Hair Today---Gone Tomorrow!!

I decided to make a "BALD" move today!  I can assure everyone that is was a "HAIRY" experience!  Starting Friday when I was taking a shower,  I noticed that a lot of my hair was starting to fall out.  It continued all day Saturday and I was covered with hair (the picture below was about an hour's worth).  I went to a Facebook group that I belong to with people who have endometrial cancer and asked advice about what to do.  The vast majority said to shave it off myself before it fell out on its own.  So when Dave got home from the ASU football game, we talked about it.  Patrick said that he could do it (I am sure that he was happy to truly be able to "pull my hair out" as I have often said when my kids did something I didn't like).  So this morning, we decided to get a "HEAD START" before chemo had the final say!

We got sheets to put on the floor and around me.  Dave took pictures and gave me moral support (as opposed to morals as I am still working on that.   Chemo and COVID are assisting me as I  must behave myself!)

It was a bit sad and I have to say I shed a tear or two.   However, it was also liberating as it was my choice--sort of!  I was a bit surprised at all of the gray hair.  However, I have a story for each gray hair!  But the best part is I didn't "WIG" out with the whole process.

When we were all done, Paco (my grandpug) didn't recognize me and started barking.  He is definitely in my doghouse right now.  The others were fine!

I have some really cute caps to wear so that will help me day to day.  I need to practice putting my wig on as we have a Board Meeting Tuesday night.  Doing hair is certainly not my forte.  I don't want to show up at the meeting looking like I have been on a two day binge with my wig askew!

So the "Sheila Kicks Cancer's Butt" journey continues.  I have this and will make the best of this "heady" experience!

TO BE CONTINUED.............

 

The Sky (Er Hair) is Falling!

Actually, the title of this post should be Thanksgiving, 2021 and so much to be thankful for this year despite everything!

Yesterday we had a small but very nice Thanksgiving.  The only thing missing for me was some very good Spumanti or something, but that is a small price to pay.  The best thing for me is I was able to do a lot to help get ready for dinner.  I really felt good.

Dave, Patrick, Judy, Kerri and Cameron were here and everyone contributed to dinner.  We had a delicious turkey dinner with all of the normal trimmings.  Because the weather has been so nice, we decided to eat on the patio and use only paper plates.  Despite this, there was a lot of cleaning up to do because of the amount of cooking that still needed to be done.  Thanks to Dave, Judy and especially Patrick, the kitchen was completely cleaned. I was able to sit outside and enjoy a fire in the fire pit.  It was so nice and so peaceful.

Now to the original title.  The last two mornings when I took a shower,  I noticed a lot of hair coming out after I washed my hair.  I knew it would happen, but it has been over two weeks since the last chemo.  I had a few moments of a "pity party" but got over it quickly  After all, this is just part of the process for me to "kick cancer's butt" which I am well on my way to doing!

Good part is I don't have to worry about shaving my legs!!  I am going to start "practicing" put on my wig. As I have said before, I have a great looking wig, but knowing my own "artistic abilities," I want to make sure that I don't look like a drunken sailor when wearing it!!  

Today I am taking it easy.  Dave is golfing and will be home a bit late.  We will have leftover turkey, etc.  Tonight I will start the turkey noodle soup by boiling the carcass all night.  This is always one of my favorite parts of this dinner.

TO BE CONTINUED...........

Prodding, Poking, Pricking and "Needling" (What a Few Weeks)!

 It has been two weeks today since I had my first chemo. Since then, I have had a port put in last Wednesday. I don't think there is a vein left in my body that hasn't been "pricked."

Fortunately other than fatigue, I didn't have too many side effects from the chemo. Sunday night and Monday were a bit uncomfortable, but nothing worse.  I didn't have any nausea and still have my hair. Even though I haven't lost any hair, it feels more sparse.

Last Wednesday, Dave took me to Gilbert Mercy to have the port put in.  It is outpatient, but takes a few hours.  I was awake the whole time, but didn't feel a thing. 

 

Prior to having the port put in, the nurses had to put in an IV.  They also had to take blood.  Oftentimes, finding a vein is difficult.  The tech at Dr. Bhoola's is great and has not  had any problems.  They had trouble and called the lab.  A phlebotomist came to try to find a vein on my left arm.  This was after many previous "stabs."   As she was trying to find the vein, she accidentally hit a nerve.   WOW!  That hurt like HELL!  I am still having problems with my left arm.  Every time I go to reach for something, it my entire arm and hand stings.  It is kind of sad that the stinging is the worst pain, but I guess I should also feel fortunate.

