Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Introducing Miranda

And the shaving begins...

Half way done!

Wowzers!

This process went very smoothly...no tears...only smiles...and was a lot of fun actually!

Demi, sorry, but you ain't got nothin on me!  I actually like the shaved look and may rock it every now and then...especially on those really hot days!

Meet Miranda!

This is my "hat wig".  Codi is on back ordered and since Codi is a shorter wig I was wanting something that I could wear in Chicago and throughout the summer that would be a little cooler.  This wig doesn't have anything on the top of the head, so I have to wear a hat or a scarf over it. 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Miranda or Codi

These are the names you can call me dependent on which wig I'm wearing...that's right folks...I got two!  Two, mind you, that are really nothing like my current hair style.  I figure, if I have to shave my head and wear a wig...I may as well have fun with this!  We had a great time today trying on many wigs; all that have different woman's names and come in many different colors.  All of the wigs that were shorter and more similar to my current hair style had this weird fringe thing going on around the neck that I had huge issues with, so I just couldn't go with one of them.  I'm confident in the two I chose and it will be fun mixing things up!

We leave next Wednesday for Chicago and chances are I will not have any hair loss yet, but it will probably happen while we are in Chicago.  So I decided to tell cancer who's boss and before it takes my hair from me, I'm going to shave it all off!  I made an appointment for Tuesday the 21st.  My wigs had to be ordered so I'll get those then and learn all about taking care of them.  It sounds much easier than taking care of real hair...bonus!

So it's 10:42 pm, I'm still up, AND I didn't have a nap today!  I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately, so I decided to skip the nap today and hopefully I'm so exhausted tonight I can actually sleep!  They had told me to try taking Benedryl or Tylenol PM to sleep...so I did.  Both nights they both gave me restless arms and legs, so it defeated the whole purpose!  Go figure!

We went down to the CWS tonight around 5, and just got home so it's been a pretty full day!  I feel exhausted, so here goes nothing!

Goodnight!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Knocking on wood

Well I hate to speak too soon, but I think I'm as close to being back to myself as I'm going to be!  Finally, yesterday when I woke up from my nap, I felt pretty good and have continued to through today.  Last night we met up with friends and went to the 8:00 CWS game.  It was a beautiful night and before I knew it, it was 11:00 and I was still feeling great...crazy!  Today, we went out to Avoca to celebrate Father's Day and had a great lunch (and bloody mary) at the Clubhouse.  I of course took a nap, but so did everyone else, and I'm still going strong! 

Even though I haven't felt 100% the past few days, I have however, completed a couple pretty big feats in my life:
1.  I'm drinking juice every morning that has spinach, kale, carrots, and other veggies in it.  There is also fruit and they surprisingly taste good!
2.  I had my first veggie burger.  This was tough for a couple of reasons:  I was raised on beef, and I don't like veggies that well.  I knew my dad would be sad to hear this, but proud at the same time!  Turns out veggie burgers aren't that bad...thank goodness!

Tomorrow, I'm off to see the cosmetologist at Estabrook for my wig fitting.  My mom, Kellie, Linsey, and most importantly Flynn are going along.  I still have yet to have any of the "sensations" she told me I would before my hair actually starts to fall out.  She said those would most likely occur between 10 to 16 days after treatment though, and we're only about a week out.  I'm looking forward to finding a wig though and getting everything else I need, so I'm ready whenever it does happen...or as ready as I can be for this?!?

Beyond tomorrow, I'm also looking forward to enjoying a couple of weeks before my next treatment.  We've got plans to go to a couple CWS games, spending some time with good friends coming into town, taking a trip to Chicago with Jerrid for a long weekend and a good friends wedding, and of course many pool trips and whatever else the boss, Brayden, wants to do!

Thank you for all your support and prayers...if those have any power...I'm definitely going to kick this again!

Love,
Meighan

Friday, June 15, 2012

Brown rice and lentils?!?!

Yes...believe it or not, this was part of my supper last night...along with salmon and asparagus!  I wasn't a fan of the brown rice and lentils.  They were very similar to refried beans, which I can not stand.  I still took about 5 bites though, and every little bit has got to help, right?

Well this meal is just a glimpse into my new diet...it includes lots of green veggies, tomatoes,  fish and shrimp, berries, stone fruit, whole-grain and wheat breads and pastas, organic meat and poultry in moderation, green tea, things seasoned with turmeric, olive oil, and garlic, and the list goes on. 

Last night Jerrid put every green veggie he could find through our juicer along with some pears...it wasn't awful...but I have since found some new recipes to hopefully make it taste a little better!

