Finally a regular old night at our house. Ellie and Nick even slept in. We got Ellie ready for camp this morning - lunch packed, sunscreen applied - it was water park day at camp. We got in the car and dropped Ellie at camp and headed to Mom's. Mom and I got Tony and Nick loaded in the car and were on our way to the hospital.
Treatment went fairly quickly and then it was doctor day so I was put into an exam room. Dr. Nanda eventually made his way in - apologizing for his delay saying they put me so far away he had forgotten about me. He asked about treatment and side effects. I told him about the neuropathy - he said that wasn't his doing and I need to talk to Dr. Marsh about it. I told him about the diarrhea and how I feel its under control and would rather have this side effect than constipation. I told him about the small area of discoloration on the inside of my thigh - uh oh - need to examine that one. He asked about fatigue and weight loss and told me he is keeping an eye on my weight and he'd be on me if I lose anymore - I told him my Mom is right there with him. I jumped on the exam table for the shortest exam ever - he looked at my thigh and told me he wasn't concerned about it. As I was leaving he told me I was the perfect patient and how my being a patient baffles him and I shouldn't be there at all. I told him I am looking at this as a learning experience maybe I am going through this so something important is learned or discovered. He gave me a nice shoulder pat and told me he'd see me next week.
While I was at the hospital I needed to pick up some samples of allergy medications for Ellie so I walked to the medical building and picked up her new meds. Mom picked me up and we went back to her house. Nick and Tony played for a bit before we had lunch and then tried to get the boys to relax. Mom got a box today that was a long rectangle and Nick started pretending it was a boat but then stood it up and it was his elevator and Tony would go over and say knock knock or 'eek boo (peek a boo) and Nick would swing the flaps over causing Tony to break up hysterically laughing. It was finally a Dr. Suess dvd that was so slow that let the house relax - Tony feel asleep in Mom's arms and Nick cuddled next to me.
We left to pick Ellie up from camp - she enjoyed the day and is really looking forward to their first field trip tomorrow to Skokie Sport Center (mini golf, batting cages and a picnic lunch). I put in a call to Margaret to tell her about my hand and feet - left a message. We came home and the kids really wanted to be outside enjoying the sunshine. Rob took the kids out to play in the sprinkler and yard. They had popsicles and a bunch of fun. Mom came over for dinner - Dad is in California for the week. Mom and Ellie made a fruit salad while I re-heated some veggies - we had a real nice dinner together. I have had the worst abdominal cramps today - not sure if its gas or menstrual but either way uncomfortable. Ellie suggested I try a bath - so I did and it did seem to make it better. I made myself a cup of tea and have the hot pad on and my feet up.
Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
50% Finished!
Rob went us early leaving me to watch the cooking channel with the "sweets" special. Shortly after Rob left for work this morning Ellie came into our bedroom and complained of "the headache" she wasn't warm so I re-positioned her in her bed and told her to go back to bed. It wasn't even 5 minutes later I heard her grabbing for for garbage can and the telltale cough started - poor kid. I emailed her allergist to see what can be done about this post nasal drip stuff and we are going to try a different allergy spray and follow up next week. I called camp to let them know she wouldn't be there today and then we went to Mom's.
We went to the hospital where I received my 14th radiation treatment - thus 50% finished with radiation treatment. I stopped by the pharmacy to see my friend Katie and pick up my zofran. Mom came around and picked me up and we went back to her house to rest. Ellie still wasn't feeling well and it really showed. Nick's hunger changed to thirst today - he could not drink enough. To celebrate my milestone Mom got out her foot bath and gave me a little foot pampering today - all felt nice until the neuropathy set it. I think that might need to be addressed before my follow up appointment next week. My knuckles on my hands now have a feeling similar to when you paint for an extended period of time and usually don't - that almost blistered stage. I can't open plastic rubbermaid containers and it is almost impossible to unlock Nick's carseat.
Ellie finally perked up and decided hard boiled eggs would be a good first food of the day - she ended up eating 3 of them. Nick nibbled of fruit and nuts - he was a squirrel today. We came home late afternoon and the kids played and watched some tv while the thunderstorm moved in. When Rob got home he gave Nick a bath while I got dinner rolling. I have two overly tired children - Nick must be growing and really seems like he should have an afternoon nap (tantrum wise) but if he does then he's up until 10PM and Ellie just had a bad day.
