It's been over a month now.
I think being off the chemo has given Connie a bit of a lift. Her spirits are good. She thinks she can do things (even though she often bails at the last minute).
The brain is still her biggest problem. Finding the right words, having a thought and not being able to finish it, etc. Doesn't let her have good balance. I'm starting to notice pretty large short term memory loss (we talked about a show this morning at pretty good length, tonight she didn't know what I was talking about).
Still a lot of sleep time. A normal day is she's up at 8, in bed from noon-ish to 2-ish, down for bed around 7p. Now that football is over, I'm catching up on a lot of Netflix and Prime Video. Plus, the business has been hopping, which is really helpful.
Her appetite is as good as can be expected. She has a breakfast, a snack, one of those Boost protein drinks, and a dinner. All small portions, but at least she's eating.
Hospice nurses are here every day through the week at this point for 30-60 minutes. We've got oxygen ready to roll, as we feel it's going to be a necessity and wanted it here for when that eventuality happens.
A few people have been nice enough to call, stop over, bake some things. All of which is really appreciated. I can run to the grocery, post office and not be a basket case if I time it around one of her naps or a nurse visit. She actually sat out and watched a little football Sunday, along with going to the beach once for about 45 minutes.
That's pretty much the update, thanks for taking the time to think of my wife.
Life is all about "the stories".
This is ours from our RV somewhere in the U.S.
Showing posts with label Chemo Therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chemo Therapy. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Monday, December 16, 2019
Bonus Day 4 (December 16th)
This was a doctor's appointment and a chemo treatment. It wasn't a good day. Connie couldn't make the walk with her walker from the rig to the truck. It was tough to watch. But, again, she was a trooper and gutted it out. We used the wheelchair the rest of the day.
We met with her Oncologist and I told the story from the 12th. He basically said the brain is starting to shut her body down. On the 12th, it shut it down then restarted. It would continue to happen until it couldn't restart and she'd be gone.
He gave us the option of doing the next two treatments, a week off, then meeting with him on the first Monday of the New Year. However, he said things weren't going to get better. In most cases, they were going to get worse and the shut downs would be more frequent.
The other option was to skip the treatment and consult Hospice. He gave us time to talk and decide.
We talked. We talked about when this all started (back in 2013), we would always opt for quality of life vs. quantity. Right now, her quality was terrible. She doesn't want to go to the beach. She doesn't want to sit out in the sun. She spends 12-16 hours in bed, the rest of the time in the recliner. We decided we're at that point. She simply said, "Let's go home."
With those 3 words, we began the end of our time together.
We met with her Oncologist and I told the story from the 12th. He basically said the brain is starting to shut her body down. On the 12th, it shut it down then restarted. It would continue to happen until it couldn't restart and she'd be gone.
He gave us the option of doing the next two treatments, a week off, then meeting with him on the first Monday of the New Year. However, he said things weren't going to get better. In most cases, they were going to get worse and the shut downs would be more frequent.
The other option was to skip the treatment and consult Hospice. He gave us time to talk and decide.
We talked. We talked about when this all started (back in 2013), we would always opt for quality of life vs. quantity. Right now, her quality was terrible. She doesn't want to go to the beach. She doesn't want to sit out in the sun. She spends 12-16 hours in bed, the rest of the time in the recliner. We decided we're at that point. She simply said, "Let's go home."
With those 3 words, we began the end of our time together.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Update on Connie, part whatever
A week ago Monday (October 14th), Connie had a treatment scheduled along with a visit with the Oncologist to discuss her two scans from the previous week of her full body and her brain.
As we've talked about before, chemo only works on the disease that's below the neck. The scans showed very little progression, not enough to be concerned. So the chemo has been working. In the race for cancer to gain traction on my wife's body, right now the brain has taken the lead again.
The brain scans, however, showed "significant" progression. His opinion was that the brain needed to be evaluated and we needed to go over things with our neuro oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic. We got a "virtual visit" scheduled with them for today, Friday, the 25th. He gave Connie the option of going through with the treatment or waiting till we've heard from the neuro surgeon. She chose to skip the treatment on the 14th and 21st. Basically, while keeping the body under check is necessary, if the brain gets too far ahead, it trumps the body.
It's really no different than the position we were in this past January, or the March the year before.
Met with the Neuro surgeon today via "virtual visit", and, similar to the last time, he can't tell if it's progression of the lesion or if it's radiation necrosis from past treatments. We're going to do a month of steroids to reduce the swelling. After that, around the week of Thanksgiving, we'll shoot new pictures of the brain. We'll send those to Cleveland Clinic for assessment and do another virtual visit probably in the first two weeks of December.
Got Connie back on the chemo schedule a week from Monday, so she'll be resuming those. We appreciate all the love and support. While I don't answer everyone, please know that we're feeling the love.
As we've talked about before, chemo only works on the disease that's below the neck. The scans showed very little progression, not enough to be concerned. So the chemo has been working. In the race for cancer to gain traction on my wife's body, right now the brain has taken the lead again.
The brain scans, however, showed "significant" progression. His opinion was that the brain needed to be evaluated and we needed to go over things with our neuro oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic. We got a "virtual visit" scheduled with them for today, Friday, the 25th. He gave Connie the option of going through with the treatment or waiting till we've heard from the neuro surgeon. She chose to skip the treatment on the 14th and 21st. Basically, while keeping the body under check is necessary, if the brain gets too far ahead, it trumps the body.
