As I expected, yesterday's appointment with Dr. Cutie was basically just to touch base about the side effects of the chemo. We also talked about pain control because the pain is, over time, getting worse. When it's bad, it's like someone has thrust a sharp dagger up under my right ribs, making moving around rather a trial. Basically, for pain control, the doc says to take as much medication as I need; if it gets to where I am needing a certain amount per day, he will give me stronger drugs.
We asked about the size of the tumor. It appears that it hasn't grown much, if at all, since the MRI in January. I would much rather have heard that the tumor had shrunk, but them's the brakes.
On the brighter side, on Tuesday Transcona Collegiate's Global Issues Group held a CancerCare fundraising talent show concert, where they raised over $350.00 for CancerCare. There sure are some talented students at our schools! The last half of the concert was a band called Premonition that played for about half an hour - very good music, very professionally done, and all by four high school kids. I was impressed.
Mac the dog seems to be holding his own, although his hacking cough seems to be getting a bit worse. We should be seeing the vet next week to find out if the growth in his mouth is cancer or not.
That's it for me today. Have yourselves a wonderful weekend!
-- Lori
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
How Things Are Going . . .
This being the second week of my second round of chemotherapy with the new drugs, I have tingly hands today, so this may be a very short post. At least I haven't had any hand seizures so far; they usually start right after the chemo treatment, but I didn't have any yesterday and hope I don't have any today. Also, the fluid buildup continues to disipate. I have now gone from a high of 35 inches around to about 32 and am feeling much more comfortable.
I have noticed that my hair is starting to fall out, not in great clumps, thank goodness. It's more like I'm shedding more hair than usual. It's sort of funny how I realized it was coming out. I have a habit of running my fingers through my hair when I'm thinking or reading, and I was leaning up against a white pillow reading. When I got up and glanced down at the pillow, why, there was a pile of hair on the pillow! Yikes! I ran my hand through my hair and found about 20 hairs between my fingers. Ran my fingers through the hair on the other side of my head. More hair!!!
Every day I spend a few minutes just running my fingers through my hair, straining out the loose ones so I'm not shedding all over the house. Fortunately, I have lots of hair to lose, so I'm not getting anywhere near looking ratty yet. But if it continues at this rate, you might just see me with a shaved head one of these days!
Mac the dog is doing well on his medication. After he gets his heart medication, he goes for several hours with no hacking coughs, and he does seem a bit livelier; at least he doesn't look as sad and tired as he did a couple of weeks ago. He is still sleeping a lot, but he is rather ancient for a dog.
Last Friday afternoon the folks and I got out to visit The Herd. The weather was overcast but warm, so we spent about 45 minutes messing with the horses. In particular, we groomed Pearl, the new addition, and combed a few bird's nests worth of winter coat off of her. She is looking much better now that she is used to her new home. Bear gave me lots of love and nibbled me all over, as usual.
Saturday night mom and I went to the symphony to hear a piece of music I had heard about many times but never listened to: Modest Musorgsky's Pictures From An Exhibition. It was beautiful! We had a wonderful evening out, mom and I.
My hands are starting to stiffen up, so I had best leave off for now. I will update the blog after we see Dr. Cutie on Thursday.
Don't let this miserable, drab weather get you down. Warmer days are a-comin'!
-- Lori
I have noticed that my hair is starting to fall out, not in great clumps, thank goodness. It's more like I'm shedding more hair than usual. It's sort of funny how I realized it was coming out. I have a habit of running my fingers through my hair when I'm thinking or reading, and I was leaning up against a white pillow reading. When I got up and glanced down at the pillow, why, there was a pile of hair on the pillow! Yikes! I ran my hand through my hair and found about 20 hairs between my fingers. Ran my fingers through the hair on the other side of my head. More hair!!!
Every day I spend a few minutes just running my fingers through my hair, straining out the loose ones so I'm not shedding all over the house. Fortunately, I have lots of hair to lose, so I'm not getting anywhere near looking ratty yet. But if it continues at this rate, you might just see me with a shaved head one of these days!
Mac the dog is doing well on his medication. After he gets his heart medication, he goes for several hours with no hacking coughs, and he does seem a bit livelier; at least he doesn't look as sad and tired as he did a couple of weeks ago. He is still sleeping a lot, but he is rather ancient for a dog.
