If any of you have read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland she must defeat the Jabberwocky. It is Lewis Carrol's nonsense that makes sense. Chemotherapy is like the Alice who must defeat the Cancer(the Jabberwocky). The chemo will enter my system and kill so much of me only to save me. In the process I will experience the side effects of battle including but not limited to: flu-like symptoms, eye changes, kidney changes, weight changes, hormone changes, fluid retention, and of course constipation and diarrhea.
It seems like such an attractive combination-hence the Jabberwocky. Nonsense that makes sense. In order to defeat the monster one must understand how the monster works-
At the end of the poem(which I will not include for those of you who do not love poetry) Alice says,
"Somehow it seems to fill my head with ideas-only I don't know exactly what they are!However, somebody killed something. that's clear, at any rate-"
In conclusion, I must defeat the Jabberwocky.
The Jabberwocky is also from America's Best Dance Crew and they had movement that by itself did not make sense-but in the end it worked.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Genetics, MUGA, and Diet for Diarrhea?
Well, it has been a very interesting last couple of days. I have been poked and prodded by so many kind people who give me a massive amount of information and watch me nod and say ok! Last week I went to meet with a genetic counselor. She was a very kind woman but I could not stop thinking about her beard. Yes, I said it, she had a beard. I know, these are some of the most important decisions I will ever make and I kept thinking at least I don't have a beard. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience with the genetic counselor. I took my mom so she could help me answer some questions and it turned into an episode from Jerry Springer. No matter how normal you think you are-you still have a family with skeletons and unresolved issues that have to be dealt with. It is much easier to live in our tiny little boxes where no one questions our decisions and we think we are perfect.
Once genetic testing was over I went on to the MUGA. For those of you who are uninformed like myself-it is a heart scan to see if you can withstand chemotherapy. It was pretty basic, it required two IV's, and a very nice little man who had warm blankets and a big machine to take pictures of my heart. This is a very basic definition and as an English teacher it should be filled with imagery and literary devices, but it was really like taking a nice nap with needles jabbed in my arm.
Last but not least(really, not least) I had to attend a chemotherapy orientation. My husband, my rock, went with me. We checked in and were looking for a classroom where I would shine, because I love school. I would have a binder, highlighter, different color pens, and a list of intense, but appropriate questions.
It ended up being a one-on-one consultation with a wise nurse who put on an hour video for us to watch.
As we watched there were different topics, "What is Chemotherapy?", "Care for the Patient", and out personal favorite..."Diet for Diarrhea." Well, we are so infantile that we exploded into gut busting laughter(in the middle of the chemo ward) and tried to listen to how to care for a diarrhea. Really, we instantly revert back to first grade when someone mentions bowel movements. Apparently there are a variety of ways to help alleviate diarrhea(have to look it up every time I type it)but it really comes back to the basics-BRAT diet.
Are you thinking of the Parenthood song?
"When your slidin' into first and your feelin' somethin' burst-diarrhea, diarrhea." "When you slidin' into home and your shorts are full of foam, diarrhea, diarrhea"
I hope I don't have to experience all of the lovely side effects; but it will be an adventure along the way.
Once genetic testing was over I went on to the MUGA. For those of you who are uninformed like myself-it is a heart scan to see if you can withstand chemotherapy. It was pretty basic, it required two IV's, and a very nice little man who had warm blankets and a big machine to take pictures of my heart. This is a very basic definition and as an English teacher it should be filled with imagery and literary devices, but it was really like taking a nice nap with needles jabbed in my arm.
Last but not least(really, not least) I had to attend a chemotherapy orientation. My husband, my rock, went with me. We checked in and were looking for a classroom where I would shine, because I love school. I would have a binder, highlighter, different color pens, and a list of intense, but appropriate questions.
It ended up being a one-on-one consultation with a wise nurse who put on an hour video for us to watch.
As we watched there were different topics, "What is Chemotherapy?", "Care for the Patient", and out personal favorite..."Diet for Diarrhea." Well, we are so infantile that we exploded into gut busting laughter(in the middle of the chemo ward) and tried to listen to how to care for a diarrhea. Really, we instantly revert back to first grade when someone mentions bowel movements. Apparently there are a variety of ways to help alleviate diarrhea(have to look it up every time I type it)but it really comes back to the basics-BRAT diet.
Are you thinking of the Parenthood song?
"When your slidin' into first and your feelin' somethin' burst-diarrhea, diarrhea." "When you slidin' into home and your shorts are full of foam, diarrhea, diarrhea"
I hope I don't have to experience all of the lovely side effects; but it will be an adventure along the way.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Tests and More Tests
Next week is test week-some not so bad. Genetic counseling on Monday-mom will accompany me due to the fact that my family history is limited to Granpy who says, "Today is a good day, I woke up on this side of the dirt today." Next I will have the MUGA, for the heart, does not require any prep and does not take too long.
Friday is the bone scan-fasting for four hours, check-in two hours prior-and then get injected with dye before the scan. Will I look like a character from X-Men? I would like to be the blue girl because she can be anything- but we will see. CT will be next but doesn't require anything drastic.
Still waiting to hear about MRI and chemo orientation.
