12/22/11 Appointment

My xray came back with great results.  The fluid is no longer under my lungs and everything is back to normal.  That means the diuretic the doctor put me on is doing it's job.  I am elated this is working.  So much better than having a needle stuck in my back again to drain the lungs.   The doctor has decreased my diuretic to every other day for 2 weeks and then I will have another xray to see if everything is normal.  He would like to have me off the diuretics in the next month if possible, but he will monitor the fluid and make a decision from that.   All I know is I feel great and I hope this chemo side effect goes away very soon.

My hair has started to grow back also, it's getting thicker every day.  I hope I can ditch the wig maybe in a few months, we shall see.

We had a fabulous Christmas with the family and we even took the kiddos ice-skating.
Yes I did ice skate, but with lots of caution.  I am happy to say, No broken bones to add to the hospital visits.  It felt great to finally have the energy to be physically active.  I can't wait to get back to the gym and eventually running again... but for now, baby steps.


Sandy

CT Scan results are back

CT scans is back and the fluid under my lungs is halfway built back up, which has only taken 3 weeks.
I seen the Pulmonologist (lung doctor) on Friday 12/09/11 and he put me on another diuretic that works differently than the one I am currently on.  I started taking it on Saturday and I can already notice the difference.  I can actually for short periods of time, lay on my left and right side without feeling like my lungs are being pushed on.  This is such a relief and I hope it works out and drains the fluid.  I go back to the lung doctor next Thursday 12/22 to get an xray and reading to see if the fluid has in fact changed.
Then we will go from there to see what the plan is.  The Dr thinks I should be coming to the end of this side effect and I just need to hang in there.  They also put me on a steroid for 15 days to help repair the vessels that keep leaking into my body.  At this point I have lost around 28 lbs since all this started, but I still feel great.  Now I just hope I can keep the weight off and stay healthy.
I will blog again if there are any changes before the xray reading next Thursday.
So far so good, I think I am finally going to start feeling better and kicking these side effects for good.

xoxoxox Sandy

12/05/11 - CT Scan - Side Effect Problems again

Since I am again having problems breathing laying on my right and left side, they have decided to do another CT scan to see if the fluid is again building up under my lungs.  I have no doubt that it is happening all over again.  Everything feels the same way as last time, but now I am more aware of what is actually happening.  Depending on the CT Scan they will decide if they will drain the fluid.  No one wants it to get as bad as it did last time.  I really am hoping I don't have to go through this too many more times.  They say it usually takes 6 months for the chemo to get out of your system and for the chemo side effects to stop.  I am so ready for all these side effects to go away.
One good note is, my hair has started to grow back,,,,,, Wow I'm a brunette,,, who would have thought it after all these years of highlights.    :0 )
It's going to be a little while before I will be sporting a short hair do, but man am I ever ready to ditch this wig!
I will post again once I have the CT scan results back.
xoxoxo Sandy

12/11/11 - In the Hospital

Well on 12/11/11 and after seeing my radiation Dr, she put me in the hospital to run a lot of test to find out why now both arms and both feet are swollen and I can barely walk 30 feet without being winded.  After many test they decided it was time to drain the fluid from under both my lungs and they got a lot out of there.  See picture below, that is just from the right lung, which had the most fluid built up.  I was on lasik IV for the 3 days I remained in the hospital and lost 15 lbs of water weight.  No wonder I couldn't breathe and had zero energy.  They finally released me at 5pm on Sunday 12/13/11.  I feel much better and am hoping this side effect from the chemo does not continue for much longer.  They also tested the fluid they drained and no cancer cells.   So that was an Awesome feeling to get a good result.

Crazy Last Couple of Weeks

Lets see where to begin.  After my last chemo, I reach my breaking point of no energy.  My doctor took me off work for almost two weeks.  I was completely exhausted and spent many days in bed with zero energy, only getting up to drink broth and use the bathroom.  That last chemo "bites you" !