It's really no different than the position we were in this past January, or the March the year before.
Met with the Neuro surgeon today via "virtual visit", and, similar to the last time, he can't tell if it's progression of the lesion or if it's radiation necrosis from past treatments. We're going to do a month of steroids to reduce the swelling. After that, around the week of Thanksgiving, we'll shoot new pictures of the brain. We'll send those to Cleveland Clinic for assessment and do another virtual visit probably in the first two weeks of December.
Got Connie back on the chemo schedule a week from Monday, so she'll be resuming those. We appreciate all the love and support. While I don't answer everyone, please know that we're feeling the love.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Weekend in review and week ahead
This past Wednesday, we went to our first Whacky Wednesday at the Back Porch. Connie didn't last too long in the heat, but she hung in there.
Saturday night, I helped on the food committee at the Gala while keeping tabs on Connie at home. Again, she did great -- there was even a beer or two missing when I got back.
This week is going to suck for her. Last treatment, her port couldn't be accessed (as was the case towards the end at the Cleveland Clinic), and she had to go through her arm. Made the decision to get her port replaced. This week she's got a treatment on Monday (through her arm again), pre-op appointment at Shoreline Hospital Tuesday, the actual procedure on Wednesday, then a brain CT for the neurosurgeon in Cleveland gets done on Thursday.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Ohio State game, bye to our summer home, and on the road again
Spent Saturday at the rig watching Ohio State play with the Davis family. It's almost become our end of the season tradition.
Smoked some bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs. Men liked them, women not so much. They were thick. Was really excited about making them, was equally disappointed in them.
Friday was Connie's last chemo treatment in Ohio. Had originally planned on leaving Timber Ridge Monday, but pushed it backed to Tuesday to give her an extra day recovery.
Did most of the seasonal things all last week, then packed Sunday. Today (Monday) she was in great spirits and said "let's go today", so I finished everything up this morning and got ready to leave by early afternoon. Will give her a good night sleep, then all day tomorrow to spend time with her Dad.
Always tough saying goodbye to folks, especially "The Sisters". They've been such wonderful friends and we'll miss them.
Got into Caesar Creek around 7p. Didn't have a reservation, so we took a "walk up" site. No biggie AND we saved the reservation fee Reserve America charges.
The new steps and back up camera all worked great. Also had a bonus a few weeks ago. Camper at Timber Ridge put out a bunch of "free to good home" stuff. Had been needing to replace my leveling blocks and he had a whole set of them. Grabbed those babies up and tried them out today. Perfect!
Smoked some bacon wrapped stuffed chicken thighs. Men liked them, women not so much. They were thick. Was really excited about making them, was equally disappointed in them.
Friday was Connie's last chemo treatment in Ohio. Had originally planned on leaving Timber Ridge Monday, but pushed it backed to Tuesday to give her an extra day recovery.
Did most of the seasonal things all last week, then packed Sunday. Today (Monday) she was in great spirits and said "let's go today", so I finished everything up this morning and got ready to leave by early afternoon. Will give her a good night sleep, then all day tomorrow to spend time with her Dad.
The new steps and back up camera all worked great. Also had a bonus a few weeks ago. Camper at Timber Ridge put out a bunch of "free to good home" stuff. Had been needing to replace my leveling blocks and he had a whole set of them. Grabbed those babies up and tried them out today. Perfect!
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Medical Update 2018
Been a while since we have updated the medical information. When last we left, we were dealing with back pain. They did confirm that when the kyphoplasty was done, some cement dripped near the spinal nerve. Doctor prescribed Gabapentin which has helped.
Fast forward to TX. Dr. ordered a PET scan to check things out. Unfortunately, it shows progression in the lungs. Going to have to go back on the heavy chemo (taxatere). 😡
A brain MRI was also ordered. Again, not good news. New activity in the previous area with some new activity in additional places. Meeting with radiation oncologist to go over options.
Not a candidate for radiation as I have had too many doses previously. Dr. said they typically don't see a patient 3 times for this.
Radiation is a risk, surgery is a risk. Waiting for more info to determine our next course of action.
Fast forward to TX. Dr. ordered a PET scan to check things out. Unfortunately, it shows progression in the lungs. Going to have to go back on the heavy chemo (taxatere). 😡
A brain MRI was also ordered. Again, not good news. New activity in the previous area with some new activity in additional places. Meeting with radiation oncologist to go over options.
Not a candidate for radiation as I have had too many doses previously. Dr. said they typically don't see a patient 3 times for this.
Radiation is a risk, surgery is a risk. Waiting for more info to determine our next course of action.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Our long weekend in Cleveland
Here at our daughter's house for a long weekend.
We came in Thursday night for dinner, then Connie had her chemo treatment on Friday.
Saturday our daughter's town of Fairview Park (a suburb west of Cleveland) had their SummerFest. We've always known about it, but we've never been able to get together to get there. Until this year.
 |
| If you're going to SummerFest, you've got to have Tubby Tails |
We got to the park around noon, and walked through all the vendors, then had a snow cone. Baby K loved hers. |
| Connie and Kingsley both had their chariots ready for Fairview Park's SummerFest |
Then it was in to uncharted waters. Amusement Rides.
