A Gift from Kerri!

 

Enough said........

To Be Continued...........

Wigging Out..........

Tuesday night we had our end of month business meeting for the GPS Governing Board.  I was able to go with my wig on CORRECTLY!  Judy came over and helped me put it on so that it looked right and was not crooked, etc.  I tried to get it as close as possible to my hair style that I have had.  It actually looks better than my hair ever did (unless it was the day I got it cut).   It felt good to get a little dressed up for a change and it really felt good to get out of the house, even if it was for a meeting.  Even though very few people wear masks,  it is a big room and we are spaced fairly well.  Of course, I wore my mask and will continue to do so.

The meeting went well and wasn't too long.  We had nothing controversial on the agenda, so that was good as we didn't have a lot of people wanting to speak.  I absolutely believe it is important that the public is allowed a voice.  I just always hope it is done with courtesy and respect.   I don't think a lot of people realize the hours that are put in by board members who do not get paid a penny for what we do.

On Wednesday, we had to get up early as I was scheduled for chemo to start at 9:00.   Since I have to be there the majority of the day, I have quite a few things to pack.   I fixed a half a tuna sandwich, cheese, crackers, some water and Dave made me an iced caramel coffee that is DELICIOUS.  I also had to take my electronic devices, headphones, etc. so I could listen to music or my audible book or read and play some games. I also have to take a blanket, as it gets a bit chilly in the chemo room.  What this means it that I have a lot to "pack" in for the day.  

Patrick helped me get everything up to the doctor's office and one of the nurses helped me take everything into the room.   My dear friend, Jan, gave me a "port" shirt as she had been through chemo previously.  It has zippers in places that make it easier to get to the port and much more comfortable.  It is awesome!   Also, having the port is so much easier than a needle in the arm.  With all of the drugs they put in, it is much better going through the port.

The day went well.  I actually was able to sleep a little bit in the morning when the benedryl hit me. That was a good thing. 

Everyone who works in this practice are so kind and so helpful.  The nurses take such good care of all of the patients and treat each person with dignity and respect.   Some of the patients are a bit grumpy (which I get), but I laugh with them and thank them because I believe it is the right thing to do!

When I was finished with everything about 3, I packed all of my bags and figured out how carry out everything as easily as possible.   As I was walking out of the room, Dr. Bhoola was standing at the counter looking at a chart.  When he saw me he offered to help me carry everything out.  I was blown away by that.  I thanked him and told him that I had it figured out and was fine.  He is not only an excellent doctor, but is also an incredible human being who has EMPATHY!

I am feeling pretty good and it has been two days after my second treatment.  Last night, Judy came over and I helped her make chili beans for a chili cook-off at her school today.  I had started the beans early in the morning (and had a bowl with cheese for lunch).  I had everything ready when she got here.  She and Patrick "followed my orders" and the chili turned out very good.   We had some for dinner.  I am anxious to know how it was received at her school today.

So far so good in terms of how I feel.  Other than fatigue and a few minor aches and pains, I am doing well.   Last time it wasn't until Sunday that I had anything, but I was just uncomfortable.  

The only issue I am having is that I can't get out and about because of the lack of respect so many people have by not wearing masks and taking this seriously.   But it is what it is and I just have to do my best to take care of myself!!

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

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.