Well I couldn't be more thankful that Friday has arrived...2 days off from treatments! I also feel the best I have felt all week! I keep telling myself not to over do it though. I hope to continue to feel this well throughout the weekend as we have a big weekend ahead of us. Jerrid's sisters, Jina and Jessica, got in from Texas yesterday and the rest of the fam, Jill, Russ, Jaci and the kids are coming into town tonight! Brayden has been keeping Jina and Jessica very busy; playing baseball, painting pictures, farming, and now at the Children's Museum. Jerrid (or Butts as Brayden calls him) has gotten a little break, and even got to spend some time with just me. This time was spent sleeping of course, as we are both exhausted! Jina and Jessica have been doing a great job of making sure that I do NOTHING, and it's great to have them here...even if Jina drives us crazy! Then again...at least it's not Jill! :) (Isn't it great that cancer didn't take my sense of humor?!)
Not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store for us. I guess Nebraska has a big game or something, so we'll probably have to watch that. Since the Hawks don't play this weekend, I suppose I'll wear red and support my boys (now that my own son has turned on me.) My brother's fiance, Linsey's, bachelorette party is also this weekend, so I'm hoping to be able to join them for supper. Other than that, some quality time with the Johansen clan!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Meighan
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Curable
Today after my radiation treatment, I met with my radiologist, Dr. Duckert. He will check in with me once a week. While talking with him he kept using the word, "curable" when talking about my cancer. This was very reassuring and great to hear! He also sent me in for a pelvic MRI this afternoon. This was strictly for radiation planning, specifically planning for my upcoming implant radiation. He stressed that he didn't want this to concern me in any way that he was getting this MRI, and it was strictly for planning purposes. He needs a clear picture of where my tumors are, so he knows where to place the implant radiation. Remember, implant radiation is like radiation on steroids and is placed directly at the site of the tumors. My implant radiation could be done in a couple of weeks or at the end of my treatment. The type of implant radiation I'm going to have is still up in the air. It can be done during my daily radiation treatments, through a pelvic procedure, or a laparoscopic procedure. In a couple of weeks I will have a pelvic exam and another MRI to see how well I am responding to treatment. These will help in planning for where the implant radiation will be targeted and what type will be used.
As for today's MRI, Dr. Duckert just called a little while ago (yes at 6:30...how many of you were still at work at 6:30?) He said the MRI didn't tell him anything that he already didn't know, we are on the right track, he will probably order another one in a couple of weeks, and to keep fighting!
The more time I spend with my doctor's the more I fall in love with them. They are amazing people, and make me feel as if I'm amazing (not that we didn't already know this...but everyone needs a reminder every now and then!) Seriously though, everyone has told me that I couldn't ask for better doctor's and they were right! I have no idea how many patients my doctor's are currently treating, and quite frankly I don't even want to think about it. (There are way too many people battling cancer right now.) BUT...my doctor's (and nurses) make me feel as if I'm their only patient. They have spent a lot of time getting to know my family and me, they are always calling to check on me, they spend quality time with me when I'm in their office, and they treat me as if my case is most important to them at this point. (Which I know isn't the case.) They look me in the eye and tell me, "You have to keep fighting." "This is curable." "We are here for you." These men and women met me a month ago, but the way they treat me you would think I would have known them all my life. They treat me just like all of you, my friends and family, do. Today, I'm very thankful for my doctor's and nurse's and all they are doing for me. As always though, I'm most thankful for all of you...my followers and supporters. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, food, emails, texts, facebook messages, and phone calls. We will never to able to thank you all enough for all you have already done, but are eternally thankful, as you are helping us through a very tough time.
Thank you,
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
As for today's MRI, Dr. Duckert just called a little while ago (yes at 6:30...how many of you were still at work at 6:30?) He said the MRI didn't tell him anything that he already didn't know, we are on the right track, he will probably order another one in a couple of weeks, and to keep fighting!
The more time I spend with my doctor's the more I fall in love with them. They are amazing people, and make me feel as if I'm amazing (not that we didn't already know this...but everyone needs a reminder every now and then!) Seriously though, everyone has told me that I couldn't ask for better doctor's and they were right! I have no idea how many patients my doctor's are currently treating, and quite frankly I don't even want to think about it. (There are way too many people battling cancer right now.) BUT...my doctor's (and nurses) make me feel as if I'm their only patient. They have spent a lot of time getting to know my family and me, they are always calling to check on me, they spend quality time with me when I'm in their office, and they treat me as if my case is most important to them at this point. (Which I know isn't the case.) They look me in the eye and tell me, "You have to keep fighting." "This is curable." "We are here for you." These men and women met me a month ago, but the way they treat me you would think I would have known them all my life. They treat me just like all of you, my friends and family, do. Today, I'm very thankful for my doctor's and nurse's and all they are doing for me. As always though, I'm most thankful for all of you...my followers and supporters. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, food, emails, texts, facebook messages, and phone calls. We will never to able to thank you all enough for all you have already done, but are eternally thankful, as you are helping us through a very tough time.
Thank you,
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Nothing sugar coated here...
