or in her home.
Well for the update, Karen is slowly improving. She is losing the "cue ball" look, as her hair is coming back on her head as well as the rest of her body. Which means, she'll have to start purchasing the necessary hair removal products again. Karen was hoping her hair growth wouldn't happen until the end of the year. Karen is back to riding her stationary bike and doing arm exercises on a daily basis. She still has the neuropathy in her hands, but it is slowly improving. Her fingernails, however, are not growing back as fast as her hair. Karen is scheduled for her next Xgeva shot on Friday (08/31) and will have her port cleaned as well as the necessary blood tests. She will see her oncologist on the following Wed. Hopefully, all will go well for her. In the meantime, Karen and the rest of her siblings are planning a 90th birthday celebration for their Mom, who will turn 90 in Sept.
Happy 90th Birthday, Mom. We all love you.
Now we can change the subject. Are there any lessons to be learned when someone you know and love is diagnosed with cancer? The answer is a resounding yes, but the hard part is figuring out what the lesson to be learned is. To start off with, when Karen received the news that she had Stage 4 breast cancer and underwent the different medical tests, she truly believed she had been hit by the imaginary "Mack truck." However, first and foremost, Karen found her inner peace and ability to cope with her diagnosis with her daily prayers to God and the tremendous support she received from family members and friends. Additionally, for those of you unsure what you can do initially for the individual who has cancer, the first priority on your list of helpful items should be prayers. With all the prayers said, Karen was able to carry this cross as well as other issues that came her way. Like they say, prayers are indeed powerful. In addition to prayers, Karen's mom related, "When dealing with a life changing event, besides prayers, a good night sleep is also necessary." Mom's words of wisdom are so true as tomorrow definitely brings a new and refreshing perspective to the various life's trials we have or will encounter. Thank you for reading this blog and may the good Lord bless you and your family today and tomorrow.
Tip of the blog: As one of my angelic friend, please share your beautiful smile with someone today.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Greetings to all of the readers/followers of Chippers Journey Blog,
Since the last posting, Karen has not heard anything from her oncologist regarding the PET scan on July 24. Fortunately, Karen is not fretting over the results of the latest PET scan. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot on Friday (08/03), her port cleaned and blood drawn. When Karen and her mom arrived at the infusion center on Aug. 3rd, it was standing room only in the waiting room. In all the months that Karen had been going to the infusion center, she had never seen it so busy. When the nurse (Julie) called for Karen she greeted Karen with a smile and remarked, "We have your sear ready for you." Karen was somewhat puzzled by this comment because when you walk into the infusion center the nurses generally ask the patient where they would like to sit and let you pick your seat. As Karen and her mom walked in, Julie pointed to the seat in the corner. For those of you that ever got in trouble at home or school and ultimately had to quietly sit in the corner, you probably understand the significance of sitting in the corner. Karen started to laughed and walked proudly to her seat. Over the months that Karen has been going to the infusion center, Karen has been labeled a "troublemaker" by the nursing staff because of her laughter and humor. Karen always has a funny story to share with the nurse(s). This particular day was no exception. Karen does, however, wait until the nurse has put the needle in her port before the stories began. When it came time for the Xgeva shot, Julie asked Karen what arm. Before Karen could respond one of the other nurses said, "Give it to her in her butt." Needless to say, the laughter began not only with the nurses, Karen and her mother, but also some of the patients receiving their chemo treatments. Karen finally chose to have the shot in her left arm. A little side note, Karen's blood results were well within the appropriate ranges making her day.
Over the past week, Karen and her mom have noticed that Karen is slowly losing her "cue ball" look. Please understand that Karen has never been upset about losing her hair because of the chemotherapy. However, Karen has read and been told that sometimes when the hair grows back, it could be a different color, more wavy, not straight, etc. Excited about a different look, Karen did pray to God asking for curly brown hair. So far it appears her prayers have been answered as the hair growing on her head is "white and straight (the mohawk look)." Never let it be said that God does not have a sense of humor. Most certainly, God must have been on vacation when Karen's hair request came in. Ha Ha Ha!!!
Karen is feeling better and is now riding her stationary bike and performing breathing and arm exercises on a daily basis. Karen is sill dealing with the neuropathy in her hands and the occasional pain in her lower back and ribcage.
Since Karen has completed her chemo and is scheduled for monthly shots and doctor visits, we are going to provide an update to the blog at least every two weeks on the same day. The next posting to this blog will probably be on Aug. 21. It is our hope in the future blogs to provide some helpful insights from the perspective of the patient, family member, caregiver, relative and/or friend while coping/dealing with the issues of cancer.
Tip of the blog: Today enjoy your life and give a hug to all your angelic friends.
Since the last posting, Karen has not heard anything from her oncologist regarding the PET scan on July 24. Fortunately, Karen is not fretting over the results of the latest PET scan. Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot on Friday (08/03), her port cleaned and blood drawn. When Karen and her mom arrived at the infusion center on Aug. 3rd, it was standing room only in the waiting room. In all the months that Karen had been going to the infusion center, she had never seen it so busy. When the nurse (Julie) called for Karen she greeted Karen with a smile and remarked, "We have your sear ready for you." Karen was somewhat puzzled by this comment because when you walk into the infusion center the nurses generally ask the patient where they would like to sit and let you pick your seat. As Karen and her mom walked in, Julie pointed to the seat in the corner. For those of you that ever got in trouble at home or school and ultimately had to quietly sit in the corner, you probably understand the significance of sitting in the corner. Karen started to laughed and walked proudly to her seat. Over the months that Karen has been going to the infusion center, Karen has been labeled a "troublemaker" by the nursing staff because of her laughter and humor. Karen always has a funny story to share with the nurse(s). This particular day was no exception. Karen does, however, wait until the nurse has put the needle in her port before the stories began. When it came time for the Xgeva shot, Julie asked Karen what arm. Before Karen could respond one of the other nurses said, "Give it to her in her butt." Needless to say, the laughter began not only with the nurses, Karen and her mother, but also some of the patients receiving their chemo treatments. Karen finally chose to have the shot in her left arm. A little side note, Karen's blood results were well within the appropriate ranges making her day.
Over the past week, Karen and her mom have noticed that Karen is slowly losing her "cue ball" look. Please understand that Karen has never been upset about losing her hair because of the chemotherapy. However, Karen has read and been told that sometimes when the hair grows back, it could be a different color, more wavy, not straight, etc. Excited about a different look, Karen did pray to God asking for curly brown hair. So far it appears her prayers have been answered as the hair growing on her head is "white and straight (the mohawk look)." Never let it be said that God does not have a sense of humor. Most certainly, God must have been on vacation when Karen's hair request came in. Ha Ha Ha!!!
Karen is feeling better and is now riding her stationary bike and performing breathing and arm exercises on a daily basis. Karen is sill dealing with the neuropathy in her hands and the occasional pain in her lower back and ribcage.
Since Karen has completed her chemo and is scheduled for monthly shots and doctor visits, we are going to provide an update to the blog at least every two weeks on the same day. The next posting to this blog will probably be on Aug. 21. It is our hope in the future blogs to provide some helpful insights from the perspective of the patient, family member, caregiver, relative and/or friend while coping/dealing with the issues of cancer.
Tip of the blog: Today enjoy your life and give a hug to all your angelic friends.
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