Well, you could say it's been a while! I figured I'd write a bit to see if anyone is still out there.
We are having (note the present tense... I am NOT giving up on this season yet) a great summer. All is well... healthy, happy, and enjoying life. My hair is growing in nicely, energy is abounding, and life is good! I had a great check up in early August... given a clean bill of health! I'll make this short and sweet because I am tired!!!
Be well, Ash
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
So Good
We are back to the old me, who forgets from time to time to write in her blog. I was reminded by my good friend Jack that an update would be nice. Sorry, I didn't know anyone was still checking in!
Chemo... done.
Radiation... done too!
I finished that on June 22. All in all, not too bad. A lot of driving. The side effects were minimal. I do have a rather nice "sun burn" underneath my arm, but it is fading. I feel great, I'm working about 2-3 nights a week and trying to stay dry in between rain showers. The summer is going swimmingly so far! I have a few follow up appointments in August, but other than that, I am free! I'll catch up again soon.
xo Ash
Chemo... done.
Radiation... done too!
I finished that on June 22. All in all, not too bad. A lot of driving. The side effects were minimal. I do have a rather nice "sun burn" underneath my arm, but it is fading. I feel great, I'm working about 2-3 nights a week and trying to stay dry in between rain showers. The summer is going swimmingly so far! I have a few follow up appointments in August, but other than that, I am free! I'll catch up again soon.
xo Ash
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Saddle Up And Ride
Hello all. I am so sorry I haven't written in over a month. You are all probably bored of reading about this stuff anyway. But if you are still tuned in, here's what's happening.
April 21st was the last chemo... thank goodness! I made it, thanks to everyone! There were a few times in the last couple of weeks where I felt a little achy but overall, my body did FAR better with that chemo than the first. It felt great to leave that day, knowing I didn't have to show up for it the following week. I do miss the nurses.. they are a special breed of people and they treated me with so much kindness.
On the radiation front, I begin tomorrow. Since I last wrote, I made a connection with a radiation doc from Mass General/Exeter Hospital and sought a second opinion from him. I just wanted to hear that radiation is done with success to people with my set of circumstances (i.e. expanders/metal ports, etc...). Mom, Chase and I drove to Exeter NH and I met with him and it was a very positive meeting. He reaffirmed what I knew and said he has had very good results. He also knew my medical oncologist from way back, which was a nice connection. I then met with my plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist at Dartmouth so we were all on the same page. THEN they had to readjust some measurements they took, so that set my start date back a week... not so fun. This put a damper on my beach week with my Dad. Of all the things that have happened this winter, this was by far the most disappointing. I was REALLY looking forward to a week away from all of this. But such is life and plans change. No beach week for me this June, maybe later this summer. A minor setback, but I am over it (sort of).
So far this week has looked like this: yesterday (Monday) I had my medi-port taken out. Remember, it's that button looking thing that's been in my chest since December, where I got my treatments. That was exciting, and there were some extremely entertaining patients in there, AND they gave me those nice, "can't think of anything but happy thoughts" drugs. Today was intro to radiation day, with a set of x-rays. Tomorrow is the real deal. One of the tech's asked me today what music I wanted to listen to because they have XM radio in the room. I said, "Look, I have a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old, so it is RARELY my choice. So, as long as Hannah Montana doesn't come out of that speaker, I'll be happy with anything!" So, another countdown begins, with the ending date being June 22nd.
Other news: I have begun working a few shifts here and there at Keeper's. I have sold my half of Keeper's to Danny (my business partner) so I am more "per Diem" actually. It is a good solution for all of us. I am really excited for Danny to take Keeper's to the next level. He will do well, I know it. He also knows I will do anything I can to help him. As for me, working a few nights a week has been great!
I just swallowed the first of 1,825 Tamoxifen pills this evening. That sounds terrible. In other words, for the next 5 years, I have to remember to take this every day. It is a hormone therapy drug that will continue to decrease my chances of recurrence. So if you see me around, please remind me. Only 1,824 to go.
