Good Trip to California, Bad Trip to the Emergency Room

On October 7, Steve and I flew to Los Angeles for a trip with our family.  Troy and Katie live in Long Beach.  Brooklyn flew down from Oregon.  Stephanie, Lee and their family joined us.  Stacey came as well.  We went to watch Troy and Katie run a marathon and Stacey run a half marathon.  We rented a house at Sunset Beach.  It was beautiful, but hot.  An unusual heat wave for October enveloped southern California.   The children and grand children had a fantastic time at the beach.  I enjoyed walking along the beach with them.  Steve enjoyed his morning beach runs.  We were glad to be able to cheer for Troy, Katie and Stacey when they ran their races.  They did well even in the sweltering heat.  I felt about the same there as I do at home.  I was very tired, and experienced the usual nausea and headaches.  The plane rides were tolerable.  Overall, I had a wonderful trip, as I was able to spend time with my family.  I did enjoy returning to my air conditioned home on Monday, October 12.

 I had another chemo treatment on Wednesday, October 14.   Working with the doctor, we agreed to eliminate one of the chemo medicines to see if that would reduce my nausea and headaches.  Thursday and Friday went fine, but on Saturday evening, the nausea and headaches returned.  My sister, Yvonne, arrived for a visit on Saturday evening.  I looked forward to spending time with her, but on Sunday I really did not feel well.  I slept most of the day, but finally got up feeling a little better in the late afternoon.  On Monday morning, I still had the nausea and headaches.  I ate breakfast with Yvonne, as Steve had taken the car to be serviced.   At approximately, 11 am he returned home.  Yvonne and I were finishing breakfast and watched TV for a few minutes before we went out for a walk.  I remember Steve saying hello, but not much more as I continued to dose off to sleep.  According to Steve and Yvonne, they took turns sitting next to me for the next few hours.  At about 2:30 pm, Steve saw that I was not responsive.  He said I stopped breathing and was not responding.  He could not find my pulse.  Yvonne hurried into the room.  Steve put me on the floor and began CPR.  He told Yvonne to call 911.  With the 911 operator on the phone, Steve was able to get me breathing again.  The ambulance arrived within 5-10 minutes. (We only live 4 miles from the hospital.)  The paramedics took over from Steve.  Within a short time after arriving at the emergency rooms, my vital signs stabilized.  I stayed in the hospital over night for observation.  They released me to go home on Tuesday afternoon.

            We are still sorting out what happened, but it appears that I had another reaction to the strong medication that I am taking to deal with the severe headaches and abdominal pains.  We met with the oncologist today to discuss the treatment plan going forward.  The next step is to meet with the doctor in their office that specializes in medications.  We are scheduled to see him this Friday, October 23.  They are also taking more labs to see if my liver enzyme levels have declined.  They spiked to more than 10 times normal when this incident occurred.  This issue needs to be addressed to determine how to proceed with the chemotherapy. 

            I am grateful that Steve and Yvonne were present when this all happened.  These incidents create yet another challenge for me in dealing with my cancer.  I continue to appreciate the love from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for the prayers and support from my family, friends and so many others.  For example, as we were flying back on the plane from California, Steve sat next to a kind lady who also suffered from serious health issues, and in fact had an incident on the plane.  When she learned of my condition, she asked for my name and said she would include me in her prayers.  I appreciate everyone’s prayers.

Challenges Continue, But Chemo Having Some Positive Effect

Two weeks ago, I had my one-week break from taking chemo.  I was excited with the thought of feeling better.  Steve and I were even considering a trip together.  Unfortunately, my body did not cooperate.  I felt sick all week.  I experienced a lot of nausea, with vomiting every day.  I had some headaches and body pains.  Thus, we stayed at home for the week.  Even though I did not feel well, we tried to do a few different things.  We took a short bike ride on the W&OD trail at Leesburg.  Our children had given Steve some coupons for kayaking on the Potomac River in DC.  We enjoyed one hour on a kayak, and had lunch sitting outside the Dean & DeLuca store in Georgetown.  We took a brief walk around Georgetown. 

This week I returned to the chemo treatments on Wednesday.  When we saw the doctor on Tuesday, he agreed that I should get another CT scan of my lungs, abdomen and pelvis.  We scheduled that for Thursday, with a follow-up visit to the doctor on Friday.

Usually I feel pretty good on the day that I receive the chemo treatment as they give me extra nausea medicine and steroids.  However, this Wednesday, I did not feel well when I went to be bed.  I woke up Thursday morning with a severe headache and extreme nausea.  I could not keep the medicine down, and clearly would not have been able to drink the barium required for my CT Scan.  At 6 am, the doctor advised us to go to the emergency room at the hospital.  I went there and they gave me pain medicine and nausea medicine through an IV.  Unfortunately, this combination of medicines directly entering my blood stream caused me to go into a deep sleep.  They were not able to wake me until 8 hours later.  I was admitted to the hospital, but finally released at 8:30 pm.  Overall, it was a difficult and discouraging day.