Our daughter is an only child. She LOVES rides, and this was the start to get Kingsley "into" the ride game. Hopefully, a ride companion for Bethany for life.
We started by scouting. She's over 30", but under 36" so there were some rides were OK by herself, some were OK with a rider under 56' and some were OK with riders of any size.
We started with the Merry Go Round. That went OK -- for about one time around. Then, it was time for Mommy to hold K.
Not off to a good start.
Next was the big slide with the humps and the burlap bag.
That went OK, I mean if you didn't look at K's face filled with terror.
Then it was time to go solo. The Wobble Worm.
Things were good. Mom put her in the chair. The Carny strapped her in with a bungee cord. Mom came outside the fence. Then, the realization hit K that she was in this green thing. By herself. And it was about to move. She suddenly wanted zero part of the Wobble Worm.
We ended the afternoon with another trip down the slide. No one heeded my call that Kingsley should try and throw some darts at the balloons, and our afternoon was over.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Where have we been?
We've been lazy, that's where.
Making a July 4th resolution to post more, so let me catch you up.
Connie's been undergoing her treatments every three weeks, and she's hanging in there. She's not as mobile as she'd like to be, but we're hoping recent visits to the spine doctor, an epidural next week and PT to follow will be a help.
Pretty much a season and a half have come and gone since our last post. We've relocated in Texas to Port Aransas (Pioneer RV Park) as a home base for the entire season, not just a couple of months in the fall. Our Ohio base is still Timber Ridge Campground south of Vermilion.
Our grand daughter, Kingsley, is now two years old and cute as a button, just like her mother.
We lost Carmen in February of 2016 to cancer that got into her spine. In June of 2016, we welcomed Tangy (Tan-jee, like "Olentangy") to our home. She's ornery, very loving, and can be, well, batsh*t crazy at times, but she's a welcome addition.
Making a July 4th resolution to post more, so let me catch you up.
Connie's been undergoing her treatments every three weeks, and she's hanging in there. She's not as mobile as she'd like to be, but we're hoping recent visits to the spine doctor, an epidural next week and PT to follow will be a help.
Pretty much a season and a half have come and gone since our last post. We've relocated in Texas to Port Aransas (Pioneer RV Park) as a home base for the entire season, not just a couple of months in the fall. Our Ohio base is still Timber Ridge Campground south of Vermilion.
Our grand daughter, Kingsley, is now two years old and cute as a button, just like her mother.
We lost Carmen in February of 2016 to cancer that got into her spine. In June of 2016, we welcomed Tangy (Tan-jee, like "Olentangy") to our home. She's ornery, very loving, and can be, well, batsh*t crazy at times, but she's a welcome addition.
I lost my Mom at age 91 this past January. It was a pretty stressful time since I was in Texas and she was in Ohio. She fell the day before Christmas Eve and I talked to her from the hospital. She was upset that she fell, didn't really know how, and they were keeping her there because some enzymes weren't right on the tests. She had actually suffered a heart attack, had another one shortly after I talked to her, and literally lost the will to live. She passed away January 23rd, almost exactly a month later. We had her ceremony on her birthday (May 24th) when we returned to Ohio.
That's pretty much the (real) short story. I'm hoping to wean myself off posting everything on Facebook and putting things here where they belong.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Neutropenic Fever Strikes
About 6:15a, Connie asked me to get her an extra blanket and turn the AC up higher. About 7:30a, she asked if I would take her temperature. It was 101.6.
I always kid her that since she's been doing chemo treatments, she's always 97.x degrees. That's why its 85 in the rig and she's "comfortable", or she's putting on sweatshirts when its in the 70's.
So for her to be 101.6 was incredibly disturbing. We got a magnetic reminder for our fridge (which isn't metal) that if she should have a temperature of 100.4 or higher to call in and be prepared to go to the ER. She had Neutropenic Fever which you can read about here.
Got to the Cleveland Clinic ER in Avon (about 20 minutes away) and they actually have a Neutropenic room (who knew?). Germ free and heat free. Not sure what it was, but it was damn cold in there. Did blood work, did IV, did antibiotics and came to the conclusion that we're not sure what it is, so we need to admit her to figure out what is causing the fever.
They transported her to Fairview (about two miles from our daughter AND where she's scheduled to go for her baby delivery) and are monitoring her plus putting in more antibiotics. Still hadn't gotten the fever below 99.7 by 3p ET Sunday afternoon.
That's our update for now.
I always kid her that since she's been doing chemo treatments, she's always 97.x degrees. That's why its 85 in the rig and she's "comfortable", or she's putting on sweatshirts when its in the 70's.
So for her to be 101.6 was incredibly disturbing. We got a magnetic reminder for our fridge (which isn't metal) that if she should have a temperature of 100.4 or higher to call in and be prepared to go to the ER. She had Neutropenic Fever which you can read about here.
Got to the Cleveland Clinic ER in Avon (about 20 minutes away) and they actually have a Neutropenic room (who knew?). Germ free and heat free. Not sure what it was, but it was damn cold in there. Did blood work, did IV, did antibiotics and came to the conclusion that we're not sure what it is, so we need to admit her to figure out what is causing the fever.