Sadie, Jason and Chase are doing great. This has been a winter and spring of never-ending coughs and runny noses, but we are hopefully in the clear. The weather has been great (by that I mean we haven't seen snow in almost a month), we have tilled the garden and the kids LOVE playing in the dirt. Life is good.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. I love you all!
Ash
April 21st was the last chemo... thank goodness! I made it, thanks to everyone! There were a few times in the last couple of weeks where I felt a little achy but overall, my body did FAR better with that chemo than the first. It felt great to leave that day, knowing I didn't have to show up for it the following week. I do miss the nurses.. they are a special breed of people and they treated me with so much kindness.
On the radiation front, I begin tomorrow. Since I last wrote, I made a connection with a radiation doc from Mass General/Exeter Hospital and sought a second opinion from him. I just wanted to hear that radiation is done with success to people with my set of circumstances (i.e. expanders/metal ports, etc...). Mom, Chase and I drove to Exeter NH and I met with him and it was a very positive meeting. He reaffirmed what I knew and said he has had very good results. He also knew my medical oncologist from way back, which was a nice connection. I then met with my plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist at Dartmouth so we were all on the same page. THEN they had to readjust some measurements they took, so that set my start date back a week... not so fun. This put a damper on my beach week with my Dad. Of all the things that have happened this winter, this was by far the most disappointing. I was REALLY looking forward to a week away from all of this. But such is life and plans change. No beach week for me this June, maybe later this summer. A minor setback, but I am over it (sort of).
So far this week has looked like this: yesterday (Monday) I had my medi-port taken out. Remember, it's that button looking thing that's been in my chest since December, where I got my treatments. That was exciting, and there were some extremely entertaining patients in there, AND they gave me those nice, "can't think of anything but happy thoughts" drugs. Today was intro to radiation day, with a set of x-rays. Tomorrow is the real deal. One of the tech's asked me today what music I wanted to listen to because they have XM radio in the room. I said, "Look, I have a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old, so it is RARELY my choice. So, as long as Hannah Montana doesn't come out of that speaker, I'll be happy with anything!" So, another countdown begins, with the ending date being June 22nd.
Other news: I have begun working a few shifts here and there at Keeper's. I have sold my half of Keeper's to Danny (my business partner) so I am more "per Diem" actually. It is a good solution for all of us. I am really excited for Danny to take Keeper's to the next level. He will do well, I know it. He also knows I will do anything I can to help him. As for me, working a few nights a week has been great!
I just swallowed the first of 1,825 Tamoxifen pills this evening. That sounds terrible. In other words, for the next 5 years, I have to remember to take this every day. It is a hormone therapy drug that will continue to decrease my chances of recurrence. So if you see me around, please remind me. Only 1,824 to go.
Sadie, Jason and Chase are doing great. This has been a winter and spring of never-ending coughs and runny noses, but we are hopefully in the clear. The weather has been great (by that I mean we haven't seen snow in almost a month), we have tilled the garden and the kids LOVE playing in the dirt. Life is good.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. I love you all!
Ash
Monday, March 30, 2009
Closer to Fine
The maple syrup count is upwards of 35-40 gallons, which should hold us until next season! My blood counts: all of those are where they should be and after tomorrow, 3 more Tuesdays of Fun!
Then we move on to radiation. My start day is Cinco de Mayo, for lots of x-rays, then May 6th for the first radiation. I received my four barely visible tattoos last week (little black dots). They are for lining me up properly each time. We are going ahead with leaving me "expanded", shall we say. If they run into any problems mid course, we'll tackle them then.
I am thrilled to say I have started running again. Maybe running is a strong term, because what I am doing does NOT resemble what I used to do, but it is a start. To say I have no expectations would be lying, but for now, I am just happy to be out there. I have set another goal as well. The 2009 Prouty Ride to benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (my second home) is on Saturday, July 11th. In the past, I have rode either the 25 mile or the 50 mile. This year, my goal is the 35 mile, which is a new loop I believe. I'd love to do the 50, but I think the 35 is more realistic.
We are Team Keeper's... check it out: www.TheProuty.org. Member's welcome! It's a great event.
