Quick update for ya...
Mom has been trucking along like a champ since Thursday. She says she feels more tired this round, but still manages to get projects done here and there to keep from getting too bored. She also had some pretty killer heartburn and a few back spasms again, but still no nausea to speak of. Lots of little naps have kept her going pretty strong and healthy. The hair continues to come out, she's been keeping her head warm with a little night cap her friend Jane gave her. She'll be laying low through the weekend, continuing to gain some energy. Dad too has been spending quite a lot of time napping- he came down with a bad stomach bug on Sunday and has been out of work all week. He's done a great job quarantining himself and sanitizing to keep mom from getting sick! Hopefully he will be back to normal soon.
That's about it, I'm off to Chicago to spend the weekend with Andrea! Take care, until next week!
Lins
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Second Round DOWN!
Hello hello.
We apologize for taking so long to write. We have been too busy, are you surprised?! So yesterday Mom underwent her second round of chemotherapy. It was another long day, but went really well. I (Andrea) was back for this one. It was nice for me, and hopefully for Mom too, to be here for support and to experience exactly what she is going through. I must say, the Hubert Humphrey Cancer Center is a beautiful facility and we are treated like royalty there. All of the staff members are incredibly friendly and we are blessed to be able to be treated there. I was really impressed.
Mom had labs drawn around 8:30am and her counts were better than normal! Jean our nurse specialist wanted to copy Mom's lab results and frame them! She wished all of her patients could have levels like Mom's! Then we met with Dr. Londer a little after 9am. He checked Mom over and couldn't be happier with how she is feeling. He gave her the go ahead and made no changes to the plan from here. It was great for me to be able to meet him as well. He really seems to know what he is doing. Then we headed back to our little room where Mom gets to sit in this big comfy lounge chair with her feet up and wrapped in warm blankets while she gets her infusions. The room has a TV and there were people constantly checking up on us to see if we needed anything. Our nurse Wayne was cool and got us going about 10am. Mom received the same chemo she did last time, cytoxan and taxotere, as well as zofran, an anti-nausea medication. After the medications, they flush her system with a half liter of fluid to keep her well hydrated. All of this took about 3.5 hours to infuse. We kept busy by chatting, reading magazines, doing sudukos, and eating soup! Dad was there as well and was busy with work stuff. We got out of there around 2pm, which wasn't too bad. Then Mom and I ran errands for about 2 hours. I couldn't believe how full of energy she still was. She truly is incredible and not your average chemo patient. Again, are you surprised?!
We enjoyed another nice dinner last night and stayed up to watch a movie. Then this morning we headed over to Grandma Marie's to see my cousins Casey, Lori, Erin and her two kids Preston and Ella. We had a great time visiting and it was so fun to see the little ones. We have also been to the fabric store twice in the last two days to get materials for more house projects. Mom is really enjoying the time she has now to be crafty and get things done around the house. I'm not too sure Dad feels the same way, however, as Mom has a list for him about a mile long for things he needs to fix and finish! It's pretty funny. I also need to say happy birthday to our old man Dad today! He does not wish for me to disclose his "young" age! However, I will add he can offically start collecting social security now, hint hint!
Well Lindsey is complaining I'm writing a book so I will stop boring you all! I hope I conveyed my point that Mom is doing so awesome and we couldn't be more proud of her. She really has taught us that when life throws you lemons why not just make lemonade! Her attitude towards all of this has been nothing but positive and I truly believe that is why she is doing so well. Again, we love you all and thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please keep them coming! Enjoy your weekend.
Love,
The Peterson's
PS- There is only a few more days left in October, which is Breast Cancer awareness month. Please support each other and ladies, touch those boobies (aka do your self breast exams)and get your mammograms!
We apologize for taking so long to write. We have been too busy, are you surprised?! So yesterday Mom underwent her second round of chemotherapy. It was another long day, but went really well. I (Andrea) was back for this one. It was nice for me, and hopefully for Mom too, to be here for support and to experience exactly what she is going through. I must say, the Hubert Humphrey Cancer Center is a beautiful facility and we are treated like royalty there. All of the staff members are incredibly friendly and we are blessed to be able to be treated there. I was really impressed.
