Another busy week here on the central coast of California. Sunday, 2/25, I started to lose my hair. Since I was told it would clump out over a period of time, I decided to make the transition quick and have David shave my head on Monday. As many of you know, he shaves his head weekly, and I must give him credit, he did a pretty good job, considering the circumstances. I do however have one question? I have been a redhead for about 15+ years, prior to that I was a blonde for about 20 years, but where are these BLACK roots coming from? Theresa just keeps wondering what my hair is going to look like when it grows back – that makes two of us! On Thursday I also attended a “Look Good, Feel Good” course sponsored by the American Cancer Society that essentially shows women in chemo what face care products to wear and fits you for wigs. David had dropped me off at the cancer center as a short-headed read head and when he picked me up I was a Blonde (which he had never seen!). Moral of the story – next time you see me – you won’t know what color, length, style, with/without hat I’ll be wearing. I’ve had to make bald an accessory!
I met with the Oncologist on Tuesday to review the next round of chemo treatments. After a small struggle with the Doc to have the treatments as an outpatient, and with the total support of the Oncology Nurse, we were able to convince him of an acceptable in-home schedule vs. a five day hospital stay.
I will start my second round of chemo this coming week for five days – March 5th thru 9th. I go to the clinic everyday from 8:30-12:00 and then return home where I will be on a home IV for the next five days, 24/7. The good news is I only need to spend a few hours a day at the clinic and I get to sleep at home! I also had an echo (stress test of the heart) today to ensure the last round of chemo was not affecting my heart since that is one of the possible side effects. I have not heard from the doctor’s office to make any changes to my treatment, and the tech told me he did not see any differences, so I think we are full steam ahead for Monday…….
Wednesday, 2/28, was the five year anniversary of mom’s passing – we still miss her dearly. Dad has good and bad days. The upside is that he is not in any pain, the down side is he doesn’t live in reality but I guess that’s okay at almost 87 yrs – we’re just glad he doesn’t suffer. Of course, Marla is a SAINT. Her family does a great job too.
Thanks AGAIN to everyone who continue to send their PRAYERS, cards, and letters of encouragement as this is why I am going to make my goal to remission! I love each of you and send my heartfelt appreciation.
God Bless to you and your families,
Kelly
Friday, March 2, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
It's GREAT to be Home!
Hello my friends! It's Sunday afternoon and David & I are waiting for the arrival of my lovely sister, Char, on the 6:30PM "train" so I thought I would update the blog in the mean time. (Yes, crazy Char takes a 7 hr train trip vs 1 hr flight as she does not like to fly - she must really love me - as I do her!)
Where do I start? As you know Theresa was here to hold my hand in the hospital and much more but I'll leave out some of the details, and she was TERRIFIC! She took care of me as if she was my personal nurse - she is my hero, but after being best friends for 37 years I think everyone knows that! Of course, we didn't go without getting into some mischief. We were so bored we went to the gift shop and got yelled at for being on a cell phone and then went to the Starbucks (yes, it's in the hospital) and were reprimanded because they will not serve patients and I was not supposed to be off my floor. Theresa then proceeded to tell them the other drink & pastry was for another person or they would not sell it to her for me - we got a good laugh later as we shuffled back to my room. It made me think of our first job together at KFC at age 15 1/2 and the initial, accidental, commotion we stirred when we tried to make our first batch of mashed potatoes - it was straight out of and I Love Lucy episode. BTW - this was all on day 1.
As far as the treatments themselves, it's just a long and boring day. Unfortunately the kind of chemo I am receiving is very intense and therefore there are several pre-meds & post-mosts and therefore it takes about 12 hours for the entire process. It doesn't hurt because I was on an IV through the port-a-cath for the entire 5 days, however, as many of you know, being in the hospital is not very fun - yes, I wanted to go home. Theresa & I took our daily walks, played cards, read, talked and made the very best of our stay at the "Hospital Hotel". The good news is I was released on Friday night at about 9:00PM. I slept like a baby that night - there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed.