Well yesterday proved to be about the worst day yet, and from what doctor's and nurses are telling me...every Tuesday will probably be the same. Since I'm going through the same schedule every week: Chemo on Monday, radiation Monday through Friday...I can probably expect the side effects to be the same every week.
Yesterday, the nausea feeling was overwhelming (even with taking the meds the prescribed me)...even the slightest bit of movement made me feel as if I was going to vomit. I didn't move from my bed much of the day, and if I wasn't sleeping I was just staring off into space. I didn't have the energy to read or walk down the stairs to watch TV. My mother, being the amazing mother she is, was by my side all day still shoving chicken noodle soup and water down my throat. She keeps reminding me, "You have to eat and stay hydrated to keep your energy up." I know I have to do this, but it's hard to do when you're feeling that crappy. So once again...thank goodness for my mother!
Last night my brother and Linsey brought over supper...it looked good, but I didn't think I could stomach it. I did join them on the couch though. Even if I don't get to eat all the great food people are bringing, I'm glad Jerrid and Brayden are eating well. Jerrid is concerned that he is going to gain weight through all of this.
This morning, I was still feeling a little nauseous, but it had subsided some. After radiation today, I came home and went back to bed. At the moment, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm on the couch, watching TV, checking email, typing a blog, fixing my own lunch, and filling my own water cup...these are all GREAT improvements from yesterday! I'm hoping as each day passes after Tuesday, I feel better and better. Only to have to do it all over again week after week...but hopefully it's only 7 weeks of my life! :) I'll be seeing Dr. Morris, my oncologist, every Monday before chemo, so I'm going to see if I can get some more powerful nausea meds. If not, I'll just learn to deal with it I guess!
Well that's all for now...cancer sucks, chemo sucks, recovering from surgery sucks...but soon enough this will all be behind us and I'll probably have more fight in me than I did before...so watch out LVJH! :)
Yesterday, the nausea feeling was overwhelming (even with taking the meds the prescribed me)...even the slightest bit of movement made me feel as if I was going to vomit. I didn't move from my bed much of the day, and if I wasn't sleeping I was just staring off into space. I didn't have the energy to read or walk down the stairs to watch TV. My mother, being the amazing mother she is, was by my side all day still shoving chicken noodle soup and water down my throat. She keeps reminding me, "You have to eat and stay hydrated to keep your energy up." I know I have to do this, but it's hard to do when you're feeling that crappy. So once again...thank goodness for my mother!
Last night my brother and Linsey brought over supper...it looked good, but I didn't think I could stomach it. I did join them on the couch though. Even if I don't get to eat all the great food people are bringing, I'm glad Jerrid and Brayden are eating well. Jerrid is concerned that he is going to gain weight through all of this.
This morning, I was still feeling a little nauseous, but it had subsided some. After radiation today, I came home and went back to bed. At the moment, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm on the couch, watching TV, checking email, typing a blog, fixing my own lunch, and filling my own water cup...these are all GREAT improvements from yesterday! I'm hoping as each day passes after Tuesday, I feel better and better. Only to have to do it all over again week after week...but hopefully it's only 7 weeks of my life! :) I'll be seeing Dr. Morris, my oncologist, every Monday before chemo, so I'm going to see if I can get some more powerful nausea meds. If not, I'll just learn to deal with it I guess!
Well that's all for now...cancer sucks, chemo sucks, recovering from surgery sucks...but soon enough this will all be behind us and I'll probably have more fight in me than I did before...so watch out LVJH! :)
Monday, September 26, 2011
And so it begins...
Well my first round of chemo and radiation is over and if you have followed any of my previous posts you will not be surprised to find out that things didn't go as smoothly as we would have liked.
Now that I'm home I am already experiencing the symptoms they told me that I could/would. Basically my insides are waging a battle against each other and I am coming out the loser at this time. They might be winning this battle right now but I as you all know I am determined to win in the end! This would be bad enough if it was by itself, but it is in conjunction with my procedure from last week and I think the side effects are counteracting each other. Additionally, since I am kind of a small person I think I feel the effects of any procedure a little more strongly than if I was a 250 lb. behemoth like my sister-in-law, Jina. JUST KIDDING JINA! That was from your brother and we can't wait to see you this weekend!
So there you have it...my day in a nutshell. Tomorrow through Friday I go in for my radiation treatments. I will have to get the x-rays done each day until my level of bloatedness is consistent and my marks haven't moved. Thank you all, once again for you level of care and concern! It is greatly appreciated by my family and I. We will keep you posted as to my progress.
Meighan (with the help of Jerrid)
- Problem #1...I was so bloated from my procedure last Monday that the radiologist had to have me do four x-rays in order to reposition the targets for the radiation.
- Problem #2a...because I have been blessed with my mother's small and hard blood vessels they were not able to easily find one for the chemo injection.
- Problem #2b...because they have to use a different vein for each chemo injection the fear was that if they found one today they would have a heck of a time finding another next week, and the next, and the next...
