CT Results

I just got back from seeing the oncologist ... and this time I took a note book and wrote some things down.

Regarding the CT scan:

• since the last CT scan, I have fluid that has formed on my lungs. The oncologist doesn't feel it is cancer related but is likely chemo related. They will be watching this closely.
• the tumors in my body have either shrunk or stayed the same. Most have stayed the same.
  

Regarding my blood work:

• my hemoglobin, which was a concern last time, is good to go. It is at 122. If it ever got below 90, they would give me a blood transfusion.
  
• all my other blood work looks O.K. for chemotherapy tomorrow.

Regarding my chemotherapy:

• my last chemo treatment, cycle 8, was a bit harder on me than usuall because they increased the dosage of Taxotere. I had put some weight on and they decided to increase it. Well, they are going to revert back to the previous dosage. Why? ,,, Because of the increase fatigue and especially because of the Hand-Foot Syndrome in my feet. They don't want to risk permanent nerve damage to my feet or hands.
  

The oncologist says my CT report is generally a positive one because the Taxotere is still shrinking some of the tumors.

I decided to ask a few detailed questions to find out how my treatment is going relatively speaking. In my August CT scan report, my largest tumor was 4 cm x 4 cm and that same tumor today is 2.5 cm x 2.4 cm. So we still have a ways to go.

The oncologist warns that as the tumors get smaller, we'll see smaller changes.

Sunday Morning

As I’m typing away on my laptop, I'm sitting here watching probably my most favorite show on television and that is Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. The show covers snippets of news that is usually not covered by mainstream news. It is one of the news-type shows that I can actually walk away feeling better than before I watched it. For example, today’s first bit of the show is about surrogate mothers and how these women help others have children ... and how appreciative the new families are.

Going backwards, yesterday was my birthday. I wanted to thank my mom and sister D., for coming by with a cake, a care package of yummy stuff and the great gifts.

I can hardly wait to have my first piece of cake this morning.

I wanted to thank my sister O. for the gift she sent in the mail and of course to D.’s parents for singing Happy Birthday over the phone. That was really nice.

Going forwards, tomorrow I get my blood work done and see my oncologist. I have to get a few things organized for my chemo on Tuesday ... and so cycle 9 begins.

A Happy Birthday

Today I turn 48.

The last 9 years have been both a mental and physical struggle. Since being diagnosed with cancer, I have had to work very hard to ‘earn’ each and every one of the last 9 years. I’ve had cancer three times now and three times I’ve thought I was going to die ... very soon, but somehow, I’m still here ... that kind of blows my mind.

I’m not sure what the future holds but for now we will celebrate the present ... and that is my birthday.

Thanks to my friends and family for the lovely cards and well wishes ...

Volunteer Driver Program

There are so many programs out there for cancer patients that I like to highlight some of them for people who aren’t aware of the them.

The Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/Northwest Territories offers a variety of programs. The one I’d like to talk about today is the Volunteer Driver Program. The program relies on volunteers who donate their time and vehicles to transport people who need assistance traveling to and from cancer treatment.

The program is there to help people, who do not have other means of transportation, to their cancer treatments. The rides are offered for active treatment only and not post treatment follow-up appointments.

For more detailed information for Edmonton, please pick up a pamphlet from the Cross Cancer Institute or call the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/Northwest Territories directly at 780.437.8406 or 780.437.0277. You can also email them at edmvdp@cancer.ab.ca.

For Calgary, please call 1.800.263.6750.

CT Scan

My CT scan was this morning. Hopefully I will have the results on Monday when I see my oncologist.

This was CT scan #4 since August of 2008 ... I wonder when I’ll start glowing from all the radiation.

And then there is the contrast material they inject to see things better during the CT scan ... should be O.K. unless you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Did I mention I have to sign off on a Patient Consent form each time I get the CT scan?

... sometimes it’s just better not knowing.

I’ve attached a video off of You Tube talking about how a CT scan machine works. The video is short and sweet.

