On Monday, June 18th, I will start Round 4 of chemo. It is supposed to be 5 days in the hospital, 24/7, however, past experience has set my expectations at being in the hospital at least six days. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be home sometime Saturday night.
If you read Marla’s “comments”, you know that she and two of her girls (Liz & Miranda) are coming to visit in the month of July. I am hoping I can convince my doctor to minimum appointments this month and really have July as a vacation month to entertain, visit with friends & family and tour all the central California sites; from Big Sur, to driving through the Red Woods. When I told David I was taking the month of July “off” as vacation, he said I had been on vacation since I have not been going into the store to work. I quickly informed him the last nine months were no vacation – hahahahaha! Besides, I work all the time as a consultant to him – we all know that behind every good man there is a better woman. Anyway, point being I am hoping for as much of a non-medical month as possible, we’ll have to wait and see…….
Today is packing for the hospital – I told David I felt like Paris Hilton going to lock down for a week! I shouldn’t complain, at least I only have 5-6 days in the “cell!” and we are always looking forward to the positive results from the treatment.
I am sending my best to each of you and your families – Have a great 4th of July. As I said in a previous blog, the place to be on the 4th is Cayucos. If you can make it, we'll see you on the streets of Cayucos by the Sea!!
Love,
Kelly
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Results from UCSF – June 8th
Finally, some good news from UCSF! This Friday, June 8th, David & I met with Dr. Susan Chang and one of her associates. After reviewing my Brain MRI from December to the most current scan of 5/1/07 the doctors believe the tumor has shrunk, therefore we should proceed forward with Round 4 of Chemo. In addition, Dr. Chang would like a full scan (to review the brain, hip, lung, & spine) and a few weeks after this treatment, if all is going well, they would like to add a 5th Round of treatment. The bad news is more Chemo – the good news would be, if they want Round 5, the Chemo is working.
The other piece of good news is that the doctors say I can start being weaned off the steroids (hip hip hooray!) and trying to reduce some of this 25 additional lbs I have added to my frame! Unfortunately, every time I have chemo I have to start the steroids again and the weaning process will start over. Welcome back Puffer Fish!!
At this point I am just waiting for the shingles to clear up which we are hoping will be within the next few weeks before I can start Round 4. I am also still being monitored weekly for the blood clots in my legs which are controlled by meds and will not defer any treatment. I hope I will have Round 4 finished before the Fourth of July as we are planning to head to Cayucos for the parade and town celebration!
So, as you might imagine, David & I were very excited about the news on Friday, and think we are headed in the right direction! David even took me to a nice lunch on the Wharf after my appointment and then wheeled me around in my wheelchair to see the baby Sea Lions! It was a Good Day!
Of course I know I have God to thank and most of my friends and families prayers to help through this challenge. Thank you AGAIN for your thoughts and keeping me close to you. Right now I still have some limitations with my walking and I have not driven for 7+ months, however once my overall health starts to get better, I will start to work with the physical therapist – my first goal being to walk without a cane, and being able to ride on the back of the Harley again by the end of summer!
I also look forward to getting back into physical and mental shape over the next several months, reducing the amount of medical appoints I have had, and being able to see and or talk to many of my friends/family that it has been difficult to connect with because of some limitations.
Hope all is well with you and your families. Have a safe, FUN, and happy 4th of July! If anyone is around the coast – there is a great Parade and celebration in Cayucos and there will be plenty of us to entertain each other!!
Love,
Kelly
Cell# 714-329-4895
Home# 831-449-3776
The other piece of good news is that the doctors say I can start being weaned off the steroids (hip hip hooray!) and trying to reduce some of this 25 additional lbs I have added to my frame! Unfortunately, every time I have chemo I have to start the steroids again and the weaning process will start over. Welcome back Puffer Fish!!
At this point I am just waiting for the shingles to clear up which we are hoping will be within the next few weeks before I can start Round 4. I am also still being monitored weekly for the blood clots in my legs which are controlled by meds and will not defer any treatment. I hope I will have Round 4 finished before the Fourth of July as we are planning to head to Cayucos for the parade and town celebration!
So, as you might imagine, David & I were very excited about the news on Friday, and think we are headed in the right direction! David even took me to a nice lunch on the Wharf after my appointment and then wheeled me around in my wheelchair to see the baby Sea Lions! It was a Good Day!