We had a nice dinner before getting Ellie and Nick to bed. I have an upset tummy right now - I know - nothing new.
I am hoping tonight is a better night than last night. I thank all my family and friends for their kind words and thoughts on my milestone. I just filled my 4th week of xeloda up in my pill case - time is slowly ticking by. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
We went to the hospital where I received my 14th radiation treatment - thus 50% finished with radiation treatment. I stopped by the pharmacy to see my friend Katie and pick up my zofran. Mom came around and picked me up and we went back to her house to rest. Ellie still wasn't feeling well and it really showed. Nick's hunger changed to thirst today - he could not drink enough. To celebrate my milestone Mom got out her foot bath and gave me a little foot pampering today - all felt nice until the neuropathy set it. I think that might need to be addressed before my follow up appointment next week. My knuckles on my hands now have a feeling similar to when you paint for an extended period of time and usually don't - that almost blistered stage. I can't open plastic rubbermaid containers and it is almost impossible to unlock Nick's carseat.
Ellie finally perked up and decided hard boiled eggs would be a good first food of the day - she ended up eating 3 of them. Nick nibbled of fruit and nuts - he was a squirrel today. We came home late afternoon and the kids played and watched some tv while the thunderstorm moved in. When Rob got home he gave Nick a bath while I got dinner rolling. I have two overly tired children - Nick must be growing and really seems like he should have an afternoon nap (tantrum wise) but if he does then he's up until 10PM and Ellie just had a bad day.
We had a nice dinner before getting Ellie and Nick to bed. I have an upset tummy right now - I know - nothing new.
I am hoping tonight is a better night than last night. I thank all my family and friends for their kind words and thoughts on my milestone. I just filled my 4th week of xeloda up in my pill case - time is slowly ticking by. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday Monday
Nick finally fell asleep at about 9:40PM last night - what a night - this is why I don't encourage naps anymore. Rob went up right after Nick fell asleep - I knew I would just flip in bed so I stayed up and watched part of the news before going up.
Ellie and Nick were both up early. Ellie fixed breakfast for the two of them (super cute) and she introduced Nick to toaster strudels - breakfast will no longer be the same in our house. It was Ellie's first day at Camp Iwannago - she began asking at 7:45 AM how much longer until we had to leave - very excited about camp. We packed her lunch together and applied her sunscreen and got Nick dressed and were on the road. Ellie's favorite counselor from last year is her counselor again - again, very exciting. I signed her in and kissed her and then Nick and I were on our way to Mom's. We are on a tight schedule now because Ellie's camp starts 15 minutes before we need to leave for the hospital. We got to Mom's and got in her car to go.
My appointment was super quick. We all had a good laugh because I mentioned one of my stickers had peeled off and they went to re-apply it but they always touch up the permanent marker marks too - while she was touching up she mentioned it's a bit strange to be drawing on my butt. I said strange yes but at least those aren't the tattooed marks - thank you very much for that. At the end of the treatment they asked about side effects - I provided the list and then they weighed me - officially 5# down now. It is ironic to me - I am currently the weight I lied about being on my first drivers license - finally achieved the body I was after 18 years ago except now I have cancer and my ass looks and feels like crap.
We went back to Mom's and hung out - had lunch, took a nap and Nick was forever hungry still. Nick and I eventually made our way to pick Ellie up from camp (she had a great 1st day) - I remembered it was the 14th and the video was due back at the library so we ran home and dropped the video back at the library. I returned Katie's (the pharmacist at Kellogg) call from last week and she told me she was able to get me a longer cycle of zofran - woohoo. I think chemo-brain has set it. I have heard it is similar to pregnant brain - certainly feels like it - forgetfulness. Thankfully, Christi called to tell me they were running late and they would meet us at pottery - oh yeah, its Monday - pottery day. Nick and I dropped Ellie at pottery and went grocery shopping. I picked up some new foods to try - rice pudding and tapioca pudding. Nick wanted every food we passed and had a very convincing "but Mama I am so hungry" air about him. We got home and Rob helped us bring the bags in and load the fridge up. I got dinner ready and Rob gave Nick a bath.
