A big HELLO to family members, relatives, friends and other readers of this blog,
Well, Karen had her second PET scan last Tuesday (07/24). Unlike the first one, this scan did not take as long. When Karen advised the nurse that the first scan took at least 45 minutes, the nurse told Karen it would only take 15 to 20 minutes. Because Karen already had a PET scan done making her an expert on the scanning procedures, Karen reiterated her concern about the time frame. Lo and behold, this scan only took about 20 minutes. When completed the nurse commented to Karen that indeed Karen was a tall woman. As of this writing, Karen has not heard from her oncologist regarding the results (readings). Although Karen was sitting on "pins and needles" regarding the outcome, she has chosen not to worry about it anymore. No news might indeed be "good news."
Karen did see her oncologist on Wednesday (07/18). As most of you know, prior to the doctor seeing you, the nursing staff generally perform certain functions such as taking your BP, pulse rate, etc. As usual, Karen was weighed and walked back to exam room to have her BP taken. Now the nurses are terrific people and oftentimes very serious. When Karen sat down in the chair to have her BP taken, the nurse put the BP cup on Karen's left arm and remarked to Karen, "Is this the right?" Thinking that she was being intellectually and mentally challenged, Karen told the nurse, "No, that's my left arm." Following Karen's comments, the nurse, and Karen and her mom all began to laugh. Unfortunately for Karen her BP was being taken while all were laughing. Karen's BP was slightly elevated. Oh well, the nurse left the room still laughing as Karen and her mom were still laughing when the doctor came in. Upon leaving, the nurse told Karen that she indeed was funny and had made her day. At the conclusion of the doctor's visit, Karen was now placed on a hormonal pill regime.
When Karen finally picked up her new prescription (hormonal pill) two days after her doctor's visit, you guessed it, she was required to have a consultation with the pharmacist. Now, this pill is a 1 mg tablet and the pharmacist informed Karen that it is prescribed to women only who have breast cancer. (Sorry guys it is not for men). The two items the pharmacist discussed with Karen were the likelihood of experiencing "hot flashes" again and the time duration of taking this medication (5 years). Karen asked the pharmacist if she could tell the difference between a hot flash versus the triple digit weather the area was currently having. The pharmacist just laughed. Anyhow, Karen read more about the medication and discovered that the side effects (which according to the clinical studies affected only 5 to 10% of women taking it) were equal to or worse than the chemotherapy treatment Karen had received. Oh well, Karen is waiting for the hot flashes to occur. Yes, Karen has talked to other females regarding the signs/symptoms of a hot flash. One item specifically reiterated by those women who have had hot flashes was taking all of their clothes off and standing in front of a fan to cool off and/or down. Karen assumed that this stripping maneuver occurred in the privacy of their homes. Ha, ha, ha.
Even though Karen had her last infusion in June, Karen is experiencing the healing process or as she puts it, going through chemo withdrawal. Her days are usually upbeat and Karen is slowly getting back to her exercise routine (riding her stationary bike, etc.). Karen is learning to deal with some of her limitations (neuropathy in her hands, the pain in her ribcage, etc). Karen and her mom have begun to resume some of their routines together (grocery shopping, banking, etc).
Anyhow, thank you to everybody who has kept Karen and her family in your thoughts and prayers while reading this blog. Without the prayers and positive thoughts, the journey would have been more difficult for Karen and her family.
Tip of this blog: Life's journey may be long and arduous but you'll never walk alone when you believe in your angelic friends.,
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Hello one and all,
As you know, Marghi, the wonderful caregiver, returned home on July 1, 2012. Karen and Mom are doing okay and getting out to do grocery shopping and other chores around the house. They are living one day at a time. During the first week of July, Marghi had to learn a new computer system at her place of employment (40 hours). Like she said, it's hard to teach "an old horse" new tricks. However, at the conclusion of the class, she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ironically, last Thursday, (07/05) Karen was scheduled to renew hew driver's license at the local DMV office. Karen drove mom and herself to DMV and stood in line to be told she was to early for her scheduled appointment. The clerk told Karen to come back and stand in line at 9:15 AM. Karen went back and stood in line at 9:15AM for her 9:20 AM appointment. Unfortunately, the clerk was dealing with an elderly gentleman for over 20 minutes and the waiting line continue to grow longer. Eventually, another clerk came up and called out Karen's last name. When Karen answered up, the people in line of ahead of Karen were upset, but the clerk handling the appointment line nodded that it was okay for Karen to leave the line and proceed to the other clerk's window. Karen provided the necessary documentation and paid the appropriate fees to the clerk and past the vision test. Karen was instructed to proceed to another window for her new photo. Fortunately, Karen was not required to take the written examination even though she had studied the driver's handbook for weeks. Karen's driver's license photograph shows her wearing her wig. The clerk would not allow the picture be taken with the hat on. Karen and mom were delighted that this milestone had been completed.