Well, I am off to bed for the evening. Have a great day and thank you all for your support. Every one's help this winter makes me think of the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world". All of the people in my world have lived up to this challenge 100%. You are the best.
Love, Ash
Then we move on to radiation. My start day is Cinco de Mayo, for lots of x-rays, then May 6th for the first radiation. I received my four barely visible tattoos last week (little black dots). They are for lining me up properly each time. We are going ahead with leaving me "expanded", shall we say. If they run into any problems mid course, we'll tackle them then.
I am thrilled to say I have started running again. Maybe running is a strong term, because what I am doing does NOT resemble what I used to do, but it is a start. To say I have no expectations would be lying, but for now, I am just happy to be out there. I have set another goal as well. The 2009 Prouty Ride to benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (my second home) is on Saturday, July 11th. In the past, I have rode either the 25 mile or the 50 mile. This year, my goal is the 35 mile, which is a new loop I believe. I'd love to do the 50, but I think the 35 is more realistic.
We are Team Keeper's... check it out: www.TheProuty.org. Member's welcome! It's a great event.
Well, I am off to bed for the evening. Have a great day and thank you all for your support. Every one's help this winter makes me think of the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world". All of the people in my world have lived up to this challenge 100%. You are the best.
Love, Ash
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Life Is Good
Just checking in to say all is well here. We are enjoying a great season in the sugar house, having made at least 12 gallons of maple syrup to date. It usually draws a crowd, which means a lot of muddy kids, rides on the 4-wheeler and beer. Red Neckish to the nines. Last night Chase discovered what is actually in the canner... syrup. He was quite happy drinking it from his little Dixie cup like the big kids. Syrup is not just for pancakes anymore! Sadie loves having her friends from school come up and hang out.
As for me, I am so happy to have more energy to be doing things... anything. This round has proved to be easier, especially getting a treatment every week. As my energy level rises, I realize more and more how miserable December, January, and February were. I am so thankful that part is over and I hope NEVER to have to repeat it.
I have five to go, and then radiation will begin. This week, I go see the radiation people again and I believe they are going to do a simulation... pinpoint exactly where they will radiate. I met with the plastic surgeon last week and there was some question as to whether the expanders that are inside my chest could actually stay in for the radiation. I was less than thrilled with this information, because it would have meant another surgery to remove them. In the end, I was told they can stay. The actual reconstruction after radiation (removing the expanders and replacing with implants) is still somewhat of an unknown, largely because reconstructing radiated tissue all depends upon how the tissue holds up throughout the course of radiation. I need to hope for the best and also keep the important factor at hand: making sure that I am doing everything I can so that there is no recurrence. Sometimes I feel like I am talking about the Bionic Woman, not myself!
Once again, I thank everyone for their help, their phone calls, and words of encouragement. We couldn't do this without all of it.
Ash
As for me, I am so happy to have more energy to be doing things... anything. This round has proved to be easier, especially getting a treatment every week. As my energy level rises, I realize more and more how miserable December, January, and February were. I am so thankful that part is over and I hope NEVER to have to repeat it.
I have five to go, and then radiation will begin. This week, I go see the radiation people again and I believe they are going to do a simulation... pinpoint exactly where they will radiate. I met with the plastic surgeon last week and there was some question as to whether the expanders that are inside my chest could actually stay in for the radiation. I was less than thrilled with this information, because it would have meant another surgery to remove them. In the end, I was told they can stay. The actual reconstruction after radiation (removing the expanders and replacing with implants) is still somewhat of an unknown, largely because reconstructing radiated tissue all depends upon how the tissue holds up throughout the course of radiation. I need to hope for the best and also keep the important factor at hand: making sure that I am doing everything I can so that there is no recurrence. Sometimes I feel like I am talking about the Bionic Woman, not myself!
Once again, I thank everyone for their help, their phone calls, and words of encouragement. We couldn't do this without all of it.