As you might know, chemo kills cancer cells, but it also attacks a persons good cells. So today I had to go for an injection that will help to keep my white blood count up. So far I have had limited nausea (knock on wood) and am taking a pill to help calm my tummy. The injection I received today can cause flu like symptons for a few days which would start over the next day or two, however Char & I have plans therefore I do not & will not have time for the flu!
The doctor is talking about my next round of treatment in 3 weeks - which would be around the week of March 12th for another 5 days. I told him I am ready but have requested this treatment on an outpatient basis. Basically I will go to the chemo clinic first thing in the morning and stay all day for treatment, returning daily Monday thru Friday. They will be long days, but I will get to go home at night. I feel good about this decision and will confirm with the doc at my next appt.
Other than that, I am anxious to get back to regular life. David has been incredible through this entire journey. He has been my daily caregiver, which I know is not an easy job. I have tried to maintain some sense of "regular" when we are at home and continue to cook, which I love to do, laundry (ugh), and regular house stuff. I just can't wait to get back to work at Aaron's as I was enjoying our business - and as most of you know, I just love to work. David & I have been together for 6+ years, got engaged in Nov 2005, and are looking forward to our nuptials as soon as I can get it scheduled. :)
Thanks to everyone who responded to my last update. You touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I know in my heart I am being healed by the power of YOUR support that has included so many prayers. To be in your prayer groups has overwhelmed me and I want to thank you again. I don't want to say this experience has changed me, however, I continue to evolve especially with my relationship with God. I will continue to learn and grow through this experience.
I hope each of you & your families are enjoying month two of 2007. Until the next update I send my love to you and your families.
Love,
Kelly
Where do I start? As you know Theresa was here to hold my hand in the hospital and much more but I'll leave out some of the details, and she was TERRIFIC! She took care of me as if she was my personal nurse - she is my hero, but after being best friends for 37 years I think everyone knows that! Of course, we didn't go without getting into some mischief. We were so bored we went to the gift shop and got yelled at for being on a cell phone and then went to the Starbucks (yes, it's in the hospital) and were reprimanded because they will not serve patients and I was not supposed to be off my floor. Theresa then proceeded to tell them the other drink & pastry was for another person or they would not sell it to her for me - we got a good laugh later as we shuffled back to my room. It made me think of our first job together at KFC at age 15 1/2 and the initial, accidental, commotion we stirred when we tried to make our first batch of mashed potatoes - it was straight out of and I Love Lucy episode. BTW - this was all on day 1.
As far as the treatments themselves, it's just a long and boring day. Unfortunately the kind of chemo I am receiving is very intense and therefore there are several pre-meds & post-mosts and therefore it takes about 12 hours for the entire process. It doesn't hurt because I was on an IV through the port-a-cath for the entire 5 days, however, as many of you know, being in the hospital is not very fun - yes, I wanted to go home. Theresa & I took our daily walks, played cards, read, talked and made the very best of our stay at the "Hospital Hotel". The good news is I was released on Friday night at about 9:00PM. I slept like a baby that night - there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed.
As you might know, chemo kills cancer cells, but it also attacks a persons good cells. So today I had to go for an injection that will help to keep my white blood count up. So far I have had limited nausea (knock on wood) and am taking a pill to help calm my tummy. The injection I received today can cause flu like symptons for a few days which would start over the next day or two, however Char & I have plans therefore I do not & will not have time for the flu!
The doctor is talking about my next round of treatment in 3 weeks - which would be around the week of March 12th for another 5 days. I told him I am ready but have requested this treatment on an outpatient basis. Basically I will go to the chemo clinic first thing in the morning and stay all day for treatment, returning daily Monday thru Friday. They will be long days, but I will get to go home at night. I feel good about this decision and will confirm with the doc at my next appt.
Other than that, I am anxious to get back to regular life. David has been incredible through this entire journey. He has been my daily caregiver, which I know is not an easy job. I have tried to maintain some sense of "regular" when we are at home and continue to cook, which I love to do, laundry (ugh), and regular house stuff. I just can't wait to get back to work at Aaron's as I was enjoying our business - and as most of you know, I just love to work. David & I have been together for 6+ years, got engaged in Nov 2005, and are looking forward to our nuptials as soon as I can get it scheduled. :)
Thanks to everyone who responded to my last update. You touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I know in my heart I am being healed by the power of YOUR support that has included so many prayers. To be in your prayer groups has overwhelmed me and I want to thank you again. I don't want to say this experience has changed me, however, I continue to evolve especially with my relationship with God. I will continue to learn and grow through this experience.