The neuropathy in my feet is terrible today - when I am bare foot it feels like I am walking on glass. I took a bath and the hot water seemed to help while I was in the bath. The kids are both in bed and Rob and I are relaxing on the couch. In about 14 hours I will be 50% finished - might have a party tomorrow. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Ellie and Nick were both up early. Ellie fixed breakfast for the two of them (super cute) and she introduced Nick to toaster strudels - breakfast will no longer be the same in our house. It was Ellie's first day at Camp Iwannago - she began asking at 7:45 AM how much longer until we had to leave - very excited about camp. We packed her lunch together and applied her sunscreen and got Nick dressed and were on the road. Ellie's favorite counselor from last year is her counselor again - again, very exciting. I signed her in and kissed her and then Nick and I were on our way to Mom's. We are on a tight schedule now because Ellie's camp starts 15 minutes before we need to leave for the hospital. We got to Mom's and got in her car to go.
My appointment was super quick. We all had a good laugh because I mentioned one of my stickers had peeled off and they went to re-apply it but they always touch up the permanent marker marks too - while she was touching up she mentioned it's a bit strange to be drawing on my butt. I said strange yes but at least those aren't the tattooed marks - thank you very much for that. At the end of the treatment they asked about side effects - I provided the list and then they weighed me - officially 5# down now. It is ironic to me - I am currently the weight I lied about being on my first drivers license - finally achieved the body I was after 18 years ago except now I have cancer and my ass looks and feels like crap.
We went back to Mom's and hung out - had lunch, took a nap and Nick was forever hungry still. Nick and I eventually made our way to pick Ellie up from camp (she had a great 1st day) - I remembered it was the 14th and the video was due back at the library so we ran home and dropped the video back at the library. I returned Katie's (the pharmacist at Kellogg) call from last week and she told me she was able to get me a longer cycle of zofran - woohoo. I think chemo-brain has set it. I have heard it is similar to pregnant brain - certainly feels like it - forgetfulness. Thankfully, Christi called to tell me they were running late and they would meet us at pottery - oh yeah, its Monday - pottery day. Nick and I dropped Ellie at pottery and went grocery shopping. I picked up some new foods to try - rice pudding and tapioca pudding. Nick wanted every food we passed and had a very convincing "but Mama I am so hungry" air about him. We got home and Rob helped us bring the bags in and load the fridge up. I got dinner ready and Rob gave Nick a bath.
The neuropathy in my feet is terrible today - when I am bare foot it feels like I am walking on glass. I took a bath and the hot water seemed to help while I was in the bath. The kids are both in bed and Rob and I are relaxing on the couch. In about 14 hours I will be 50% finished - might have a party tomorrow. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Back home but tired
Just a quick catch up this evening because Nick had a nap on the car ride home and is still awake! The weekend turned out a whole bunch better than expected weather wise - we actually had windows open and had to wear sweaters in the evening. We got up to Michigan in record time Friday - I was so surprised I thought for sure we would get stuck downtown but we breezed through. We did stop at the rest stop so I could get out and walk around a bit - Memorial day weekend was terrible for my butt - sitting that long in the car - so we now know I need to break the ride up.
First order of business was getting a new mattress and Dean came along to help me while Rob caught up with his Mom and took the kids down to the beach. The new mattress is 100% better than the concrete slab we were sleeping up but became 1000% better when I bought the 4" thick memory foam on Saturday. We had a lovely dinner together followed by a trip to the soda bar for ice cream. The White Sox beat the Cubs by like a dozen runs. Unfortunately, the diarrhea side effect has really caught up with me and has now turned into the norm - I am still in denial. I was really tired come bed time but it took til about 3 AM to fall asleep - must have been the new mattress and my lack of hip pain sleeping on it.
Saturday we went shopping for a new washer and dryer - thought it was just the washer but then realized our load from 2 weeks ago was still moist in the dryer. Picked out some organizer stuff for the kitchen and some snack food for the kids. Dean nicely took the kids out for the afternoon so I could take a nap and Rob could install the hardware in the kitchen. A trip to the tennis courts, the park and quite a few video games and pinball at the soda bar entertained for hours. We had dinner and found out the soda bar wasn't open because the cooler weather - Ellie wasn't very happy.