Of course I know I have God to thank and most of my friends and families prayers to help through this challenge. Thank you AGAIN for your thoughts and keeping me close to you. Right now I still have some limitations with my walking and I have not driven for 7+ months, however once my overall health starts to get better, I will start to work with the physical therapist – my first goal being to walk without a cane, and being able to ride on the back of the Harley again by the end of summer!
I also look forward to getting back into physical and mental shape over the next several months, reducing the amount of medical appoints I have had, and being able to see and or talk to many of my friends/family that it has been difficult to connect with because of some limitations.
Hope all is well with you and your families. Have a safe, FUN, and happy 4th of July! If anyone is around the coast – there is a great Parade and celebration in Cayucos and there will be plenty of us to entertain each other!!
Love,
Kelly
Cell# 714-329-4895
Home# 831-449-3776
Sunday, June 3, 2007
It’s a Good thing I Love My sister so Much!
Marla, Marla, Marla, yes I love your witty writing, however when the “victim” is moi, it doesn’t seem quite as funny. Hahahahahaha! I believe I asked my lovely sister to update my Blog (see her comments posted 5/25/07) since our internet service was down for awhile thanks to country living in Prunetucky! Truth is that everything Ms. Marla wrote is “write on”, she said it with humor, and still got her points across – the best part of her penmanship is that I laughed, and yet by the time I was done reading the final lines she had me in tears. Thanks Marla, for keeping everyone updated on my medical condition, SIZE 9 (UGH!), and my recent addiction to Ben & Jerry’s! Of course, I am sure it is the STEROIDS, as my doctor has assured me that once I am weaned from them I will no longer look like a, as David affectionately calls me, “Puffer Fish”. Although this challenge is UGLY, David’s honesty keeps me laughing and with a positive attitude.
Now for the current update.
A quick recap; I was in the hospital for my 3rd round of Chemo 5/8-5/13 and was then extended an additional 2 days in the hospital when diagnosed with blood clots in my left leg. Of course, I was going absolutely STIR CRAZY and just wanted to go home, so after 8 days in the hospital, 24/7 IV hook-up, and constant nagging to let me recover at home (feet up until the blood thinner kicks in & the swelling in my once ankles, now cankles is gone) the doc released me. I did have to have a Nurse come to my house for the next 4 days to administer daily stomach injections for the clots, which David insisted he could actually do – I, however, rejected his kind offer. On day one with the Visiting Nurse, I complained that my right arm was bothering me. She told me it was in my head and that the legions on my chest were a reaction from the tape they had used in the hospital, and it was nothing serious. A week later, my Oncologist sent me to the Regional Wound Center, and I was diagnosed with Shingles. BTW – I should have known I could not trust the Visiting Nurse when she told me she might not be able to draw my blood because her eyes were bad, and she thought I was lying about my weight! It went downhill from there when she asked me to hold the tube as it filled with my blood. I could go on, but I think you get the Visiting Nurse Saga……
I am now scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Susan Chang @ UCSF on June 8th to review status. David & I anticipate, based on past experience, she will review the prior two MRI’s and scans and then tell us to proceed forward with Round 4 of Chemo which has already been advised by my local Oncologist and my Neurology team from Hoag/Newport. In the mean time, the doctors and I agree we do not want to start Round 4 until the Shingles are physically “clear” which should be mid to late June. Of course, I am anxious to complete this round, start the steroid weaning process (weight reduction), re-growth of my hair (oh, how I’ll miss my wigs, NOT!), and start getting back to NORMAL. Whatever Normal is, David & I are so ready!
On a more personal note, Marla and Bob are bringing Liz & Miranda to California for a month to do the tourist thing. They are driving out with their RV and will be stay at a local campground. We are excited to take the girls to the Aquarium, Cannery Row, driving the coast, San Fran, etc., all the sites Mom took us to on our annual vacation. One of the highlights this summer will be the 4th of July in Cayucos, as Amy (John’s wife) & new baby, Hannah Kelly are coming to visit, as well as, Molly (Matt’s wife) & children. My best friends, Theresa & Karen will be here also, so the 4th, God willing, is going to be filled family and friends and I am sure lots of LOVE, FAITH & HOPE for the rest of the year. Also if you could, keep Matt in your daily prayers, as he has been deployed back to Iraq. We are praying for his safe return, scheduled currently for December, 2007.
