Well ... the move to from Maine to Michigan is finally done. The trip was long, and a bit on the stressful side, but Gabriel, the kitties, the dog, and I are safe. Although, we have to share my son's already cramped little house until I can evict the person who is trespassing in my mobile home. One set of stressors has been replaced with another.
Little sister got a surprise on Monday when she visited her cancer doctor for what she thought was a routine checkup ... she had to undergo another round of treatments. At least this time, she didn't get as sick as she usually does. Maybe she is finally starting to realize that she MUST follow doctor's orders. What a concept!!
In the meantime, I am feeling extremely guilty about leaving her in her hour of need even though she repeatedly told me that moving would be in my best interest. Time will tell.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Week 8
Seriously!?! Week 8 already? Where did the time go?
My sister is gaining ground day by day this week. She actually managed to get out of bed Tuesday and get dressed. This round of treatments really kicked her behind; complete with sores in her mouth, and a raw tongue and throat - all of which are much better. Today, she actually ate food. In fact, her appetite was insatiable. I hope she continues to eat voraciously ... maybe she will gain back the weight she has lost since this treatment and the last one. I will wager than she is 95 lbs soaking wet, and she started out at 112. It kills me to watch her suffer, especially when I look at her and see our mother during her battle with colon cancer. Breaks my heart. (I miss you so much, Mom.)
My heart is also breaking because I will not be around to make sure she drinks enough liquid, takes her medicine when and how she is supposed to, eats properly, and above all get rest because I am packing up the contents of my house to move to Michigan to live closer to my son (this is his idea, and my sister is demanding that I go). I will be worrying on a daily basis that her immediately family - hubby and daughters - will stay on top of things. Lord knows, they are not doing that now. Heck! They won't even make sure to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough around her. Don't they realize that she now has ZERO immune system. She can't fight even the weakest of viral or bacterial infections!!!
On a different note, even though I am not looking forward to moving yet again, I am excited about today because my handsome, 6' 3-12" red-headed Irish boy's plane will be touching down at our local airport at 11:00 a.m - complete with his best friend in tow. Oh Happy Day!!
My sister is gaining ground day by day this week. She actually managed to get out of bed Tuesday and get dressed. This round of treatments really kicked her behind; complete with sores in her mouth, and a raw tongue and throat - all of which are much better. Today, she actually ate food. In fact, her appetite was insatiable. I hope she continues to eat voraciously ... maybe she will gain back the weight she has lost since this treatment and the last one. I will wager than she is 95 lbs soaking wet, and she started out at 112. It kills me to watch her suffer, especially when I look at her and see our mother during her battle with colon cancer. Breaks my heart. (I miss you so much, Mom.)
My heart is also breaking because I will not be around to make sure she drinks enough liquid, takes her medicine when and how she is supposed to, eats properly, and above all get rest because I am packing up the contents of my house to move to Michigan to live closer to my son (this is his idea, and my sister is demanding that I go). I will be worrying on a daily basis that her immediately family - hubby and daughters - will stay on top of things. Lord knows, they are not doing that now. Heck! They won't even make sure to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough around her. Don't they realize that she now has ZERO immune system. She can't fight even the weakest of viral or bacterial infections!!!
On a different note, even though I am not looking forward to moving yet again, I am excited about today because my handsome, 6' 3-12" red-headed Irish boy's plane will be touching down at our local airport at 11:00 a.m - complete with his best friend in tow. Oh Happy Day!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Week 7
I feel so bad for my little sister (funny ... lol ... she's way taller than I am). She had to be admitted to the hospital Monday for a special kind of chemo treatment that "protects" the cells in her brain just in case the lymphoma wants to run away from its attackers, and head for the hills (so to speak).
Her treatment consisted of an infusion of Methotrexate Monday night, with the antodote, Leucovorin, given the next day. I did do research into both so that I could better understand why and also so I could be aware of any side effects she might encounter. In order to describe the exact workings of the Methotrexate to my reading audience, I would have to have a degree in chemistry - barring this, suffice it to say that this drug does as I explained above, however, it also causes toxic effects to the rapidly-dividing cells of bone marrow and gastrointestinal mucosa. The Leocovorin is used as a "rescue" treatment to put the much need folic acid back into the bone marrow and GI tract.
My poor little Cancer Kid is having an extremely difficult time swallowing anything right now because her throat is raw. We believe it is due to the treatment. At least that is what we are hoping. If not the case, her immune system is totally shot and she has one rip-roaring sore throat due to either a viral or a bacterial infection. Why is it that no one (in her immediate family) will take steps to make sure she doesn't get their germs? Am I the only who cares?