The only good news for that day is they were able to conduct the CT Scan of my lungs, abdomen and pelvis.  As I was not waking up, they also conducted a CT scan of my brain.  The brain scan showed no tumors.  Also, the scan of my lungs, abdomen and pelvis did not show in new areas of the cancer spreading.  The oncologist found this encouraging, and we agreed to continue with the same basic chemo treatments, with maybe some breaks from one of the chemo drugs that may be causing the severe headaches and nausea.  I am glad for this last modification, as I have become very nervous and frightened taking that full treatment each week.

In addition to these specific challenges, I find it very difficult because I still suffer from the consequences of my prior esophagus and stomach surgery.  Sleep remains a challenge, as I have acid reflux several times during the night.  I am also required to sleep at an incline on my back.  My back gets very sore.  Combining the chemo treatments with these existing pains has been a real challenge.

I recognize that adversity and tribulation are part of this life.  I am grateful for the scripture in 2 Corinthians 1:4, which reminds me that Jesus Christ comforts us in all our tribulations.  I have felt that comfort so many times.  I am grateful that I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me and provide comfort to me.

Wonderful Family Love and Support

September 18, 2015

On Wednesday, September 16, I completed the third week of my chemo regimen.  I will now have a week off.  It will be good to have a break.

The first week of the past regimen went well.  I was not as sick during the week following the first treatment.  In fact it was Labor Day weekend, and three of my sisters (Jessie, Kathleen and Tammy) and their husbands visited us for the weekend.  We spent most of the time at our Lake Anna house.  It was really fun being with them, and it was relaxing at the lake.  I could rest when I needed to.  We spent time eating, visiting and laughing.  I enjoyed watching the others do water sports, and we all enjoyed a nice boat ride.  I even took a ride on the jet ski.   Before we went to the lake, my sisters also helped me pick out some wigs.  We had so much fun as they tried on wigs as well.  I felt a lot of love and support from them.  My family is fabulous!  

The second and third weeks have been more difficult.  I have felt much sicker with headaches, body aches, nausea and stomach pain.  Overall, it has not been a lot of fun.  It was my daughter’s birthday (Stacey).  She and Stephanie, my other daughter, came to visit me on the weekend of September 11-13.  I felt pretty good on Friday, and we took a little bike ride around the Washington monuments.  It was a beautiful day, and we took a very relaxed pace.  It was very pleasant.  Unfortunately, on Saturday, I became very ill.  I had a severe headache and lots of nausea.  I spent nearly all day in bed.  I was very sad and disappointed because I had planned to take Stacey shopping for her birthday.  Sunday, I felt a little better, but not great.  I was pleased to be able to attend at least one hour of Church on Sunday.  I always enjoy seeing so many friends and feeling their love and support.   For the remainder of this week, I have not felt very well.  I haven’t had to stay in bed, but I continue with the pains described above.  Sleep has also been challenging.  

Even though I have not felt well, Heavenly Father and the Savior have blessed me.  For example, one day when I was feeling extremely sick and crying, I prayed asking whey I had to experience all this suffering.  In response, I was reminded of one of my favorite scriptures in John 14:27, which reads as follows: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  I am grateful for the peace that comes from Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Somewhat Encouraging Report

September 2, 2015

On August 28, I had a CT Scan to see if the current chemo regimen is working more effectively than the original regimen.  The results were somewhat positive.  The primary tumor in my abdomen decreased in size.  Also, there were no new tumor locations identified.  The oncologist was pleased with this development as it is not known in advance how effective these treatments will be for any given individual.  I feel that Heavenly Father and the Savior have blessed me. 

This positive development has not come easily.  These chemo treatments have made me feel quite ill.  I have had more nausea, headaches and extreme body aches.  Walking and daily errands have been more difficult, as my legs ache.  Unfortunately, I am also beginning to lose my hair. Everyday I pull a gob of hair from my hairbrush.  My sisters are coming this weekend, and we will look at wigs for me.  I feel that Heavenly Father and the Savior have lifted me up to be able to meet these challenges.  I cry when I think how real this is.

I had a one-week break from chemo treatments during the week of August 24.  Our children had all returned home at the beginning of that week. (We sure had a great time with them.)  We were dreading their departure.  To help offset that change and to take advantage of no chemo treatments, Steve and I decided to take a short trip to New York.  We left on Tuesday, August 25, and returned on Thursday, August 27.  We went by car so we could stop as necessary.  We did not push ourselves in NY, but we were able to see a matinee play (Finding Neverland), which I loved because of its upbeat songs and the magical dreams created by children.  We also enjoyed walking around a bit.  We stayed near Central Park.  Hard to believe, but I even found the J. Crew store in NY.  The trip was a good diversion from my regular treatment schedule.