Since the last chemo session on Thursday, (June 14), Karen still goes in on a weekly basis to the
infusion lab for either shots and/or labs. Karen's blood counts continue to improve. She is scheduled for blood tests this Friday (7/13), Additionally, the medical staff is working with Karen's insurance provider to acquire approval for another PET scan. Karen's doctor would like this to be performed before their next scheduled visit (07/18). Although the nursing staff has told me that that lab tests are important, they really have Karen come in to brighten up their day. On the last visit (07/06), the nurse, Jill, called Karen in and before the two entered into the infusion room, the laughter had begun. As Karen sat down in one of the chair with her mom in chair next to her, Jill commented that she is delighted to see Karen and her mom. Hugs was given. However, the laughter continued as one of the other nurse, Kathy, chimed in about her new duty of caring for the bouquet of flowers which had been given to them two weeks ago by Karen and other family members. Karen jokingly said to Kathy that her"green thumb" and watering the "artificial flowers" are doing the trick. Both Jill and Kathy related that they have received so many compliments from other patients about the flowers. As the laughter continued on, Karen noticed out of the corner her left eye, the Head Nurse was giving the look, so Karen immediately toned down the laughter. Karen put her hands over her mouth, but Kathy and Jill kept egging Karen on. The only good part about the infusion room is there were only four women in there receiving shots and/or infusion. There were more nurses there than patients.
Karen will keep us updated with regards to her upcoming PET scan. She is still suffering with neuropathy in both of her hands and she is losing some parts of her fingernails. This condition makes it hard for her to open simple items like a plastic bag, buttoning her blouses, etc. With time it will eventually diminished. Karen, however, will not be modeling for any well known jewelry companies. Marghi refers to Karen's right fingers as "snausages." Ha, ha, ha!!!! Karen has taken up riding her stationary bike for about 8 to 10 minutes (approx. 3 miles per days) over the last two weeks. She is slowly getting back to her exercise routine,
For all the readers and family members, Karen and Mom are very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers. It most certainly has made a portion of this journey easier to travel. Thank you and love to each and everyone of you. We will keep you in our prayers also.
P.S. We stand as tall as angels when we kneel to help a friend
As you know, Marghi, the wonderful caregiver, returned home on July 1, 2012. Karen and Mom are doing okay and getting out to do grocery shopping and other chores around the house. They are living one day at a time. During the first week of July, Marghi had to learn a new computer system at her place of employment (40 hours). Like she said, it's hard to teach "an old horse" new tricks. However, at the conclusion of the class, she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ironically, last Thursday, (07/05) Karen was scheduled to renew hew driver's license at the local DMV office. Karen drove mom and herself to DMV and stood in line to be told she was to early for her scheduled appointment. The clerk told Karen to come back and stand in line at 9:15 AM. Karen went back and stood in line at 9:15AM for her 9:20 AM appointment. Unfortunately, the clerk was dealing with an elderly gentleman for over 20 minutes and the waiting line continue to grow longer. Eventually, another clerk came up and called out Karen's last name. When Karen answered up, the people in line of ahead of Karen were upset, but the clerk handling the appointment line nodded that it was okay for Karen to leave the line and proceed to the other clerk's window. Karen provided the necessary documentation and paid the appropriate fees to the clerk and past the vision test. Karen was instructed to proceed to another window for her new photo. Fortunately, Karen was not required to take the written examination even though she had studied the driver's handbook for weeks. Karen's driver's license photograph shows her wearing her wig. The clerk would not allow the picture be taken with the hat on. Karen and mom were delighted that this milestone had been completed.