Her treatment consisted of an infusion of Methotrexate Monday night, with the antodote, Leucovorin, given the next day. I did do research into both so that I could better understand why and also so I could be aware of any side effects she might encounter. In order to describe the exact workings of the Methotrexate to my reading audience, I would have to have a degree in chemistry - barring this, suffice it to say that this drug does as I explained above, however, it also causes toxic effects to the rapidly-dividing cells of bone marrow and gastrointestinal mucosa. The Leocovorin is used as a "rescue" treatment to put the much need folic acid back into the bone marrow and GI tract.
My poor little Cancer Kid is having an extremely difficult time swallowing anything right now because her throat is raw. We believe it is due to the treatment. At least that is what we are hoping. If not the case, her immune system is totally shot and she has one rip-roaring sore throat due to either a viral or a bacterial infection. Why is it that no one (in her immediate family) will take steps to make sure she doesn't get their germs? Am I the only who cares?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Weekk 6 - contnued
Will wonders never cease! My soldier nephew's wife admitted - not in so many words - that I was right after all in trying to protect my sister from idiotic and hurtful questions. AND ... she gave me my nephew's cell phone number!! How absolutely awesome given that today is his 25th birthday.
Nephew's wife tried to protect my sister from undue emotional stress today (even from Texas) that was about to be brought on by sister's youngest daughter by telling the immature (can't write what I want to here) ... twenty-year old that she can't go around threatening to beat the crap out of people just because she doesn't like things that are being said - whether true or not. "Just ignore it ... walk away..." Did my niece do this? NO! She had the nerve to bring the fight - or try to - to my property ... home to both my sister - the cellar dweller - and me. I managed to head the other young females off at the pass (so to speak), but not before threats were made by these same females to come back to do harm to my niece.
After the other girls left - unwillingly I might add - the niece had such a loud, angry potty mouth toward her mother and me that my Cancer Kid got into her daughter's face and had a few words of her own. OH ... MY ... GOD!!! I have never, ever seen her stand up to one of her kids. She has always just shrugged her shoulders and walked away. Wah Hoo, Phyl!! Way to get some backbone!!! You are finally taking lessons from me! (Too bad it took cancer and chemo to bring you to this point.) I will not tolerate being disrespected by my kids ... I don't care how old they are, and I don't care if I am right or wrong. I will not tolerate being screamed at or sworn at by the individuals that I brought into this world! I always reminded them that I brought them in ... I could take them out. They knew I wouldn't really do it, but they also knew I meant business. I not only deserve their respect, I EARNED it.
What is the matter with young ones today? Where did respect, manners and treating another human the way you would want to be treated go? I shake my head in wonder.
Nephew's wife tried to protect my sister from undue emotional stress today (even from Texas) that was about to be brought on by sister's youngest daughter by telling the immature (can't write what I want to here) ... twenty-year old that she can't go around threatening to beat the crap out of people just because she doesn't like things that are being said - whether true or not. "Just ignore it ... walk away..." Did my niece do this? NO! She had the nerve to bring the fight - or try to - to my property ... home to both my sister - the cellar dweller - and me. I managed to head the other young females off at the pass (so to speak), but not before threats were made by these same females to come back to do harm to my niece.
After the other girls left - unwillingly I might add - the niece had such a loud, angry potty mouth toward her mother and me that my Cancer Kid got into her daughter's face and had a few words of her own. OH ... MY ... GOD!!! I have never, ever seen her stand up to one of her kids. She has always just shrugged her shoulders and walked away. Wah Hoo, Phyl!! Way to get some backbone!!! You are finally taking lessons from me! (Too bad it took cancer and chemo to bring you to this point.) I will not tolerate being disrespected by my kids ... I don't care how old they are, and I don't care if I am right or wrong. I will not tolerate being screamed at or sworn at by the individuals that I brought into this world! I always reminded them that I brought them in ... I could take them out. They knew I wouldn't really do it, but they also knew I meant business. I not only deserve their respect, I EARNED it.
What is the matter with young ones today? Where did respect, manners and treating another human the way you would want to be treated go? I shake my head in wonder.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week 6
My, how time flies whether one is having fun or not! I can't believe it has been six weeks since my sister was diagnosed with the dreaded "C" word, and it is truly amazing that we are entering the 6th week of our current college course(s) term.
I have no idea what this week is going to bring, except little sister had her second treatment today. She seemed a bit wiped out when she got back home. Next week, she enters the hospital for 2 day stay where she will undergo tests to determine how the massive dose of chemo is affecting her brain. Yikes! Sounds scary!!