Mom had labs drawn around 8:30am and her counts were better than normal! Jean our nurse specialist wanted to copy Mom's lab results and frame them! She wished all of her patients could have levels like Mom's! Then we met with Dr. Londer a little after 9am. He checked Mom over and couldn't be happier with how she is feeling. He gave her the go ahead and made no changes to the plan from here. It was great for me to be able to meet him as well. He really seems to know what he is doing. Then we headed back to our little room where Mom gets to sit in this big comfy lounge chair with her feet up and wrapped in warm blankets while she gets her infusions. The room has a TV and there were people constantly checking up on us to see if we needed anything. Our nurse Wayne was cool and got us going about 10am. Mom received the same chemo she did last time, cytoxan and taxotere, as well as zofran, an anti-nausea medication. After the medications, they flush her system with a half liter of fluid to keep her well hydrated. All of this took about 3.5 hours to infuse. We kept busy by chatting, reading magazines, doing sudukos, and eating soup! Dad was there as well and was busy with work stuff. We got out of there around 2pm, which wasn't too bad. Then Mom and I ran errands for about 2 hours. I couldn't believe how full of energy she still was. She truly is incredible and not your average chemo patient. Again, are you surprised?!
We enjoyed another nice dinner last night and stayed up to watch a movie. Then this morning we headed over to Grandma Marie's to see my cousins Casey, Lori, Erin and her two kids Preston and Ella. We had a great time visiting and it was so fun to see the little ones. We have also been to the fabric store twice in the last two days to get materials for more house projects. Mom is really enjoying the time she has now to be crafty and get things done around the house. I'm not too sure Dad feels the same way, however, as Mom has a list for him about a mile long for things he needs to fix and finish! It's pretty funny. I also need to say happy birthday to our old man Dad today! He does not wish for me to disclose his "young" age! However, I will add he can offically start collecting social security now, hint hint!
Well Lindsey is complaining I'm writing a book so I will stop boring you all! I hope I conveyed my point that Mom is doing so awesome and we couldn't be more proud of her. She really has taught us that when life throws you lemons why not just make lemonade! Her attitude towards all of this has been nothing but positive and I truly believe that is why she is doing so well. Again, we love you all and thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please keep them coming! Enjoy your weekend.
Love,
The Peterson's
PS- There is only a few more days left in October, which is Breast Cancer awareness month. Please support each other and ladies, touch those boobies (aka do your self breast exams)and get your mammograms!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Almost to round 2
Hi everyone- just realized it's been almost 10 days since our last post, oops! Not sure where the time has gone this past week or so.
Mom continues to do well. She's been back at work for a couple shifts to counter the boredom, but more importantly to see her great support group and NBICU family. Dad and I have been busy too and we all are gearing up for the second chemo session. We've been blessed with good health, no sick germs around here! Mom's blood counts were even really high, we think thanks to the neulasta medication.
We were anxiously anticipating the annoying yet inevitable hair loss, and last Thursday the 'shedding' began. For many reasons this is a difficult step of this process, I think largely because mom wasn't feeling like a cancer patient, but now she will have to look more like one, despite feeling fairly normal. She dealt with it well all weekend, and today we headed back to the salon were we had bought the wig and had them cut her hair down to just an inch in length. This way as the remaining hair comes out there won't be as much of it to leave an annoying trail. So starting today mom will be sporting a very cute and trendy synthetic haircut, just like a champ! And under the wig she took advantage of the head-shaving opportunity to boast some Badger spirit and sports a proud 'W' carved in... top that Tay!
The next few days we'll spend preparing for Round #2 and enjoy the possible last day of nice weather before winter really settles in. Thanks gang- I promise to post again later this week!
Mom continues to do well. She's been back at work for a couple shifts to counter the boredom, but more importantly to see her great support group and NBICU family. Dad and I have been busy too and we all are gearing up for the second chemo session. We've been blessed with good health, no sick germs around here! Mom's blood counts were even really high, we think thanks to the neulasta medication.
We were anxiously anticipating the annoying yet inevitable hair loss, and last Thursday the 'shedding' began. For many reasons this is a difficult step of this process, I think largely because mom wasn't feeling like a cancer patient, but now she will have to look more like one, despite feeling fairly normal. She dealt with it well all weekend, and today we headed back to the salon were we had bought the wig and had them cut her hair down to just an inch in length. This way as the remaining hair comes out there won't be as much of it to leave an annoying trail. So starting today mom will be sporting a very cute and trendy synthetic haircut, just like a champ! And under the wig she took advantage of the head-shaving opportunity to boast some Badger spirit and sports a proud 'W' carved in... top that Tay!
The next few days we'll spend preparing for Round #2 and enjoy the possible last day of nice weather before winter really settles in. Thanks gang- I promise to post again later this week!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
SNOW, huh?
Wow what a surprise it is to see the white stuff on the ground already...I had to check the date, it's only October 10th! BURRRR. I'm at work so I got an early confirmation of what the weatherman was predicting; I honestly didn't believe it would happen. Gotta love Minnesota! Now the new skis I bought will come in handy a little sooner than I thought!
