Hey everyone,
Today we went to the doctor's office for Laurie's second round of chemo. Before we could get started we had to do our Goldilocks impression as the first room they put us in was "too hot". We moved to another room and it was "just right".
She is having the 2nd round, of four, of her Adriamycin and Cytoxan. Once again, during the Adriamycin, she is eating Pedialyte frozen pops and fruit pop-sickles. This is supposed to help prevent mouth sores which are a common side effect of this treatment. It worked last time so she will continue to do this.
The nurse added Ativan to the IV this time to help prevent nausea. The only side effect of that is she is feeling kind of droopy. But eating the frozen "treats" keeps her awake so I can continue to entertain her.
Laurie was able to nap during the Cytoxan portion of her treatment which was good. It gave me time to compose this portion of my blog entry.
Saturday night we used a Papa John’s gift card we received from the JI team at Floris ES and ordered the "All Meats" and Hawaiian pizzas. Thanks to the Japanese Immersion team for their generosity.
Last night we were treated to dinner by the McKinley's from Ox Hill. Dinner included delicious manicotti, tossed salad, rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. We all enjoyed every bite!
We're looking forward to a relatively quiet evening at home tonight as we anticipate our first measurable snowfall of the season. The kids are off today and tomorrow due to teacher work days and they are hoping to add Wednesday to their time off due to the impending snow. Me too!
I feel like I keep repeating myself but I have to thank you all again for all the expressions of love you have shown our family. The meals, cards, emails, carpools and prayers have meant so much to Laurie and the rest of us. We really don't know how to thank you enough. God has truly blessed us with wonderful family and friends and we thank Him every day for each and every blessing.
.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January 24th update
Hey everyone,
Well, we thought we would have 14 days without doctors and nothing new to report but should have known better. What were we thinking? Laurie went to the doctor last Friday because one of her incisions from the surgery opened slightly. The good news is that the doctor thinks it was only one of the internal stitches that irritated the skin as it rose to the surface, but he gave her 10 days of antibiotics just to be sure. They also checked her white blood count, which was back to normal.
On Saturday, we had a day of basketball, with Ridge’s and Brooke’s games. On Sunday, Forrest had a rocket launching for cub scouts, a basketball game and then baseball practice. That night, the Andersons from church brought us some yummy orange chicken, rice and apple cake for dessert.
Monday and Tuesday were school holidays so we had time to straighten up the house and watch the inauguration. Since it was Laurie’s recovery week, she was able to help with Brownies at school and Girls in Action at church on Wednesday. And she started back to work part-time this week, working on “behind the scenes” projects to support her team.
On Thursday, the 2nd grade team and Debbie from Oak Hill ES sent over delicious Chili, cornbread as well as chocolate chip cookies and brownies for dessert. We really appreciate everyone helping with meals thus far. It has allowed Laurie to heal from the surgery and to figure out how these 3 week cycles will go with the Anthrymycin and Cytoxin. It seems like the first week is the one that is the “eating” challenge, so we’ll see how next week goes.
Friday brought another surprise as Laurie’s friend Sheila brought her lunch and a great “catch up” session. They were able to share updates on those from BAe and BT/Concert days, and catch up on our children’s activities.
Another full day of basketball for Brooke and Forrest and a special treat for Ridge as he gets to go to the Monster Truck Jam at the Verizon Center. Thanks Randy! Aside from these activities Laurie and I will just chill. Yeah right!
We seem to be repeating our thanks to each of you, but as many of you have shared with us that you are “praying without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) on our behalf, we want you to know that we continue to thank you every day for all your support.
.
Well, we thought we would have 14 days without doctors and nothing new to report but should have known better. What were we thinking? Laurie went to the doctor last Friday because one of her incisions from the surgery opened slightly. The good news is that the doctor thinks it was only one of the internal stitches that irritated the skin as it rose to the surface, but he gave her 10 days of antibiotics just to be sure. They also checked her white blood count, which was back to normal.
On Saturday, we had a day of basketball, with Ridge’s and Brooke’s games. On Sunday, Forrest had a rocket launching for cub scouts, a basketball game and then baseball practice. That night, the Andersons from church brought us some yummy orange chicken, rice and apple cake for dessert.
Monday and Tuesday were school holidays so we had time to straighten up the house and watch the inauguration. Since it was Laurie’s recovery week, she was able to help with Brownies at school and Girls in Action at church on Wednesday. And she started back to work part-time this week, working on “behind the scenes” projects to support her team.
