Happy Birthday, Judy!

Today is Judy's birthday.  Since we can't got out very much because of lack of social distancing and masks, we celebrated here at our house on Saturday night.  I know that we didn't have her favorite dinner or one that she picked out because I have been whining so much about wanting crab legs.  Fortunately, they were on sale (but still very expensive) at Frys.   Dave doesn't like crab legs so we got a couple of nice steaks at the butcher shop for Dave and anyone else who wanted a little more to eat.

Kerri fixed the baked potatoes and cooked the crab legs in the pot we have.  They were perfect.   Judy made her typical great salad and Patrick barbecued he steaks on the grill.  I did nothing and it wasn't even my birthday.   Cameron had other plans so he missed the great dinner.  

I have to say that the crab legs really hit the spot with me.  They are one of my favorite foods and it is unfortunate that they are so expensive.  I need to start learning to fix  fish as I haven't done that much and it is really good for me right now.

Dave wanted to get some kind of cake for Judy to thank her for all that she has done for us and to celebrate her birthday.  As I have said before, I am not sure what we would do without her support and love.

We called Baskin Robbins and they had plenty of cakes already made.  Patrick went to get one and they were nice enough to write "Happy birthday, Judy" on it.  Our only mistake was taking the cake out so late that it made it very hard to cut it between the ice cream and frozen cake.  If all else fails, read the directions, but even that wouldn't have helped us.   We had birthday candles but only lit one and didn't put it in the cake.  We had her blow it out away from the cake.

Below are the pictures of the cake when we first took it out and then trying to cut it more than 30 minutes late.   I must say it was delicious.  Judy did take what was left home so she got something.  I feel badly that I didn't even get her a card this year.  I will make it up next year and hopefully we will be able to go out and celebrate in the near future.

So happy birthday, Judy.  I am glad you were born and I am more than grateful that "we" were able to adopt you.  I will never forget the day you came home from the hospital--I think about six weeks after your were born.  I could hardly wait to get home from kindergarten to meet you and hold you.  I remember sitting in the little red rocker holding you in my arms.   That was  one of the best days of my life!

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

Angels of Hope!

 

I belong to this incredible group on Facebook that my dear friend who is an author and storyteller started a bit after the pandemic hit.  Every week a different member is the host for the "virtual diner."  Usually there is a theme that the host does for the week.  When it was my turn, I used the Butte cookbook that has the history of the origin of so many foods that miners who emigrated to this country brought with them.  

Many of the members are storytellers, retired librarians and teachers from all over the country.  We post what we are having for dinner that night.   We have shared recipes and become friends.   I look forward to reading and sharing each evening.   As with any group, there are always people that you find you have a lot in common with.

When I first found out my cancer diagnosis, this is the only group on social media that I shared anything with and still is.   The support has  been incredible.

One of the members in particular has reached out to me as she is a cancer survivor.  She sends me a message of positivity almost every morning.   Since she lives in Georgia and gets up early, the message is there when I wake up.  We have "chatted" about so many things and she has been such a support.  Although we have never met, I feel as though she has become a good friend and I believe she feels that way about me.  We have much in common and that is always helpful.   She is a retired librarian and we both believe in the importance of libraries and the availability of books.

This afternoon Dave went to pick up the mail.   We hadn't gotten the mail for a few days and there  were several cards from Georgia.  As I opened them, I have to admit that I got very teary.  Most had a handwritten note and some kind of "angel" enclosed.  I immediately knew that this was Judy's doing.   I messaged her and she told me it was an angel ministry that helped her during some difficult times.  I know that receiving these today meant the world to me.

Judy, thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your caring, concern, and knowing what I am dealing with at this time.  You are truly the best and I can't thank you enough.  You are absolutely an ANGEL in my life and I am so grateful! 

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

National Holocaust Day

I was thinking earlier this week when it was National Holocaust Day. It brought back some memories of the year I taught in Germany in the late 70s. I will never forget when we visited Dachau, a concentration camp in Germany. It is hard to explain this but from the minute we went in until we left, I could feel the evil. It was pervasive throughout the time we were there. Although there was that awful feeling, I absolutely believe it is something everyone should experience if they have the opportunity. We don’t ever want to repeat this awful time in our history. 