They transported her to Fairview (about two miles from our daughter AND where she's scheduled to go for her baby delivery) and are monitoring her plus putting in more antibiotics. Still hadn't gotten the fever below 99.7 by 3p ET Sunday afternoon.
That's our update for now.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
It Is What It Is.....
Phrase of the week. Even guests on the Dan Patrick Show were saying it.
Let me explain why we are saying it.
A while back (May 5), we reported on the scan results I had. As we stated then, the news was some good and some not so good. At that time, all that meant was that we were not going to get a "vacation" from treatments. So, we needed to make our travel back to Ohio in time to meet with my "new" Cleveland Clinic Oncologist. We made the change in doctors to be more convenient for our location this year (Amherst - west of Cleveland).
I had my first appointment with Dr. Spiro at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in Fairview Park on Wednesday. Upon reviewing the results from Texas, he recommended that we go back to the more aggressive treatment from last summer. <Sigh>. It is what it is.
The increased chemo is necessary since there was some progression in the scans. The brain is holding stable as are most of the bone mets. The areas of concern are the lungs.
So, it is what it is and we will do what we need to do for now.
Tomorrow will be the first treatment this go round. Will try and keep everyone posted throughout the summer.
Thanks to everyone for the love, prayers, and support.
Let me explain why we are saying it.
A while back (May 5), we reported on the scan results I had. As we stated then, the news was some good and some not so good. At that time, all that meant was that we were not going to get a "vacation" from treatments. So, we needed to make our travel back to Ohio in time to meet with my "new" Cleveland Clinic Oncologist. We made the change in doctors to be more convenient for our location this year (Amherst - west of Cleveland).
I had my first appointment with Dr. Spiro at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center in Fairview Park on Wednesday. Upon reviewing the results from Texas, he recommended that we go back to the more aggressive treatment from last summer. <Sigh>. It is what it is.
The increased chemo is necessary since there was some progression in the scans. The brain is holding stable as are most of the bone mets. The areas of concern are the lungs.
So, it is what it is and we will do what we need to do for now.
Tomorrow will be the first treatment this go round. Will try and keep everyone posted throughout the summer.
Thanks to everyone for the love, prayers, and support.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Vacation is Over
It's been a while since our last post. We have been busy enjoying my vacation from treatments.
As noted in our previous blog, we had a great time making our way to Texas. It took us 7 weeks to get here!
Time to get back on the treatments. The diagnostic scans were done in early November. For the most part, they show that most areas are stable. There are a few new areas in the lungs and minor progession. However, the doctor feels they are not very concerning.
So, with that news, we are going to continue on the hormone pill that we started back in August and combine it with Herceptin infusion. This is a drug that I had received previously and tolerated it with minimal side effects.
Going to get this started tomorrow. Treatments will be every 3 weeks.
Hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a good time and good food here at the park. Met some really nice folks!
Had a couple of days of cooler weather. It inspired us to get out the Christmas decorations. We will be moving to our normal winter spot in Rockport on the 20th.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
As noted in our previous blog, we had a great time making our way to Texas. It took us 7 weeks to get here!
Time to get back on the treatments. The diagnostic scans were done in early November. For the most part, they show that most areas are stable. There are a few new areas in the lungs and minor progession. However, the doctor feels they are not very concerning.
So, with that news, we are going to continue on the hormone pill that we started back in August and combine it with Herceptin infusion. This is a drug that I had received previously and tolerated it with minimal side effects.
Going to get this started tomorrow. Treatments will be every 3 weeks.Hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a good time and good food here at the park. Met some really nice folks!
Had a couple of days of cooler weather. It inspired us to get out the Christmas decorations. We will be moving to our normal winter spot in Rockport on the 20th.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
New Treatment Day
The new treatment day arrived. Started by getting up at 5:30AM! I didn't even get up that Early when I had a"real" job.
Bethany was my ride to the Cleveland Clinic. Had to be there by 7:15. For those of you that know our daughter and how she is not a morning person, would have been surprised at how nice the ride was. And, she hadn't had her coffee, latte, or whatever the caffeine of the day is.
She dropped me off at the Tassig Cancer Center, took Tucker to doggy daycare and headed on to work.
My day at center began with the standard lab work. Was glad they were prepared to access the port for this meaning only getting stuck once.
After labs was the visit with Dr. Andresen. We reviewed the new drugs that would be used. They are: Docetaxel (taxetere) and Perjeta (pertuzumab). The third drug in the treatment is the same Herceptin that was used previously. He also revealed that the heart echogram showed a healthy heart, which allows us to continue with the new treatment.
Back downstairs to the treatment rooms. Many of the rooms at the clinic are private. Complete with regular TVs, and a bathroom that is shared with the next door room. With the additional demand for treatments, they have also added 3 community treatment areas. They try to use these mainly for short treatments which allows the to keep the private rooms available for those of us in for the long haul.
Premeds are required for this new regime. First up - Benedryl. Not sure what they do to this stuff when they push it thru the IV, but it sure messes me up. Dizzy, leg twitches, drowsiness. Don't like it, but guess it keeps the more severe side effects and discomforts of the bigger drugs at bay.
That was followed up by infusions of Pepcid and dexamethasone.
My nurse was excellent today. She took the time to answer questions. She also was very good to make casual conversation even though she had a busy day full of other patients. Never felt rushed and that created a much calmer environment for me.