Ash
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Countdown
How is it that I started with 8 treatments, I get to the final month, weeks before my "last one", and I still have 7 more?! Well, April 21 still holds as the last one. Today went well, my red blood cell count was up, I had my benadryl nap, and went home full of Taxol. Thursdays still seem to be the lowest day, but nothing compared to the other treatments. Now, if we could only begin to see the beginnings of warm weather. I don't need 70 degrees. But if we could hover in the 40's or 50's for a month, that would be nice.
I promise to write more soon, but I am going to bed!
Ash
I promise to write more soon, but I am going to bed!
Ash
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I feel Lucky
I really do, feel lucky that is.
I met a few people today that put a lot of what I have to do in perspective. Spending 9 hours in the Infusion Suite at Dartmouth is an eye opener. When I see people walk in, what I feel is not a matter of greedy curiosity to know what they are in for, but a desire to know how they are feeling about it, how often they have to be here, how much longer they have to have treatments, if they are as fortunate as me to have incredibly supportive people all around, to know if they are feeling sad, beaten down, depressed, or determined, strong, up beat, or if every single one of these reactions fires in their blood stream at the same time and if it overwhelms them as it does me. Some of these people I get a chance to talk to, some I don't. I met a woman today with lung cancer, going through her second round of chemo after major surgery. Her round ends when her chemo regimen stops working. With her bright blue eyes, broad smile, and curly red hair that was growing back in, I never would have guessed that last January, she had been told she only had 2-4 weeks to live. Amazing woman. So, I do feel lucky, and it's not because she's less fortunate. It's because she has hope, and her hope is contagious. It's because I have the strength to get through my treatment. It's because (I hate spelling 'because') my situation isn't that bad. Okay, actually, it sucks, but it will be over soon.
My apologies for not catching up sooner. The last few weeks have been pretty crazy. Remember the blood loss? Well, my colonoscopy and endoscopy were both clear... very good news, because I was nervous. But these results left a lot of unanswered questions. Last week, my doc ordered blood tests to rule out some things, then possibly a bone marrow biopsy to figure out why all of my levels were okay, except for the red blood cells. One blood test ordered was testing for the Parvo Virus. I know you are thinking dogs get that, not people. Well, that's what I thought too. But people get do get it, and it is also known as Fifth disease, as in not one of the four mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox. Well, Fifth disease is a virus, and a kid usually gets a low grade fever, then a rash. By the time we see the rash, they are no longer contagious, and there isn't a darn thing we can do to treat them. Now, when a person with a compromised immune system gets it, they get achy, and their bodies stop making red blood cells. It sounds funny, but I had never been so happy to have a disease in all my life. It meant the next stop of a bone marrow biopsy could be eliminated. YAH HOO for me and the Parvo!!!!!!
So, over the last two weeks, blood transfusions have been pretty regular occurrences and in light of all of this, my chemo schedule has changed. I had been holding that March 24th end date as the brass ring. Now that they have pinpointed the blood problem, the solution is to give me the remainder of my treatments over a longer period of time. The new plan is a treatment of a lesser dose EVERY Tuesday, the last being April 21st. I am not thrilled, but like I said, overall I am a very lucky person. This change should raise my levels, give me more energy, lessen my need for transfusions, and maybe lessen any side effects. The side effects of this "cocktail" that I experienced are achy-ness in joints and bones. I will never know whether this achy-ness is from the Parvo or the Taxol.
My day today, consisted of two units of blood and a unit of chemo, and all the premeds that go along with these. If you are looking for a quality nap in a comfortable Lazy Boy with a warm blanket, I highly recommend the IV form of benadryl they give me before my transfusions!!!!! It puts me right out. We'll see what it does for my sleeping habits tonight!
Jason and I also met with a Radiation Oncologist last week. As a team, it was decided that I would do the Radiation therapy, beginning ~2 weeks after chemo ends. I'll go five days a week for 28 sessions. I am guessing this will end around the 10th of June. My next reconstructive surgery will be sometime after that. There are a few concerns about having the expander in me during radiation, and I have a meeting with the Plastic Surgeon and Radiation Oncologist together in March to figure out the best course of action.