Since the last chemo session on Thursday, (June 14), Karen still goes in on a weekly basis to the
infusion lab for either shots and/or labs. Karen's blood counts continue to improve. She is scheduled for blood tests this Friday (7/13), Additionally, the medical staff is working with Karen's insurance provider to acquire approval for another PET scan. Karen's doctor would like this to be performed before their next scheduled visit (07/18). Although the nursing staff has told me that that lab tests are important, they really have Karen come in to brighten up their day. On the last visit (07/06), the nurse, Jill, called Karen in and before the two entered into the infusion room, the laughter had begun. As Karen sat down in one of the chair with her mom in chair next to her, Jill commented that she is delighted to see Karen and her mom. Hugs was given. However, the laughter continued as one of the other nurse, Kathy, chimed in about her new duty of caring for the bouquet of flowers which had been given to them two weeks ago by Karen and other family members. Karen jokingly said to Kathy that her"green thumb" and watering the "artificial flowers" are doing the trick. Both Jill and Kathy related that they have received so many compliments from other patients about the flowers. As the laughter continued on, Karen noticed out of the corner her left eye, the Head Nurse was giving the look, so Karen immediately toned down the laughter. Karen put her hands over her mouth, but Kathy and Jill kept egging Karen on. The only good part about the infusion room is there were only four women in there receiving shots and/or infusion. There were more nurses there than patients.
Karen will keep us updated with regards to her upcoming PET scan. She is still suffering with neuropathy in both of her hands and she is losing some parts of her fingernails. This condition makes it hard for her to open simple items like a plastic bag, buttoning her blouses, etc. With time it will eventually diminished. Karen, however, will not be modeling for any well known jewelry companies. Marghi refers to Karen's right fingers as "snausages." Ha, ha, ha!!!! Karen has taken up riding her stationary bike for about 8 to 10 minutes (approx. 3 miles per days) over the last two weeks. She is slowly getting back to her exercise routine,
For all the readers and family members, Karen and Mom are very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers. It most certainly has made a portion of this journey easier to travel. Thank you and love to each and everyone of you. We will keep you in our prayers also.
P.S. We stand as tall as angels when we kneel to help a friend
Friday, June 22, 2012
Hi readers,
Karen went through her usual tiredness and soreness from the last round of chemo and shots. By Tuesday (06/19) this week she was feeling pretty good, so she decided to take a small token of her appreciation to the outstanding staff at the doctor's office and chemo infusion center. Over the past two weeks Karen voiced her visions of a very special thank gift and Marghi put them into reality. Marghi made two huge bouquets of artificial flower arrangements, and placed hand-made individual thank you cards to each staff member throughout the bouquets. The staff at both offices were overcome with Karen 's thoughtfulness. Karen also gave the infusion center Red Vines, Jolly Ranchers, Werthers, and a Hershey's variety packs to refill the jars of candy. During the chemo sessions "dry mouth" is one of the side effects, and a piece of candy seems to do the trick to get the saliva juices flowing.
On Thursday (06/21), Karen went to the chemo center for her weekly lab work. Glad to say all of her blood numbers were where they need to be, so she was able to dodge the shots that keep them in line. The on-duty staff were still reeling about the delightful gift Karen had given each of them on Tuesday. They all came over to give hugs to Karen, Mom and Marghi. They were so appreciative. The bouquet of flowers was proudly displayed on the counter-top, and the pink thank-you ribbon had been displayed on the wall by the clock.
Karen ventured out this morning (Fri 06/22) and drove her truck to the bank and to the gas station. She did great. While no long trips are planned for anytime within the year, I can only say "Look out world, little by little she is transforming into her old self." LOL :o)
Karen is still coping with the neuropathy in her hands and the extreme pain in her fingernails however, the complaints are few and far between.
Marghi is planning to go home and back to work the first part of July. Hope to have the NoCal household back to some kind of normalcy before then. Marghi is willing to stay or return if the situation dictates.