My arm and hand continues to swell, so after a cat scan and ultrasound found no blood clots, the Dr. decided to remove my port to see if that would solve the problem.  Removing the port did help, but the arm continues to swell on and off still.  I am now on Lasik (water pills) twice a day until who knows when.  The doctor hopes my body will eventually regulate and stop retaining so much fluid.  I also have fluid on my lungs that was discovered from the cat scan I had.  During that cat scan, I also found out I am allergic to iodine.  I broke out in huge hives all over my body, they had to adminster lots of benadryl, steroids and almost had to use the epi-pen on me.  It took about an hour for the hives to start to decrease in size and slowly start to go away.    And I thought things would go smoothly after my last chemo, HA !

I went back to work on 11/07 and my energy level is much better.  I actually feel like a person again and not a sleeping zombie.  I also started my radiation on Monday 11/07 and this will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks straight.  There's really nothing to it and after all I have been through, radiation is a complete breeze.

I will have a cat scan in another few weeks to see if the fluid in my lungs has went away.  If it has not, then they will be sticking a needle in my lungs to drain the fluid.  Not really my idea of a fun day, so hopefully the fluid will go away soon and I won't have to go through this process.

I will blog again when I have more news to share with you.
xoxoxox Sandy

10/13/11 Last Chemo Treatment

It's finally here, my last chemo treatment.  I know the time has flown by fast for everyone else, but not so much for me.  For my last treatment I had my sister and Kevin by my side.  It was nice to have them both there.  The last treatment went well, my arm is still swollen up a bit and the fluids from the treatment only seemed to make it worse.  The doctor as a precaution, put me on antibotics to fight any possible infection.  I am suppose to keep my arm elevated as much as possible.  My face is really swollen up from the fluids.  I weighed myself before and after chemo and I have 6 lbs of fluids added on.  I stay all puffy for about 2 days and then the swelling will start to come down.  I am also taking water pills to help with the water retention, but it only helps so much.  I am also drinking lots of water to try and flush this chemo out of me asap.  I have some hair growing to do and it won't start until the chemo says bye bye to my body.      : 0 )

Today 10/14 I have to go for my 6 month mammogram followup appt.  I start 6 weeks of radiation in two weeks and the doctor wanted me to get this mammogram out of the way before I started radiation.
So off I go today for another appointment.

xoxoxo Sandy

10/11/11 - Blood Count after Transfusion

YAY!    My blood count is back to normal after the transfusion.  That means I get to proceed with my last chemo this Thursday 10/13/11.   I am so excited to finally reach the end of my chemo treatments.
I know it has went fast for others, but it has seemed like a really really long road for me, but I am finally there..... Yahoooo !

Everyone who encouraged me along the way, made it so much easier to push through the not so fun days.
So thank you ALL and I love you guys so much !

xoxoxoxo Sandy

Transfusion - Side Effects 10/06/11

Well the transfusion went as scheduled with no issues until mom and I walked out of the hospital to get in the car and drive off.  Then I felt my left arm begin to swell.  I looked down to see what was going on and my left arm was much bigger in size and hard as a brick - it scared us both.  We parked the car and went rushing back in the hospital.  They took one look at my arm and immediately put me back into a room, checked my blood pressure which was elevated (no surprise there) and called the doctor.  Then I began to break out in red hives all over my scalp, face, neck, chest and back.  They gave me benadryl and a strong steroid shot that burned like crazy.  They continued to monitor me but the arm swelling never went down while I was at the hospital.  The doctor then ordered an ultrasound on my neck and left side of my arm to check for blood clots.  Thankfully everything checked out - No blood clots were found.  So they monitored me for about another hour until the hives started to go away.  Then sent me home with instructions to keep my arm elevated until the swelling went down and benadryl every six hours.  The doctor thinks,  I could have had poor circulation in my left arm while the transfusion was being done and no doubt my body was having an allergic reaction to the transfusion.  Thankfully they were able to quickly get the situation under control.  Mom and I were acting calm on the outside but I know we were both freaking out inside, not knowing what was going on and was everything going to be okay.  I was very glad I had her there for support.
I have to say I did not sleep well for two nights until the swelling started to go down.  My arm still hurts like it's bruised but most of the swelling has went away.  I have more energy after the transfusion, no doubt, but I'm still not bursting full of energy, but I do feel better.