On Thursday, the 2nd grade team and Debbie from Oak Hill ES sent over delicious Chili, cornbread as well as chocolate chip cookies and brownies for dessert. We really appreciate everyone helping with meals thus far. It has allowed Laurie to heal from the surgery and to figure out how these 3 week cycles will go with the Anthrymycin and Cytoxin. It seems like the first week is the one that is the “eating” challenge, so we’ll see how next week goes.
Friday brought another surprise as Laurie’s friend Sheila brought her lunch and a great “catch up” session. They were able to share updates on those from BAe and BT/Concert days, and catch up on our children’s activities.
Another full day of basketball for Brooke and Forrest and a special treat for Ridge as he gets to go to the Monster Truck Jam at the Verizon Center. Thanks Randy! Aside from these activities Laurie and I will just chill. Yeah right!
We seem to be repeating our thanks to each of you, but as many of you have shared with us that you are “praying without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) on our behalf, we want you to know that we continue to thank you every day for all your support.
.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 13th update
Hey everyone,
Yesterday, we went to the doctor, and it seems that last week was the test of how Laurie’s body would react to the chemotherapy, and that period is now over. The rest of the cycle includes this week, when her resistance is down and then the 3rd week, which is just a week of recovery. This week, since her white blood count is down, she has to be careful about being around crowds or lots of germs and then next week is just a week of recovery. Her blood levels, which are good according to the doctor, are noted below:
Laurie has had to eat very small amounts every 1-2 hours during the past week, She can now eat regular meals, and is maintaining the nightly Ativan pill for nausea, just in case. The doctor believes the second cycle will be very similar to the first, but the 3rd and 4th may be slightly different due to the cumulative effect of the medications in her body. She is also supposed to drink lots of liquids so that the medication does not "sit" in the system too long (bad for kidneys) so she has learned that if she walks in the morning about 2-3 miles, then she can drink 1 liter of water rather easily, and then can aim for another 1-2 liters the rest of the day.
Last night she went to the “Look Good ... Feel Better” seminar which teaches make-up hints for when you lose your eyebrows, etc. She said she tried to pick up some hints and ideas but believes she will probably need help when that time actually comes. There were 6 other cancer patients there, 5 with breast cancer. According to those with more experience, the hair will go by next week, and then the eyebrows between the 2rd and 3rd treatments. However, as treatments can vary from weekly to every 2 weeks to every 3 weeks, and every person reacts differently, I'm not sure these measurements are very meaningful. Laurie also found out that the Neulasta shot I gave her 24 hours after chemo (to stimulate the growth of healthy white blood cells) did give others problems, but Laurie had none so again we feel blessed that it worked well for her.
Tonight we were treated to a delicious meal provided by Jean and Michelle from Floris ES which included meat Stromboli w/ extra tomato sauce for dipping, tossed salad, and cup cakes. Yum Yum!
Thanks to everyone for the emails, voice mails and comments on the blog. We know her schedule with the doctors, disability and insurance companies doesn't make it easy to catch her in "real time" but each prayer and thought does give her extra strength. We are so excited that she gets to go 14 whole days without another doctor visit. Woo Hoo!
.
Yesterday, we went to the doctor, and it seems that last week was the test of how Laurie’s body would react to the chemotherapy, and that period is now over. The rest of the cycle includes this week, when her resistance is down and then the 3rd week, which is just a week of recovery. This week, since her white blood count is down, she has to be careful about being around crowds or lots of germs and then next week is just a week of recovery. Her blood levels, which are good according to the doctor, are noted below:
Laurie has had to eat very small amounts every 1-2 hours during the past week, She can now eat regular meals, and is maintaining the nightly Ativan pill for nausea, just in case. The doctor believes the second cycle will be very similar to the first, but the 3rd and 4th may be slightly different due to the cumulative effect of the medications in her body. She is also supposed to drink lots of liquids so that the medication does not "sit" in the system too long (bad for kidneys) so she has learned that if she walks in the morning about 2-3 miles, then she can drink 1 liter of water rather easily, and then can aim for another 1-2 liters the rest of the day.Last night she went to the “Look Good ... Feel Better” seminar which teaches make-up hints for when you lose your eyebrows, etc. She said she tried to pick up some hints and ideas but believes she will probably need help when that time actually comes. There were 6 other cancer patients there, 5 with breast cancer. According to those with more experience, the hair will go by next week, and then the eyebrows between the 2rd and 3rd treatments. However, as treatments can vary from weekly to every 2 weeks to every 3 weeks, and every person reacts differently, I'm not sure these measurements are very meaningful. Laurie also found out that the Neulasta shot I gave her 24 hours after chemo (to stimulate the growth of healthy white blood cells) did give others problems, but Laurie had none so again we feel blessed that it worked well for her.