On a final update, the picture I recently sent out, although not great, was just to prove that I have not always been a “Puffer Fish”, I just had to trump Marla’s Blog report
Stay safe & sane during the upcoming Holidays – once again I send my Love to you & your families.
Love always,
The Puffer Fish
Now for the current update.
A quick recap; I was in the hospital for my 3rd round of Chemo 5/8-5/13 and was then extended an additional 2 days in the hospital when diagnosed with blood clots in my left leg. Of course, I was going absolutely STIR CRAZY and just wanted to go home, so after 8 days in the hospital, 24/7 IV hook-up, and constant nagging to let me recover at home (feet up until the blood thinner kicks in & the swelling in my once ankles, now cankles is gone) the doc released me. I did have to have a Nurse come to my house for the next 4 days to administer daily stomach injections for the clots, which David insisted he could actually do – I, however, rejected his kind offer. On day one with the Visiting Nurse, I complained that my right arm was bothering me. She told me it was in my head and that the legions on my chest were a reaction from the tape they had used in the hospital, and it was nothing serious. A week later, my Oncologist sent me to the Regional Wound Center, and I was diagnosed with Shingles. BTW – I should have known I could not trust the Visiting Nurse when she told me she might not be able to draw my blood because her eyes were bad, and she thought I was lying about my weight! It went downhill from there when she asked me to hold the tube as it filled with my blood. I could go on, but I think you get the Visiting Nurse Saga……
I am now scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Susan Chang @ UCSF on June 8th to review status. David & I anticipate, based on past experience, she will review the prior two MRI’s and scans and then tell us to proceed forward with Round 4 of Chemo which has already been advised by my local Oncologist and my Neurology team from Hoag/Newport. In the mean time, the doctors and I agree we do not want to start Round 4 until the Shingles are physically “clear” which should be mid to late June. Of course, I am anxious to complete this round, start the steroid weaning process (weight reduction), re-growth of my hair (oh, how I’ll miss my wigs, NOT!), and start getting back to NORMAL. Whatever Normal is, David & I are so ready!
On a more personal note, Marla and Bob are bringing Liz & Miranda to California for a month to do the tourist thing. They are driving out with their RV and will be stay at a local campground. We are excited to take the girls to the Aquarium, Cannery Row, driving the coast, San Fran, etc., all the sites Mom took us to on our annual vacation. One of the highlights this summer will be the 4th of July in Cayucos, as Amy (John’s wife) & new baby, Hannah Kelly are coming to visit, as well as, Molly (Matt’s wife) & children. My best friends, Theresa & Karen will be here also, so the 4th, God willing, is going to be filled family and friends and I am sure lots of LOVE, FAITH & HOPE for the rest of the year. Also if you could, keep Matt in your daily prayers, as he has been deployed back to Iraq. We are praying for his safe return, scheduled currently for December, 2007.
On a final update, the picture I recently sent out, although not great, was just to prove that I have not always been a “Puffer Fish”, I just had to trump Marla’s Blog report
Stay safe & sane during the upcoming Holidays – once again I send my Love to you & your families.
Love always,
The Puffer Fish
Monday, May 7, 2007
Hi Ho Hi Ho, It’s Off to the Hospital I go…..
Here is the latest “medical” update – My Oncologist called late Friday, 5/4, with the results from the Brain & Spine scan I had on Tuesday, 5/1. The doctor was pleased that the brain scan looks very good, and in fact, may show some shrinkage in size. As far as the spine, the oncologist wants my Neuro-surgeon to review the scan, however it appears the compression fracture on my spine is probably the cause of my intermittent dizziness. Bottom-line we decided this is not a reason to postpone the 3rd round of chemo.
I was told to show up at the doctor’s office on Monday morning (today) at 9:00AM, and as long as my blood work came back okay I could be admitted for the next five days. The upside is my white cell count was right on, however, I am anemic and had to get a “booster” shot to get back on track. Although my suitcase was packed & in the car, they sent me home until tomorrow when I will start my 5-6 days of treatment. I’ve got my Ipod, books, Bibles, To-do Lists, etc. and I am ready as I can be to be locked away for the next 6 days!