I hope each of you & your families are enjoying month two of 2007. Until the next update I send my love to you and your families.
Love,
Kelly
Saturday, February 10, 2007
5 Day Treatment Scheduled (2/12-2/16)
Thought I'd take a quick moment to update yesterday's visit with Dr. Chang, @ UCSF. Overall the meeting confirmed that the other Neuro Oncologists were planning the right treatment, however, I now feel more comfortable after talking with Dr. Chang as she has seen the "whole" picture (from my brain tumor to the metastasized tumors).
In conjunction with my local oncologist, they have a final chemo treatment plan, which unfortunately increased the number of days in the hospital from 4 to 5. I will enter on Monday 2/12 and go home on either Friday or Saturday depending on what time they actually start the chemo Monday. Evidently there is a shot I must receive after the final treatment, 4-8 hours at the end, that will determination my release time. My fingers are crossed for Friday!
As I said, I'm looking forward to Therese at the hospital Monday thru Thursday. There's a Starbucks in the facility and we are hoping for daily Chai Tea's & our Soap Opera's (I recently got re-hooked on All My Children after xx amount of years!) Also, Char has decided to come to visit me the following Sunday since I am told, if you are going to get sick, it usually occurs 3+ days after you return from the hospital. Since Char's stomach is about as weak as mine (very) I thought that was very sweet - last time I was sick she just kept trying to do my hair and put make-up on me! Everyone has there place, her's is making sure you look good. She's great.
I'm not sure if I will have Internet access from the hospital, or when I will be up to the next update, but know that I am thinking about all of you and THANKING you for your PRAYERS and thoughts that get me this daily routine.
Love to you and your families,
Kelly
In conjunction with my local oncologist, they have a final chemo treatment plan, which unfortunately increased the number of days in the hospital from 4 to 5. I will enter on Monday 2/12 and go home on either Friday or Saturday depending on what time they actually start the chemo Monday. Evidently there is a shot I must receive after the final treatment, 4-8 hours at the end, that will determination my release time. My fingers are crossed for Friday!
As I said, I'm looking forward to Therese at the hospital Monday thru Thursday. There's a Starbucks in the facility and we are hoping for daily Chai Tea's & our Soap Opera's (I recently got re-hooked on All My Children after xx amount of years!) Also, Char has decided to come to visit me the following Sunday since I am told, if you are going to get sick, it usually occurs 3+ days after you return from the hospital. Since Char's stomach is about as weak as mine (very) I thought that was very sweet - last time I was sick she just kept trying to do my hair and put make-up on me! Everyone has there place, her's is making sure you look good. She's great.
I'm not sure if I will have Internet access from the hospital, or when I will be up to the next update, but know that I am thinking about all of you and THANKING you for your PRAYERS and thoughts that get me this daily routine.
Love to you and your families,
Kelly
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Getting Ready for Treatment......
Hello my friends and how was your day today?
As most of you know Char, Karen & I spent the weekend with my dad. Sadly his health is on a daily decline and at this point he can no longer walk and does not make much sense when he talks. However as Marla says, he is a fighter, and he wakes up everyday saying he feels fine! It was a physically challenging trip for me as the tumor in my left hip and the edema, which causes numbness on my right side, make it hard to walk. With all that said, although a very emotional trip, it was more than worthwhile to get see my dad and Oklahoma family.
The first day back from OK I had/have appointments getting me ready for the chemo treatments that are scheduled for this coming Monday-Thursday (2/12-2/15). Monday I had the Port-a-Cath interview, Tuesday I met with the Chemo Nurse to review the treatment plan and what to expect and today I had the Port-a-Cath Surgery. They inserted a port, about the size of a half dollar on my right side upper chest. You are wide awake during this "procedure", however they are kind enough to throw you some Percoset! Of course, what they do is numb the site, but you still feel the pressure as they are making the incisions/insertions, etc. To keep myself distracted, I talked to the doctor the WHOLE time. I quized him on almost everything, schooling, family, the whole thing - he probably wished I was sedated! Right now I am really sore on my right side which, according to the doctor should subside over the next few days.