 

Another memory I have is about the little village we lived in. We were the only Americans who lived there. Cars belonging to military had a distinct license plate. One Sunday morning there was a knock on our door. There were two couples from New Jersey and the women were sisters. They had seen the car and knew we were Americans. They had grown up in the house next door until the mid thirties when their father was able to get them to the US because they were Jewish and he could see what was coming. It was the first time they had been back to Germany since they were small children. I invited them in and we had a wonderful conversation. I learned so much. 

 

I have thought about this a lot during the week and decided to share this experience. It is important that we never forget.

 

TO BE CONTINUED.................! 

Scanned, Scanned, and Scanned

Since this cancer journey began in September, I think I have had every scan possible, including ones that I never even heard of before.

It started with what I think was a CAT Scan in September by the gastroenterologist which determined there was a mass on the endometrium or bladder.  I next went to to my primary care doctor who ordered and MRI.   After the results of that, I went to a gynecologist and had the biopsy.   After it was determined that I needed to see a gynecology oncologist. I think I have documented everything on this early.  During that week before surgery I had an x-ray.   Following the third chemo treatment, I had another type of CAT Scan that came out pretty good.  My doctor and I decided to be on the safe side so he scheduled me for an appointment.  I saw the radiation doctor last week who wants to eliminate a couple of areas that there could be concerns about.  If there is any concern, then he will know that he will have to use radiation in those areas.

Last Monday I went to his office for a planning scan.  It appeared to be similar to a CAT scan with the exception that they didn't inject anything into me this time.

This morning I went to a facility that does all kinds of scans and had a PET Scan.  My instructions were to do absolutely nothing yesterday and just rest.  I could not eat any  carbs so I had a steak and asparagus.   Missed my favorite--potatoes, but the steak was delicious.  If I had been thinking better, I would have requested either crab legs or lobster!  DAMN!!!

I couldn't read for 45 minutes after they put the radioactive dye in.  I thought that was strange but she said it can throw off the results.  For me not being able to read is really a punishment.  However, I have Audible books on my iPhone  so I was able to pass the time.  The actual scan only took about 20 minutes.  I was there for about two hours.   Dave was so sweet and took me and stayed the whole time.  

My only instructions after were not to be around pregnant women or children because I am radioactive for about six hours.   And I am so glad to have the port as I don't think I have very many veins left to poke or prod.

The doctors will use this scan as well as the one last Monday and come up for a plan for treatment.  Each individual is different.   I am anxious to get started next Thursday.  It will be everyday, but times and order could be changed.

The one funny think that happened was we were in the back of the building.  The bathroom I could use said something for "PET ONLY."   I was trying to figure out if they do scans on pets when all of it sudden it dawned on me that it meant for PET Scan patients only.  I am really glad it didn't ask her that question and figured it out before I asked.

It is now about 3:30.  I ate a bit and took all my meds when I got home. I then went back to bed and slept for almost four hours.  Not sure if the scan zapped my energy or just the worry and anticipation.   I am currently drinking the electrolyte drink to see if I can get some energy back.

All in all, I couldn't ask for better doctors and the kindness of all of the people I have encountered.  I absolutely feel I am in the best hands and I truly appreciate that I don't have to wait long periods of time for appointments, etc.   In many ways, I am truly fortunate.

This journey has also allowed me to reflect on a lot of things, which has been good for me.

I continue to be blessed with so many friends who check up on my regularly.   Dave has been my rock.  His calm and kind ways I know have been tested, but his love for me has been something I never knew I would experience.  I don't know what I would do without Judy.   She has been here for support and so much more.  Patrick has also stepped up and does so much of the daily "chores" that need to be done.  

All in all, this is certainly not something I want to go through, but I am thankful for how it has unfolded and thankful to the many people who are helping me navigate this journey.

TO BE CONTINUED...........!! 