BTW – I’m a new “Great” Aunt this week! John and Amy (Marla’s middle son) had their baby girl, Hannah Kelly, on Sunday, May 6th. And of course, Marla’s oldest daughter Rachel had her baby, Corina Aleze, last month. Congratulations to the Hansen Grandparents – they did good AGAIN!!
Also, Marla & Miranda left this morning after a ten day stay with me. We had a great time together, and they were a lot of help while they were here. My cousin Cher (what a fantastic cook!) came to visit for the weekend and my friend Pam, who is now living in New Jersey for work, also came to visit this weekend. We had a fun “girls” weekend – with David!
That’s all the update for now – I’ll be off the net for the next week, as the hospital does not have internet access (OLD SCHOOL!!) so I will send an update upon my return.
As always, I send my love and best wishes to you and your families as I think of each you often.
Love,
Kelly
I was told to show up at the doctor’s office on Monday morning (today) at 9:00AM, and as long as my blood work came back okay I could be admitted for the next five days. The upside is my white cell count was right on, however, I am anemic and had to get a “booster” shot to get back on track. Although my suitcase was packed & in the car, they sent me home until tomorrow when I will start my 5-6 days of treatment. I’ve got my Ipod, books, Bibles, To-do Lists, etc. and I am ready as I can be to be locked away for the next 6 days!
BTW – I’m a new “Great” Aunt this week! John and Amy (Marla’s middle son) had their baby girl, Hannah Kelly, on Sunday, May 6th. And of course, Marla’s oldest daughter Rachel had her baby, Corina Aleze, last month. Congratulations to the Hansen Grandparents – they did good AGAIN!!
Also, Marla & Miranda left this morning after a ten day stay with me. We had a great time together, and they were a lot of help while they were here. My cousin Cher (what a fantastic cook!) came to visit for the weekend and my friend Pam, who is now living in New Jersey for work, also came to visit this weekend. We had a fun “girls” weekend – with David!
That’s all the update for now – I’ll be off the net for the next week, as the hospital does not have internet access (OLD SCHOOL!!) so I will send an update upon my return.
As always, I send my love and best wishes to you and your families as I think of each you often.
Love,
Kelly
Friday, April 27, 2007
Happy Hour with Char
Although I was waiting for a little more news, several of you have been requesting feedback, so let me tell you what I know so far…
As you know, I had a Pet Scan (those animals are so smart!) last Friday and then went to the doctors on Monday, 4/23, for the results. The GOOD NEWS is there has been no growth since we started treatment and therefore we will gear up for the 3rd round of chemo over the next 5-10 days. In order to prepare for this next round, I am scheduled for another echo (checks the heart), and an MRI on my brain and spine next Tuesday because my balance has been off (like me!). Once the tests are back, the doctor thinks the treatment should resume early May for 5-6 days in the hospital.
In the meantime, Char came to visit! Yes, my train visiting sister came for a few days last week, although, I wasn’t sure it was her at first. When David picked her up at the station, she had had three drinks, (which for most people is like a case of beer!), and boy was she fun! So, the rest of the week we kept giving her cranberry & vodkas, which made her fun to be around, however we were eating dinner really late and Char was in the most kick-back mode I’ve ever seen!
Marla is here now, with her youngest, Miranda, for the next 2 weeks. She is helping get some things done before my next “stay” in the hospital”. I’ve been trying to get a painter to come to the house for the last few weeks which has been like pulling teeth, and she is assisting with some normal admin stuff. I think I hear her make little comments under her breath about my “A” type personality, but overall, she carts me around and does her chores with a smile! Seriously, David, and my sisters, have once again saved me from insanity.
Andrew, Marla’s youngest who lived with me for a few years in Newport, is coming to visit this weekend. It will be nice because he will be able to see his mom and Aunt at the same time. He is living in Irvine (southern cal) and just recently got a promotion at a bank into Info Tech (a real job!). California has been good for Andrew overall, he hasn’t crashed a car and seems to fit in well to this lifestyle.
I wanted to wish my cousins Xochi & Jon Congratulations on their wedding this Saturday, April 28th! Relax, enjoy and have a long healthy, life filled with love and joy!