Thanks for listening to me go on and on. I hope spring is coming soon wherever you are (we here in VT are not a close as I had thought... at least a foot of snow fell on Sunday! )
Love and gratitude for all of your help!
Ash
I met a few people today that put a lot of what I have to do in perspective. Spending 9 hours in the Infusion Suite at Dartmouth is an eye opener. When I see people walk in, what I feel is not a matter of greedy curiosity to know what they are in for, but a desire to know how they are feeling about it, how often they have to be here, how much longer they have to have treatments, if they are as fortunate as me to have incredibly supportive people all around, to know if they are feeling sad, beaten down, depressed, or determined, strong, up beat, or if every single one of these reactions fires in their blood stream at the same time and if it overwhelms them as it does me. Some of these people I get a chance to talk to, some I don't. I met a woman today with lung cancer, going through her second round of chemo after major surgery. Her round ends when her chemo regimen stops working. With her bright blue eyes, broad smile, and curly red hair that was growing back in, I never would have guessed that last January, she had been told she only had 2-4 weeks to live. Amazing woman. So, I do feel lucky, and it's not because she's less fortunate. It's because she has hope, and her hope is contagious. It's because I have the strength to get through my treatment. It's because (I hate spelling 'because') my situation isn't that bad. Okay, actually, it sucks, but it will be over soon.
My apologies for not catching up sooner. The last few weeks have been pretty crazy. Remember the blood loss? Well, my colonoscopy and endoscopy were both clear... very good news, because I was nervous. But these results left a lot of unanswered questions. Last week, my doc ordered blood tests to rule out some things, then possibly a bone marrow biopsy to figure out why all of my levels were okay, except for the red blood cells. One blood test ordered was testing for the Parvo Virus. I know you are thinking dogs get that, not people. Well, that's what I thought too. But people get do get it, and it is also known as Fifth disease, as in not one of the four mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox. Well, Fifth disease is a virus, and a kid usually gets a low grade fever, then a rash. By the time we see the rash, they are no longer contagious, and there isn't a darn thing we can do to treat them. Now, when a person with a compromised immune system gets it, they get achy, and their bodies stop making red blood cells. It sounds funny, but I had never been so happy to have a disease in all my life. It meant the next stop of a bone marrow biopsy could be eliminated. YAH HOO for me and the Parvo!!!!!!
So, over the last two weeks, blood transfusions have been pretty regular occurrences and in light of all of this, my chemo schedule has changed. I had been holding that March 24th end date as the brass ring. Now that they have pinpointed the blood problem, the solution is to give me the remainder of my treatments over a longer period of time. The new plan is a treatment of a lesser dose EVERY Tuesday, the last being April 21st. I am not thrilled, but like I said, overall I am a very lucky person. This change should raise my levels, give me more energy, lessen my need for transfusions, and maybe lessen any side effects. The side effects of this "cocktail" that I experienced are achy-ness in joints and bones. I will never know whether this achy-ness is from the Parvo or the Taxol.
My day today, consisted of two units of blood and a unit of chemo, and all the premeds that go along with these. If you are looking for a quality nap in a comfortable Lazy Boy with a warm blanket, I highly recommend the IV form of benadryl they give me before my transfusions!!!!! It puts me right out. We'll see what it does for my sleeping habits tonight!
Jason and I also met with a Radiation Oncologist last week. As a team, it was decided that I would do the Radiation therapy, beginning ~2 weeks after chemo ends. I'll go five days a week for 28 sessions. I am guessing this will end around the 10th of June. My next reconstructive surgery will be sometime after that. There are a few concerns about having the expander in me during radiation, and I have a meeting with the Plastic Surgeon and Radiation Oncologist together in March to figure out the best course of action.
Thanks for listening to me go on and on. I hope spring is coming soon wherever you are (we here in VT are not a close as I had thought... at least a foot of snow fell on Sunday! )
Love and gratitude for all of your help!
