Liz writes:
"This week was my third chemo. It went better than the last one...the new medicine (Ativan) kept the nausea at bay. I've been tired and a bit queasy as usual, but nothing major. One more treatment to go with these two chemo drugs, then I switch to a third one for the final four treatments; the side effects will probably be different with that drug.
We have been treated to some really scrumptious meals this week! Thank you so much to Monica, Missy, Kara, Sara, and Marilee (and hope I'm not forgetting anyone??). We are so grateful!
Today I attended my monthly support group for moms with breast cancer. It is so helpful to get together and talk with them, and hear others' experiences. I'm so thankful for the group, run by Kerstin Perinni at VA Hospital Center. Thanks to mom for watching the kids so I could go!
And a huge thank you to my husband and kids, who have been so helpful to me, and have been an endless source of comfort, distraction, and joy.
Love you all,
Liz"
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Preparing for Chemo #3
Liz writes:
This week was pretty quiet. I saw the nurse practitioner at my visit on Monday...I alternate seeing her with the oncologist. They checked my blood levels (low white cells as expected), and did an exam of the lump (feels softer). She prescribed a new medication for nausea...so hopefully this time I won't get so sick. I've been feeling pretty good this week...some fatigue, but that is being caused by a wakeful baby more than the chemo! I'm heading into chemo #3 this coming Tuesday.
This week we celebrated Emma's 21st birthday! We also attended the DC St. Patrick's Day parade (Lily danced in it with her Irish dance school), visited with friends, spent lots of time outside, and had a normal week of school and activities. Emma is now back at VCU...miss her already.
A huge thanks to Scott and Mary for the use of their laptop! It came in the nick of time...my computer got a virus and bit the dust. The laptop is so much easier, and will be especially nice after surgery when I most likely won't feel like going down to the basement office.
And another huge thanks to everyone who has been pumping milk for Griffin--Denise, Theresa, Lorelei and other wonderful mamas. We have a great supply in our freezer which will last for a while...so we're good for now...but if anyone already has some pumped and ready, we would definitely love to pick it up. I lost some emails when my computer died...so if anyone has been waiting for me to get back to them about milk, please email me at lizhbmom4@comcast.net.
I really appreciate all the phone calls and emails from people, checking to see how I am...it helps a lot to know you are keeping me in your thoughts.
Love you all,
Liz
This week was pretty quiet. I saw the nurse practitioner at my visit on Monday...I alternate seeing her with the oncologist. They checked my blood levels (low white cells as expected), and did an exam of the lump (feels softer). She prescribed a new medication for nausea...so hopefully this time I won't get so sick. I've been feeling pretty good this week...some fatigue, but that is being caused by a wakeful baby more than the chemo! I'm heading into chemo #3 this coming Tuesday.
This week we celebrated Emma's 21st birthday! We also attended the DC St. Patrick's Day parade (Lily danced in it with her Irish dance school), visited with friends, spent lots of time outside, and had a normal week of school and activities. Emma is now back at VCU...miss her already.
A huge thanks to Scott and Mary for the use of their laptop! It came in the nick of time...my computer got a virus and bit the dust. The laptop is so much easier, and will be especially nice after surgery when I most likely won't feel like going down to the basement office.
And another huge thanks to everyone who has been pumping milk for Griffin--Denise, Theresa, Lorelei and other wonderful mamas. We have a great supply in our freezer which will last for a while...so we're good for now...but if anyone already has some pumped and ready, we would definitely love to pick it up. I lost some emails when my computer died...so if anyone has been waiting for me to get back to them about milk, please email me at lizhbmom4@comcast.net.
I really appreciate all the phone calls and emails from people, checking to see how I am...it helps a lot to know you are keeping me in your thoughts.
Love you all,
Liz
Monday, March 14, 2011
Update on Second Chemo
Liz writes:
"This week I saw the oncologist on Monday, where my blood work looked good, the pancreas thing was 'tabled' for now because it doesn't seem like much of an issue at this point, and she said the lumps are already feeling like they are changing....all good news.
Tuesday was chemo #2. My brother Paul was with me, and we passed the time by watching Northern Exposure reruns. This one hit me harder than the first time, and I got pretty sick that night with nausea and vomiting. But the rest of the week has been better, with just very mild side effects and not too much fatigue yet. My hair started falling out in handfuls...so this morning my mother shaved it off...better to get rid of it all at once, as it is messy to keep losing it all over the place. I'm now trying out some of my new hats and getting used to the chilly feeling on my scalp.