I did my blood work today Monday 10/10/11 and I should have the blood count results back tomorrow.  This will determine if they will proceed with my last chemo this Thursday.  I am hoping my blood count is okay and I can get my last chemo and close the chapter on this part of the treatment.  Chemo has been a long road and I am ready for it to be over.  After this, I am thinking radiation will be a total breeze.

I will blog again once I have my blood work results and know for sure that my last treatment will be a go.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, love and support through this.  The hard part is almost done !

Pictures above, Noticeably the left arm is larger, but it looked much bigger in person than in this picture.

xoxoxoxo Sandy

Blood Transfusion 10/06/11

Well I received a call from the Dr. yesterday (which I knew was not a good sign) my blood work was not good.  My red blood cells are way down, platelets are down and so is my potassium levels.   So tomorrow Thursday, I will be having a blood transfusion because my red blood cells are too low for me to have my last chemo treatment at this point.
I was not surprised since it seems every week my blood levels have been so close to me needing the transfusion.  I was just hoping I could make it one more chemo without it.
The doctor said I should feel much better after the transfusion, so that will be a nice change.
I am not going to let this get me down because I have my last chemo next week and I am so ready to be done with this stage.

I will post more updates later in the week.  Everyone have a nice weekend !

xoxoxo Sandy

Race for a Cure - Saturday October 1st 2011

I had lots of family and friends by my side on Saturday October 1st as we walked/ran the breast cancer race for a cure.  It was Amazing to have so much love, support and encouragement around me.  I almost lost it a few times but held back the tears, they would have been happy tears anyway.   : 0 )
Kevin came down really sick and was in bed for two days straight with a stomach bug and was not able to join us.    He was disappointed he could not go and so was I, but I didn't let it get me down, he was there in spirit.   There is always next year.

Special thanks to those who were able to make it out Saturday:
Family:  Dana/Keith Rodgers (sister/bother-inlaw), Ryleigh and Rance (niece and nephew).
It was even Ryleigh's birthday, so she shared her special day with me and that was very nice of her.
Mom and my daughter Hailey.   Love You !

Friends:   Nicole Bacchi, Lisa Hales, Tami Nutley, Paul/Carla Shouse, Kevin/Leah Hockenberry and baby Greyden.

YOU guys are the BEST and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It was a day I will never forget and will hold close to me always.

I had so many survivors come up to me during and after the race to give me words of encouragement and it was really nice to hear their stories and well wishes to me.

Thanks Tami for pushing me through the Survivor finish line, it was fun to walk through it with Hailey and Ryleigh by my side.  I think the girls enjoyed it as much as I did.

One more chemo treatment to go next week, and I will be Finished with the hardest part of this long process.
I am posting some pictures from Saturday.  Thanks Nicole for taking great pics. 
I have more pics to get off my camera and will post those later this week.

Wednesday 9/28/11

I am finally starting to get my energy back (without ridelin) and it feels good.  Those first 4 days after my last chemo really had me drained, mentally and physically.   I will find out tomorrow at my weekly herceptin appointment where my levels stand.  Fingers crossed they are normal and all is good.  I want to feel my best for Saturday's walk for breast cancer.  I am excited about the event and will have a lot of family and friends supporting me and other survivors, as well as keeping those in our hearts that are no longer with us.   I am sure it will be a fun and emotional day.

Side effects:    The only new side effect I am currently having is all my finger tips on both hands are numb.  The doctor said the side effects will go away once my last chemo is complete and has time to get out of my system.  Though I have not liked my side effects, I know others have it a lot worse.  So I try to not whine too much about it, but sometimes Kevin has to listen.     : 0 )

What I am looking foward to when chemo is finally done:

• Spending lots of time with family and friends and not feeling sick while doing it.
• Having my full energy back to enjoy camping.
• Ditching the wig and growing my own hair and trying out new hair styles.
• Getting back to the gym and working out.

Just a few of the things I miss in no particular order.

