SHORT REPORT: I had chemo last Wednesday, 3/11 through Friday 3/13. Usually side effects are a little delayed, but I had severe nauseu starting Wednesday night and have been a total recluse - hiding out at Nick and Sue's in Cypress. The doctor gave me two scripts which I can alternate and that has been a real help.
MORE DETAIL: At this point, I would really love to write something "catchy and cute"... but unfortunately, will just have to settle for direct. Lack of energy has gotten the best of me this week, although it hasn't all been bad. Nick got me a new laptop - the old one finally died, leaving me with serious internet withdrawals! I'm still getting it set up, but will have all the latest and greatest, including Microsoft Office 2007, to play with.. and hopefully update my resume!
I have started looking into school financing to see if it is a realistic option for me to go back to school. Also, had some great conversations with Sue, my daughter-in-law, who has been handling my finances for me through this mess. She is a super encouragement to me! Cute AND smart!!
One thing I have decided is to let go of my car (with it's huge monthly payment and ridiculous percent rate) and try to find a used car that I can pay cash for. If anyone knows of a good deal please let me know... my main concern is that the car is dependable...
a sun roof would be nice :-) (just kidding!)
So with my final brain cell... I will wish you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day!
much love,
Sia
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
March 8
"I accept challenges as opportunities for change... I have the courage to find new parts of myself...."
These are quotes from my daily meditation provided to me with flower essences by my friend Mary. Such wisdom... I want to do that!
There certainly are a lot of "opportunities for change" in my life right now. There is a real concern that when this treatment is over... I won't have my wonderful job to go back to. I am still hoping that isn't the case and that I am able to return to work - I adore the people that I work with. However, I do have to consider that may not be happen and prepare myself for a world of options...
Now change is very frightening, and exciting at the same time. I do tend to sway more toward the "excited" side in most situations which should scare the hell out of me. LOL.. It is such a BIG world out there - I can't help but think of the unlimited possibilities! I could open a Montessori school on a reservation and teach Native American children.. sell some songs and win a Grammy... redesign my website and turn my obsession into a profession.. finish my novel... become my daughter's live-in nanny ... or just sail around the world wherever the wind (and Gordon) lead. Of course, I could also polish my resume and find another job.
I am open for suggestions! Meanwhile, I think I'll have another cup of coffee and have a nice chat with my dog!
It is a beautiful day in Dallas!
much love,
Sia
These are quotes from my daily meditation provided to me with flower essences by my friend Mary. Such wisdom... I want to do that!
There certainly are a lot of "opportunities for change" in my life right now. There is a real concern that when this treatment is over... I won't have my wonderful job to go back to. I am still hoping that isn't the case and that I am able to return to work - I adore the people that I work with. However, I do have to consider that may not be happen and prepare myself for a world of options...
Now change is very frightening, and exciting at the same time. I do tend to sway more toward the "excited" side in most situations which should scare the hell out of me. LOL.. It is such a BIG world out there - I can't help but think of the unlimited possibilities! I could open a Montessori school on a reservation and teach Native American children.. sell some songs and win a Grammy... redesign my website and turn my obsession into a profession.. finish my novel... become my daughter's live-in nanny ... or just sail around the world wherever the wind (and Gordon) lead. Of course, I could also polish my resume and find another job.
I am open for suggestions! Meanwhile, I think I'll have another cup of coffee and have a nice chat with my dog!
It is a beautiful day in Dallas!
much love,
Sia
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 3
SHORT REPORT: The pump came off last Friday - I am still feeling tired and nauseous, but the fatigue is not as bad as it was with the oxaliplatin. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t feel a LOT better – but I’ll take what I can get - At least I can eat salad and ice cream! I plan to go visit my daughters in Dallas this weekend and hope to see my grandson’s soccer game – fingers are crossed! Next chemo is Wed., March 11.
MORE DETAIL:
Just FYI - Here is a summary of chemo treatments so far, and an explanation from my doctor about the chemo treatments, and why it is better to stop the Oxaliplatin . Each of the “reductions” and postponed treatments were due to low blood counts.
Treatments #1-4 Full dose, (11/5, 12/2, 12/17, 12/31)
Treatment #5 Oxaliplatin reduced from 85mg/m2 to 65 mg/m2 (1/21)
Treatment #6 Oxaliplatin reduced to 50 mg/m2 (2/4)
Treatment #7 No oxaliplatin (2/25)
"Clinical Trials that proved FOLFOX (5FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin) given for 6 months was better than 5FU/Leucovorin alone. Older trials had initially said we needed to treat patients for 12 months, then a followup study said, no, we only need to treat 6-8 months for same benefit, then the MOSAIC trial came out stating FOLFOX was better than 5FU/Leucovorin over 6 months. It was shown that 3 year disease free survival, 5 year overall survival was better with FOLFOX. This trial was based on patients completing 6 months of treatment.
5FU/LV significantly improves overall survival after surgery, but adding oxaliplatin does increase it more. You got 3 out of the 6 months of treatment with oxaliplatin, so we feel you will get some of that benefit. We cannot know for sure how much,because the trial was not based on patients only getting 3 months of treatment. But we know some is better than none. We also know that the long term side effects of oxaliplatin can last and inhibit quality of life long after treatment has been stopped. Also, if your blood counts continue to struggle and we don't drop the doses, then you may have to stop treatment altogether and not get a total of 6 months of treatment, which would be a worse situation. " - straight from my doc for those who like technical explanations.
much love,
Sia
MORE DETAIL:
Just FYI - Here is a summary of chemo treatments so far, and an explanation from my doctor about the chemo treatments, and why it is better to stop the Oxaliplatin . Each of the “reductions” and postponed treatments were due to low blood counts.
Treatments #1-4 Full dose, (11/5, 12/2, 12/17, 12/31)
Treatment #5 Oxaliplatin reduced from 85mg/m2 to 65 mg/m2 (1/21)
Treatment #6 Oxaliplatin reduced to 50 mg/m2 (2/4)
Treatment #7 No oxaliplatin (2/25)
"Clinical Trials that proved FOLFOX (5FU, Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin) given for 6 months was better than 5FU/Leucovorin alone. Older trials had initially said we needed to treat patients for 12 months, then a followup study said, no, we only need to treat 6-8 months for same benefit, then the MOSAIC trial came out stating FOLFOX was better than 5FU/Leucovorin over 6 months. It was shown that 3 year disease free survival, 5 year overall survival was better with FOLFOX. This trial was based on patients completing 6 months of treatment.
5FU/LV significantly improves overall survival after surgery, but adding oxaliplatin does increase it more. You got 3 out of the 6 months of treatment with oxaliplatin, so we feel you will get some of that benefit. We cannot know for sure how much,because the trial was not based on patients only getting 3 months of treatment. But we know some is better than none. We also know that the long term side effects of oxaliplatin can last and inhibit quality of life long after treatment has been stopped. Also, if your blood counts continue to struggle and we don't drop the doses, then you may have to stop treatment altogether and not get a total of 6 months of treatment, which would be a worse situation. " - straight from my doc for those who like technical explanations.
much love,
Sia
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