God Bless to my friends & family
Love,
Kelly
As you know, I had a Pet Scan (those animals are so smart!) last Friday and then went to the doctors on Monday, 4/23, for the results. The GOOD NEWS is there has been no growth since we started treatment and therefore we will gear up for the 3rd round of chemo over the next 5-10 days. In order to prepare for this next round, I am scheduled for another echo (checks the heart), and an MRI on my brain and spine next Tuesday because my balance has been off (like me!). Once the tests are back, the doctor thinks the treatment should resume early May for 5-6 days in the hospital.
In the meantime, Char came to visit! Yes, my train visiting sister came for a few days last week, although, I wasn’t sure it was her at first. When David picked her up at the station, she had had three drinks, (which for most people is like a case of beer!), and boy was she fun! So, the rest of the week we kept giving her cranberry & vodkas, which made her fun to be around, however we were eating dinner really late and Char was in the most kick-back mode I’ve ever seen!
Marla is here now, with her youngest, Miranda, for the next 2 weeks. She is helping get some things done before my next “stay” in the hospital”. I’ve been trying to get a painter to come to the house for the last few weeks which has been like pulling teeth, and she is assisting with some normal admin stuff. I think I hear her make little comments under her breath about my “A” type personality, but overall, she carts me around and does her chores with a smile! Seriously, David, and my sisters, have once again saved me from insanity.
Andrew, Marla’s youngest who lived with me for a few years in Newport, is coming to visit this weekend. It will be nice because he will be able to see his mom and Aunt at the same time. He is living in Irvine (southern cal) and just recently got a promotion at a bank into Info Tech (a real job!). California has been good for Andrew overall, he hasn’t crashed a car and seems to fit in well to this lifestyle.
I wanted to wish my cousins Xochi & Jon Congratulations on their wedding this Saturday, April 28th! Relax, enjoy and have a long healthy, life filled with love and joy!
God Bless to my friends & family
Love,
Kelly
Monday, April 16, 2007
A Silver Lining
Well, we did it! Yes, originally engaged in November, 2005 in beautiful Cayucos, CA David and I decided not to wait for a big party and tied the knot this week at a private ceremony.
It was a lovely setting overlooking the ocean in a quaint Bed & Breakfast in Pacific Grove. The room was beautiful, filled with antiques, fireplace and romance. The only thing missing was a T.V. (ha/ha/ha) which you shouldn’t need on your wedding night, but you sure get used to it in “real” life! (Yes, we broke down on our wedding and went to the TV Room to watch American Idol on our wedding night!) Let the record show, I asked David if he wanted to marry a blonde, red head or brunette and he chose a brunette. It would not have been my choice, but, he’s been such a good caregiver, I figured I should let him pick my hair for the day! He’s the been the best!
I have nothing to update on my health until my PET scan this Thursday, the 19th and the results from the doctor on the 23rd. Your thoughts and PRAYERS continue to help me remain strong in my faith, hope and love.
As always, I send my very best to you and your families,
Love,
Kelly
It was a lovely setting overlooking the ocean in a quaint Bed & Breakfast in Pacific Grove. The room was beautiful, filled with antiques, fireplace and romance. The only thing missing was a T.V. (ha/ha/ha) which you shouldn’t need on your wedding night, but you sure get used to it in “real” life! (Yes, we broke down on our wedding and went to the TV Room to watch American Idol on our wedding night!) Let the record show, I asked David if he wanted to marry a blonde, red head or brunette and he chose a brunette. It would not have been my choice, but, he’s been such a good caregiver, I figured I should let him pick my hair for the day! He’s the been the best!
I have nothing to update on my health until my PET scan this Thursday, the 19th and the results from the doctor on the 23rd. Your thoughts and PRAYERS continue to help me remain strong in my faith, hope and love.
As always, I send my very best to you and your families,
Love,
Kelly
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
It was a LONG Five Days.....
…….that turned into Six! But I am home, and thanks to Char who spent Monday thru Wednesday with me, and Theresa & Karen who spent Thursday thru Saturday with me, WE did it! It was definitely a Team effort. Of course, David came too, but the girls were “living” the confinement to the 5th Floor - Cabin Fever is not pretty after about Day 3 with this girlfriend! I got home at 9:30PM Saturday night and have never been happier to see my house, animals, bed, etc.! Other than that, everything went fine. I got the Nulestra shot on Monday to control the white blood cell counts, which to-date have been right in line with what they should be.