When we got home, I was a bit drowsy.  However, I felt pretty good.  Had some trouble sleeping because I was sore on my right side and my neck.  Actually, I think I have been almost more sore from this than the hysterectomy!

So in four weeks and two days, I have had major surgery, a round of chemo, a port put in, a nerve hit and I AM STILL STANDING!  I think that is remarkable!!

I am so grateful to all of those who have reached out to me through texts, calls, cards, meals and so much thoughtfulness.

Dave's family has been awesome!  I love his cousins.  They are now my family, too!  His cousins sent me the best tea cup because they know me.  It is perfect!!

Tomorrrow is Thanksgiving.  I truly have much to be thankful for and I am!  Dave is a rock in my life.  Patrick has truly stepped up to help in so many ways.  And I don't know what I would do without Judy.  I am just sad that we can't get together with the extended family because I still to be extremely careful.  Arizona is one of the worst states for COVID right now and my immune system certainly couldn't take any exposure even though I am vaccinated and boosted.  Unfortunately, not everyone understands the importance of this--not just for themselves, but for others like me.

 

We will just have a small gathering tomorrow.  We plan to use paper plates and eat on the patio.  We have the wood ready for a fire in the firepit if needed. Tonight I am going to make the dressing and tomorrow candied sweet potatoes and beer bread.  Judy is bringing the turkey and a salad and Kerri is making a string bean casserole and will do the mashed potatoes.  It will be nice!

 

So all in all, things are positive.  I feel good, just a bit fatigued.  AND I AM THANKFUL for so much in my life.

 

TO BE CONTINUED............

CHEMO---The Beginning of this Journey

Wednesday, November 10, was the beginning of the "To Be Continued..." Journey.   I had my first day of chemotherapy.  Patrick drove me to the "less than a mile" doctor's office and helped me take what I was bringing up to the office.  

 

I wasn't sure what to bring.  I had information from the doctor gave me, but still wasn't sure.  So I packed a half of a sandwich, a bag of nuts, cheese and crackers, sugar free hard candy and two cans of seltzer water. I also took a blanket, headphones to listen to my audible book, my ipad and a charger! Can't be without my technology!  So I had a bag and a small "ice" chest.  It was fine.

 

I wore my "muumuu" with an undershirt under it, socks and shoes.  I truly looked like a bag lady on her way to "begging."  Maybe that is where I was headed--begging the chemo to do its magic! Everyone else was dressed normally, but I am only two weeks out of surgery so I am still have a sore abdomen.  

 

We went to the treatment room where they have about 10 recliner chairs.  EVERYONE in this office is incredible.  They are so nice and so kind and did everything to make me comfortable.  

 

I haven't had a chance to get a port put in, but will have it before next round.  Instead they put the IV needle in my arm on the top.  It did not hurt at all and today I do not even have a bruise which usually happens to me.  

 

They started the IV and I got a variety of "things" prior to the start of the chemo.  This included a steriod, anti nausea meds, Pepcid, saline benedryl.........  They didn't get started with the actual chemo drugs (I have two different kinds) until almost noon.  Because it was my first time,the first 15 minutes were slow but I was totally fine. 

 

In the morning, the nurses were so busy getting everyone situated and many of the ladies were sleeping  because of the benedryl.  Every time I would try to go to sleep, I had to go to the bathroom.  That in itself was an adventure.  It made me glad for the clothes I was wearing---I won't describe this any further.

After everyone got started on the chemo, the nurses were working at the desk and just checking as needed.  Each one of the machines had a timer and would beep when it was time to stop or change or whatever.

This is when the five or so ladies of various ages started talking.  It was great for me because they all had been through this more than once so I got a lot of tips.  None of them had their hair and wore cute caps.  One of the younger ladies, who is absolutely beautiful, told me she is a "lifer."  It is a long story but sounds like a bit of a screw up with her surgeon (not our doctor) and so she was diagnosed with stage 4.  After this treatment, she will have to come in  and get a new drug that is only 30 minutes each time.  She has a wonderful attitude.

Perhaps the highlight of the day when they (old ladies, too) started talking about taking gummies. They were talking about the benefits to them. They gave me all kinds of advice in case I ever decide or need to use them.  At one point a nurse came over to check my machine and I told her she might not want to listen to this conversation.  She just smiled and said she had heard it all.  I told her about me being an educator and  I had heard it all, too.  