Today was laid back - we all slept in. Nick was an eating machine. Dean left before lunch - had to get back to work. We waited for the washer and dryer to be delivered - oh so nice to be able to wash towels again. We tried to straighten up and clean up to get as much of the house back to normal before we left. We got home a bit under 3 hours - Nick napped in the car which was nice because I was able to shut my eyes for a bit but the boy did not want to go to sleep tonight. We dropped Rob at home and went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. The kids were delighted with Gram and Gramps "treats" rubberband shape bracelets, high school musical stuff and a scary looking doll. Jo, Ole and Tony joined us and we had a nice dinner. The kids kept us laughing.
We made our way back home - almost forgot to take my xeloda (again).
Overall, great weekend spent with the family. The kitchen looks awesome with the ceiling finally completed and the new pendant lights up and hardware on the cabinets - really coming together - we were actually able to put a couple things into the cabinets. I will be 50% through with treatment this week - I am looking forward to completion because the side effects are tiring. The heightened nerve sensitivity has spread from my feet to my hands now - my feet just throb all the time now. My stomach is not real happy either - hoping the next 16 treatments go quickly. Visualizing my healthy, side effect free body, Tree
First order of business was getting a new mattress and Dean came along to help me while Rob caught up with his Mom and took the kids down to the beach. The new mattress is 100% better than the concrete slab we were sleeping up but became 1000% better when I bought the 4" thick memory foam on Saturday. We had a lovely dinner together followed by a trip to the soda bar for ice cream. The White Sox beat the Cubs by like a dozen runs. Unfortunately, the diarrhea side effect has really caught up with me and has now turned into the norm - I am still in denial. I was really tired come bed time but it took til about 3 AM to fall asleep - must have been the new mattress and my lack of hip pain sleeping on it.
Saturday we went shopping for a new washer and dryer - thought it was just the washer but then realized our load from 2 weeks ago was still moist in the dryer. Picked out some organizer stuff for the kitchen and some snack food for the kids. Dean nicely took the kids out for the afternoon so I could take a nap and Rob could install the hardware in the kitchen. A trip to the tennis courts, the park and quite a few video games and pinball at the soda bar entertained for hours. We had dinner and found out the soda bar wasn't open because the cooler weather - Ellie wasn't very happy.
Today was laid back - we all slept in. Nick was an eating machine. Dean left before lunch - had to get back to work. We waited for the washer and dryer to be delivered - oh so nice to be able to wash towels again. We tried to straighten up and clean up to get as much of the house back to normal before we left. We got home a bit under 3 hours - Nick napped in the car which was nice because I was able to shut my eyes for a bit but the boy did not want to go to sleep tonight. We dropped Rob at home and went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. The kids were delighted with Gram and Gramps "treats" rubberband shape bracelets, high school musical stuff and a scary looking doll. Jo, Ole and Tony joined us and we had a nice dinner. The kids kept us laughing.
We made our way back home - almost forgot to take my xeloda (again).
Overall, great weekend spent with the family. The kitchen looks awesome with the ceiling finally completed and the new pendant lights up and hardware on the cabinets - really coming together - we were actually able to put a couple things into the cabinets. I will be 50% through with treatment this week - I am looking forward to completion because the side effects are tiring. The heightened nerve sensitivity has spread from my feet to my hands now - my feet just throb all the time now. My stomach is not real happy either - hoping the next 16 treatments go quickly. Visualizing my healthy, side effect free body, Tree
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I am Pooped Out
Rob and I stayed awake to watch the Hawks win and then went to bed. Nick had another light sleep night. Ellie and Nick were both up early and headed downstairs for breakfast.
We went to Mom's for morning club and got their bags packed for the car ride. Nick insisted we watch Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special before we left for the hospital today - Christmas in June.
I had an appointment with Dr. Marsh today so we parked and everyone came in with me. Ellie got to meet a couple of my radiation therapists and they showed her the room and the machine and even showed her how the table moves and the arms move. They showed her the "cock-pit" adjacent to the room with all the monitors and my radiation info on the computers - even my picture. I had my treatment and met Ellie in the waiting room before we met Mom and the boys in the hall.