GPS Governing Board

During this journey, many of the activities that I participated in the past have been curtailed.  Mostly this is because of the pandemic and having to be extremely careful of not getting COVID.   The majority of what I have done since I have retired has to do with my role on the board and getting to participate in school activities and my absolute favorite activity--reading to kids.

It also hasn't been a particularly good time to be on a governing board with all of the differences of opinion and how angry so many people are right now.  I have never seen anything like this in my now 50 years in education.

However, it has been important to me to remain on the Board as it gives me a purpose and I feel that I do a good job.  No matter what, no one can say that I don't care about public education and especially, Gilbert Public Schools.

I made the decision that I would not resign and that continues to be how I feel.  Unless something unforeseen happens, I will finish my term which is over in 2025.  I have only missed a couple of meetings and most of the time, I have been able to do the meeting telephonically.  I am proud of my service and know that I still have a lot  to give.  

At our first meeting in January, we elect a board president and a board clerk.  I was very fortunate to be elected board clerk.  I am proud that I have served two years as board president and now a year as board clerk.  I will continue to give everything I can for the betterment of our wonderful District.

The only bad part is that I have to wear my wig to the meetings.............

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

Update on Treatment

(Updated 1/25/22)

 

October, 2021

 

Dr. Bhoola  (gynecology oncologist) – after hysterectomy.  He was able to get everything out during the surgery.

        

Dr. Bhoola – 90% chance  of it reoccurring if no treatment done.  At that point, his thoughts--

Chemo (6 treatments 3 weeks apart) and Radiation (TBD).   His estimate based on what he knew at that point was that there was a 70% chance of no reocurrence.

 

January, 2022

 

Dr. Chowdery (radiation oncologist) – after 3 chemo treatments and CAT Scan done in December. 

 

He wants to treat this aggressively.  He scheduled a planning scan for Monday (1/24) in his office.   In addition, he scheduled a PET scan for Friday (1/28). After both results are in, he will determine where the radiation and how much is needed and if he needs to zero in on particular areas. 

 

Radiation will start the week after the plan is in place.  There will be 27 external radiation treatments.  They last about 10 minutes and will be done every “business day” for 27 days.  He will also do three brachytherapy treatments which are internal.  They can be done twice a week (so my guess is about 1 ½ weeks for this to be done.  Two weeks later, the last three chemos will be done. As before, they are done one every three weeks.

 

Dr Chowdery –

With no radiation, there is a 60% chance of reoccurrence.

With radiation done and the remaining chemo treatments, there is an 80-85% chance of no reoccurrence.

 

He also used an app which he showed me.  He inputs information specific to the patient and that is how he comes up with a prediction on no reoccurrence.

 

These are all predictions and it is still cancer.  However, both of these doctors are specialists specific to what I am dealing with.  Lots can happen, but my attitude continues to be positive.   The only two things I have control over are my attitude and how I take care of myself and do whatever the doctors advise.

 

(Yesterday morning had the planning scan at doctor’s office.  As soon as the results of the PET Scan on Friday, their team will decide on a treatment plan.)

My first radiation is a week from Thursday (Feb. 3) at 9:10.  The last one as of now is March 14.  I don’t believe this involves the brachytherapy and is subject to change.). As much as this sounds a bit “weird,”  I am very anxious to get started.   After the radiation is complete, I will finish the last three chemotherapy treatments.

 

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

 

 

 

 

January is Birthday Month

January is my birthday month which has always been a reason to "party hardy" in my life. I am so happy that I was able to have a big celebration for my 70th birthday three years ago!  It was so much fun.   This year between the pandemic and the "c" diagnosis, it wasn't much of a time to do anything major--just celebrate another year.  It is hard for me to believe that I am 73.   Despite all of the setbacks I have had lately, I still don't feel that I could possibly be "this damn old."

Lots has happened and I need to get over my writer's block and post this journey.  So that is my goal (or at least one of them)!

We were able to go out for a nice dinner at the Seafood Market for my birthday.  I love fish and it is hard to get good fish here in Arizona.