Last Friday afternoon the folks and I got out to visit The Herd. The weather was overcast but warm, so we spent about 45 minutes messing with the horses. In particular, we groomed Pearl, the new addition, and combed a few bird's nests worth of winter coat off of her. She is looking much better now that she is used to her new home. Bear gave me lots of love and nibbled me all over, as usual.
Saturday night mom and I went to the symphony to hear a piece of music I had heard about many times but never listened to: Modest Musorgsky's Pictures From An Exhibition. It was beautiful! We had a wonderful evening out, mom and I.
My hands are starting to stiffen up, so I had best leave off for now. I will update the blog after we see Dr. Cutie on Thursday.
Don't let this miserable, drab weather get you down. Warmer days are a-comin'!
-- Lori
Friday, March 20, 2009
About My Dog . . .
Every dog has its day, they say, so today is our dog's day to have a blog post.
Those of you who have met Mac recently know that he has had a growth on his mouth that showed up around the end of December. In the last few weeks he has also developed a really dry, hacky cough. Since Mac is about 15 years old and is getting deaf, blind, and very lame, I have been hoping that one day we'll wake up and find that he has passed peacefully during the night.
That hasn't happened yet, so we finally decided he needed to see the vet. I really didn't want to take him in myself because I was so worried the vet would condemn him to death immediately and I didn't think I could bear it. But, as usual, taking him to the vet fell to me; fortunately, the consequences weren't anywhere near as bad as I thought they might be.
Mac has a heart arrhythmia so his heart, instead of going dub-dub, dub-dub, dub-dub like a normal heart, goes dub-dub, dub-dub, dub-dub-dub, dub-dub. In other words, one side of his heart sticks in an extra beat once in a while. His heart is also enlarged because it's doing more work than it really should do. The enlarged heart is pressing against his airway causing the hacky cough.
The growth on his mouth probably is cancer, but if we can get his heart back into normal rhythm, the vet thinks it can be surgically removed. There is no sign that it has metastasized on the x-ray they took, so that's good news.
All in all, for a dog of his age, he isn't in bad shape. At least we aren't having to face putting him down right away. He's on antibiotics for the growth and heart medication for the arrhythmia, so we'll see how he makes out over the next few weeks and go from there.
On a brighter note, since this day is looking pretty good, I'm headed out to my sister's this afternoon for some equine therapy.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-- Lori
Those of you who have met Mac recently know that he has had a growth on his mouth that showed up around the end of December. In the last few weeks he has also developed a really dry, hacky cough. Since Mac is about 15 years old and is getting deaf, blind, and very lame, I have been hoping that one day we'll wake up and find that he has passed peacefully during the night.
That hasn't happened yet, so we finally decided he needed to see the vet. I really didn't want to take him in myself because I was so worried the vet would condemn him to death immediately and I didn't think I could bear it. But, as usual, taking him to the vet fell to me; fortunately, the consequences weren't anywhere near as bad as I thought they might be.
Mac has a heart arrhythmia so his heart, instead of going dub-dub, dub-dub, dub-dub like a normal heart, goes dub-dub, dub-dub, dub-dub-dub, dub-dub. In other words, one side of his heart sticks in an extra beat once in a while. His heart is also enlarged because it's doing more work than it really should do. The enlarged heart is pressing against his airway causing the hacky cough.
The growth on his mouth probably is cancer, but if we can get his heart back into normal rhythm, the vet thinks it can be surgically removed. There is no sign that it has metastasized on the x-ray they took, so that's good news.
All in all, for a dog of his age, he isn't in bad shape. At least we aren't having to face putting him down right away. He's on antibiotics for the growth and heart medication for the arrhythmia, so we'll see how he makes out over the next few weeks and go from there.
On a brighter note, since this day is looking pretty good, I'm headed out to my sister's this afternoon for some equine therapy.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-- Lori
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Chemotherapy Begins Again . . .
Yesterday was the first day of a new round of chemotherapy with the same drugs I had the last round. This first week I got the two "easy" drugs with only a few side effects, so I am expecting to have not too bad a week.
I haven't heard from Dr. Cutie about what the CT scan showed, so I am assuming I won't hear until I see him on March 26. As of Sunday night, the fluid buildup around my organs was at its highest - my waist measured 35 inches around. The highest it had been before was 33.5 inches. Since I measure every night, I should know in the next couple of days if the chemotherapy is working to reduce it again. I hope it does; it's probably the worst thing I am dealing with right now because the buildup makes it hard to take a deep breath, hard to find a comfortable sleeping position, and it also makes eating more difficult because it puts pressure on my stomach and I feel full right away. So I am trying to eat lots of little meals instead of three big ones every day.