My next appointment is this Friday, 2/9 at UCSF, with the Chief Neuro Oncologist, Dr. Chang, who I have been trying to get to see since early December. This is an important appointment because she specializes in malignant meningnoma's. The outcome on Friday will determine the final chemo treatment for Monday. (There are 100's of types of chemo's and at this point Dr. Chang could still make changes to the treatment plan based upon her review).
Theresa is flying in on Sunday and planning to stay in the hospital with me for the four days of chemo - we're ready to start the program!!! Of course Therese tell's me she is coming armed with a bunch of "projects" like knitting, etc., - sounds like work to me! David will also be there but can't spend the night as the Sewart farm (Jack the lovable Labradoodle, Bailey the African Grey Bird, & Bud, Mick and KC the Cats) all must be tended to daily.
Thanks again for checking in and I will update the blog after my appointment on Friday!
Hope you and your families are doing well. God Bless.
Love to all,
Kelly
As most of you know Char, Karen & I spent the weekend with my dad. Sadly his health is on a daily decline and at this point he can no longer walk and does not make much sense when he talks. However as Marla says, he is a fighter, and he wakes up everyday saying he feels fine! It was a physically challenging trip for me as the tumor in my left hip and the edema, which causes numbness on my right side, make it hard to walk. With all that said, although a very emotional trip, it was more than worthwhile to get see my dad and Oklahoma family.
The first day back from OK I had/have appointments getting me ready for the chemo treatments that are scheduled for this coming Monday-Thursday (2/12-2/15). Monday I had the Port-a-Cath interview, Tuesday I met with the Chemo Nurse to review the treatment plan and what to expect and today I had the Port-a-Cath Surgery. They inserted a port, about the size of a half dollar on my right side upper chest. You are wide awake during this "procedure", however they are kind enough to throw you some Percoset! Of course, what they do is numb the site, but you still feel the pressure as they are making the incisions/insertions, etc. To keep myself distracted, I talked to the doctor the WHOLE time. I quized him on almost everything, schooling, family, the whole thing - he probably wished I was sedated! Right now I am really sore on my right side which, according to the doctor should subside over the next few days.
My next appointment is this Friday, 2/9 at UCSF, with the Chief Neuro Oncologist, Dr. Chang, who I have been trying to get to see since early December. This is an important appointment because she specializes in malignant meningnoma's. The outcome on Friday will determine the final chemo treatment for Monday. (There are 100's of types of chemo's and at this point Dr. Chang could still make changes to the treatment plan based upon her review).
Theresa is flying in on Sunday and planning to stay in the hospital with me for the four days of chemo - we're ready to start the program!!! Of course Therese tell's me she is coming armed with a bunch of "projects" like knitting, etc., - sounds like work to me! David will also be there but can't spend the night as the Sewart farm (Jack the lovable Labradoodle, Bailey the African Grey Bird, & Bud, Mick and KC the Cats) all must be tended to daily.
Thanks again for checking in and I will update the blog after my appointment on Friday!
Hope you and your families are doing well. God Bless.
Love to all,
Kelly
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A Slight Change in Plans
Over the last few days some things have changed in scheduling my first round of treatments & associated tests. After talking to my doctors we have collectively decided it would be best to go now to visit my dad in Oklahoma before I start chemo. Dad is almost 87 and on hospice due to his failing health. Although Marla, Char & I are sure Dad will outlive us all, I want to make sure I get to visit him within the next 6 months which would not be possible during my treatments, so I must make the trip right now.
Char, Karen & I will visit Dad and Hansen Farm for a quick trip Thursday, Feb 1st and return Sunday, Feb 4th. The port-a-cath interview has been re-scheduled for Monday Feb 5th and surgery for the cath insertion is now scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 7th. I will have to assume chemo treatments will begin sometime soon after the week of the 12th.