Ash
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Not what I expected
Well, yesterday was interesting. I did not receive my treatment, but did find out why I have been so bloody tired and have had untouchable headaches: my blood work this time around showed I was VERY anemic, like 40% low. Kind of like being 2 quarts low of oil in your car. Chemo supresses the white blood cell production as well as the red, but I receive a boost to help my body make more white. This comes in the form of my Neulasta shot I receive 24 hours after the treatment. They don't give me a boost for the red blood cell production for a few reasons, most of them falling into the too dangerous category. So, the Doc said no chemo, but I had a blood transfusion instead (2 units). We don't know the reason, which is a bit perplexing. He has ordered some tests (endoscopy) so see where it (the blood) is going. Hopefully, some of it is because of the chemo eating away the red blood cells, and the other is as simple as leaving via my colon and beyond. It was a weird feeling to be almost upset at not getting the treatment, but I really want this all behind me. But here is what I have come up with:
Positive side of this #1: I get another week of feeling better before I do it again.
#2: I don't have to have a treatment the week of Sadie's school vacation!
#3: I don't have a headache.
#4. I now understand why I have been SO wiped out.
#5. There are actually icicles melting outside, which means spring is closer and closer every day, which means the end of March will be here before we know it.
I will keep you all posted as to what happens next. In the mean while, keep smiling and enjoying life!
Love Ash
Positive side of this #1: I get another week of feeling better before I do it again.
#2: I don't have to have a treatment the week of Sadie's school vacation!
#3: I don't have a headache.
#4. I now understand why I have been SO wiped out.
#5. There are actually icicles melting outside, which means spring is closer and closer every day, which means the end of March will be here before we know it.
I will keep you all posted as to what happens next. In the mean while, keep smiling and enjoying life!
Love Ash
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
So many choices for titles
It's not fair... (that I have one day of energy and 17 thousand days of energetic things to do).
Half way through.
Bald is the new black.
Saving money left and right on razors, shaving cream and shampoo.
So many funny things to say and not enough brain power to remember them.
Pissed off.
One hell of a weight loss program.
Well, that's the short list of all of the title's I have thought of for this entry. As you probably noticed, it took a while for me to write this one. My third treatment, January 6th was a doozy. The fatigue hit me on the way home from the appointment and I was asleep for the night at 4pm. I honestly think my body is making up for the sleep I haven't given it in 5 plus years! I guess being a early riser and a night owl isn't always the best plan of action.
Onward, I slept A LOT!!!!!! I didn't know I could be that tired. It seemed that life was happening around me, not to me. Sorry to all of you I said I'd call back after I put Sadie to sleep...I never resurface. As far as eating... not so much. I did manage to go to Sadie's first day with the school ski program, which was Friday the 9th. My mom and I took Chase in the sled and walked up and down the hill while Jason skied with her. She did a terrific job and was skiing on on her own as of that Sunday. The program was cancelled the following Friday ( minus 20 degrees will do that) so we went again on Sunday and I actually skied. Sure, I was green, didn't even recognize my friend's friend Shari, barely got my boots buckled, but I got to be with Sadie and Jason and that was well worth it. I would appreciate it if this information did NOT get back to my surgeons!!!!!!
Monday, two days ago was a pretty good day. It's just stinks trying to figure out how to spend the little time you feel okay. First thought is kids, and then the reality of bills, calls, vacuums (yeah right!!!!!) and all of the "stuff" comes into play. I have also noticed my reaction time is deplorable. It goes something like this:
I need to write a note to .....
the amount of time it takes me to get the paper, pen, envelope, words, address, and stamp all in the same room, I might as well have flown to see the person. Now, it actually has to be put in the mail box. Right. My intentions are not exactly turning into completed tasks. Bear with me, I beg you. I have this grand idea of sending a note to every person who has sent me well wishes. I will try, but my track record is, well, the word deplorable comes to mind again!
So, yesterday was my 4th and LAST AC treatment. My doc knew the last one didn't go well just by looking at my blood work. My potassium was low as was my WBC (white blood count). The potassium was because I hadn't been eating enough, and the WBC was because of the chemo. Along with the chemo, I had two bags of potassium, which take an hour EACH to drip. Exciting day, I tell you. But I watched the inauguration and was well entertained. The Doc said the next four treatments are better... less sickness. I begin these, the Taxol, on Feb 3. It comes with it's own set of fun like potential bone and joint pain, but it's more common in older patients and since I'm so young (tee hee), I'll breeze through it. Now, for the next two weeks, my goals are:
1. to eat
2. to not feel sick.