We walked over to Kellogg for my Dr. Marsh visit. We all fit into the exam room - believe it or not - thanks mostly to all the kids sitting in the big comfy chair together. We discussed my side effects and the different ones that could still show up, Dr. Marsh did a quick exam - everything looked and sounded fine. The pain in my feet is nerve based - I am supposed to keep my shoes on and not walk around barefoot. Margaret is going to work with the pharmacist and our insurance to try to lift the 5 day limit on my zofran. I asked if we will actively be able to see any progress during my treatment and was told no because my cancer marker was un-remarkable and my PET scan showed just the rectal tumor there really won't be any tracking until treatment is finished. He said we are just going to assume daily chemo and 5x/wk radiation is doing what it is supposed to be doing - kind of frustrating and un-rewarding it would make it easier to swallow those 6 pills each day if I really knew they were working.
After my appointment I was feeling ok so we went grocery shopping and ended up picking up picnic fixings at the store and had a picnic at Beck Lake. It was fun - the kids all jumped into the back seat of Mom's car and were watching their DVD and eating together - nice time.
We headed back to Mom's and Tony passed out for his nap and I was about to join him - this week is really pooping me out - when we got to Mom's I took almost a 2 hour nap. Mom filled the water table with warm water and the kids played. Judging by what was out when I woke up I think they did play-doh and kitchen play, too.
Rob called to tell me he was home - so the kids and I packed up and went home. I had a headache that was starting and it took forever to go away. We had a quick dinner before Ellie and I went over for camp orientation except once we got there I remembered I hadn't taken my xeloda before we left - so we stayed for the counselor introduction and then had to leave. The kids are now asleep and Rob and I are relaxing on the couch. Tomorrow after my treatment we will head up to Michigan for the weekend. Rob's Mom flew into town tonight and Dean took her up this evening. I am hoping I have enough energy to do something this weekend - I am yawning just thinking about work. First order of business when we arrive is to go buy a new mattress - it took me almost a week to recover from Memorial Day on that mattress.
I won't have an Internet connection until Sunday so I will write then - hope everyone has a nice weekend - visualizing my healthy body, Tree
We went to Mom's for morning club and got their bags packed for the car ride. Nick insisted we watch Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special before we left for the hospital today - Christmas in June.
I had an appointment with Dr. Marsh today so we parked and everyone came in with me. Ellie got to meet a couple of my radiation therapists and they showed her the room and the machine and even showed her how the table moves and the arms move. They showed her the "cock-pit" adjacent to the room with all the monitors and my radiation info on the computers - even my picture. I had my treatment and met Ellie in the waiting room before we met Mom and the boys in the hall.
We walked over to Kellogg for my Dr. Marsh visit. We all fit into the exam room - believe it or not - thanks mostly to all the kids sitting in the big comfy chair together. We discussed my side effects and the different ones that could still show up, Dr. Marsh did a quick exam - everything looked and sounded fine. The pain in my feet is nerve based - I am supposed to keep my shoes on and not walk around barefoot. Margaret is going to work with the pharmacist and our insurance to try to lift the 5 day limit on my zofran. I asked if we will actively be able to see any progress during my treatment and was told no because my cancer marker was un-remarkable and my PET scan showed just the rectal tumor there really won't be any tracking until treatment is finished. He said we are just going to assume daily chemo and 5x/wk radiation is doing what it is supposed to be doing - kind of frustrating and un-rewarding it would make it easier to swallow those 6 pills each day if I really knew they were working.
After my appointment I was feeling ok so we went grocery shopping and ended up picking up picnic fixings at the store and had a picnic at Beck Lake. It was fun - the kids all jumped into the back seat of Mom's car and were watching their DVD and eating together - nice time.
We headed back to Mom's and Tony passed out for his nap and I was about to join him - this week is really pooping me out - when we got to Mom's I took almost a 2 hour nap. Mom filled the water table with warm water and the kids played. Judging by what was out when I woke up I think they did play-doh and kitchen play, too.