Since this was the first time for the Perjeta, it required an observation time to see if I would have any reactions. Passed with flying colors.
We won't need the observation next time, so the treatment will not be as long (whew).
To summarize, all went well today. Feeling good tonight and have been able to eat all day.
Hoping the next couple days are just as good or better.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming show of support and affection. My room was filled with a full house of virtual guests. It was so much appreciated by both of us!
Bethany was my ride to the Cleveland Clinic. Had to be there by 7:15. For those of you that know our daughter and how she is not a morning person, would have been surprised at how nice the ride was. And, she hadn't had her coffee, latte, or whatever the caffeine of the day is.
She dropped me off at the Tassig Cancer Center, took Tucker to doggy daycare and headed on to work.
My day at center began with the standard lab work. Was glad they were prepared to access the port for this meaning only getting stuck once.
After labs was the visit with Dr. Andresen. We reviewed the new drugs that would be used. They are: Docetaxel (taxetere) and Perjeta (pertuzumab). The third drug in the treatment is the same Herceptin that was used previously. He also revealed that the heart echogram showed a healthy heart, which allows us to continue with the new treatment.
Back downstairs to the treatment rooms. Many of the rooms at the clinic are private. Complete with regular TVs, and a bathroom that is shared with the next door room. With the additional demand for treatments, they have also added 3 community treatment areas. They try to use these mainly for short treatments which allows the to keep the private rooms available for those of us in for the long haul.
Premeds are required for this new regime. First up - Benedryl. Not sure what they do to this stuff when they push it thru the IV, but it sure messes me up. Dizzy, leg twitches, drowsiness. Don't like it, but guess it keeps the more severe side effects and discomforts of the bigger drugs at bay.
That was followed up by infusions of Pepcid and dexamethasone.
My nurse was excellent today. She took the time to answer questions. She also was very good to make casual conversation even though she had a busy day full of other patients. Never felt rushed and that created a much calmer environment for me.
Since this was the first time for the Perjeta, it required an observation time to see if I would have any reactions. Passed with flying colors.
We won't need the observation next time, so the treatment will not be as long (whew).
To summarize, all went well today. Feeling good tonight and have been able to eat all day.
Hoping the next couple days are just as good or better.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming show of support and affection. My room was filled with a full house of virtual guests. It was so much appreciated by both of us!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Doctors, Drugs and Dogs
With the news from the latest CT scan, I made arrangements to fly back to Ohio to get things going. I arrived late evening on April 5.
Being "homeless" can be quite scary - unless you have awesome friends! Don & April picked me up from the airport and put me up for the evening. Their 3 cockers were my welcoming committee. Cassie must have known I was missing my girls since she kept watch and slept with me for a while. Amazing how dogs just know how you feel.
On Sunday, our friend (my new landlord), Lenny came to get me. Again, so thankful for such great friends! Once back in Ashtabula, I was shown my room and I got unpacked. Lenny's German Shepherd, Odessa, was very welcoming too.
My first doctor appointment was set for April 8. The Ashtabula doctor had mentioned that they would need to order one of my drugs and it could take a week to get in. <sigh> That would just put me a week behind my normal schedule.
The following day, I received the call from the doctor that they would not be able to get the drug in until much later. They recommended that I contact the doctor in Cleveland.
After going back and forth for two frustrating days, I finally was approved for a treatment in Cleveland.
So, I have now moved in with Bethany and James (and granddog, Tucker) for the week. I will start out having an echogram on Monday. Treatment day will be all day Thursday.
It was a frustrating week, but with everyone supporting me, I was able to stay calm. Ready to get this new treatment started.
Thanks to all for the love and prayers!
Being "homeless" can be quite scary - unless you have awesome friends! Don & April picked me up from the airport and put me up for the evening. Their 3 cockers were my welcoming committee. Cassie must have known I was missing my girls since she kept watch and slept with me for a while. Amazing how dogs just know how you feel.
On Sunday, our friend (my new landlord), Lenny came to get me. Again, so thankful for such great friends! Once back in Ashtabula, I was shown my room and I got unpacked. Lenny's German Shepherd, Odessa, was very welcoming too.
My first doctor appointment was set for April 8. The Ashtabula doctor had mentioned that they would need to order one of my drugs and it could take a week to get in. <sigh> That would just put me a week behind my normal schedule.
The following day, I received the call from the doctor that they would not be able to get the drug in until much later. They recommended that I contact the doctor in Cleveland.
After going back and forth for two frustrating days, I finally was approved for a treatment in Cleveland.
So, I have now moved in with Bethany and James (and granddog, Tucker) for the week. I will start out having an echogram on Monday. Treatment day will be all day Thursday.
It was a frustrating week, but with everyone supporting me, I was able to stay calm. Ready to get this new treatment started.
Thanks to all for the love and prayers!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
They Will Tell The Good News Over The Phone......
The "not good news" requires a visit to the office.
On March 24th, I went in for a follow up CT Scan of the chest and pelvic area. Doctor wanted to see how the new treatment was working. Was to get the results on April 9th at my scheduled visit. Blood work was all coming back good, so we were only going to be required to go every 2 weeks instead of every week. Great since we were getting ready to make a mini road trip to see more of Texas.
Was able to enjoy a nice dinner (March 25) at Moby Dicks in Port Aransas with our Heartland Owners Coastal Bend group. While there, I received a call from the doctor wanting us to come in the next day.