I did have my Echo last Friday, the 19th and an MRI yesterday on the 22nd and will get the results from both tests this Friday, the 26th. My fingers are crossed. :) for positive results. We are also still waiting for Dr. Chang, the UCSF Oncologist who specializes in brain cancer to schedule an appointment with me. She's at the "top" and has been hard to pin down!
I'm looking forward to seeing Dad & the Hansens, but not the "travel". Oh well, we do what we must for our loved ones.
I hope this blog finds you & yours in good health & good spirits and you are enjoying the New Year!
Take care and as I am keep HOPE, FAITH and BELIEF in your life!
Love to all,
Kelly
Char, Karen & I will visit Dad and Hansen Farm for a quick trip Thursday, Feb 1st and return Sunday, Feb 4th. The port-a-cath interview has been re-scheduled for Monday Feb 5th and surgery for the cath insertion is now scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 7th. I will have to assume chemo treatments will begin sometime soon after the week of the 12th.
I did have my Echo last Friday, the 19th and an MRI yesterday on the 22nd and will get the results from both tests this Friday, the 26th. My fingers are crossed. :) for positive results. We are also still waiting for Dr. Chang, the UCSF Oncologist who specializes in brain cancer to schedule an appointment with me. She's at the "top" and has been hard to pin down!
I'm looking forward to seeing Dad & the Hansens, but not the "travel". Oh well, we do what we must for our loved ones.
I hope this blog finds you & yours in good health & good spirits and you are enjoying the New Year!
Take care and as I am keep HOPE, FAITH and BELIEF in your life!
Love to all,
Kelly
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Quick Update
Hello everyone - How was your week? I know this is the quickest "BLOG" update, however I haven't wanted to bore you with too many details until I knew more of the facts. Some of my friends have been very "persuasive" and want more information quicker, so I'll keep it coming but don't blame me if you start to nod off from boredom, my lids are already getting very heavy......
Looks like my tests are starting this week, with an Echo (ultra sound of the heart), on Friday, MRI on the 23rd, and insertion of the port-a-cath on the 26th. Basically I will be set for chemo once all this "stuff" is behind, or should I say, "inside" me?!? I am looking forward to moving FORWARD and getting the first treatment over so that I know what to expect over the next several months. Of course, I will keep you all posted.
Also, I wanted to let you know that when you post to this Blog it does NOT assign your e-mail address so I can not reply back to you individually. Several of you have requested I reply or that you reply to my personal e-mail. You can contact me at kcsewart@yahoo.com and if you want me to reply to you please email me or send your address in the blog. Thanks!
David & I are going to try to have pictures taken at the house with the animals over the next few weeks before I lose my hair. It should be quite a time wrangling the dog, bird, cats, and David together for a family photo. I have a feeling there will only be 2 in the picture - me & KC! Wish us luck - I think I'm going to need it, along with PATIENCE, and a lot of treats. (Maybe a Starbucks for David!)
Again, thanks for your interest and I'll let you know how next week goes.
My love to all,
Kelly
Looks like my tests are starting this week, with an Echo (ultra sound of the heart), on Friday, MRI on the 23rd, and insertion of the port-a-cath on the 26th. Basically I will be set for chemo once all this "stuff" is behind, or should I say, "inside" me?!? I am looking forward to moving FORWARD and getting the first treatment over so that I know what to expect over the next several months. Of course, I will keep you all posted.
Also, I wanted to let you know that when you post to this Blog it does NOT assign your e-mail address so I can not reply back to you individually. Several of you have requested I reply or that you reply to my personal e-mail. You can contact me at kcsewart@yahoo.com and if you want me to reply to you please email me or send your address in the blog. Thanks!
David & I are going to try to have pictures taken at the house with the animals over the next few weeks before I lose my hair. It should be quite a time wrangling the dog, bird, cats, and David together for a family photo. I have a feeling there will only be 2 in the picture - me & KC! Wish us luck - I think I'm going to need it, along with PATIENCE, and a lot of treats. (Maybe a Starbucks for David!)
Again, thanks for your interest and I'll let you know how next week goes.
My love to all,
Kelly
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Happy 2007!
It's going to be a good year! Because we have HOPE, FAITH and BELIEF.