Rob called to tell me he was home - so the kids and I packed up and went home. I had a headache that was starting and it took forever to go away. We had a quick dinner before Ellie and I went over for camp orientation except once we got there I remembered I hadn't taken my xeloda before we left - so we stayed for the counselor introduction and then had to leave. The kids are now asleep and Rob and I are relaxing on the couch. Tomorrow after my treatment we will head up to Michigan for the weekend. Rob's Mom flew into town tonight and Dean took her up this evening. I am hoping I have enough energy to do something this weekend - I am yawning just thinking about work. First order of business when we arrive is to go buy a new mattress - it took me almost a week to recover from Memorial Day on that mattress.
I won't have an Internet connection until Sunday so I will write then - hope everyone has a nice weekend - visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Officially 2 weeks through
Long night last night - poor Ellie was up most of the night vomiting. I have to say of all symptoms a child can have I think vomit is the worst - there is nothing you can do it just needs to work its way out. Rob and I watched tv for a bit - Rob gave me a lovely foot massage.
We were all up early - Nick didn't ever fall into a deep sleep last night and he was up when he heard Rob leave for work. Ellie was hungry - so we tried a banana and some ginger ale - no luck she was not ready to keep anything down yet. I made the smart decision to close the windows and try to keep some of the cooler air inside today. We got dressed and headed to Mom's. Despite Ellie not feeling well - she was the only one Tony wanted today (I just hope he doesn't get sick, too). We packed some snacks and a couple plastic bags for Ellie and left for the hospital. I didn't even make it to check in today and Jenny was there to take me in. The hard table is beginning to wear on me - it was hard to begin with but it seems each day it is getting harder to get up from it. It was another quick appointment but when I was saying see you tomorrow I was informed it was doctor day. I was seated in the exam room and Dr. Nanda came in - just wanted to check and see how everything was going and to see if I had any questions, concerns or criticisms. I told him most of the nausea had worn off (or is very much in check with zofran), that my butt and its hemorrhoids were healing nicely. He told me to expect the diarrhea to probably become more regular and the fatigue to most likely become more consistent. I called Mom and she and the kids met me at the entrance. Ellie was still vomiting but thankfully approaching the 24 hour mark of this bug.
I have had a tail-light out on my car for more than a month now and its getting more dangerous and annoying - so we picked up my car and took it to the dealership to get it fixed. I dropped the car off and we went to Kohl's for a little time wasting shopping. It was crazy - Tony was in his stroller, Nick rode in the cart for about a minute and then Ellie jumped in and Nick ended up helping Mom push Tony. We picked up lunch because the boys were vocalizing hunger - everyone must have been hungry because the car fell silent while they ate. I got a call saying the car was done so we cruised back there to pick it up. I met Mom back at her house - timed it right and we both were there about the same time.
I closed my eyes for a while but was assaulted by two little boys - I woke up to the three eyed men from Toy Story inside my shirt, stickers on my shirt and Tony had wedged a plate under my fingers. Ellie just chilled out in the glider chair and had her feet up, too. I tried to coerce both of the boys to lay down with me and although they both initially did lay down they both left. We eventually made our way home - Nick borrowing the firetruck from the playroom. He played with it non-stop until we sat down for dinner - coming up with stories - a storm was coming, a fire needed to be put out - on and on but independent.
My big side effect today has been light headed and dizzy. Mom and I got dinner ready, Rob came home and Dad arrived. We ate a very tasty dinner and could have easily had a couple more people join us because we put away a bunch of food for leftovers. Ellie still isn't herself (she fell asleep like 2 minutes after getting tucked into bed). Nick isn't himself wither - not sure what his deal is. I think I have heart burn but I don't know because I have only had it about once before. Rob and I are flipping back and forth between the Hawks game and Top Chef. Today I started my 3rd week of xeloda and it was my 10th radiation appointment -slowly but surely the days are being checked off. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
We were all up early - Nick didn't ever fall into a deep sleep last night and he was up when he heard Rob leave for work. Ellie was hungry - so we tried a banana and some ginger ale - no luck she was not ready to keep anything down yet. I made the smart decision to close the windows and try to keep some of the cooler air inside today. We got dressed and headed to Mom's. Despite Ellie not feeling well - she was the only one Tony wanted today (I just hope he doesn't get sick, too). We packed some snacks and a couple plastic bags for Ellie and left for the hospital. I didn't even make it to check in today and Jenny was there to take me in. The hard table is beginning to wear on me - it was hard to begin with but it seems each day it is getting harder to get up from it. It was another quick appointment but when I was saying see you tomorrow I was informed it was doctor day. I was seated in the exam room and Dr. Nanda came in - just wanted to check and see how everything was going and to see if I had any questions, concerns or criticisms. I told him most of the nausea had worn off (or is very much in check with zofran), that my butt and its hemorrhoids were healing nicely. He told me to expect the diarrhea to probably become more regular and the fatigue to most likely become more consistent. I called Mom and she and the kids met me at the entrance. Ellie was still vomiting but thankfully approaching the 24 hour mark of this bug.