Dave was so thoughtful and sent me a dozen absolutely beautiful red roses.  They were delivered with a beautiful card.  I have rarely received flowers in my life and he is always so thoughtful about this.

 

I was going to post a picture on Facebook with the roses and realized just before I did it that I had the "Fuck Cancer" sign in the background.  Decided that might not be a wise decision so took a different picture.

After my bout with diverticulitis that really threw me, I had a couple of IV's here at the house to help with dehydration.   I must say that I had never heard of this before and they are amazing!  

I was feeling good so we had decided to go to Green Valley and spend a few days with Dave's cousins, Chuck and Maura.  I am normally not comfortable staying at someone's house, but that is not an issue with Chuck and Maura.   So Wednesday I had an IV with a bunch of extra supplements because I knew it would help me with energy.   So Thursday we drove down to Green Valley.  It was the best three days I have had in a long time. We had a wonderful dinner that Maura made Thursday night.  On Friday Maura and I went to the casino while Chuck and Dave golfed.   After we went to a Mexican restaurant and I had MENUDO--the dinner of champions.  Saturday we watched football and visited.   We left early Sunday morning.  I can't thank them enough for their hospitality.  It was so fun.  I absolutely love both of them and am so glad to have cousins like them.

Lots of other things have happened and I am really going to try to write more.  

TO BE CONTINUED...........! 

Writer's Block and a Few Other Complications

For the past few weeks I have had writer's block plus a few other complications that I certainly don't want to go into for my "sensitive" readers!  

I had my last chemo on Dec. 22 and did well.  I had previously had a CT or PET scan and met with Dr. Bhoola on the day of chemo.  My scan was good and we discussed further radiology.  He believes that we can cut back on how many sessions I have but I am leaving it up to the radiology oncologist that I will see on this week on the 20th.

The scan showed a flareup of diverticulitis and I can honestly say that has been my first set back.  Having had a few flareups before, it isn't fun.  Combined with the chemo, it kind of knocked my on my butt.  However, I really am still doing well considering everything.  One of the side effects was that I got super dehydrated.  I found out that I could get a nursing service where they come to your house and do IV electrolytes.  What a miracle that has been!  I have had three and will get one more next week.  I never realized how dehydration makes one feel.  The funny part is that the nurses told me that they often get called out to do this from people who have been out partying the night before.  Wow!   That is now one of my goals!  When I am all done, I am going to party hardy one night and set up an in home IV!  Something to look forward to doing!

It did put a bit of a damper on both Christmas and New Year's but we managed to have a nice dinner for both eve's and days thanks to my family.  

We continue to be very careful, but my bloodwork has come back good which means I can get out a bit more.   Because of where we live and the disregard for masking, we are extremely careful where we go.  

We were able to go to a Frontier Basketball tournament at Chandler/Gilbert.  It was small colleges from Montana and Arizona mostly.  We got to watch the Western Montana, Dave's alma mater,  play.  There were very few people in the gym and sat up high in the last row fully masked and very careful.  It was fun.

Over the holidays, I had the opportunity to go to lunch at three different friends houses to visit and just be able to feel some normalcy.  All are fully vaccinated and all were so accommodating.  I am grateful for these wonderful friends!

I know I need to document this so when I am DONE with this process and back to good health, I will be able to look back and read about it.  

I continue to be positive and am anxious to meet with the radiologist on Thursday.  I will do as many treatments as he suggests and then will have three more chemo treatments when that is done.  It is hard to make any plans right now because of the uncertainty of what treatments will occur next, when and how long.  I continue to be in good spirits.  What I have found out is the only two things I have control over at this point are my attitude and how I take care of myself.  I believe I am doing well on both!

I am truly going to try to write a few times a week.  Even though my life is a bit boring right now, I do have a lot to document. 

I can't say enough about Dave and how he has handled all of this.  His kindness and patience with me during all of the good and difficult days is beyond anything I could ever imagine.  How fortunate I am to have this wonderful man in my life and love me the way he does!!!

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