David & I went to the doctors yesterday to review the results of the Pet Scan. The good news is the tumors have not grown since the last scan in October (yea!) and in fact I am feeling much better since the end of radiation treatment on th 22nd of Dec. The next plan of attack for the critters that continue to ravage my body is a battery of tests to make sure I am up for chemo. It will start with doctors at the Univ of SF to insure all the pieces of the puzzle (brain, hip, spine, etc) are being pieced together accurately. Looks like once they are insured I am "healthy" enough I will start a program of four days in the hospital of intense chemo, bet hey it is a private room with a promised view! The drugs will make a patient sick, however, if hospitalized, the doc says they can ususally keep this maintained. I will have the first two treaments approximately four weeks apart from each other followed by a scan to check status. There will be an additional two treatments scheduled, dates dependent on the scan results.
Yes, I will lose my hair. Now, if you you think I am going to be Melissa Ethridge, bald & beautiful as she was, WRONG! I will be the girl wearing wigs, cute hats, and motorcycle doo rags. And, like Farah Fawcett hiding out from the paparazi, I will probably just be staying close to home for the next year while my cue ball head tries to regrow some new hair!
A quick shout out to everyone who has sent resonse to the blog, cards, & letters. I have truly been touched by each & everyone of you. Unfortunately my health has kept me back from personally contacting you - but please know it means very much that you are thinking of me, as I am of you. Thanks to my friends from the past - I am touched. My family has overwhelmed me. All of my friends that have become my family over the years. I love you all. THANK YOU.
Side Note - Of course as you know David had a little cancer late last year (beningn) so last week he needed to folllow up by falling in the street and chipping his right ankle! Fortunately they only put him in a blow up cast and is able to drive since I am not. We are quite the gimpy couple. He told me on the way home from our "double doctor" appointments" we were preparing for old age!! David has a way with words - most of the time, not good :)
Again, thanks to everyone for your kindness during this period. I am strong mentally (most of the time) and will win the battle thanks to your prayers, my strong HOPE, and our belief in in the LORD.
My love to everyone,
Kelly
David & I went to the doctors yesterday to review the results of the Pet Scan. The good news is the tumors have not grown since the last scan in October (yea!) and in fact I am feeling much better since the end of radiation treatment on th 22nd of Dec. The next plan of attack for the critters that continue to ravage my body is a battery of tests to make sure I am up for chemo. It will start with doctors at the Univ of SF to insure all the pieces of the puzzle (brain, hip, spine, etc) are being pieced together accurately. Looks like once they are insured I am "healthy" enough I will start a program of four days in the hospital of intense chemo, bet hey it is a private room with a promised view! The drugs will make a patient sick, however, if hospitalized, the doc says they can ususally keep this maintained. I will have the first two treaments approximately four weeks apart from each other followed by a scan to check status. There will be an additional two treatments scheduled, dates dependent on the scan results.
Yes, I will lose my hair. Now, if you you think I am going to be Melissa Ethridge, bald & beautiful as she was, WRONG! I will be the girl wearing wigs, cute hats, and motorcycle doo rags. And, like Farah Fawcett hiding out from the paparazi, I will probably just be staying close to home for the next year while my cue ball head tries to regrow some new hair!
A quick shout out to everyone who has sent resonse to the blog, cards, & letters. I have truly been touched by each & everyone of you. Unfortunately my health has kept me back from personally contacting you - but please know it means very much that you are thinking of me, as I am of you. Thanks to my friends from the past - I am touched. My family has overwhelmed me. All of my friends that have become my family over the years. I love you all. THANK YOU.
Side Note - Of course as you know David had a little cancer late last year (beningn) so last week he needed to folllow up by falling in the street and chipping his right ankle! Fortunately they only put him in a blow up cast and is able to drive since I am not. We are quite the gimpy couple. He told me on the way home from our "double doctor" appointments" we were preparing for old age!! David has a way with words - most of the time, not good :)
Again, thanks to everyone for your kindness during this period. I am strong mentally (most of the time) and will win the battle thanks to your prayers, my strong HOPE, and our belief in in the LORD.
My love to everyone,
Kelly
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