We are managing, quite well, in keeping the levity level is this household at a maximum. The laughter that we shared while she was in the hospital the first time is what gave me the idea for the topic of my College Comp II paper: Applied and Therapeutic Humor in Health and Healing. I never really knew - let alone understood - the benefits the human body derives from humor and laughter until I started doing research on the subject. Empirical research shows that having and maintaining a sense of humor, or laughing every day gives one's cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and muscles quite a work out. In addition, it can lower blood pressure, assist the immune system, and can improve pain tolerance. Amazing, huh?
So ... for the sake of your health, dear readers ... try to find something to laugh about every day. Your body will thank you for the effort.
I have no idea what this week is going to bring, except little sister had her second treatment today. She seemed a bit wiped out when she got back home. Next week, she enters the hospital for 2 day stay where she will undergo tests to determine how the massive dose of chemo is affecting her brain. Yikes! Sounds scary!!
We are managing, quite well, in keeping the levity level is this household at a maximum. The laughter that we shared while she was in the hospital the first time is what gave me the idea for the topic of my College Comp II paper: Applied and Therapeutic Humor in Health and Healing. I never really knew - let alone understood - the benefits the human body derives from humor and laughter until I started doing research on the subject. Empirical research shows that having and maintaining a sense of humor, or laughing every day gives one's cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and muscles quite a work out. In addition, it can lower blood pressure, assist the immune system, and can improve pain tolerance. Amazing, huh?
So ... for the sake of your health, dear readers ... try to find something to laugh about every day. Your body will thank you for the effort.
Friday, November 12, 2010
The real Week 5
It can't be Week 5 already! Seems like just a couple of weeks ago this whole ordeal came to a head. Anywho ...
Little sister had a pretty rough week this week in that she was totally plugged up (because she didn't follow doctor's orders to take a laxative and drink massive amounts of water after her first treatment), and no amount of trying different types of stuff would undo the plug. She was nauseous and in a great deal of pain in the upper abdominal region (diaphragm). No amount of advice anyone gave her on how to get things moving would make her listen. It wasn't until I had to undergo a colonoscopy prep that she finally listened. She followed the prep I had to do - not to mention she ate food from Micky D's, and voila! No more tummy ache!! :-) Which also meant no trip to the hospital for a roto-rooter job. She is [almost] one happy camper.
This week also brought out a side of her I thought I would never see. She is starting to become angry with this disease because of the almost constant pain in her hips and legs (cancer is in the bone marrow), the ever present lack of energy, and anger toward herself for being stubborn enough when the symptoms first reared their ugly heads by not going to a doctor. (Shades of our mother before she was diagnosed with colon cancer.) She actually starts to cry when she talks of these things. Oh my God! She is human after all!! I feel helpless at times like this because I have no sage words of wisdom for her having never had cancer myself, and she won't let me hug her ... although, she is slowly starting to cave on this one because she knows I am a touchie-feelie person.
She also had tears in her eyes yesterday when she ran her fingers through her hair and a huge clump was in her palm. Almost three weeks had passed since her first treatment and she still had all of her hair; she thought she was going to be one of the lucky ones who fall into the minority of being able to keep their hair. My "Cancer Kid" (as she calls herself) is finally realizing that she is mortal after all. I think that is one reason why she is in such a foul mood today. To this I say, "About time, little sister."
Little sister had a pretty rough week this week in that she was totally plugged up (because she didn't follow doctor's orders to take a laxative and drink massive amounts of water after her first treatment), and no amount of trying different types of stuff would undo the plug. She was nauseous and in a great deal of pain in the upper abdominal region (diaphragm). No amount of advice anyone gave her on how to get things moving would make her listen. It wasn't until I had to undergo a colonoscopy prep that she finally listened. She followed the prep I had to do - not to mention she ate food from Micky D's, and voila! No more tummy ache!! :-) Which also meant no trip to the hospital for a roto-rooter job. She is [almost] one happy camper.
This week also brought out a side of her I thought I would never see. She is starting to become angry with this disease because of the almost constant pain in her hips and legs (cancer is in the bone marrow), the ever present lack of energy, and anger toward herself for being stubborn enough when the symptoms first reared their ugly heads by not going to a doctor. (Shades of our mother before she was diagnosed with colon cancer.) She actually starts to cry when she talks of these things. Oh my God! She is human after all!! I feel helpless at times like this because I have no sage words of wisdom for her having never had cancer myself, and she won't let me hug her ... although, she is slowly starting to cave on this one because she knows I am a touchie-feelie person.