On the brighter side of things, haven't we been having beautiful weather these past few days? It has been such a lift to my spirits to be able to go outside and sit on my front step in the afternoon and just soak up the sunshine. I am also enjoying not having to be bundled up in all the accoutrements of winter (coat, boots, hat, scarf, etc.) and being able to throw on a light jacket and gloves to go outside. I stood in our backyard for a few minutes yesterday afternoon and just listened to the water dripping off the buildings; it sounded like it was raining, the water is melting so quickly!
My parents have been enjoying the melt as well. They are very active people and will do any little job that needs doing. For the past few days, they have been working on keeping the front sidewalk clear of water and shovelling away as much slushy snow as possible. Our front sidewalk, by the way, is pretty much a lake during the spring melt because it dips down right in front of our gate. This is a job I usually do because it's a good excuse to play in the puddles. I guess my folks enjoy playing in the puddles as much as I do!
Another few days like this and the snow will be pretty much gone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I really want to get out to see my sister and the herd on Friday, and the forecast so far looks good. I'm hoping that as soon as the snow is gone, and my sister's new mare is healed up from an injury, we'll be able to do a little riding. I haven't been on a horse in probably 25 years, so I am very much looking forward to it. I've even been doing yoga stretches to get my legs in shape for the long strech across the saddle!
Here's hoping the warm weather holds!
-- Lori
I haven't heard from Dr. Cutie about what the CT scan showed, so I am assuming I won't hear until I see him on March 26. As of Sunday night, the fluid buildup around my organs was at its highest - my waist measured 35 inches around. The highest it had been before was 33.5 inches. Since I measure every night, I should know in the next couple of days if the chemotherapy is working to reduce it again. I hope it does; it's probably the worst thing I am dealing with right now because the buildup makes it hard to take a deep breath, hard to find a comfortable sleeping position, and it also makes eating more difficult because it puts pressure on my stomach and I feel full right away. So I am trying to eat lots of little meals instead of three big ones every day.
On the brighter side of things, haven't we been having beautiful weather these past few days? It has been such a lift to my spirits to be able to go outside and sit on my front step in the afternoon and just soak up the sunshine. I am also enjoying not having to be bundled up in all the accoutrements of winter (coat, boots, hat, scarf, etc.) and being able to throw on a light jacket and gloves to go outside. I stood in our backyard for a few minutes yesterday afternoon and just listened to the water dripping off the buildings; it sounded like it was raining, the water is melting so quickly!
My parents have been enjoying the melt as well. They are very active people and will do any little job that needs doing. For the past few days, they have been working on keeping the front sidewalk clear of water and shovelling away as much slushy snow as possible. Our front sidewalk, by the way, is pretty much a lake during the spring melt because it dips down right in front of our gate. This is a job I usually do because it's a good excuse to play in the puddles. I guess my folks enjoy playing in the puddles as much as I do!
Another few days like this and the snow will be pretty much gone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
I really want to get out to see my sister and the herd on Friday, and the forecast so far looks good. I'm hoping that as soon as the snow is gone, and my sister's new mare is healed up from an injury, we'll be able to do a little riding. I haven't been on a horse in probably 25 years, so I am very much looking forward to it. I've even been doing yoga stretches to get my legs in shape for the long strech across the saddle!
Here's hoping the warm weather holds!
-- Lori
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Visit With Dr. Cutie . . .
Yesterday we saw Dr. Cutie for an update on how things are going.
Firstly, I had had a CT scan on March 6, but the imaging department for some reason didn't compare the results to my latest MRI. Instead, they compared it to the CT scan I had in October, so Dr. C is going to have them redo the comparison. Therefore, I don't know if Charlene has grown, shrunk, or stayed the same.
Secondly, we start the next round of chemo on Monday. My blood looks good, my weight is up about seven pounds, I am tolerating the side effects well, so we're good to go.
Thirdly, the chemo definitely alleviated the fluid buildup around my organs, but it all came back during the past two weeks with no chemo. I look about five months pregnant. I was actually able to wear blue jeans for a week or so but I'm now back in overalls so I don't have anything tight around my waist (I find it quite uncomfortable to have anything tight around my middle). Dr. Cutie suggested that we start the chemo and, if the fluid doesn't drain off in the first week or so, we'll drain it the old-fashioned way with a big needle. He also suggested that we may try eliminating the two-week chemo vacation and instead administer the two "easy" chemo drugs during those weeks (Leukovorin and Fluorouracine) and see if that keeps the fluid off.