As we expected, the news was not good. The cancer has progressed in the lungs (larger and more) and a new area was found on the liver. The doctor is recommending changing the treatment again to be even more aggressive.
Options are to start the treatment here in TX on April 9th (and stay until June for monitoring ) or head back to OH for the new treatment there. We chose the second option.
At this time, I am waiting for the doctors in OH to get the information and schedule the necessary visits and treatments. I will fly back as soon as we have more details from the Cleveland Clinic. Bob will be heading back solo with the rig.
We will be passing along information as it becomes available.
Thanks again to all our friends and family. We certainly appreciate all the love , support and prayers!
On March 24th, I went in for a follow up CT Scan of the chest and pelvic area. Doctor wanted to see how the new treatment was working. Was to get the results on April 9th at my scheduled visit. Blood work was all coming back good, so we were only going to be required to go every 2 weeks instead of every week. Great since we were getting ready to make a mini road trip to see more of Texas.
Was able to enjoy a nice dinner (March 25) at Moby Dicks in Port Aransas with our Heartland Owners Coastal Bend group. While there, I received a call from the doctor wanting us to come in the next day.
As we expected, the news was not good. The cancer has progressed in the lungs (larger and more) and a new area was found on the liver. The doctor is recommending changing the treatment again to be even more aggressive.
Options are to start the treatment here in TX on April 9th (and stay until June for monitoring ) or head back to OH for the new treatment there. We chose the second option.
At this time, I am waiting for the doctors in OH to get the information and schedule the necessary visits and treatments. I will fly back as soon as we have more details from the Cleveland Clinic. Bob will be heading back solo with the rig.
We will be passing along information as it becomes available.
Thanks again to all our friends and family. We certainly appreciate all the love , support and prayers!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Treatment day and we entertain Tucker...
Wednesday (June 5th) was a treatment day for Connie. A double header with both Herceptin and Zometa. A little tired on Wednesday, she was really zonked Thursday & Friday, rallied a little on Saturday and felt pretty decent today (Sunday). We've got some big tests on Tuesday. Her first MRI and Cat scans since she was diagnosed at the end of February. This should give us some assessment as to how the treatments are going. I know she's both excited and nervous about them.
The weather has been miserable. Today was the first day we've broken 70 and actually seen the sun. We ran the furnace every morning this week. Yuck. Not helping Connie feel better, thats for sure.
Thursday, our daughter Bethany came over to Ashtabula and stayed the night. I have to talk about a great pork chop recipe I made for the three of us, and our friend Lenny who came over.
Started with a layer of peeled (I hate peeling apples, thank goodness Bethany was up for it) apples. Cover them with brown sugar and some garlic.
Next, layer the apples with thinly sliced onions.
Then, take 3-4 slices of bacon and wrap 1" thick pork chops. Place them on top of the apples/onion layers.
Cooked those at 375 for 20 minutes in our convection oven, then flipped them for another 20 minutes. Delish doesn't start to describe them!
As I mentioned, our daughter Bethany came over Thursday and stayed till Friday morning (we had donuts for the first time in forever!!!) and left her baby with us as they were headed south for a wedding and 1st baby birthday of some of their friends.
Tucker has been mentioned before in this blog. He's a Puggle, and he's all boy. Our girls, especially Carmen, love having the big lug around. He's got a ton of energy, and when he finally expends some, he's a terrific dog. Huge bark, though. Huge.
He's also used to getting up with his daddy at 5:30a. We didn't break him of that, we adjusted. Dark that early. As I said, when he expends his energy, he's really good.
Spent a little time over at Lenny's on Saturday, too. His big girl, 'Dessa (an 11 year old German Sherpherd), wasn't too fond of Tucker. A little too much energy, and then, there's the bark. She's already made her thoughts known to Carmen and Sloopy.
Carmen and Tucker are really BFF's. They play, they wrestle, they snuggle. Sloopy can take him or leave him, but then again, its a pretty well established fact that she's a diva.
We took Tucker back home today to the West Side of Cleveland, and stopped over to see our friends Don and April (who have 3 cockers) who live on the southeast side. I think Carmen was OD'd on dogs that were not her sister. We had a great time, spent a couple of hours with the sun was finally out and we could sit on their back porch and just talk. Very relaxing.
The weather has been miserable. Today was the first day we've broken 70 and actually seen the sun. We ran the furnace every morning this week. Yuck. Not helping Connie feel better, thats for sure.
Thursday, our daughter Bethany came over to Ashtabula and stayed the night. I have to talk about a great pork chop recipe I made for the three of us, and our friend Lenny who came over. 
Started with a layer of peeled (I hate peeling apples, thank goodness Bethany was up for it) apples. Cover them with brown sugar and some garlic.
Next, layer the apples with thinly sliced onions.Then, take 3-4 slices of bacon and wrap 1" thick pork chops. Place them on top of the apples/onion layers.
As I mentioned, our daughter Bethany came over Thursday and stayed till Friday morning (we had donuts for the first time in forever!!!) and left her baby with us as they were headed south for a wedding and 1st baby birthday of some of their friends.
He's also used to getting up with his daddy at 5:30a. We didn't break him of that, we adjusted. Dark that early. As I said, when he expends his energy, he's really good.