Your support, thoughts, and prayers over the past five months have had remarkable results. Thank you all! :o)
Karen went through her usual tiredness and soreness from the last round of chemo and shots. By Tuesday (06/19) this week she was feeling pretty good, so she decided to take a small token of her appreciation to the outstanding staff at the doctor's office and chemo infusion center. Over the past two weeks Karen voiced her visions of a very special thank gift and Marghi put them into reality. Marghi made two huge bouquets of artificial flower arrangements, and placed hand-made individual thank you cards to each staff member throughout the bouquets. The staff at both offices were overcome with Karen 's thoughtfulness. Karen also gave the infusion center Red Vines, Jolly Ranchers, Werthers, and a Hershey's variety packs to refill the jars of candy. During the chemo sessions "dry mouth" is one of the side effects, and a piece of candy seems to do the trick to get the saliva juices flowing.
On Thursday (06/21), Karen went to the chemo center for her weekly lab work. Glad to say all of her blood numbers were where they need to be, so she was able to dodge the shots that keep them in line. The on-duty staff were still reeling about the delightful gift Karen had given each of them on Tuesday. They all came over to give hugs to Karen, Mom and Marghi. They were so appreciative. The bouquet of flowers was proudly displayed on the counter-top, and the pink thank-you ribbon had been displayed on the wall by the clock.
Karen ventured out this morning (Fri 06/22) and drove her truck to the bank and to the gas station. She did great. While no long trips are planned for anytime within the year, I can only say "Look out world, little by little she is transforming into her old self." LOL :o)
Karen is still coping with the neuropathy in her hands and the extreme pain in her fingernails however, the complaints are few and far between.
Marghi is planning to go home and back to work the first part of July. Hope to have the NoCal household back to some kind of normalcy before then. Marghi is willing to stay or return if the situation dictates.
Your support, thoughts, and prayers over the past five months have had remarkable results. Thank you all! :o)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Helloooooooooooooooooo readers,
Well since the last time we blogged Karen has reached some milestones. Karen saw the doctor on Tuesday and he reiterated that Karen is doing remarkably well despite the aggressive chemo she has endured over the past 16 weeks, her weight has pretty much remained the same for the past month. He is just amazed. While at the doctor's office one of the chemo nurses came in with her husband, suspecting he had cancer. On Thursday (06/14) Karen completed her last round of chemotherapy. We found out at that time the nurse's husband did not have cancer. We were so thankful to God for their good news. After Karen's chemo infusion, the nurses struck up the party favors, with a tambourine, noise makers, bubbles and applause, and presented Karen with a certificate of chemo completion. See the attached picture.
Prior to the chemo, the nurses perform routine blood test, and all of Karen's numbers were "A okay."
It was a slow day at the infusion center, as management is trying to give the nurses an extra day off. As the nurse relayed it to us, she stated, "we are trying to DISPOSE of our patients on Thursday, so more of us can have the day off." Karen was unsure what was meant by this statement, and was glad to get out of there alive.
She went on Friday for hopefully her last Neulasta shot, the one that keeps her white blood count up.
She has to go through some more blood tests over the next two weeks, just to make sure her blood numbers are good and holding, and to check the cancer markers. After that it, if all stays well, it will be a monthly blood test, bone enhancing shots, and the clearing of her infusion port. She will have an entire body PET scan sometime within the next four weeks comparing the tumors prior to and after the chemo. We are praying for the best.
After partying at the infusion center, there is no holding her back. Karen is ready to P A R T Y. LOL :o) Yeah right!
Thanks for reading and your support. May God bless you! :o)
Well since the last time we blogged Karen has reached some milestones. Karen saw the doctor on Tuesday and he reiterated that Karen is doing remarkably well despite the aggressive chemo she has endured over the past 16 weeks, her weight has pretty much remained the same for the past month. He is just amazed. While at the doctor's office one of the chemo nurses came in with her husband, suspecting he had cancer. On Thursday (06/14) Karen completed her last round of chemotherapy. We found out at that time the nurse's husband did not have cancer. We were so thankful to God for their good news. After Karen's chemo infusion, the nurses struck up the party favors, with a tambourine, noise makers, bubbles and applause, and presented Karen with a certificate of chemo completion. See the attached picture.