Today, September 2, I began my second group of the current chemo treatments.  It is the same regimen of three weeks on and one week off.  We hope it will continue to be effective.  I was so grateful for the nurse who helped me with the infusion today.  I felt very nauseated, but she was able to get the proper medication to help me through the treatment.  I had a good experience when we walked out of the treatment building.  An elderly couple was leaving at the same time, with both of them pushing walkers.  We helped them to their car.  It felt good to provide this small act of service, as I have been receiving so much service.  Thanks to everyone for all your love, kindness, support, thoughts and prayers.  Thanks for the wonderful meals and all the kindness and love everyone shows to me through each individual’s acts of service. 

Reaction to New Chemo Treatment

August 16, 2015

The first treatment with the new chemo regimen turned out to be quite difficult.  I felt pretty well on Wednesday, when the chemo was given, as well as Thursday and Friday, except I vomited more frequently than with the prior regimen.  However, on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, I started to feel very sick.  This was surprising as I had been on a bike ride Saturday morning, even walking half mile with my bike because the chain broke. My body ached, my legs felt heavy and were difficult to move.  I felt like a 90 year old lady.  I continued to experience quite a bit of nausea and my head ached.  My mouth sores returned.  (I was so happy that the sores had been gone for more than a week) Overall, it was extremely difficult and discouraging.  I cried and asked how will I be able to live with this pain.

Ready for a Bike Ride BEFORE my chain broke!

My second treatment, which I took this Wednesday (August 12), seems to be going a bit better.  On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the pain was much less and more tolerable.  We went to our lake house, and I walked 3 miles each day on Thursday and Friday.  We walk in the mornings, as that is when I feel so much better.  On Saturday, we had a group of singles from our Church (approximately 50) that we had worked with for the past several years.  I was able to spend some time on the dock with them.  It has been fun being at the lake, but it is hard to do the lake activities, like getting in and out of the boat.  I am not as strong, and my mobility is reduced, especially later in the day.  Also, it disappointments me that I cannot play all the games with the kids, and that I am not able to play as well with my grandchildren.   

My children bought me this outfit to wear during chemo. It is cold in the room. The beautiful roses are from Steve 

This past week my spirits have been lifted by my children’s visits.  Troy, Katie (Troy’s girl-friend) and Brooklyn (Troy’s daughter, our granddaughter), as well as Stacey, Brock (Stacey’s husband) and Justin, have all been visiting me.  We have had so much fun together.

Even though I did not feel well, I am so thankful for being blessed to be able to do the things described above.  I thank my Heavenly Father every night for all the blessings he has given me.  For example, Sunday night when I was so sick (3 am) I was only able to sleep when Steve gave me a sweet tender Priesthood blessing.  The blessing described Heavenly Father’s love for me and that he knew how much I was suffering.  After the blessing, I was finally able to sleep.  I felt peaceful and calm.  This allowed me to begin to feel better again.

New Chemo, Still Able to Wink

On Friday, July 24, I got the chemo pump removed after my second chemo regimen.   The nurse, Jackie, was my angel.  She was so kind and caring.  She took my hands, and I felt of her love as if an angel were touching me.  Later on that night when it had been a hard night, I thought of her and her kindness.

After returning home that day, I experienced extreme abdominal pain and bloating.  I also had a lot of nausea and felt very tired.  Stephanie and Lee arrived here for a night on their way home from a Europe trip so at least I was able to enjoy a night with them even though I did not feel well. 

Since Friday, I have had some nausea, but the main problem has been the swelling and bloating in my lower abdomen.  I have also had a lot of fatigue.  However, I have been able to do yoga with Justin and walk some on the treadmill and lift a few weights.

 On Tuesday, July 28, I had another CT Scan of my abdomen.  It showed a little fluid in my upper abdomen and a moderate amount in my lower abdomen.  More significantly, it showed additional cancer growth in the abdomen.  With this new information, my oncologist is modifying my chemo treatments.  I will be receiving weekly treatments of Taxol and biweekly treatments of Ramucirumab.  I won’t be using the pump any more.

The CT Scan results are discouraging.  When I read through them, I became so discouraged.  I prayed and cried.  Although I did not receive a precise prompting, I was given an overwhelming feeling of peace and comfort.  With that, I was able to go forward without focusing exclusively on the scan results. 

I continue to appreciate everyone’s love and support.  The experience this past week reminded me of the song, “His Hands”.  The song depicts the Savior helping us through other people.  I feel the Savior’s love through so many people’s hands serving me.

In the photo below, we are enjoying the beautiful sunset.