Took him to the Ashtabula Dog Park with Carmen and they REALLY had a great time. Tucker was faster in the straight aways, but Carmen had some jukes that made him barrel roll. 45 minutes of pure doggie enjoyment, just the two of them in a big open field. Shot some video, but it was really too quick to be enjoyable.
Spent a little time over at Lenny's on Saturday, too. His big girl, 'Dessa (an 11 year old German Sherpherd), wasn't too fond of Tucker. A little too much energy, and then, there's the bark. She's already made her thoughts known to Carmen and Sloopy.
Carmen and Tucker are really BFF's. They play, they wrestle, they snuggle. Sloopy can take him or leave him, but then again, its a pretty well established fact that she's a diva.
We took Tucker back home today to the West Side of Cleveland, and stopped over to see our friends Don and April (who have 3 cockers) who live on the southeast side. I think Carmen was OD'd on dogs that were not her sister. We had a great time, spent a couple of hours with the sun was finally out and we could sit on their back porch and just talk. Very relaxing.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Time is Flying By
Hard to believe it has been over a week since our last update. Good news it that there has not been a lot to report since then.
The weather here in Rockport has been warm, but overcast. So, not much sitting out in the sun. However, that is good too since I am now supposed to limit my time in the sun. :-( Those that know me well, know that is going to be a challenge. We saw evidence why it is necessary when we were working outside (on an overcast day) and in no time at all, I was getting sunburned on the back of my neck. Sounds like the sensitivity will continue even after the radiation affects are over.
One side effect that no one seems to be able to address is my ears. They said the tops would be sensitive and peeling like a sunburn, but they can't explain why I am having issues with the inner ear. Very annoying!
Today was a visit to the medical oncologist. Sounds like the lab numbers were ok and we can proceed with the next dose of Herceptin in a week.
Since all that has fallen in to place, we have more firm plans for our return to Ohio. Looks like we will be leaving Texas on or around May 4. It will take us at least a week to get all the way back to Ashtabula as we drive only short distances and will spend some time in Wilmington to visit the folks.
Well, that's all I have to report at this time. Thanks for all the love and prayers!
The weather here in Rockport has been warm, but overcast. So, not much sitting out in the sun. However, that is good too since I am now supposed to limit my time in the sun. :-( Those that know me well, know that is going to be a challenge. We saw evidence why it is necessary when we were working outside (on an overcast day) and in no time at all, I was getting sunburned on the back of my neck. Sounds like the sensitivity will continue even after the radiation affects are over.
One side effect that no one seems to be able to address is my ears. They said the tops would be sensitive and peeling like a sunburn, but they can't explain why I am having issues with the inner ear. Very annoying!
Today was a visit to the medical oncologist. Sounds like the lab numbers were ok and we can proceed with the next dose of Herceptin in a week.
Since all that has fallen in to place, we have more firm plans for our return to Ohio. Looks like we will be leaving Texas on or around May 4. It will take us at least a week to get all the way back to Ashtabula as we drive only short distances and will spend some time in Wilmington to visit the folks.
Well, that's all I have to report at this time. Thanks for all the love and prayers!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
New Week, New Treatments
Well, it was back to the grind on Monday. Started the last week of the whole brain radiation treatments. Yippee!
Tuesday was a busy day. With the metastases in the bones, and one of the side effects of one of the drugs, the doctors want to add another drug (Zometa). However, before they will do that, a visit to the dentist is required. So, that appointment was today after the radiation treatment. Got the good news from the dentist that everything looks great.
Today, Wednesday, started the "on again" with the chemo pill. Also, big day by starting the larger dose of Herceptin. And, with the news from the dentist, I get to add the new drug which is also administered via IV. After that, it was off to the radiation.
All this was done by around 12:30PM. So, we had to have lunch. Joe's Crab Shack is conveniently located right on our way. And, we had a coupon!
Once the tummy was full, the morning treatments started to catch up with me. Time for a little nap on the ride home. Pretty much was done the rest of the day. Not sure when Bob is going to get to rest. He has been working hard taking care of the business, the cleaning, the cooking, the dogs ~ just everything. Hopefully, once the radiation is done, I may be able to help out some more.
Still working on getting everything in order for the trip back to Ohio. A lot of coordinating to do with all the various doctors involved. Hope to have more details pinned down this week.
Tuesday was a busy day. With the metastases in the bones, and one of the side effects of one of the drugs, the doctors want to add another drug (Zometa). However, before they will do that, a visit to the dentist is required. So, that appointment was today after the radiation treatment. Got the good news from the dentist that everything looks great.
Today, Wednesday, started the "on again" with the chemo pill. Also, big day by starting the larger dose of Herceptin. And, with the news from the dentist, I get to add the new drug which is also administered via IV. After that, it was off to the radiation.
All this was done by around 12:30PM. So, we had to have lunch. Joe's Crab Shack is conveniently located right on our way. And, we had a coupon!
Once the tummy was full, the morning treatments started to catch up with me. Time for a little nap on the ride home. Pretty much was done the rest of the day. Not sure when Bob is going to get to rest. He has been working hard taking care of the business, the cleaning, the cooking, the dogs ~ just everything. Hopefully, once the radiation is done, I may be able to help out some more.