Prior to the chemo, the nurses perform routine blood test, and all of Karen's numbers were "A okay."
It was a slow day at the infusion center, as management is trying to give the nurses an extra day off. As the nurse relayed it to us, she stated, "we are trying to DISPOSE of our patients on Thursday, so more of us can have the day off." Karen was unsure what was meant by this statement, and was glad to get out of there alive.
She went on Friday for hopefully her last Neulasta shot, the one that keeps her white blood count up.
She has to go through some more blood tests over the next two weeks, just to make sure her blood numbers are good and holding, and to check the cancer markers. After that it, if all stays well, it will be a monthly blood test, bone enhancing shots, and the clearing of her infusion port. She will have an entire body PET scan sometime within the next four weeks comparing the tumors prior to and after the chemo. We are praying for the best.
After partying at the infusion center, there is no holding her back. Karen is ready to P A R T Y. LOL :o) Yeah right!
Thanks for reading and your support. May God bless you! :o)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Helloooooo out there......
May was a very busy month filled with Mother's Day, visitors from Oklahoma, and oh yes the chemotherapy sessions and doctor's appointments. We had a nice Mother's Day for mom by pampering her all day with gifts and food, and receiving calls from all her kids. Teresa (sis) and Kevin came that day to visit. Marghi was able to go home and celebrate the day with her husband and her sons. Anne (sis) took on the responsibilities of the Bradford household for Mother's Day weekend. Louis (bro) took on the Bradford household responsibilities the following weekend 05/18-05/20, so Marghi could go with Dave and family to the annual BofA Bowling Tournament in Reno. Louis thoroughly enjoyed staying with mom and Karen.
At the latest doctor's visit on Tuesday 05/29 the doctor informed Karen that her cancer markers, were way over 300 when she was first diagnosed, the April test checking for markers was 140. This is Great news!!!!!!!! The doctor stated Karen is doing remarkably well. He is inspired by Karen, her determination, her attitude and mental outlook, and the fact the she has attacked the situation and the pain with just a little Tylenol, now and then.
Chemo sessions went well this month. Karen has braved through them and knows exactly what the reactions will be and when they will set in. This second round of chemo has not been as rough on her appetite as the first round. She is, however, experiencing neuropathy in the tips of her fingers as well as the browning of the fingernails. Typical side effects for Taxol. Karen has stayed true to form, she gets herself and sometimes the nurses in trouble with her levity and gut wrenching laughter. In fact this past Wednesday, the nurse told Karen she had passed the test, referring to her blood numbers. Later Karen and Marghi were talking about the blood test results and Karen said, "at least she (the nurse) didn't say I passed gas." Some other nurses overheard this and they just started to laugh.
Marghi is so grateful she is able to be with Karen through all of the chemo sessions. It is heart breaking to see how many folks come by themselves, or are dropped off. This past Wednesday, we met a lady who was 88 years old, she had surgery a week ago, was receiving radiation every day, and was getting her first chemo treatment on Wed. No one there with her while the nurses tried several times to get an infusion line started, final after an hour they did, then premeds started. Her daughter stopped by for a short minute, then left. This poor little lady, was hungry, didn't know the ropes, really had to use the bathroom, and there was no one with her to be her advocate. When she finished chemo (4 hours later) we offered her a granola bar and a bottled water to tide her over. The little lady stated Karen was very "cheerful." (Little does that lady know LOL) She thanked us for lunch and stated we should do it again. She made several calls to her daughter to be picked up, but never got through. When we left she was sitting in the lobby of the medical center, still trying to reach her daughter by telephone. It was truly heartbreaking.
AS PROMISED HERE IS THE PIX OF KAREN WITH HER NEW HAIR. LOOKS GREAT
Thanks to everyone for reading the blog and most definitely for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. They truly are very important to us. :o)
May was a very busy month filled with Mother's Day, visitors from Oklahoma, and oh yes the chemotherapy sessions and doctor's appointments. We had a nice Mother's Day for mom by pampering her all day with gifts and food, and receiving calls from all her kids. Teresa (sis) and Kevin came that day to visit. Marghi was able to go home and celebrate the day with her husband and her sons. Anne (sis) took on the responsibilities of the Bradford household for Mother's Day weekend. Louis (bro) took on the Bradford household responsibilities the following weekend 05/18-05/20, so Marghi could go with Dave and family to the annual BofA Bowling Tournament in Reno. Louis thoroughly enjoyed staying with mom and Karen.
