Great news!

Yes, you are at the right place.
I just jazzed up the old blog a bit to celebrate.

My CT scans looked great and chemo is officially over!
I am looking forward to my "new normal" which includes:

• taking an oral drug (Femara) which is supposed to continue to hold off the nasty cancer. I am expecting minimal side effects.
• physical therapy on my arm to maintain the progress I have made. Wearing my compression sleeve and glove.
• continue visiting Dr. Kreg (my chiropractor) for my emotional and physical wellness.
• the return of my hair...which actually is over 1 inch long already!
• the return of energy to enjoy walking and biking with the kids on warm spring days.
  
  I can't express how thankful I am for all of the prayers, calls, cards and well wishes that I have recieved. They have made this journey much easier.
  Thank you all!

Holding pattern...

My last chemo treatment may have been my last!

At my appointment yesterday we decided to hold off on another treatment. I was able to get in for CT scans and I will go back next Monday to hear the results of those. The results will help us decide if I am done with chemo. I think it is catching up with me...I am tired.

The kids start their spring break on Friday and we are busy planning play dates and activities to keep everyone entertained. We will be spending Easter weekend with Eric, Blake and Erica.

Thank you for the prayers and good thoughts...have a wonderful Easter.

Snow!

For all of you outside of Central Ohio here is what we did this weekend:

The "Blizzard of 08" began on Friday and lasted until Saturday evening with a reported snowfall of 20.4 inches. The drifts in our yard and driveway made for lots of fun with the snowblower. School was cancelled today and the sun came out so it was a great day for sledding and building snowmen. Yes, that is our mailbox behind the kids.

I didn't have chemo today as planned. The discomfort in my hands seemed to get worse last week so after talking to my Dr. we decided to wait until next Monday the 17th. I am hoping it will be the LAST one! My hands do look and feel better today.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Finally...

i had another chemo treatment today. It has been delayed for the last 2 weeks because of increased redness and sensitivity in my hands. It doesn't help that the temperature is only 15º!
One of the side effects of this new drug I am receiving is that it effects hand and feet. Other that just being annoying, I haven't had any other problems with it. We are decreasing the dosage and plan on doing the next treatment March 10th . Scans will then be repeated and based on those we will take the next step...whatever that may be. I do know that I will most likely be done with chemo!

My arm is slowly improving. I have a much greater range of motion after being tortured (not really) by my very caring and competent physical therapists. The swelling is down and I can now begin wearing a compressions sleve during the day. It should be much more comfortable than 5 layers of bandages that I have been using for the past 5 weeks.

Dan and the kids have been well and keeping busy.

Here is a sweet treat I recieved today...an "Edible Arrangement."

Very cute. Heart and flower shaped pineapple and chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite)! We "attacked" it after dinner and it is delicious...something for everyone.
Thank you dear friends.

A Happy New Year...

we are having so far.

The holidays were so much fun and went way too fast. Ice skating, Guitar Hero, a new ping pong table, Sing It and New Years Eve at Dave and Busters were a few of the things that kept us busy. We hosted the Hirschfeld family Christmas on the 26th. A day of fun, delicious food, playing with cousins and wonderful gifts. The kids are back to school and I am still putting Christmas away.

I have been feeling great, just needing that occasional afternoon nap. Follow-up CT scans were done last Friday and I recieved the results yesterday at chemo. There is continued improvement in the area affected. That's GOOD NEWS!!! My oncologist did change one of the chemo drugs and I will again receive 3 rounds every three weeks with a follow-up Ct scan. Next treatment is the 28th.

The swelling in my arm is still present but I have been going to physical therapy since early December and have greatly improved the range of motion. Yesterday I also began lymphedema therapy which is a 3 week series of daily appointments with a specialized physical therapist trained in techniques to decrease the swelling. These include massage-yea!!! and the wrapping of my arm with graduated bandages to help force the fluid back into my lymphatic system -not fun!!! I am looking forward to see how my arm improves from this.

I have also been visiting our family chiropractor weekly which I feel has been very beneficial. It has been helping provide a balance of care for my mind and body.

It was wonderful to hear from so many friends over the holidays. Please know how much I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers...they ARE WORKING! I wish all of you a happy and healthy 2008!

feeling good...

Where do the days go??? I thought I had better let everyone know I am doing well. Chemo last Monday went smoothly, in fact Mom and I spend ALL of the next day shopping. Some of the post-chemo meds were changed and the nausea is under control and I have a pretty good appetite. My energy level is still low but I am trying to get the Christmas decorations up a little at a time. The next chemo is schedule for December 17th. Dan, Jack and Lauren are doing well and excited for the holidays. My continued gratitude to everyone for the calls, cards, prayers...and the caroling and cookie suprise!
I will leave you with this...
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9560973480

(Don't laugh too hard!)

here's the scoop...

Some changes were made at my appt. last Friday. My CAT scans showed some improvements but I am still have swelling in my right arm. We have decided to try a different drug "cocktail" and see where that takes us. I will be receiving it every three weeks x 3-4 treatments. The side effects are a bit different than what I was getting, more chance of nausea and fatigue. Although this means more total chemo treatments , I am glad we are switching to find one which is more effective for me. Overall, I am encouraged.
















Halloween was fun here in the new neighborhood. The kids really put on the miles trick or treating and got a ton of candy.

We were able to enjoy a fun weekend here despite me sneaking away for a nap now and then. My Brother and his kids came and visited
Lauren loves having Erica stay for sleep overs. My nephew Blake brought his Guitar Hero game alone and now Jack is HOOKED!!! He caught on quick and is really good at it. Speaking of Jack, his stitches came out last week and his knee looks great. Mom and Dad also visited yesterday. Knowing the kids were entertained and me being distracted from my "post -chemo" state made the weekend fun.

It was great to join Britton friends for breakfast and dinner last week. I continue to be overwhelmed by your concern and are grateful for all of the thoughts and prayers. They are working!
Enjoy your week!