3. to walk.
4. to smile
5. to swim
6. to feel warm, St Croix beach warm
7. to enjoy life, all parts
8. to go snow shoeing on a full moon
9. to plan a trip
10. to make sure everyone knows how much I appreciate their help
That should keep me busy!
xo Ash
Half way through.
Bald is the new black.
Saving money left and right on razors, shaving cream and shampoo.
So many funny things to say and not enough brain power to remember them.
Pissed off.
One hell of a weight loss program.
Well, that's the short list of all of the title's I have thought of for this entry. As you probably noticed, it took a while for me to write this one. My third treatment, January 6th was a doozy. The fatigue hit me on the way home from the appointment and I was asleep for the night at 4pm. I honestly think my body is making up for the sleep I haven't given it in 5 plus years! I guess being a early riser and a night owl isn't always the best plan of action.
Onward, I slept A LOT!!!!!! I didn't know I could be that tired. It seemed that life was happening around me, not to me. Sorry to all of you I said I'd call back after I put Sadie to sleep...I never resurface. As far as eating... not so much. I did manage to go to Sadie's first day with the school ski program, which was Friday the 9th. My mom and I took Chase in the sled and walked up and down the hill while Jason skied with her. She did a terrific job and was skiing on on her own as of that Sunday. The program was cancelled the following Friday ( minus 20 degrees will do that) so we went again on Sunday and I actually skied. Sure, I was green, didn't even recognize my friend's friend Shari, barely got my boots buckled, but I got to be with Sadie and Jason and that was well worth it. I would appreciate it if this information did NOT get back to my surgeons!!!!!!
Monday, two days ago was a pretty good day. It's just stinks trying to figure out how to spend the little time you feel okay. First thought is kids, and then the reality of bills, calls, vacuums (yeah right!!!!!) and all of the "stuff" comes into play. I have also noticed my reaction time is deplorable. It goes something like this:
I need to write a note to .....
the amount of time it takes me to get the paper, pen, envelope, words, address, and stamp all in the same room, I might as well have flown to see the person. Now, it actually has to be put in the mail box. Right. My intentions are not exactly turning into completed tasks. Bear with me, I beg you. I have this grand idea of sending a note to every person who has sent me well wishes. I will try, but my track record is, well, the word deplorable comes to mind again!
So, yesterday was my 4th and LAST AC treatment. My doc knew the last one didn't go well just by looking at my blood work. My potassium was low as was my WBC (white blood count). The potassium was because I hadn't been eating enough, and the WBC was because of the chemo. Along with the chemo, I had two bags of potassium, which take an hour EACH to drip. Exciting day, I tell you. But I watched the inauguration and was well entertained. The Doc said the next four treatments are better... less sickness. I begin these, the Taxol, on Feb 3. It comes with it's own set of fun like potential bone and joint pain, but it's more common in older patients and since I'm so young (tee hee), I'll breeze through it. Now, for the next two weeks, my goals are:
1. to eat
2. to not feel sick.
3. to walk.
4. to smile
5. to swim
6. to feel warm, St Croix beach warm
7. to enjoy life, all parts
8. to go snow shoeing on a full moon
9. to plan a trip
10. to make sure everyone knows how much I appreciate their help
That should keep me busy!
xo Ash
Saturday, January 3, 2009
My new look!!!
I hope you all appreciate my new hair style. The picture was taken at the "top of the world" today (1/3/09) on a gorgeous Vermont day with two friends as we all snuck out of the craziness of life and headed out to enjoy what life is all about. Thanks Susan, Molly, Sara and Tim for taking all the kiddos!
If I can figure out how, I'll add a picture without my new lovely hat. Life is good! Enjoy the New Year and go outside.
If I can figure out how, I'll add a picture without my new lovely hat. Life is good! Enjoy the New Year and go outside.
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