I am now scheduled for a Pet Scan (PT) on the 19th and will get the results on the 23rd. My understanding is the chemo is working its magic over the next few weeks and the PT will show the current results. The Dr. will then recommend the next form of treatment based on those scans, ie additional radiation, surgery, next round of chemo, etc.
But I think I have it better than Marla right now and the demands of Mr. CFC! Dad has “reincarnated’ and back to his demands. She keeps me in daily giggles with her Daddy stories (I’m just wondering if I should report her to the Old Folks Agency when she tells me she drugged him because he was being so bad!?!) I miss arguing with Dad about his car keys, taking him to the casino and “needing to talk right now” but yes, I have passed the baton for now. Marla & I had a recent idea to send Dad to the valley with Sister Char! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Sorry, I lost my head for a minute!!
Life at the Sewart Zoo has been good. We are trying to teach Bailey Bird to say “Thank you Jesus” which is the Sewart House Mantra. Bailey is still a baby and her vocabulary limited, but we’ll get there! I figure, everyday we open our eyes in the morning we should say “Thank You Jesus!” cuz it’s a good day! It is so fun being around this talking bird and listening to her talk. Marla also has an African Grey she is training – we have a good time comparing “bird” notes! Dogs & Cats are also doing good, Gwen.
Also, before I close I wanted to respond to my good friend Nicole who I love dearly. You are the cutest city girlfriend I have ever had! Roosters crow – chickens lay eggs, any questions? (Nicole wrote on the blog 3/31….the chickens! I remember the first time I went to your parents house for our work Christmas party and I spent the night there and was awoken by the darn chickens because someone forgot to put the blanket over them or whatever it was to keep them from waking at the crack of dawn. Or was it roosters?!)
And BTW – that was a GREAT party hosted at the Casas house! Those were FUN times in Fullerton!
And so I leave my friends and family until the next update after the 23rd. My very best to you and your families. I think of you all often, and as I am in your Prayers, you are in mine.
Sending my love,
Kelly
I am now scheduled for a Pet Scan (PT) on the 19th and will get the results on the 23rd. My understanding is the chemo is working its magic over the next few weeks and the PT will show the current results. The Dr. will then recommend the next form of treatment based on those scans, ie additional radiation, surgery, next round of chemo, etc.
But I think I have it better than Marla right now and the demands of Mr. CFC! Dad has “reincarnated’ and back to his demands. She keeps me in daily giggles with her Daddy stories (I’m just wondering if I should report her to the Old Folks Agency when she tells me she drugged him because he was being so bad!?!) I miss arguing with Dad about his car keys, taking him to the casino and “needing to talk right now” but yes, I have passed the baton for now. Marla & I had a recent idea to send Dad to the valley with Sister Char! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Sorry, I lost my head for a minute!!
Life at the Sewart Zoo has been good. We are trying to teach Bailey Bird to say “Thank you Jesus” which is the Sewart House Mantra. Bailey is still a baby and her vocabulary limited, but we’ll get there! I figure, everyday we open our eyes in the morning we should say “Thank You Jesus!” cuz it’s a good day! It is so fun being around this talking bird and listening to her talk. Marla also has an African Grey she is training – we have a good time comparing “bird” notes! Dogs & Cats are also doing good, Gwen.
Also, before I close I wanted to respond to my good friend Nicole who I love dearly. You are the cutest city girlfriend I have ever had! Roosters crow – chickens lay eggs, any questions? (Nicole wrote on the blog 3/31….the chickens! I remember the first time I went to your parents house for our work Christmas party and I spent the night there and was awoken by the darn chickens because someone forgot to put the blanket over them or whatever it was to keep them from waking at the crack of dawn. Or was it roosters?!)
And BTW – that was a GREAT party hosted at the Casas house! Those were FUN times in Fullerton!
And so I leave my friends and family until the next update after the 23rd. My very best to you and your families. I think of you all often, and as I am in your Prayers, you are in mine.
Sending my love,
Kelly
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