At the latest doctor's visit on Tuesday 05/29 the doctor informed Karen that her cancer markers, were way over 300 when she was first diagnosed, the April test checking for markers was 140. This is Great news!!!!!!!! The doctor stated Karen is doing remarkably well. He is inspired by Karen, her determination, her attitude and mental outlook, and the fact the she has attacked the situation and the pain with just a little Tylenol, now and then.
Chemo sessions went well this month. Karen has braved through them and knows exactly what the reactions will be and when they will set in. This second round of chemo has not been as rough on her appetite as the first round. She is, however, experiencing neuropathy in the tips of her fingers as well as the browning of the fingernails. Typical side effects for Taxol. Karen has stayed true to form, she gets herself and sometimes the nurses in trouble with her levity and gut wrenching laughter. In fact this past Wednesday, the nurse told Karen she had passed the test, referring to her blood numbers. Later Karen and Marghi were talking about the blood test results and Karen said, "at least she (the nurse) didn't say I passed gas." Some other nurses overheard this and they just started to laugh.
Marghi is so grateful she is able to be with Karen through all of the chemo sessions. It is heart breaking to see how many folks come by themselves, or are dropped off. This past Wednesday, we met a lady who was 88 years old, she had surgery a week ago, was receiving radiation every day, and was getting her first chemo treatment on Wed. No one there with her while the nurses tried several times to get an infusion line started, final after an hour they did, then premeds started. Her daughter stopped by for a short minute, then left. This poor little lady, was hungry, didn't know the ropes, really had to use the bathroom, and there was no one with her to be her advocate. When she finished chemo (4 hours later) we offered her a granola bar and a bottled water to tide her over. The little lady stated Karen was very "cheerful." (Little does that lady know LOL) She thanked us for lunch and stated we should do it again. She made several calls to her daughter to be picked up, but never got through. When we left she was sitting in the lobby of the medical center, still trying to reach her daughter by telephone. It was truly heartbreaking.
AS PROMISED HERE IS THE PIX OF KAREN WITH HER NEW HAIR. LOOKS GREAT
Thanks to everyone for reading the blog and most definitely for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. They truly are very important to us. :o)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Greetings:
Karen went to the doctor on Monday and got the okay to continue with her Taxol chemo treatments. She had her second Taxol infusion on Tuesday, which took about 3-1/2 hours. Karen faired well. No immediate reactions to the Taxol. Karen went today for her Neulasta shot which assist with keeping her blood numbers up where they need to be. Lately her numbers have been in the appropriate ranges. While at the infusion center, one of the nurses again reminded Karen to keep the laughter down, this time however she was sitting in the waiting room, minding her own business. Karen checked for the "NO LEVITY OR LAUGHTER" signs to no avail. What gives???? After the shot we went and picked up the wig at Wigs R You. It is a brown short cut do, looks very becoming and sassy. The sales lady there must have been been on something, she stated, " Karen you are such a delightful person." Karen was as shocked as I was, she had never been complimented with those descriptive words before. LOL She pegged my right, she gave me an angel pin, don't know if she thought I was an angel, or it is something for me to emulate. LOL Mom was surprised when Karen walked in the door, but Mom gave her approval saying "she looks so young with it on." Somehow I will get a pic on the blog.
Thanks for following. Love to all. :o)
Karen went to the doctor on Monday and got the okay to continue with her Taxol chemo treatments. She had her second Taxol infusion on Tuesday, which took about 3-1/2 hours. Karen faired well. No immediate reactions to the Taxol. Karen went today for her Neulasta shot which assist with keeping her blood numbers up where they need to be. Lately her numbers have been in the appropriate ranges. While at the infusion center, one of the nurses again reminded Karen to keep the laughter down, this time however she was sitting in the waiting room, minding her own business. Karen checked for the "NO LEVITY OR LAUGHTER" signs to no avail. What gives???? After the shot we went and picked up the wig at Wigs R You. It is a brown short cut do, looks very becoming and sassy. The sales lady there must have been been on something, she stated, " Karen you are such a delightful person." Karen was as shocked as I was, she had never been complimented with those descriptive words before. LOL She pegged my right, she gave me an angel pin, don't know if she thought I was an angel, or it is something for me to emulate. LOL Mom was surprised when Karen walked in the door, but Mom gave her approval saying "she looks so young with it on." Somehow I will get a pic on the blog.