Well at 11:38 am on Friday, June 15th, I am finally feeling pretty close to myself.  I think the side effect that has lasted the longest has been fatigue.  I continued to feel pretty good most of Tuesday.  About two in the afternoon, I got really flushed and this lasted the rest of the day and night, but I never did run a fever.  The nausea set in around four on Tuesday and lasted until about four on Wednesday...not too bad.  I was able to drink my 72 ounces of liquid and keep some food down which was a huge feat.  I was trying my hardest and pushed through dry heaving a couple of times, and I prevailed!  Yesterday, I was very tired and the littlest things take it all out of me...like walking up and down the stairs.  I'm trying to take it easy though, as I don't want to overdo it so I can hopefully have a good couple of weeks before my next treatment.  Sleeping at night as been touch and go...some nights are good...last night, not so much!  Chemo can cause body aches, and that is what seems to keep me up at night...so last night I finally took some Tylenol PM so I could get some sleep!  Today I'm looking forward to getting out of the house and maybe seeing a movie this evening with Jerrid...I'm sure a nap will be in the cards too!

Over the past few days, I've had a lot of visitors and care givers which have allowed Jerrid and Brayden to get out of the house...thank you, thank you, thank you!  I've also received many cards, texts, messages, and emails...as before, those are what keep me going, so thank you for your uplifting words and continued prayers!

Until next time,
Meighan

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Just a little update...lengthy one at that!

Well it's 7:28 am on Tuesday morning and so far, I'm still feeling pretty well.  During chemo yesterday they gave me two new meds that are supposed to suppress the nausea for about 24 hours.  I also took some steroids the night before and the morning of.  So instead of 3 or 4 bad days...maybe I'll only have 2 or 3?! :)  So far so good...they thought the nauseousness would probably start kicking in around this afternoon or evening...we shall see.  Until then I'm going to try and get some things done.  First on my list, a blog update...second on my list, a new phone.  My beautiful iphone is crapping out on me...may have something to do with being dropped in the toilet a couple of months ago and then taking a pretty good fall off of the Omaha Patio Ride a couple of weeks ago. 

Going into yesterday, we thought it was going to be a very boring day, but we we're pleasantly surprised with how quickly the day went.  We went to see Dr. Morris at 8 to get my chemo orders, but instead just saw Jean (Oncology nurse to some, my savior to me...she is always only a phone call away and always checking in on me,) and Dr. Morris's PA.  Dr. Morris got called to surgery, but would be down later to see me.

By about 8:30, I was down checking into infusion hoping that I would have my old chemo nurse Kathy and sure enough...I did!  We were both happy to see each other, but wished the circumstances were different!  Not long after Kathy got me hooked up for some fluids...which by the way, through the port is very easy...Lori Fuchs, Estabrook Cancer Center's cosmetologist came to see me.  She educated us on the hair loss process, along with how to take care of my skin, scalp, and nails during chemo.  We made an appointment with her for a wig fitting on Monday.  I don't have a lot of hair to begin with, so when the first clump comes out I've decided to shave it all then.  She said it will probably be at least 10 days, if not 15 before the first clump falls out...but I want to be ready with a wig or wigs :), hats, and wraps when it does!  I also didn't know about all the different things that I can not put on my skin, things that are in most lotions and shampoos, so it was good to talk to her about all of this.  After she left Kathy came in and gave me a crap ton of benedryl through my IV, this is protocol before receiving Taxol chemo as many patients have reactions to it.  Well the only reaction I had was to the benedryl...go figure! :)  I immediately was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open, but then my legs and arms got so restless I couldn't lay still, let alone sleep...it was almost miserable.  Kathy had offered me ativan when I first got there to take the edge off, as some people are nervous about getting chemo, but I declined.  When I couldn't stop moving my arms and legs though, I asked her if I took that ativan if that would help and she said it would.  So I took the ativan and within an hour I was back to myself.  My mom then showed up with some PF Changs and her kindle with the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy downloaded to it...yep, I'm jumping on the bandwagon!  She didn't stay long as she was supposed to be watching Brayden, and he had been with Papa all morning, so she thought it was probably time for her to relieve Papa.  It was probably a good thing she left when she did after hearing the first thing Brayden told me when he got home was, "Mom, turns out my shit boots really are shit boots...I got cow shit all over them today with Papa!"  How many times can a four year old say "shit" in one sentence...goodness!  After my mom left our friend Shannon showed up with my favorite pretzels and cheese from Auntie Anne's at Oakview...yes I know they have them at Westroads, but the warm cheese from Oakview is MUCH better! :)  Ridiculous that I know this, but believe me...the cheese makes all the difference.  Not long after Shannon showed up our friend Kristin showed up with lunch!  Those girls stayed around for awhile, which was great and made the afternoon fly by.  After they left the hospitals dietician came by to talk about how to keep my nutrients up during my bad days when I'm very nauseous.  First and foremost, I have to keep pushing the fluids.  I have to get at least 72 ounces of fluids down a day...if I can't do this, I have to let Jean know and I'll either have to go in to get IV fluids or they'll send somebody out to give me them (if my insurance will pay for that.)  She also gave me some samples of ensure fruit juices to try...these not only count towards my ounces per day, but also give me calories and nutrients when I'm unable to eat much.