Nothing much to update you about in the cancer department. Mom has been feeling great- the back spasms went away, not sure what they were about and neither did our nurse Jean. Yesterday she had tons of energy- she got her garden all cleaned out (wearing gloves of course Auntie Diane :), just in time for the snow! She also baked cookies and checked lots off her to-do list. I'm sure mom is getting pretty bored all cooped up in the house trying her best to avoid germs, but she's being a trooper. Today she will have some labs drawn to see how her counts are doing mid cycle. Can't believe we're already half way through this cycle, only 3 more to go, we can do this!
Thanks again everyone, enjoy the frigid weekend!
Nothing much to update you about in the cancer department. Mom has been feeling great- the back spasms went away, not sure what they were about and neither did our nurse Jean. Yesterday she had tons of energy- she got her garden all cleaned out (wearing gloves of course Auntie Diane :), just in time for the snow! She also baked cookies and checked lots off her to-do list. I'm sure mom is getting pretty bored all cooped up in the house trying her best to avoid germs, but she's being a trooper. Today she will have some labs drawn to see how her counts are doing mid cycle. Can't believe we're already half way through this cycle, only 3 more to go, we can do this!
Thanks again everyone, enjoy the frigid weekend!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
New Application to Blog
Hi everyone.
I know some of you have been frustrated with not being able to post comments, so I added a place where you can do that now. It is called a "Guestbook." You will find it on the right side of the page, towards the middle where is says "Sign Marilyn's Guestbook." Click on the pink hyperlink that says "Guestbook" and it will open a new page where you can write Mom a note. I've used this on other people's blogs and its pretty cool to read the messages everyone leaves. Plus it will give Mom some positive thoughts to read as she is resting on the couch! When you are finished with your message, click on "Post message" and your note will show up on the top of the page. To navigate back to Mom's blogsite, go to the bottom of the page and hit "Back to the website." If you have any questions, please let us now. Thanks for checking in! And Mom continues to do great! Love you guys.
Andrea
I know some of you have been frustrated with not being able to post comments, so I added a place where you can do that now. It is called a "Guestbook." You will find it on the right side of the page, towards the middle where is says "Sign Marilyn's Guestbook." Click on the pink hyperlink that says "Guestbook" and it will open a new page where you can write Mom a note. I've used this on other people's blogs and its pretty cool to read the messages everyone leaves. Plus it will give Mom some positive thoughts to read as she is resting on the couch! When you are finished with your message, click on "Post message" and your note will show up on the top of the page. To navigate back to Mom's blogsite, go to the bottom of the page and hit "Back to the website." If you have any questions, please let us now. Thanks for checking in! And Mom continues to do great! Love you guys.
Andrea
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Riding the chemo wave
We're sitting here cheering on our Twins! It's been a great sports week- the Badgers beating the Gophers in the new TCF stadium (Tay,dad and I got to go!), Vikings and Favre stomping on the Packers and now a huge playoff tonight with the Twinkies! Come on Twins, mom needs another series to watch!
Things are still going well around here. We know things aren't totally normal per say, as mom has no desire for a beer or glass of wine with dinner, ha ha! She's still been able to eat and drink without problems, and isn't too terribly tired, just enjoying short naps here and there. She doesn't sleep great at night though, so naps have definitely been needed. Other than a few back aches, she is really doing well and looking good too.
Today we started our cycle of when mom's blood counts will be the lowest, the Nadir. These next 10 days we have to be even more cautious and take super-precautions when it comes to germs. Hopefully mom won't get cabin fever too bad, as she has to stick around the house so she doesn't take any chances risking exposures to something.
That's about it, the prayers are definitely keeping us all going strong! Take care everyone, until next time.
The P's
Things are still going well around here. We know things aren't totally normal per say, as mom has no desire for a beer or glass of wine with dinner, ha ha! She's still been able to eat and drink without problems, and isn't too terribly tired, just enjoying short naps here and there. She doesn't sleep great at night though, so naps have definitely been needed. Other than a few back aches, she is really doing well and looking good too.
Today we started our cycle of when mom's blood counts will be the lowest, the Nadir. These next 10 days we have to be even more cautious and take super-precautions when it comes to germs. Hopefully mom won't get cabin fever too bad, as she has to stick around the house so she doesn't take any chances risking exposures to something.
That's about it, the prayers are definitely keeping us all going strong! Take care everyone, until next time.
The P's
Friday, October 2, 2009
Feeling good surprisingly!
Thought I was going to get a relaxing, pajama day on the couch with mom, but she's been feeling great and we've been getting lots of stuff done!
Her port site isn't even that sore any more; it's nice and bruised tough. Yesterday was long, to be expected for your first round I guess. We had numbed up her port site with some lidocaine cream, so when they accessed it with the needle she didn't even feel it! It took awhile to get going, but once she was all hooked up the medications flowed with no problems. It was weird seeing her sitting there getting chemo- all this anticipation became a reality. We kept busy in our little room reading and using the computer. We met some of the oncology nurses who were great and got a visit from Jean. After infusion was complete, the pharmacist met with us and sent us home with another bag of medications- it's crazy all the drugs you get to take! But with that said, we are very thankful for each and every one of them and what they do.