I really don't want to fail any of these tests; I am still a nervous test taker from school and a teacher's pet so let's hope I do well.
Friday is the bone scan-fasting for four hours, check-in two hours prior-and then get injected with dye before the scan. Will I look like a character from X-Men? I would like to be the blue girl because she can be anything- but we will see. CT will be next but doesn't require anything drastic.
Still waiting to hear about MRI and chemo orientation.
I really don't want to fail any of these tests; I am still a nervous test taker from school and a teacher's pet so let's hope I do well.
5k Today
Today was a fabulous day. This morning I woke up and took three of my children to a 5k event locally(Christian had the soccer draft). The race was to raise money for Pulmonary Hypertension. When you think life is really tough you just have to open your eyes and there is always someone who has had it tougher. The race today was in honor of a little girl-who was only 4- when she died from PH. She was an identical twin and when her parents spoke today it made you want to hold your children close. The event was called Taylor's Wish and it took place in Anaheim Hills. We ran the event last year, just 20 of us, and it went well. Today there were 97 runners plus more people from our little church and school thanks to a wonderful and dedicated teacher who took it on. Thanks, Mrs. Marti. The sky was bright blue, there were families everywhere, and people came out because they care.
It was so much fun running in a race where we knew so many people-there was cheering, yelling, and praising of all age groups(from my little nieces Araylia and Isabella) to former junior high students(George and Gabby). My children did well and I was so proud to be a part of such a positive event.
Thank you to all of you who were there. I think next year we can double the numbers from today.
It was so much fun running in a race where we knew so many people-there was cheering, yelling, and praising of all age groups(from my little nieces Araylia and Isabella) to former junior high students(George and Gabby). My children did well and I was so proud to be a part of such a positive event.
Thank you to all of you who were there. I think next year we can double the numbers from today.
Race Anyone?
All of you that know me have said that we will probably start doing "pink" events to raise awareness, money, and support breast cancer research. Well there is a race in Newport Beach on September 25, 2011. I am not saying that I will sign up today, maybe tomorrow.
Here is the link if your interested.
Here is the link if your interested.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
To chemo or not to chemo
Since the doctor decided to see me I have many updates. There wasn't a McSteamy or a McDreamy in sight. On the good side there were a few fabulous doctors who had compassion, knowledge, and were willing to answer our inane questions. They were not inane to us, but someone with their level of education was very patient. Apparently I have a mass of considerable(depending on who you speak to) is it considerable size for my body type or for anyone? Well, I am supposed to begin chemotherapy within a couple weeks. I forgot that at the end of the visit with the multitude of instructions to have my four vials of blood-luckily I am married to Mr. Wonderful who reminded me and walked me over.
I paid $90.00 for a three hour consultation today. During that time we asked for our second opinion, not because we didn't like the care, but because we feel that two will be better than one. Does anyone really care about driving 2o miles or an extra $30.00 when you have cancer? That did seem to be a concern today and for future reference it really is not a big deal.
They gave me these lists of what I can and cannot do. I cannot eat fresh fruit or vegetables-then is that why people have cancer? I have to bathe often. Really, who doesn't? Oh, I am sorry if you don't, but I teach junior high and bathing often is a requirement for social success and likeability. I also have to avoid those of you with contagious illnesses and any animal excreta. I guess the children will have to pick up the poop.
I also have to have surgery and reconstructive surgery. For my poor husband it will be like having a hairless cat for a wife. High maintenance and crabby all the time.
Please send your prayers his way as he will be the one picking up the slack that will be our life.
Next week we will update on the multitude of tests: MUGA scan, CT scan, Bone scan, MRI and so on and so on.
I paid $90.00 for a three hour consultation today. During that time we asked for our second opinion, not because we didn't like the care, but because we feel that two will be better than one. Does anyone really care about driving 2o miles or an extra $30.00 when you have cancer? That did seem to be a concern today and for future reference it really is not a big deal.
They gave me these lists of what I can and cannot do. I cannot eat fresh fruit or vegetables-then is that why people have cancer? I have to bathe often. Really, who doesn't? Oh, I am sorry if you don't, but I teach junior high and bathing often is a requirement for social success and likeability. I also have to avoid those of you with contagious illnesses and any animal excreta. I guess the children will have to pick up the poop.
I also have to have surgery and reconstructive surgery. For my poor husband it will be like having a hairless cat for a wife. High maintenance and crabby all the time.
Please send your prayers his way as he will be the one picking up the slack that will be our life.
Next week we will update on the multitude of tests: MUGA scan, CT scan, Bone scan, MRI and so on and so on.
The Doctor Will See You Now...
Today I finally go to meet with three surgeons after receiving my diagnosis last Friday. Maybe my surgeon will be a McDreamy or a McSteamy to make it feel like an episode of Greys Anatomy. Or we can return to the days of old with ER and Dr. Ross or Carter will do. Unfortunately I cannot pronounce either of the doctor's names I am scheduled to see so I doubt there will be any movie star looking doctors.
I went to boot camp this morning. Nothing like getting your but kicked to start the day off right.
I went to boot camp this morning. Nothing like getting your but kicked to start the day off right.
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