Tomorrow I have my weekly herceptin appointment and I will blog again and let everyone know how my blood work turned out.

xoxoxoxo    Sandy

9/25/11 Sunday - 5th Chemo update

Well I had my 5th chemo treatment on Thursday and since then I have had absolutely no energy.  The doctor said the last two would be my hardest and I am starting to believe her. The ridelin that the doctor prescribed for fatigue, will no doubt become my best friend in the next 6 weeks.   I just don't see any other way to get the energy that I need to function on a daily basis.  Laying around in bed tired all day, gets old very quickly.  I am resting a lot but it's still not giving me any energy that I need.

On happier note, I am almost done with the chemo treatments and then I should get my energy levels back.  Hooray!   Next Saturday we have the breast cancer walk and I am looking forward to doing that with all my family and friends.   Thank you to everyone who has donated or plans to participate in the walk/run, it means a lot for us to raise money for this great cause.

I will blog more next week on how I am doing.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, they keep me going.

xoxoxoxo
Sandy

9/21/11 Wednesday

Tomorrow Thursday I have my 5th Chemo treatment, which means I am only 3 more weeks away from being done with Chemo.  I am so ready for this part of the treament to be over with.  Yahoo!
After chemo is over, I will start 6 weeks of radiation (5 days a week).
We have been on this crazy roller coaster ride for 4 months, but I can tell you it feels like a year to me.
It's been the longest 4 months of my life and I am so ready to try and get life back to somewhat normal.

I have inserted a picture of my current side effects from the chemo.  My finger nails are turning red.
It's really no big deal, my feet and hands bother me more than this.

Another side effect that is driving me batty is, my eyes have been tearing up the last 3 weeks non-stop.  I went to the optometrist and they had to (Dr.'s words: roater rooter) my tear duct glands out.  They put a needle in the corner of your eye and squirt saline into the tubes to flush them out.  Mine were completely blocked, which meant she got out another scary looking tool to push into the glands to clear them. 
Then she used the needle and salin to flush them out but they still continue to water on and off daily.  So I am on two different eye drops to help with the dry watery eyes and I will see the doctor again in 3 weeks for a recheck.

I am trying to stay positive but the side effects seem to be coming harder at me, as this process is coming to and end.  I am almost done with the hardest part (chemo) so I can't let it get me down now.
Thanks for your well wishes and I love hearing from everyone.

I will blog again after my chemo treatment tomorrow Thursday.  My mom will be there cheering me on and watching me sleep after the Benadryl Zombie dose.     : 0 )

xoxoxox
Sandy

Weekly Treatment and Updates

I had my weekly herceptin treatment Thursday.  Dr. got my weekly blood work and my platelets are low.  So that means two shots in the tummy, one Thursday and one on Friday to get back to a normal level.  I have not been able to bounce back from this last chemo treatment as in the past.  The doctor said that is perfectly normal and for me to expect the same in my last two treatments.  As I get further into the treatments, my body is taking in more chemo and it will take longer to recover.  So the next two treatments I will have to listen to what my body is telling me and rest when I need too.  I am so thankful I have God, family and friends to rely on, to keep me strong and pushing through these next two treatments.

My hands seem to be getting slightly worse and they itch like crazy.  I may have to break down and fill the prescription for the steriod.  I am looking forward to watching some football this weekend and relaxing.


xoxoxo
Sandy

Pics of redness

Red Rash

I am again getting a red rash on my hands and feet.  It's a weird rash that is under the skin.
This happened after my last chemo treatment and the Dr had to put me on steroids for 7 days to clear it up.  My feet were in so much pain, it felt like I was walking on broken glass for several days until the steroids kicked in.
I have my Thursday weekly appointment, so I will talk to the Dr about these symptoms and if I again need to be on steroids for another week if the rash is worse by Thursday and if my feet are in pain.
So far no pain, but the rash just started today. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks
Sandy

4th Chemo Treatment

4 down,,, and 2 to go and I will be done with the chemo treatments, so ready.  The 4th treatment went well as far as not much nausea but my energy level is really low.  Saturday, Sunday and Monday consisted of many naps on and off, I just do not have any energy to go all day without resting.  I try to not take the Ridelin for fatique unless I really need it.  It really does decrease my appetite, which I don't need help with right now.  I have lost 19 lbs at this point with still two more treatments to go.  It's all weight I had to loose, but I don't recommend my weight loss program, it stinks.    : 0 (