I got home about 4.  I was a bit tired and  had no appetite, but other than that, I was fine.  I drank some protein because the nurse practitioner told me that eating is very important.  We went to bed around 9 and I slept very well all night--better than I have in a long time.

This morning when I got up, I did everything on the "list" and made myself eat an egg.  I am still not hungry.  Then I went on a walk and made it .55 miles!!   The only side effect I have right now is that I am a bit shaky.  Other than that, I am good.  I am hoping it continues as tomorrow is the day it could (notice I used the word "could) hit.

So I am taking it one day at a time.   I want to have as normal a life as possible.  That is the part that "SUCKS".   Because of COVID, I can't plan on going to very many places.  We aren't going to our family Thanksgiving because some of the cousins haven't been vaccinated.  I understand this is their choice, but it makes me sad that their choices impact the lives of other, especially people like me. I am going to make a big deal of it but my cousin, Cecilia, knows and agrees.

It is almost noon on Thursday, so I am going to "drink" my lunch but it won't be my drink of choice.  Dave is golfing, which I am so grateful that he can have this outlet.  If is wasn't for Patrick, he would have to stay here with me.

TO BE CONTINUED...!!!!!

 

 

WORRY, WAIT, WALK

 Two out of three of these "W" words have not been my favorite as of late.  As I have written before, the WORST (another W word) part of this whole cancer journey has been waiting to get a diagnosis, then the results of lab work, then what treatment is going to be, etc. etc. etc.  During the wait, the worrying was a huge part of every day and night.  I have dealt with a lot of things in my life and come through it okay.  This is really different.  It is truly a matter of life and death and the not knowing is so awful.

The doctor and nurses encouraged me to walk as much as possible.  Some friends who have had a hysterectomy couldn't do anything for six weeks.  The only thing I can't do is lift anything over 10 pounds.  Other than that, there were several things I shouldn't have done the first two weeks.  I didn't and was careful.  But I did start walking.  When I walk, I listen to books on my iphone.  That makes the walking easy.  I have bought several as that is what I am going to do during chemo treatments is listen to books.

Every day I have  tried to add one or two blocks.  I started out very slowly.  I think it was Wednesday after the surgery.  Yesterday, exactly two weeks after the complete hysterectomy, I made it 1.25 miles.  I was exhausted when I got home and very grateful that we had a frozen lasagna made by a friend so didn't have to worry about dinner.  Actually, I have quit worrying about dinner.  Some days things taste really good and others not as good.  I am sure that I going to continue to be an issue over the next few months.

I know that they encourage walking when going through chemo.  I will just have to play it by ear to see what I can and can't do.  I intend to push myself but I will also be very careful.   

This morning I have the hair cut and this afternoon a board meeting starting at 4 so it will be a busy day.  Fortunately, the weather is nice so I should be able to get at least a short walk in sometime late morning.  

I can now drive which I am happy about.  I didn't have anywhere to go yesterday but will drive myself to get my hair cut.  Dave will drive me to the board meeting.  That is not because I can't, but ever since my cataract surgery, I have had some trouble at nights with the headlights on cars.  Normally that would be okay, but right now I will feel better if I don't have to drive.

Worrisome Week Waiting

The week and one day from the day I had surgery until I received the results from the doctor as to whether the cancer had spread and the stage was probably one of the worst periods of time in my life.  I was feeling good after the surgery.  I had no pain, just soreness.  After the awful pain that I had endured in the months prior, it was a relief.  I was actually able to sleep at night (sort of but the worrying interfered).  

I have never had such mood swings and poor Dave was the one who had to deal with me.  That is why it is important to me that he is able to continue to golf as that is something he absolutely loves. I had so many people checking on me plus Patrick was here. 

Of course, I imagined the worst.  The scary part for me is that I had no symptoms prior to the pain starting and so I had no idea how bad it might be.  The CT scan (which was done first) showed some thickening of the bladder wall but the MRI said it was normal aging. I was very worried that it had spread to the bladder.  But once again, I had no symptoms of any kind other than the awful pain.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 2, I got a call from Dr. Bhoola's nurse practitioner.  She gave me the results. It had not spread to any other organs but it was in some of the lymph nodes.  She said it was Stage 3.  I can't remember a lot of the conversation but I was actually relieved that it hadn't spread even though it is more aggressive than first thought.  I was scheduled for my follow-up appointment for Nov. 16 and she asked if I wanted to come in earlier.  I said "PLEASE!"  So she scheduled me for the next morning at 10:45.  I told her that when I went in the first time and had to go alone that it was very difficult to get that kind of news all alone.  She said that Dave could come with me which was a huge relief.