Tonight we were treated to a delicious meal provided by Jean and Michelle from Floris ES which included meat Stromboli w/ extra tomato sauce for dipping, tossed salad, and cup cakes. Yum Yum!
Thanks to everyone for the emails, voice mails and comments on the blog. We know her schedule with the doctors, disability and insurance companies doesn't make it easy to catch her in "real time" but each prayer and thought does give her extra strength. We are so excited that she gets to go 14 whole days without another doctor visit. Woo Hoo!
.
Friday, January 9, 2009
January 9th update
Just a quick update to say all is going well. Laurie has not been very hungry lately but is following doctor’s orders and eating small snacks and meals as she needs the extra protein for strength. Today is the first day she only has to take her regular vitamins and no other prescriptions meds, even though she does have the anti nausea meds if she needs them. The first night was the roughest, as we were not sure which medicine to use first.
We want to thank Joan and Meredith from Floris ES for providing our meal Tuesday night which included wonderful homemade chile, corn bread, salad and decadent Scotcheroos! (Rice Krispies with butterscotch, chocolate chips peanut butter and chocolate icing on top). Y’all are really spoiling us!
We are still not sure when her nadir will occur. Nadir is when the blood counts drop to their lowest during each cycle and affects white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. This is when she is most susceptible to germs and infection. Normally nadir starts 7 days after the chemo treatments and continues for up to 10-14 days but since she is taking Neulasta, which promotes white blood cell growth, the time of lower counts may be shorter. She goes back to the doctor Monday for blood work which will clue us in as to what her levels are.
Laurie has been exercising on the treadmill but did not have the energy yesterday but says she will try to do some today even if it's a shorter time. Her goal for today is to try to access her work email and catch up a little on that.
Last night we were treated to dinner by John McCook from Oak Hill ES. We had baked lasagna, tossed salad and chocolate/blondie brownies for dessert. Thanks John! I never knew you were such a great cook! And many thanks to Tammy for her timely delivery service!
We would also like to thank Donna, Margaret and Martha for the informational as well as inspirational books. They have proven to be great resources as far as knowing what to expect and reminding us that God is with us thoughout all of this. Thanks so much for your support!
I’ll update you again Monday following the results from the blood work. The next couple of days are going to be busy with all the kids’ sports and scouting activities. Many thanks to all of you have helped with car pools. You are life savers!
Your continued prayers and good thoughts really mean a lot to us. Keep ‘em coming!
.
We want to thank Joan and Meredith from Floris ES for providing our meal Tuesday night which included wonderful homemade chile, corn bread, salad and decadent Scotcheroos! (Rice Krispies with butterscotch, chocolate chips peanut butter and chocolate icing on top). Y’all are really spoiling us!
We are still not sure when her nadir will occur. Nadir is when the blood counts drop to their lowest during each cycle and affects white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. This is when she is most susceptible to germs and infection. Normally nadir starts 7 days after the chemo treatments and continues for up to 10-14 days but since she is taking Neulasta, which promotes white blood cell growth, the time of lower counts may be shorter. She goes back to the doctor Monday for blood work which will clue us in as to what her levels are.
Laurie has been exercising on the treadmill but did not have the energy yesterday but says she will try to do some today even if it's a shorter time. Her goal for today is to try to access her work email and catch up a little on that.
Last night we were treated to dinner by John McCook from Oak Hill ES. We had baked lasagna, tossed salad and chocolate/blondie brownies for dessert. Thanks John! I never knew you were such a great cook! And many thanks to Tammy for her timely delivery service!
We would also like to thank Donna, Margaret and Martha for the informational as well as inspirational books. They have proven to be great resources as far as knowing what to expect and reminding us that God is with us thoughout all of this. Thanks so much for your support!
I’ll update you again Monday following the results from the blood work. The next couple of days are going to be busy with all the kids’ sports and scouting activities. Many thanks to all of you have helped with car pools. You are life savers!
Your continued prayers and good thoughts really mean a lot to us. Keep ‘em coming!
.
Monday, January 5, 2009
The chemo begins
We arrived at the oncologist office at 1:00 P.M. and were shown to our room. We were given a room with a lovely view of the Reston Town Center. After signing several forms and testing the Mediport, blood was drawn from the Mediport. The blood was then tested for the following three counts:
* White blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells in the blood and are distinct from the red (oxygen-carrying) blood cells known as erythrocytes
* Platelets: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. During normal blood clotting, the platelets clump together (aggregate). Although platelets are often classed as blood cells, they are actually fragments of large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.
* Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell filled with microscopic granules that are little sacs containing enzymes, compounds that digest microorganisms.
The nurse returned with the results of the blood work and presented them to us. All levels were good and we proceeded to the next step.
An IV of Decadron and Aloxi was started to complement the anti-nausea meds taken one hour before arriving for the appointment. This IV took about 15 minutes.
The Adriamycin IV was then started. This took about an hour to complete. Laurie ate fruit popsicles and ice chips while the Adriamycin was administered which is reported to cut down on the likelihood that she will develop mouth sores.
Once the Adriamycin was completed the nurse started the Cytoxan IV which took another hour to complete. The IV access was removed from the port and we were sent home.
Laurie was very comfortable and upbeat throughout the entire process. She did become a little impatient waiting for each medication to finish but my charm and whit was sufficient to help pass the time. I also recognized her need for rest during the procedure and allowed that to happen.
We arrived home around 4:45. Laurie was tired from the treatment and from not sleeping well last night so she took an hour nap. She woke up groggy and I believe the effects of the chemo were beginning to take place. She was not hungry or thirsty but I insisted she drink some water. The kids were brought home by Laurie’s mom and dad around 7:00. Laurie was feeling more “out of it” so she went to bed around 7:45ish. A few minutes later she said she was feeling a little nauseous so she took a Compazine and went to bed. After watching Texas win the Fiesta Bowl I came to bed and she was still sleeping. Around 12:45 she was feeling nauseous again and I gave her Ativan which did the trick. She slept until 8:15 Tuesday morning.
Tomorrow we will see how she feels and allow her to rest and relax. At 4:30 P.M., 24 hours after her chemo treatment finished, I will give her a Neulasta injection. Neulasta is used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infections. Giving her injections is nothing new to me because of all the IVF injections I gave her eight years ago that led to us having Brooke and Ridge.
Laurie is scheduled to go back to the oncologist next Monday, the 12th for a follow-up visit.
Our trust in the Lord has sustained us throughout this process and we continue to look to Him for strength and support. Our faith will see us through this and your prayers are very important to us. Please continue to remember Laurie in your prayers and thoughts as we have now completed the first of many steps toward her recovery.
.
* White blood cell count (leukocyte count): The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells in the blood and are distinct from the red (oxygen-carrying) blood cells known as erythrocytes
* Platelets: An irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. During normal blood clotting, the platelets clump together (aggregate). Although platelets are often classed as blood cells, they are actually fragments of large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.
* Granulocyte: A type of white blood cell filled with microscopic granules that are little sacs containing enzymes, compounds that digest microorganisms.
The nurse returned with the results of the blood work and presented them to us. All levels were good and we proceeded to the next step.
An IV of Decadron and Aloxi was started to complement the anti-nausea meds taken one hour before arriving for the appointment. This IV took about 15 minutes.
The Adriamycin IV was then started. This took about an hour to complete. Laurie ate fruit popsicles and ice chips while the Adriamycin was administered which is reported to cut down on the likelihood that she will develop mouth sores.
Once the Adriamycin was completed the nurse started the Cytoxan IV which took another hour to complete. The IV access was removed from the port and we were sent home.
Laurie was very comfortable and upbeat throughout the entire process. She did become a little impatient waiting for each medication to finish but my charm and whit was sufficient to help pass the time. I also recognized her need for rest during the procedure and allowed that to happen.
We arrived home around 4:45. Laurie was tired from the treatment and from not sleeping well last night so she took an hour nap. She woke up groggy and I believe the effects of the chemo were beginning to take place. She was not hungry or thirsty but I insisted she drink some water. The kids were brought home by Laurie’s mom and dad around 7:00. Laurie was feeling more “out of it” so she went to bed around 7:45ish. A few minutes later she said she was feeling a little nauseous so she took a Compazine and went to bed. After watching Texas win the Fiesta Bowl I came to bed and she was still sleeping. Around 12:45 she was feeling nauseous again and I gave her Ativan which did the trick. She slept until 8:15 Tuesday morning.
Tomorrow we will see how she feels and allow her to rest and relax. At 4:30 P.M., 24 hours after her chemo treatment finished, I will give her a Neulasta injection. Neulasta is used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infections. Giving her injections is nothing new to me because of all the IVF injections I gave her eight years ago that led to us having Brooke and Ridge.
Laurie is scheduled to go back to the oncologist next Monday, the 12th for a follow-up visit.