A Gorgeous Day Out There

It is a gorgeous day out there today ... clear skies and 2°C. It really feels warmer than that.

Here are a couple updates:

• This past weekend, I mentioned my struggle with sore heels caused by the chemotherapy ... also known as Hand Foot Syndrome. Today the bottoms of my feet feel almost normal. I still feel a bit soreness in the heels. I'm also a bit sore in the balls of the my feet ... but that is from tip toeing around because my heels were sore.

• My watery eyes seem to be worse than ever. The eye drops the doctor prescribed do offer me some relief ... as in making my eyes feel better but hasn't slowed down the tears.

Today I had an appointment with my psychologist at the Cancer Institute. I see her once a month just to stay on track. She has been at the Cancer Institute for many years and has seen a lot of patients go through treatment, so she knows whats going on. I really feel comfortable with her.

Later today I'll be going to my sisters so she can flush my CVC.

Tomorrow is my CT scan.

Compassion House Fundraiser

Compassion House is putting on its 9th annual Fork it Over fundraiser on January 30, 2009, at the Delta Edmonton South. The event is held in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield and includes dinner, silent auction and a live auction with guest auctioneer Danny Hooper.

Tickets are $75 each or $750 for a table of 10. For more information, please contact Amy at 780.425.7224.

I visited Compassion House when it first opened in 2002. It is a beautiful house and provides a great service. They offer a home away from home for breast cancer patients and there families who have to travel long distances to Edmonton for treatment for breast cancer.

I think it is wonderful to have this home made available for ladies and their families as they struggle through their treatment. First of all the home itself is very 'homey' and supportive because everyone there is going through similar treatments and experiences.

I often think about people from out-of-town getting treatment, and that it must be very costly to travel back and forth, get hotel rooms to stay at and then purchase all their meals. I think about how lonely it must be.

That is all on top of dealing with cancer and it's treatment.

Feel Like A Heel

Last night I had a hard time falling a sleep so I laid on my stomach and poof ... I fell asleep. I woke up in the middle of the night with a huge headache likely because I slept on my stomach for a time and my sinuses filled up. I struggle with an intermittent sinus issue ... caused by the chemotherapy.

I did fall asleep but woke up this morning with the same huge headache. After having some breakfast, I thought I'd lay down for a short time but that didn't work so I went downstairs and had a shower. That helped clear the sinuses and most of the headache.

I came upstairs and put some cream on my feet ... especially my heels that are getting extremely dry. As I was putting some socks on, I noticed the bottoms of my feet were blue/purple in color. In fact some of my toes were turning that color ... something like when you get really cold fingers or if you have poor circulation. I kind of panicked and thought, I'll just call the research nurse at the Cancer Institute and see what she has to say about this. As I was talking to her, it occurred to me, I had just gotten out of the shower and my feet might be affected. I decided to look at them again and they looked much more normal.

Anyways, she is very kind and said to call her any time. She made note of my sore heels and said to call if they appeared to get worse.

Talk about feeling like a heel.

Hand-Foot Syndrome

After a bit of pampering yesterday, I think my heels are feeling a bit better. They are no longer glowing red. I started wearing shoes in the house. I think the support of shoes has offered some relieve. I’m also keeping my feet elevated and I think that helps too.

As I was writing this, I jumped on the internet and found an article called Hand-Foot Syndrome that describes exactly what I'm experiencing. I’ve said it before and will say it again ... that internet is amazing.

I think the internet also warns about self-diagnosis ... not to worry, I won't try anything wacko.

The article offers suggestions on how to alleviate some of the discomfort:

1. Cool procedures - cold may provide relief, so things like: luke warm water and Epsom salts or ice packs
2. Lotions - apply moisturizers gently
3. Do not walk on bare feet
4. Avoid any unnecessary activity on your feet
   
5. There are other suggestions but you really should speak with your doctor first

The article also talks about raising your legs whenever possible. D. you are the best.