Next chemo treatment is Sept 22nd.  I will post more blogs between now and then to keep everyone updated on how I am doing.  I hope everyone had a nice relaxing holiday.  It was so nice to have Monday off and a short work week ahead.

xoxoxoxo
Sandy

Monday 8/29

We had a nice relaxing weekend with family and friends.  A big thank you to my sister (and kiddos) for helping out around the house.  Even though I told her we didn't need it.  She's stubborn, wonder where she gets that from.     :0 )
Kevin helped out around the house too once he got back from checking on the Deer (rabbit) lease and putting out more corn for them.     Hi Honey if you are reading this,,, love ya !

This Thursday I have my 4th round of chemo treatments and Dana will be there for support.
We usually play cards, read and chat a lot catching up on everything.  This is of course after I wake up from my Benadryl zombie nap.

I am hoping this treatment goes like the last one, with very little nausea and just a few days of being very tired.  There has been no big changes lately.  I get tired and sometimes fatigue but a good nights sleep usually puts me back on track.   At this point I have lost 16 lbs, but it's all weight I needed to loose anyway.  I am sure some of it is muscle I have lost, but with my red blood cell count going up and down I can't really work out hard or be in the heat for very long.  I am trying to avoid having a blood transfusion through the next 3 treatments.  So far, so good, I just have to listen to my body and rest when it tells me I need too.  I am getting a little better at that, but it's really hard to not stay active and on the go like we are so used to doing.

I am so over this summer hot temperature and ready for fall.  Those are not words you usually hear from me but the heat really takes it out of me.  I can't stand to be out in it for very long, so cooler weather will be so nice when it finally gets here.
I hope everyone has a nice week and I will blog again after my chemo treatment on Thursday.

xoxoxoxo
Sandy

8/16 - Good Day

I received my blood work back today from Monday and my red blood cells are back to a normal count, so that means no blood tranfusion this week.  Yahooo !  is the best word to describe it. 
I have started to get some of my energy back the last few days, but it's slow going.
I am usually wiped out by the end of the work day.  Tomorrow I have my weekly herceptin treatment and then I return to work around 1:00 to finish up the work day.  I have to say I am ready for the weekend!

xoxoxo
Sandy

My 1st Cardiologist appointment 8/15/11

I had my first cardiologist appointment today and just received the call that everything came back normal on the heart.  Because I have to be on herceptin for an entire year, they have to monitor the side effects the herceptin could have on my heart.  Lucky for me, the sonogram showed no signs of any side effects to the heart from chemo or the herceptin.  Next check up will be in 3 months. 

Now I am just waiting on the blood work results which should be back either Tuesday or Wednesday.

August 11, 2011 - 3rd Chemo Treatment

My 3rd chemo treatment went well as far as no nausea this round.  However my red blood cells are down and I may need a blood transfusion next week.  My energy level after chemo is little to none this time around. I do my weekly blood work on Monday August 15th and once those resuts are back, the doctors will make a decision then.  I should have blood results back by no later than Wednesday and will update this blog at that time.  We just got back from 2 days at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels water park and though that probably didn't help increase my red blood count, I don't regret going.  We had such a great time and it was so nice to take one last trip before school starts back.  We have been trying to live as normal lives as possible but I do realize I may have to slow it down a bit since I do still have 3 more treatments to go.  At this point I have lost 11 lbs since I started chemo on June 29th, so I don't think that is too bad, just glad I have the weight to loose since I still have 9 more weeks to go with my chemo treatments.

I would like to thank all of you for your love and support.  You really do find out who cares about you when you go through something like this.  The love has been overwelming from my family and friends, but I have always known I have great people in my life.  This has been one crazy journey but I know it's happening for a reason.  Many people have told me because of my breast cancer they are getting their first checkups and that means a lot to me because early detection is so important.

Once I know more, I will update everyone.
xoxoxoxo    Sandy