Our trust in the Lord has sustained us throughout this process and we continue to look to Him for strength and support. Our faith will see us through this and your prayers are very important to us. Please continue to remember Laurie in your prayers and thoughts as we have now completed the first of many steps toward her recovery.
.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
Hey everyone!
It’s been a good couple of weeks since I last provided an update.
Our family and several others from our church went Christmas Caroling at Fair Oaks Hospital and had a great time spreading Christmas cheer to the patients along with Santa, Mrs. Clause and their daughter. We are lucky in that we get to do this every year and we always receive a blessing from the experience.
Laurie went to her reconstructive surgeon on Monday the 22nd and was released from her care because she has progressed so well. Immediately following that appointment we went to Fairfax hospital to have the Mediport implanted. This provides an “input” for the chemotherapy without using various veins in her arm, and everyone tells us it is THE way to go. However, Laurie thought it was only a medical procedure and not an outpatient surgery, and had to readjust her thinking on the recovery process related to that. She was very sore immediately following the surgery for a couple of days but has now become more adjusted to it.
We went to Laurie’s parent’s home in Centreville for Christmas Eve with all the local family followed by Christmas Eve service at Ox Hill. Christmas day we went to Laurie’s sister Carlene’s home in Chantilly for brunch and more Christmas celebrating.
In the week between Christmas and New Years, Laurie was seen and released by the Mediport surgeon, and also went to see the radiation oncologist to get more information as to the benefits of this type of treatment. Given her pathology reports as well as the fact that 4 lymph nodes were involved, statistically she has a 25% chance of recurrence on that side. Therefore, while radiation would not affect her survival rate, it would reduce her recurrence by 75%, or to about 6%. While there are risks, we believe they are worth the benefit so will plan to start that in July after the chemotherapy.
Today Laurie took another step towards her recovery. Since she will lose her hair from the chemo, she decided to donate her hair to Locks of Love and then had the remaining hair shaved. Martha, our next door neighbor, arranged for Laurie to go to Shapes in Herndon to donate her hair. She then had the wig she received at the American Cancer Society styled. She walked out just as proud as she walked in. I have to admit that she looks great! Thanks Martha!
Monday Laurie will have her first chemo treatment which should last approximately three hours. In addition to the chemo she will be also be taking several medications to counter any side effects. She will have her next treatment in three weeks.
As we begin yet another phase of her road to recovery we continue to treasure your thoughts and prayers and look forward to providing you with more updates.
.
It’s been a good couple of weeks since I last provided an update.
Our family and several others from our church went Christmas Caroling at Fair Oaks Hospital and had a great time spreading Christmas cheer to the patients along with Santa, Mrs. Clause and their daughter. We are lucky in that we get to do this every year and we always receive a blessing from the experience.
Laurie went to her reconstructive surgeon on Monday the 22nd and was released from her care because she has progressed so well. Immediately following that appointment we went to Fairfax hospital to have the Mediport implanted. This provides an “input” for the chemotherapy without using various veins in her arm, and everyone tells us it is THE way to go. However, Laurie thought it was only a medical procedure and not an outpatient surgery, and had to readjust her thinking on the recovery process related to that. She was very sore immediately following the surgery for a couple of days but has now become more adjusted to it.
We went to Laurie’s parent’s home in Centreville for Christmas Eve with all the local family followed by Christmas Eve service at Ox Hill. Christmas day we went to Laurie’s sister Carlene’s home in Chantilly for brunch and more Christmas celebrating.
In the week between Christmas and New Years, Laurie was seen and released by the Mediport surgeon, and also went to see the radiation oncologist to get more information as to the benefits of this type of treatment. Given her pathology reports as well as the fact that 4 lymph nodes were involved, statistically she has a 25% chance of recurrence on that side. Therefore, while radiation would not affect her survival rate, it would reduce her recurrence by 75%, or to about 6%. While there are risks, we believe they are worth the benefit so will plan to start that in July after the chemotherapy.
Today Laurie took another step towards her recovery. Since she will lose her hair from the chemo, she decided to donate her hair to Locks of Love and then had the remaining hair shaved. Martha, our next door neighbor, arranged for Laurie to go to Shapes in Herndon to donate her hair. She then had the wig she received at the American Cancer Society styled. She walked out just as proud as she walked in. I have to admit that she looks great! Thanks Martha!
Monday Laurie will have her first chemo treatment which should last approximately three hours. In addition to the chemo she will be also be taking several medications to counter any side effects. She will have her next treatment in three weeks.
As we begin yet another phase of her road to recovery we continue to treasure your thoughts and prayers and look forward to providing you with more updates.
.
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