Thanks for following. Love to all. :o)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Hi all,
The past few days were very hard for Karen, she has been extremely tired, and aches all over. The Taxol chemotherapy causes arthralgia and myalgia symptoms. Karen immediately experienced neuropathy in her fingers. She describes it as having jammed her thumb nails, ouch!, yes very painful.
:-(
Due to feeling poorly Karen did not want to keep her appointment for the wig, however she was convinced to go to the wig shop on Friday and had a great time. Ann at Wigs R You in Roseville was so helpful and comforting to Karen. Karen tried on at least 5 wigs of varying styles and colors, decided on one, ordered it and will have it by next week. Yes, a picture will be posted.
Karen went to the infusion/lab center today to have blood work done and get an Xgeva shot. Karen numbers are off the chart in a good way which is absolutely great news. The wonderful nurses at the infusion/lab center are always so happy to see Karen, as they really enjoy Karen's attitude about her situation and the tall tales she tells.
By the way, we talked with nurse Jill about the thermometers as mentioned in the previous post, she just laughed at us. It prompted her to tell us a funny story when she was on vacation in Pennsylvania visiting her husband's family. In a rush to get ready to visit her brother-in-law, she grabbed a tube put it on her toothbrush and began to brush her teeth. She stated the toothpaste tasted funny and her mouth was foaming like heck. She kept spitting out the foam but it just kept getting worse and worse. She checked the tube of toothpaste, only to discover she had grabbed the Preparation H. She went over to her brother-in-laws, and every so often she had to excuse herself to go to the restroom and rinse the foam out of her mouth caused from drinking fluids and saliva. As Jill put it, needless to say "her mouth swelling and oral hemorrhoids were in check." LOL
Thanks for the cards, letters and calls, we are blessed with all of your thoughts and well wishes. We pray and thank God everyday for the fantastic support of family and friends. :o)
The past few days were very hard for Karen, she has been extremely tired, and aches all over. The Taxol chemotherapy causes arthralgia and myalgia symptoms. Karen immediately experienced neuropathy in her fingers. She describes it as having jammed her thumb nails, ouch!, yes very painful.
:-(
Due to feeling poorly Karen did not want to keep her appointment for the wig, however she was convinced to go to the wig shop on Friday and had a great time. Ann at Wigs R You in Roseville was so helpful and comforting to Karen. Karen tried on at least 5 wigs of varying styles and colors, decided on one, ordered it and will have it by next week. Yes, a picture will be posted.
Karen went to the infusion/lab center today to have blood work done and get an Xgeva shot. Karen numbers are off the chart in a good way which is absolutely great news. The wonderful nurses at the infusion/lab center are always so happy to see Karen, as they really enjoy Karen's attitude about her situation and the tall tales she tells.
By the way, we talked with nurse Jill about the thermometers as mentioned in the previous post, she just laughed at us. It prompted her to tell us a funny story when she was on vacation in Pennsylvania visiting her husband's family. In a rush to get ready to visit her brother-in-law, she grabbed a tube put it on her toothbrush and began to brush her teeth. She stated the toothpaste tasted funny and her mouth was foaming like heck. She kept spitting out the foam but it just kept getting worse and worse. She checked the tube of toothpaste, only to discover she had grabbed the Preparation H. She went over to her brother-in-laws, and every so often she had to excuse herself to go to the restroom and rinse the foam out of her mouth caused from drinking fluids and saliva. As Jill put it, needless to say "her mouth swelling and oral hemorrhoids were in check." LOL
Thanks for the cards, letters and calls, we are blessed with all of your thoughts and well wishes. We pray and thank God everyday for the fantastic support of family and friends. :o)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)