Our family is doing well, despite the youngest three having colds. Emma is home for spring break (including her 21st b-day coming up on St. Patty's day!), and it is really nice to have her company and help. The kids took my head-shaving in stride, and have been enjoying wearing my wig and hats.
Thank you to everyone who came to help me this week! Paul, Mom, Sara, Michelle, and Lisa D...your company and help made chemo week pass much more easily. And a huge thank you for all the yummy and nutritious meals--Kathy and Topher, Arlene, Maya, Sara, Rashne, Janet, and Lisa L, you have kept us well-fed this week! I also want to thank everyone for all the positive thoughts and prayers...and a big thank you to my fund-raising-idea-goddess, Tammi! I am overwhelmed continually with the generosity and caring we have been showered with.
Love you all,
Liz"
"This week I saw the oncologist on Monday, where my blood work looked good, the pancreas thing was 'tabled' for now because it doesn't seem like much of an issue at this point, and she said the lumps are already feeling like they are changing....all good news.
Tuesday was chemo #2. My brother Paul was with me, and we passed the time by watching Northern Exposure reruns. This one hit me harder than the first time, and I got pretty sick that night with nausea and vomiting. But the rest of the week has been better, with just very mild side effects and not too much fatigue yet. My hair started falling out in handfuls...so this morning my mother shaved it off...better to get rid of it all at once, as it is messy to keep losing it all over the place. I'm now trying out some of my new hats and getting used to the chilly feeling on my scalp.
Our family is doing well, despite the youngest three having colds. Emma is home for spring break (including her 21st b-day coming up on St. Patty's day!), and it is really nice to have her company and help. The kids took my head-shaving in stride, and have been enjoying wearing my wig and hats.
Thank you to everyone who came to help me this week! Paul, Mom, Sara, Michelle, and Lisa D...your company and help made chemo week pass much more easily. And a huge thank you for all the yummy and nutritious meals--Kathy and Topher, Arlene, Maya, Sara, Rashne, Janet, and Lisa L, you have kept us well-fed this week! I also want to thank everyone for all the positive thoughts and prayers...and a big thank you to my fund-raising-idea-goddess, Tammi! I am overwhelmed continually with the generosity and caring we have been showered with.
Love you all,
Liz"
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Update: approaching second chemo
Liz writes:
"This week was my 'off' week, and generally I have been feeling pretty normal. My white blood cell count is supposed to dip down during the off weeks, but so far no sign of any problems. I had the MRI to check on the pancreas thing, and the report came back a benign cyst. I am still supposed to follow up with a specialist...so will be doing that soon. I will see the oncologist on Monday, and then chemo #2 on Tuesday.
My mother and I visited the American Cancer Society in Vienna, and I received a free wig...I chose a long dark brown glamorous one, it's a Jessica Simpson brand...very fancy. Lily wore it to school on crazy hair day! I'm not sure I'll actually wear it, but maybe it will come in handy for special occasions. I also got a beautiful home-made bag and pillow to take to chemo, as well as lots of informational booklets.
I've been feeling lots of ups and downs emotionally this week...probably due to how the sudden weaning has effected my hormones. Not being able to nurse Griffin is still so hard for me. He is doing remarkably well with the change, but there are times when nothing comforts him...and I know nursing would have.
I would like to give a huge thank-you for the wonderful meals we received this week. Thank you Arlene, Kimberley, Alexa, Lisa A. and Lisa L.! Everything was delicious, healthy, and made our life so much easier. We are very grateful.
Love you all,
Liz"
"This week was my 'off' week, and generally I have been feeling pretty normal. My white blood cell count is supposed to dip down during the off weeks, but so far no sign of any problems. I had the MRI to check on the pancreas thing, and the report came back a benign cyst. I am still supposed to follow up with a specialist...so will be doing that soon. I will see the oncologist on Monday, and then chemo #2 on Tuesday.
My mother and I visited the American Cancer Society in Vienna, and I received a free wig...I chose a long dark brown glamorous one, it's a Jessica Simpson brand...very fancy. Lily wore it to school on crazy hair day! I'm not sure I'll actually wear it, but maybe it will come in handy for special occasions. I also got a beautiful home-made bag and pillow to take to chemo, as well as lots of informational booklets.
I've been feeling lots of ups and downs emotionally this week...probably due to how the sudden weaning has effected my hormones. Not being able to nurse Griffin is still so hard for me. He is doing remarkably well with the change, but there are times when nothing comforts him...and I know nursing would have.
I would like to give a huge thank-you for the wonderful meals we received this week. Thank you Arlene, Kimberley, Alexa, Lisa A. and Lisa L.! Everything was delicious, healthy, and made our life so much easier. We are very grateful.
Love you all,
Liz"
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