We met with Dr. Bhoola and he explained everything.  Right now I am cancer free. They were able to get everything. However, if I don't go through any treatment, there is a 90% chance that it will return somewhere else.  He said that he wants to do an aggressive treatment and it is statistically a 70% chance of it being completely gone.  However, he said he sees a higher percentage in his practice.  He talked about side effects and said that older people don't always have as many as younger for some reason.  I had a whole list of questions to ask him but he answered them before I could even ask them.  

The chemo will be every three weeks for six times.  It will last about five hours.  I will get one radiation treatment, I think after the third, and that will be done at MD Anderson.  All of the chemo will be done at his office.  He did tell me that I will start losing my hair after the first one and then after the second it will be gone. That really doesn't bother me.

I did ask him about continuing on the Board.  He knows how difficult it is to be on a school board right now.  He told me to follow my heart, stay active, and do what I felt was the best for me.  He also told me that they will be checking my blood regularly so if it looks like I shouldn't be going anywhere, he will tell me.

After we finished with Dr. Bhoola, his nurse practitioner spent a lot of time with us going over all kinds of things. She gave us a place to go to get a wig and a list of everything I will need in terms of over the counter meds, etc.  I did record both but haven't listened to them. 

I had some blood work done and then talked to the scheduler about getting the port put in, etc.  They had to submit everything to insurance before I can get started.

So another waiting game. He said I could get started this Wednesday.  However, they  can't schedule me until they get all of the insurance authorization taken care of.

After we left the doctor's office, we went to the wig store right down the street.  I am not much of a fashion plate and just wanted a wig that looked as much like how I wear my hair now.   I was able to get one and it is very nice.  Now I just hope I can put it on correctly.  

I called on Friday because (believe it or not) I am anxious to get started with this and get it behind me.  They still hadn't received the insurance clearance.   Saturday morning, I received a call from the insurance company saying that everything was approved through Nov. 2022.

I called the doctor's office today to see if they had the information and the wonderful young lady said she would talk to the person who does the authorizing and see what they could do.  I told her that I had received the call on Saturday.

Around 5:30 this evening, this delightful lady called me to tell me that everything was approved. She said that our state retirement insurance is AMAZING and that they will even pay for rides to and from chemo if I need it.  She also said that my years of service as an educator made me deserving to have such great insurance.  That meant a lot.

So hopefully I will be able to start this Wednesday.  Since it was after 5 when she called, she said someone would get in touch with me tomorrow.  I can do the first treatment without a port.

What a roller coaster ride this has been and know it will continue to be.  However, I feel absolutely positive that I am going to beat this.  I am in good health and I am a fighter.  

So many people have been so wonderful to us.  Between meals, texts, cards, phone calls, etc. I am so blessed in so many ways.  We have only cooked one night.  I am fairly sure that I won't be eating normally all of the time over the next weeks, but need to wait to see what my reaction is going to be.

It has been interesting to me to see how different people react to this kind of news.  Most have been wonderful, but others don't know what to say.  That is okay with me as everyone deals with issues differently.  I get that.

So tomorrow morning I am getting my hair  cut because that was suggested before it starts to fall out.  My hairdresser was wonderful and got me in right away.  We have a board meeting starting at 4 and it will be my first time out in public.  Of course, I will be wearing my mask and being extra careful.

DAMN COVID!  Not that there is ever a good time to get cancer, but with the lack of respect in our society for this and the risk of it spreading, makes these times that much more difficult.  I truly wish that everyone would continue to understand that it is still out there and be respectful by getting vaccinated and continue to wear masks  in public.  I have felt that way all along, however now that I am in this position, it really hits home.   I have to be extra careful. I read today that the Arizona Department of Health says that Arizona is the only state where COVID is the leading cause of death.  How sad is that!  

This is not political.  This is absolutely a health concern for every human, especially those of us who are dealing with what I am.

Enough of that.  We are being careful and will continue to do so.  I have every intention of being around for a long time--Dr. Bhoola said I should live into my 80's or 90's so I am not that easy to get rid of!!!