That's where things stand at the present time.
I sure am enjoying the sunshine we have had the past few days. Even though it has been chilly, the strength of the sun is definitely increasing. Soon, I hope, the snow will be melting and we'll finally get to spring.
-- Lori
Firstly, I had had a CT scan on March 6, but the imaging department for some reason didn't compare the results to my latest MRI. Instead, they compared it to the CT scan I had in October, so Dr. C is going to have them redo the comparison. Therefore, I don't know if Charlene has grown, shrunk, or stayed the same.
Secondly, we start the next round of chemo on Monday. My blood looks good, my weight is up about seven pounds, I am tolerating the side effects well, so we're good to go.
Thirdly, the chemo definitely alleviated the fluid buildup around my organs, but it all came back during the past two weeks with no chemo. I look about five months pregnant. I was actually able to wear blue jeans for a week or so but I'm now back in overalls so I don't have anything tight around my waist (I find it quite uncomfortable to have anything tight around my middle). Dr. Cutie suggested that we start the chemo and, if the fluid doesn't drain off in the first week or so, we'll drain it the old-fashioned way with a big needle. He also suggested that we may try eliminating the two-week chemo vacation and instead administer the two "easy" chemo drugs during those weeks (Leukovorin and Fluorouracine) and see if that keeps the fluid off.
That's where things stand at the present time.
I sure am enjoying the sunshine we have had the past few days. Even though it has been chilly, the strength of the sun is definitely increasing. Soon, I hope, the snow will be melting and we'll finally get to spring.
-- Lori
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My Visit With the Horses . . .
I have been having a pretty quiet time these past few days. Not having the chemo has allowed me to eat really well, get some much-needed rest, and save up some strength for the next round. Last Friday I went for my CT scan and will get the results Thursday when I see Dr. Cutie.
Unfortunately, the fluid buildup around my organs is back. The chemo did alleviate the problem but it has gradually built up again during this chemo break.
Since the next couple of days are going to be cold and windy, I took the opportunity yesterday to slip out of the city to visit my sister and bro-in-law and the horses. Had there been no wind, it would have been a beautiful day; you could actually feel the heat of the sun if you were standing in a spot where the wind couldn't get at you. The horses were all in a good mood. For some reason, they all seemed to be fascinated by my hat yesterday. It's just a hat, made of polar fleece type material, but they all had to have a good look at it, feel it with their lips, smell it thoroughly - Sparky even licked it! In smelling it, they also stuck their noses right in my face and we "shared breath". It's quite something to find yourself staring right into the nostrols of a horse who is curious about you and needs to have a good smell of you.
Pearl, the old mare and the newest member of the herd, is a placid old thing and I gave her a good rubbing with my mitts. She let me work her from head to stern, just rubbing up her all over and getting some of the loose hairs free. All the horses are starting to shed, so my winter coat, in addition to cat and dog hair, is now covered with the hair of four horses as well!
Hopefully these next few days will see the last of the cold weather and we can get along with spring.
-- Lori
Unfortunately, the fluid buildup around my organs is back. The chemo did alleviate the problem but it has gradually built up again during this chemo break.
Since the next couple of days are going to be cold and windy, I took the opportunity yesterday to slip out of the city to visit my sister and bro-in-law and the horses. Had there been no wind, it would have been a beautiful day; you could actually feel the heat of the sun if you were standing in a spot where the wind couldn't get at you. The horses were all in a good mood. For some reason, they all seemed to be fascinated by my hat yesterday. It's just a hat, made of polar fleece type material, but they all had to have a good look at it, feel it with their lips, smell it thoroughly - Sparky even licked it! In smelling it, they also stuck their noses right in my face and we "shared breath". It's quite something to find yourself staring right into the nostrols of a horse who is curious about you and needs to have a good smell of you.
Pearl, the old mare and the newest member of the herd, is a placid old thing and I gave her a good rubbing with my mitts. She let me work her from head to stern, just rubbing up her all over and getting some of the loose hairs free. All the horses are starting to shed, so my winter coat, in addition to cat and dog hair, is now covered with the hair of four horses as well!
Hopefully these next few days will see the last of the cold weather and we can get along with spring.
-- Lori
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