Still working on getting everything in order for the trip back to Ohio. A lot of coordinating to do with all the various doctors involved. Hope to have more details pinned down this week.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Easter weekend...
Good Friday was a non treatment day. Starting Monday, Connie will do daily brain radiation treatments (save Saturday and Sunday) through till a week from Tuesday. We won't miss that daily ride into Corpus Christi.
Hope to get some clarity from those at the Cleveland Clinic this coming week about her treatments in Ohio. That will help us make our return to Ohio plans a little more concrete.
She's been feeling well, being active, pretty voracious appetite and really not showing any of the side effects (other than some spotty hair loss from the Cyberknife). Her chemo pills are two weeks on, one week off. This weekend was pretty much "drug free."
Spent Friday night watching some hoops. Went into Rockport Saturday to look at some of the shops, then came home to watch the Buckeyes drop out of the tournament at the hands of Wichita State.
Today we started our day with a special recipe for breakfast that Connie found in a magazine while doing treatments, watched a few hoops, then off to the Clubhouse for a great carry in Easter Dinner.
Most everyone will be heading out (if they haven't already) tomorrow, and we'll start back for treatments to Corpus.
Hope to get some clarity from those at the Cleveland Clinic this coming week about her treatments in Ohio. That will help us make our return to Ohio plans a little more concrete.
She's been feeling well, being active, pretty voracious appetite and really not showing any of the side effects (other than some spotty hair loss from the Cyberknife). Her chemo pills are two weeks on, one week off. This weekend was pretty much "drug free."
Spent Friday night watching some hoops. Went into Rockport Saturday to look at some of the shops, then came home to watch the Buckeyes drop out of the tournament at the hands of Wichita State.
Today we started our day with a special recipe for breakfast that Connie found in a magazine while doing treatments, watched a few hoops, then off to the Clubhouse for a great carry in Easter Dinner.
Most everyone will be heading out (if they haven't already) tomorrow, and we'll start back for treatments to Corpus.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Some Good News
So far this week has started off with good news from the doctor visits. First, when we met with the radiation oncologist on Tuesday, she decided to start stepping down the steroids to twice a day. Then, today, the medical oncologist stated that since the cardio results were good, the Herceptin dose can now go up to the normal dosage that only needs to be administered once every three weeks vs. weekly. Yippee! Also, today marked the last day of the initial therapy dosage of the chemo pill (Xeloda). Getting a rest of 7 days before the next round starts.
With having both radiation and injection today, didn't do much else. Felt good, but am starting to wind down as the day is coming to a close.
Not much else to report. Will be contacting the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to start the ball rolling for getting the appointments set up there. That will also allow us to have more clarity on our plans to return to Ohio. (Better get rid of that snow and warm it up!)
With having both radiation and injection today, didn't do much else. Felt good, but am starting to wind down as the day is coming to a close.
Not much else to report. Will be contacting the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to start the ball rolling for getting the appointments set up there. That will also allow us to have more clarity on our plans to return to Ohio. (Better get rid of that snow and warm it up!)
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Returning to the treatment trains
After a very enjoyable weekend of watching College Basketball, the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Tourney and a Monday of making sure everything is in place, we returned to the treatment train today.
This morning, we were in Corpus at 8a for a whole brain radiation treatment. Used the same mask as the Cyber Knife, but a different more shot gun approach to the cancer that's in Connie's brain. Whole treatment lasted about 20 minutes, then we consulted with Dr. Stewart for another 20 minutes. There's concern about using Xeloda (chemo) to treat the body cancer at the same time as the radiation to treat the brain, but it's a risk we're OK with taking.
Tomorrow is going to be a tough one. In at Corpus by 6:30a (talking about a 5:15a alarm!) for the installation of the mediport procedure, a 10:00a Herceptin treatment and a 2:45p whole brain radiation procedure. I'll drop Connie off, take the girls to Bruno's for some daycare and kill the day here and there in Corpus working, walking the mall or deploying Munzees. We'll try to get a lunch in at the Sirloin Stockade again between the Herceptin and the radiation. We'll be dragging by evening (including Carmen and Sloopy).
The reward will be Thursday when our daughter (Bethany) and son in law (James) fly in from Cleveland after another 8a radiation treatment.
Got a big weekend planned if Connie's up to it.
This morning, we were in Corpus at 8a for a whole brain radiation treatment. Used the same mask as the Cyber Knife, but a different more shot gun approach to the cancer that's in Connie's brain. Whole treatment lasted about 20 minutes, then we consulted with Dr. Stewart for another 20 minutes. There's concern about using Xeloda (chemo) to treat the body cancer at the same time as the radiation to treat the brain, but it's a risk we're OK with taking.
Tomorrow is going to be a tough one. In at Corpus by 6:30a (talking about a 5:15a alarm!) for the installation of the mediport procedure, a 10:00a Herceptin treatment and a 2:45p whole brain radiation procedure. I'll drop Connie off, take the girls to Bruno's for some daycare and kill the day here and there in Corpus working, walking the mall or deploying Munzees. We'll try to get a lunch in at the Sirloin Stockade again between the Herceptin and the radiation. We'll be dragging by evening (including Carmen and Sloopy).
The reward will be Thursday when our daughter (Bethany) and son in law (James) fly in from Cleveland after another 8a radiation treatment.
Got a big weekend planned if Connie's up to it.
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