She also had tears in her eyes yesterday when she ran her fingers through her hair and a huge clump was in her palm. Almost three weeks had passed since her first treatment and she still had all of her hair; she thought she was going to be one of the lucky ones who fall into the minority of being able to keep their hair. My "Cancer Kid" (as she calls herself) is finally realizing that she is mortal after all. I think that is one reason why she is in such a foul mood today. To this I say, "About time, little sister."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Week 5 (really week 4)
I noticed while rereading my blog posts that I some how got a week ahead of myself, so I need to fix my error. The call from the doctor's office to set the appointment for getting the Mayo Clinic results of the biopsies came at the end of Week 2. Week 4 really should be Week 3. I hope this doesn't confuse my readers - goodness knows, I'm confused enough these days! lol
The end of Week 3 had my sister in an uproar - to say the very least. As I mentioned earlier, her pain was increasing, she was getting angry with herself because she was no longer able to even go to the grocery store without getting extremely exhausted not even half way through her shopping, she did not have enough oomph to play with her grandson (this REALLY bothered her the most), and she was still very upset with the insurance company and the slowness of their decision to approve her PET scan.
Monday, the day of her first treatment, had finally arrived. YIPPEE!!! I was "volunteered" (and gladly, I might say) to be the chauffeur. We arrived at the Cancer Clinic a little early because she had to have her blood drawn to see what her white count was. If the count was too low, she would not be able to under go the treatment. We held our breath for the good word, which arrived about 10 minutes later (seemed like an eternity). Another YIPPEE!!! I wanted to do the "Happy Dance." We were escorted to an examination room where, once again waiting for the oncologist seemed like an eternity.
My sister's oncologist looks as if he just graduated from high school; what a cutie!! He should give lessons to grumpy doctors who do not possess very good bedside manners. After meeting with him, hearing what he had to say about the PET scan results, and his optimism with regard to her treatment for this disease, I feel so much more at ease. As my professor for Anatomy & Physiology II, Grant Iannelli, told me, "It is not a death sentence. Once again, I am ready to do the Happy Dance.
Her treatment lasted a little under six (6) hours, and only had one spine- tingling, heart-racing panic incident when the Retuxan (which is very strong Non-Hodgkin lymphoma chemo drug) started closing her airway. I just learned in A&P II that this is caused when the lymph nodes of the neck swell and squeeze the trachea shut. All this time, I thought something inside the throat caused the blocking of airways. Learn something new everyday. The bad part about her panic attack was the fact that I was not there to come to her aid and comfort because I had left the building to run errands. I found out via a text message from her.
The oncologist informed my sister that she would probably lose her hair over the next two (2) weeks, and that she would more than likely experience nausea; none of which has occurred so far ... knock on wood. And, nothing of else of importance took place this week, so I will leave you gentle people now.
The end of Week 3 had my sister in an uproar - to say the very least. As I mentioned earlier, her pain was increasing, she was getting angry with herself because she was no longer able to even go to the grocery store without getting extremely exhausted not even half way through her shopping, she did not have enough oomph to play with her grandson (this REALLY bothered her the most), and she was still very upset with the insurance company and the slowness of their decision to approve her PET scan.
Monday, the day of her first treatment, had finally arrived. YIPPEE!!! I was "volunteered" (and gladly, I might say) to be the chauffeur. We arrived at the Cancer Clinic a little early because she had to have her blood drawn to see what her white count was. If the count was too low, she would not be able to under go the treatment. We held our breath for the good word, which arrived about 10 minutes later (seemed like an eternity). Another YIPPEE!!! I wanted to do the "Happy Dance." We were escorted to an examination room where, once again waiting for the oncologist seemed like an eternity.
My sister's oncologist looks as if he just graduated from high school; what a cutie!! He should give lessons to grumpy doctors who do not possess very good bedside manners. After meeting with him, hearing what he had to say about the PET scan results, and his optimism with regard to her treatment for this disease, I feel so much more at ease. As my professor for Anatomy & Physiology II, Grant Iannelli, told me, "It is not a death sentence. Once again, I am ready to do the Happy Dance.
Her treatment lasted a little under six (6) hours, and only had one spine- tingling, heart-racing panic incident when the Retuxan (which is very strong Non-Hodgkin lymphoma chemo drug) started closing her airway. I just learned in A&P II that this is caused when the lymph nodes of the neck swell and squeeze the trachea shut. All this time, I thought something inside the throat caused the blocking of airways. Learn something new everyday. The bad part about her panic attack was the fact that I was not there to come to her aid and comfort because I had left the building to run errands. I found out via a text message from her.
The oncologist informed my sister that she would probably lose her hair over the next two (2) weeks, and that she would more than likely experience nausea; none of which has occurred so far ... knock on wood. And, nothing of else of importance took place this week, so I will leave you gentle people now.
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