Yesterday, we had a lot of information thrown at us, but it was all great to hear and take in.  Not that chemo was a joke last time, but this time it really isn't.  There are a lot more things I need to stay on top of on a daily basis.  I went on a Target run last night with my sister and while there picked up a journal.  I thought this would be the best way to keep track of my meds, my fluids, my foods, and my nausea and vomiting.  My husband has also jumped on a new bandwagon and is putting me on a totally different diet...the hardest part for me of this diet is going to be NO pop and minimal alcohol.  :)  Although during chemo last time, I didn't drink either of these...so maybe it won't be as hard as I think. 

I'd like to end my blog with a string of text messages I received my family in Buffalo yesterday...
Text: "They say laughter is the best medicine.  I believe this is true!  Hope these pics help!

Text:  "STAY STRONG!"
Text: "Lean on ME if you're not strong!"




Text:  "We just want you to know we're thinking about you!

Text: "Heard you might loose your hair.  No worries, these two work for locks of love!"  (My thought...hell yes they do...I've never seen two dogs that shed so much!)

Text:  "Plus...hats are where it's at!"


Text:  "And everyone knows bald is beautiful!"
Text:  "Bottom line..."

Text:  This treatment is going to be a hole in one!

Text:  "I've got all the GOOD Catholics, and some angels, praying for you!"
Text: "Hope these crazy pictures have helped you 'grin and bear' it today!"  (My thought...that they did...Jerrid and I were laughing hysterically with everyone we got!)

Text:  My MAGIC balls says there are a lot of people in Buffalo that are going to LOVE YOU through this!!!!"



THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...for all the support given to us thus far!  Everyone is always asking what they can do, sending cards, emails, texts, facebook messages, food, ect.  Keep the prayers coming and we will definitely let you know with what you can help with...from the bottom of our hearts...THANK YOU!

Love,
Meighan, Jerrid, and Brayden

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Groundhog Day

The movie Groundhog Day would be a great way to describe what we are going through right now.  It feels as if we are going through everything we went through last fall all over again.  Dr.'s visit...wait...scan...wait...biopsy...wait...diagnosis...wait...you get the drift!  As for what is going on right now...I got my port put in yesterday.  The procedure went really well and was home yesterday afternoon.  I'm a little sore, but the pain meds help with that and I should be ready to start chemo on Monday!  The plan is for me to have chemo once every three weeks and have another scan after 4 to 6 treatments to see how I am responding.  Chemo will be a cocktail chemo mixing 2 different types of chemo...cisplatin and taxol.  When I first did chemo I was on cisplatin but a much lower does.  These doses will be very toxic...which they have to be to beat it this time around.  I will lose my hair soon after the first treatment and have already bought a couple cute hats!  I've also bought some big earrings to wear with them, as I've always felt that I look like a guy in a hat.  I will be getting a wig sooner than later, but am just having trouble deciding between the Lady Gaga pink one, or a blonde curly one! :)  Seriously though, I will be meeting with a cosmetologist at Estabrook Cancer Center who will help me with all of this...thank goodness because I've only been bald once and that was for the first two years of my life.  I have always wondered what I'd look like without hair though and figure if Demi can pull it off...I can too!  Besides the hair loss, chemo will more than likely cause some pretty bad nausea and vomiting...nothing I haven't been through before though and hopefully for only a couple of days and then I'll have a couple of weeks to enjoy and regain my strength.  Also, my chemo schedule works around most of our summer plans this summer, so that is a good thing.  We are hoping to still get to Chicago for a good friend's wedding and then North Carolina for a family vacation with my mom's side of the family.

Again...the outpouring of support we are already receiving has been amazing!  Everyone wants to help and do something and at this point you can all help by continuing to think positively and pray...easy enough, right?!  A couple other things I've thought of would be maybe some company during chemo and the days after.  Chemo itself will last 8 hours this time...so someone to bring Jerrid lunch or even just sit with us for a little while would be nice.  Also...the few days right after chemo are probably going to be pretty bad for me, so I was thinking maybe people could come sit with me so Jerrid and Brayden could get out of the house to go to the zoo, pool, and park.  So if you're up for any of that...let us know! 

I'm anxious to get these treatments started and start beating this thing again!  I've done it once, I can do it again!  I defied the odds by even getting this disease so I can defy the odds again by beating it!  Thank you for following our journey, supporting us, thinking positively, and praying!  We'll never be able to thank you all enough!

Meighan, Jerrid, and Brayden