I have had a tail-light out on my car for more than a month now and its getting more dangerous and annoying - so we picked up my car and took it to the dealership to get it fixed. I dropped the car off and we went to Kohl's for a little time wasting shopping. It was crazy - Tony was in his stroller, Nick rode in the cart for about a minute and then Ellie jumped in and Nick ended up helping Mom push Tony. We picked up lunch because the boys were vocalizing hunger - everyone must have been hungry because the car fell silent while they ate. I got a call saying the car was done so we cruised back there to pick it up. I met Mom back at her house - timed it right and we both were there about the same time.
I closed my eyes for a while but was assaulted by two little boys - I woke up to the three eyed men from Toy Story inside my shirt, stickers on my shirt and Tony had wedged a plate under my fingers. Ellie just chilled out in the glider chair and had her feet up, too. I tried to coerce both of the boys to lay down with me and although they both initially did lay down they both left. We eventually made our way home - Nick borrowing the firetruck from the playroom. He played with it non-stop until we sat down for dinner - coming up with stories - a storm was coming, a fire needed to be put out - on and on but independent.
My big side effect today has been light headed and dizzy. Mom and I got dinner ready, Rob came home and Dad arrived. We ate a very tasty dinner and could have easily had a couple more people join us because we put away a bunch of food for leftovers. Ellie still isn't herself (she fell asleep like 2 minutes after getting tucked into bed). Nick isn't himself wither - not sure what his deal is. I think I have heart burn but I don't know because I have only had it about once before. Rob and I are flipping back and forth between the Hawks game and Top Chef. Today I started my 3rd week of xeloda and it was my 10th radiation appointment -slowly but surely the days are being checked off. Visualizing my healthy body, Tree
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday and Body Aches
Regular old night last night except Ellie got to go out with her girlfriend for a special treat at her favorite ice cream parlor. Her flavor selection - blue raspberry sorbet and cookie dough - ewwww. Nick was long asleep when Ellie got home but Ellie caught up to him shortly after she got home.
First morning that we don't need to be up for school and both kids are up super early - I tried to explain summer hours to Ellie - we will see if it sunk in or not tomorrow. We ate breakfast before heading over to Mom's house for the first joint morning club. The kids picked out a movie for the car and we were on our way out. Another super quick radiation appointment this morning but I got to tell you my body aches today. It is getting hard to find a comfortable spot to sleep in because both side are radiated as well as my butt so that leaves sleeping on the stomach which isn't always practical - especially for naps.
We went to Costco after my appointment and picked up the basics and some strawberries that smell so good. We got dinner makings for tomorrow night and then headed back to Mom's for lunch. No one was really motivated to eat - my kids have turned into me. I had a peanut butter and jelly, Ellie had a slice of cheese and a slice of ham, Nick had a couple orange peppers. Mom took the kids to play while I put my feet up and tried to sleep. I am so tired today but my body was not about relaxing to the sleep point.
When I went to the porch it was play-doh time but soon switched to treasure searching in Mom's jewelry boxes. Ellie could have stayed all day but I tried to explain its called morning club for a reason. We ended up heading home and watching some videos and just had chill out time. Rob had to work a school event tonight so I knew it was just me and the kids for dinner and asked if they wanted to go out to Red Robin for a treat - everyone was in agreement. Right before we left Ellie complained her head was hurting her (she has picked up my sympathy side effects lately and has a canker sore also). I was sure it had to do with her not really eating this afternoon and told her she'd feel better after she ate.