And once again, I can't begin to say how grateful I am to have Dave by my side.  He has been here to support me, put up with my ever changing moods, and be the kind and gentle human being that he is.  As long as he can golf, I am in good hands!!!!!

I don't know what I would do without Judy's support.  She is there every day for me, as is my cousin, Cecilia.  They are a blessing in my life.  Patrick has been a huge help and it is much appreciated.  

 "TO BE CONTINUED..."

The Scary "C" Word

Probably the scariest word for anyone to hear from a doctor, "the results of your biopsy shows that you have cancer."  Those were the words I received from my gynecologist a few weeks ago.  I have had no symptoms other than pain the lower abdomen.  Because I have had diverticulitis in the past, I assumed that was the problem.  I went to the doctor in July and again in August and was prescribed antibiotics.  Neither time did the antibiotics work so I made an appointment with a GI doctor who ordered a CT scan.  The CT scan showed some abnormalities in the bladder and the endometrial lining of the uterus.  He advised me to see a gynecologist and urologist.   

I made an appointment with my primary care doctor and took the CT scan into her.  She said she wanted me to get an MRI.  The results of the MRI indicated that a gynecologist was the best to see.  Since I am an "old lady" and my former gynecologist retired about the time I did, I do everything through my primary care doctor.

I had made an appointment with a gynecologist after some research about different ones, but like anything else, it takes time.  I happened to be talking to a friend who told me about her doctor and how one of my former Gilbert El parents worked for the practice.  

I texted the parent as she is a friend and she called me back in about an hour.  This was on Weds, Oct. 6.  She told me she went into work at  7 in the morning and would call me.  Around 7:30 she called and asked if I could be there at 9:00.  Of course I could!

This doctor (and my friend) was amazing.  We talked for a bit and she told me that she had one of my signs in her yard when I ran for the Governing Board in 2016.  She did a biopsy and called me the following Monday with the dreaded "C" word diagnosis.  She told me that she wanted me to see a certain doctor who is an oncologist/gynecologist.  She said she would go to him and have her mother and/or daughter go to him.

I called immediately and got in on Tuesday, October 19.  From everything I have heard, I am pretty fortunate to have these appointments happen so quickly.  

The sad part is that I had to go by myself to this appointment because of COVID and the lack of respect by so many people.  I asked our cousin, Maura, if she would be willing to be on the phone as she is a nurse.   She was and I will be forever grateful to her.

I love Dr. Bhoola.  His office is actually within walking distance of our house.  He is kind and thorough. He said the first thing he wanted to do was a complete hysterectomy and he scheduled it for the following Monday, Oct. 25, at Banner Desert.  Dave and I spent the next few days running back and forth to the hospital, etc. to get x-rays, bloodwork, insurance approval, etc. for the surgery on Monday.  I must say that everyone we dealt with was kind and compassionate.  In this day and with all that the medical profession has dealt with during this pandemic, that meant a lot.

Throughout this entire ordeal, I cannot say enough about the support I have had from Dave.  He has been my rock and has put up with my range of emotions with grace.  I am sure there were a few times he probably wanted to tell me a few choice words (that he never uses), but he didn't.  I love this man and although I certainly didn't want to have this journey, I am so thankful that he is here with me. 

Monday morning we had to be at the hospital for the surgery.  It was scheduled to be a DaVinci Robotic but depending on what they found, it could be an incision.  Fortunately, when I woke up, I only had four small incisions and no female organs left.  I felt good because the pain that I had been dealing with the few months before had been very difficult.   One funny thing that happened when I was being taken into the operating room--somehow the conversation came up about having a drink.  I told the nurses I don't drink tequila but there is a song called Tequila Sheila.  Hence their name for me during this time was "No Tequila Sheila!"  It was a lighter moment and I appreciated their humor.

I decided to come home even though I could have spent the night.  I wanted to be out of the hospital in my own bed.  I can honestly say that I had no pain, just soreness.  

Now was the worst part, in my opinion, and that was the waiting on the results as to whether or not the cancer had spread, etc.

That is another post in itself and I am going to save it for tomorrow.   I hope that being able to write about this will help me in this journey and one day I will be able to look back and read about it.  

Endometrial cancer's color is peach.  This print is the closest I could get to it.  One thing I did do was get my nails and toes done in peach.  I guess I am getting a bit superstitious in my old age.

TO BE CONTINUED........  I think that is going to be my new positive motto for everything---TO BE CONTINUED as that is how I am looking at all of this.