To be honest, I didn't believe the healthcare team when they told us mom wouldn't have any nausea or vomiting after chemo. They said if it was going to happen it would probably show up around 12 hours postchemo infusion, so I was not really looking forward to 1 AM. But 12 hours have passed and we are now at the 24 hour mark with no real complaints. The steroids have boosted her energy, but haven't caused any 'crazy steroid induced emotions', or at least not yet! Having worked in the hospital with patients who have had organ transplants, I have seen the many side effects they can have, but thankfully we haven't had to deal with that.
At 1 pm I got to give mom her Neulasta injection- a little shot in her belly that will help keep her white blood cell count from dropping too low. Usually patients have to go back into the clinic to have this done, but since I'm a nurse the pharmacy dispensed it to us and I got to poke her! I was gentle, so she didn't cry too much, just kidding! But she wouldn't pay the in-home nurse administration fee either, darn it!
So we're holding strong for now, we will keep you updated over the next few days. Have a great weekend everyone! GO BADGERS ;)
Lins & mom
Her port site isn't even that sore any more; it's nice and bruised tough. Yesterday was long, to be expected for your first round I guess. We had numbed up her port site with some lidocaine cream, so when they accessed it with the needle she didn't even feel it! It took awhile to get going, but once she was all hooked up the medications flowed with no problems. It was weird seeing her sitting there getting chemo- all this anticipation became a reality. We kept busy in our little room reading and using the computer. We met some of the oncology nurses who were great and got a visit from Jean. After infusion was complete, the pharmacist met with us and sent us home with another bag of medications- it's crazy all the drugs you get to take! But with that said, we are very thankful for each and every one of them and what they do.
To be honest, I didn't believe the healthcare team when they told us mom wouldn't have any nausea or vomiting after chemo. They said if it was going to happen it would probably show up around 12 hours postchemo infusion, so I was not really looking forward to 1 AM. But 12 hours have passed and we are now at the 24 hour mark with no real complaints. The steroids have boosted her energy, but haven't caused any 'crazy steroid induced emotions', or at least not yet! Having worked in the hospital with patients who have had organ transplants, I have seen the many side effects they can have, but thankfully we haven't had to deal with that.
At 1 pm I got to give mom her Neulasta injection- a little shot in her belly that will help keep her white blood cell count from dropping too low. Usually patients have to go back into the clinic to have this done, but since I'm a nurse the pharmacy dispensed it to us and I got to poke her! I was gentle, so she didn't cry too much, just kidding! But she wouldn't pay the in-home nurse administration fee either, darn it!
So we're holding strong for now, we will keep you updated over the next few days. Have a great weekend everyone! GO BADGERS ;)
Lins & mom
Thursday, October 1, 2009
1 Down... 3 to Go
Hi everyone.
I just got the update from home that everything went well today. Mom, Dad and Lins just got back from the clinic after her first round of chemo about an hour ago. It was a very long day as they were there by 8am, but overall things went good, which is what is important. Mom felt fine throughout the whole thing. She is sore and bruised around her port site, but is able to take some pain meds and ice it now so hopefully that will help. She has an anti nausea, a steroid, and a sleeping pill to take as well. Hopefully they all work great and she can relax so the chemo can do its job. She is headed for the couch as I write to rest and cheer on the Twins! We love you all very much and felt your prayers today. Please continue to pray that Mom can rest comfortably, is pain free, and doesn't have any nausea or vomiting too. Also, please be patient with us if we are slow on returning calls and emails. We will continue to update the blog as much as possible. Take care everyone and we will be in touch soon. We love you guys!
The Peterson's
I just got the update from home that everything went well today. Mom, Dad and Lins just got back from the clinic after her first round of chemo about an hour ago. It was a very long day as they were there by 8am, but overall things went good, which is what is important. Mom felt fine throughout the whole thing. She is sore and bruised around her port site, but is able to take some pain meds and ice it now so hopefully that will help. She has an anti nausea, a steroid, and a sleeping pill to take as well. Hopefully they all work great and she can relax so the chemo can do its job. She is headed for the couch as I write to rest and cheer on the Twins! We love you all very much and felt your prayers today. Please continue to pray that Mom can rest comfortably, is pain free, and doesn't have any nausea or vomiting too. Also, please be patient with us if we are slow on returning calls and emails. We will continue to update the blog as much as possible. Take care everyone and we will be in touch soon. We love you guys!
The Peterson's
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