We got to the restaurant and ordered - the kids colored their menus in but Ellie seemed out of it. Sure enough dinner comes and she isn't touching anything on her plate and then the tell tale cough comes (the one the pre warns the eminent vomit about to happen). We were right by the bar and I asked for a bag (thinking they would have them right there and knowing there was absolutely no way we were making it to the washroom in time) but the bags were in back and we ended up standing over the garbage can in the bar temporarily. I asked for the check and the manager came over and voided our bill - she was insistent, she said she was a Mom and understood - totally unexpected but totally nice.
We quickly made our way home and I felt so bad but I told Ellie there was absolutely no way I could help her out of her clothing because I could feel my stomach knotting up. Thinking about things with Mom we are wondering if we didn't have some bug in the house - Nick didn't feel right on Saturday, I rarely feel right (but I take the king of anti-nausea pills) and Ellie today. I gave the kids a bath and we put of pj's - Rob is home sooner than planned. Rob and Nick are playing trains and Ellie is watching High School Musical.
My huge accomplishment of the day - I got to refill my xeloda pill case for the 3rd week. Tomorrow is 2 weeks down of xeloda about 4 to go (1/3 done - woohoo). I am not looking forward to the temperature getting hot again tomorrow - I've liked the cool - not the rain so much. Visualising my healthy body (and my family staying healthy), Tree
First morning that we don't need to be up for school and both kids are up super early - I tried to explain summer hours to Ellie - we will see if it sunk in or not tomorrow. We ate breakfast before heading over to Mom's house for the first joint morning club. The kids picked out a movie for the car and we were on our way out. Another super quick radiation appointment this morning but I got to tell you my body aches today. It is getting hard to find a comfortable spot to sleep in because both side are radiated as well as my butt so that leaves sleeping on the stomach which isn't always practical - especially for naps.
We went to Costco after my appointment and picked up the basics and some strawberries that smell so good. We got dinner makings for tomorrow night and then headed back to Mom's for lunch. No one was really motivated to eat - my kids have turned into me. I had a peanut butter and jelly, Ellie had a slice of cheese and a slice of ham, Nick had a couple orange peppers. Mom took the kids to play while I put my feet up and tried to sleep. I am so tired today but my body was not about relaxing to the sleep point.
When I went to the porch it was play-doh time but soon switched to treasure searching in Mom's jewelry boxes. Ellie could have stayed all day but I tried to explain its called morning club for a reason. We ended up heading home and watching some videos and just had chill out time. Rob had to work a school event tonight so I knew it was just me and the kids for dinner and asked if they wanted to go out to Red Robin for a treat - everyone was in agreement. Right before we left Ellie complained her head was hurting her (she has picked up my sympathy side effects lately and has a canker sore also). I was sure it had to do with her not really eating this afternoon and told her she'd feel better after she ate.
We got to the restaurant and ordered - the kids colored their menus in but Ellie seemed out of it. Sure enough dinner comes and she isn't touching anything on her plate and then the tell tale cough comes (the one the pre warns the eminent vomit about to happen). We were right by the bar and I asked for a bag (thinking they would have them right there and knowing there was absolutely no way we were making it to the washroom in time) but the bags were in back and we ended up standing over the garbage can in the bar temporarily. I asked for the check and the manager came over and voided our bill - she was insistent, she said she was a Mom and understood - totally unexpected but totally nice.
We quickly made our way home and I felt so bad but I told Ellie there was absolutely no way I could help her out of her clothing because I could feel my stomach knotting up. Thinking about things with Mom we are wondering if we didn't have some bug in the house - Nick didn't feel right on Saturday, I rarely feel right (but I take the king of anti-nausea pills) and Ellie today. I gave the kids a bath and we put of pj's - Rob is home sooner than planned. Rob and Nick are playing trains and Ellie is watching High School Musical.
My huge accomplishment of the day - I got to refill my xeloda pill case for the 3rd week. Tomorrow is 2 weeks down of xeloda about 4 to go (1/3 done - woohoo). I am not looking forward to the temperature getting hot again tomorrow - I've liked the cool - not the rain so much. Visualising my healthy body (and my family staying healthy), Tree
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