Now that I'm home I am already experiencing the symptoms they told me that I could/would. Basically my insides are waging a battle against each other and I am coming out the loser at this time. They might be winning this battle right now but I as you all know I am determined to win in the end! This would be bad enough if it was by itself, but it is in conjunction with my procedure from last week and I think the side effects are counteracting each other. Additionally, since I am kind of a small person I think I feel the effects of any procedure a little more strongly than if I was a 250 lb. behemoth like my sister-in-law, Jina. JUST KIDDING JINA! That was from your brother and we can't wait to see you this weekend!
So there you have it...my day in a nutshell. Tomorrow through Friday I go in for my radiation treatments. I will have to get the x-rays done each day until my level of bloatedness is consistent and my marks haven't moved. Thank you all, once again for you level of care and concern! It is greatly appreciated by my family and I. We will keep you posted as to my progress.
Meighan (with the help of Jerrid)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Jerrid
Many of you have been asking me how Jerrid is holding up, so I thought I'd take some time to fill you in on how I think he is doing. At some point, he may take some time to tell you himself.
Many of you probably don't know that Jerrid lost his mother to cancer almost 5 years ago. So as you you can imagine, this can't be easy as he has been having to re-live a lot of things. With that said though, he has been my rock through this all, as he knows all the right questions to ask and understands everything the doctors tell us. Along with being my rock and husband, he's been my best friend, an awesome father (and mother at times) to Brayden and Mogi, my nurse, a shoulder to cry on, and always there to make me laugh. We have always thought we made a good team whether it be because he always eats what I won't, he cooks and I clean up the kitchen, or I fold the laundry and he puts it away. He told me the other day that he has gotten strength and courage from me, which is funny because I thought I was getting strength and courage from him...so I guess once again we are making a good team and giving each other strength and courage. Either way, I can't think of a better team member to go going through all of this with.
Let's not forget about the rest of our team though: ALL of you...our family and friends. I love getting the mail everyday, as there are always cards with uplifting and kind words. Our freezer, fridge, and stomachs for that matter, never go empty with all the food people are bringing us. I think my mother has already put 1,000 miles on her car in the last week driving back and forth multiple times, any time we need her. She not only has brought food and supplies, but done laundry and cleaned my house better than I have since I've lived here. She has been there any time of the day and supported us through multiple doctor's visits, because sometimes we just don't feel as if we can do it, just the two of us. We'll never be able to thank her enough for all she's done, but I only hope I will be able to re-pay her later in life...I'll definitely splurge for a top-notch nursing home! :) The morning before my cone biopsy procedure, ironically my sister (in Minnesota) and I were both watching CMT and this music video came on, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You all are loving me through all of this and it will get me through all that is ahead of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ&ob=av2e
Ok...now back to who this blog was supposed to be about! :) I would say Jerrid is overwhelmed, but he's hiding it well. Through all that he has been doing for myself and Brayden he has had to miss a lot of work and cross country which has been hard. But at the same time, when he is at work and/or cross country, then it's hard for him to be away from us. He wants to do it all, but that just isn't possible. Luckily, there are great people to fill in for him in his absence. Papio South has been very supportive through all of this, and he has a great sub when he is gone. Coach Stenger and the cross country boys have been very supportive and understanding through all of this also. So, thank you to all of you for making this easier on him. As for when he can not be with me, people are fighting over who gets to spend that time with me...which isn't a surprise! :) No, but really...there have been multiple people offering to come over whenever we need someone. Lastly, Jerrid's family has been his rock. They are always calling, writing, texting, visiting, and helping in any way that they can. As for me, I couldn't ask for better in-laws!
While Jerrid is home with me he's constantly tending to my every need. He has a timer set to go off every four hours so I make sure to get my meds on time (even in the middle of the night.) He's always making sure my water bottle is full, that my temperature is normal, and that my incision is healing correctly. He's forcing me to eat, putting the heating pad on my bruises, and icing my blisters (come to find out I'm allergic to steri strips.) This all seems like enough to keep him busy, but beyond this he is playing with Brayden, tending to his every need and trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, while trying to keep up with things around the house the best he can. Last night while I laid on the couch, my 2 boys were downstairs playing. I turned off the TV and listened to them play, laugh, and talk for over an hour. It was the sweetest thing ever and made me so thankful for Jerrid...not only for all he has done for me, but especially all he has done for Brayden. Those of you that know Jerrid, know that he has always loved Superman. Well he has shown me over the last week that he is Superman; he does it all with a smile and doesn't stop. I'm sure he's exhausted and overwhelmed, but you would never know it. Blake Shelton has a song out called, God Gave Me You, and the lyrics truly express how thankful I am for Jerrid. Many of you have said you are inspired by my outlook and strength, well I wouldn't be the way I am if it wasn't for Jerrid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCf2PoTuh4Q&ob=av2n
Many of you probably don't know that Jerrid lost his mother to cancer almost 5 years ago. So as you you can imagine, this can't be easy as he has been having to re-live a lot of things. With that said though, he has been my rock through this all, as he knows all the right questions to ask and understands everything the doctors tell us. Along with being my rock and husband, he's been my best friend, an awesome father (and mother at times) to Brayden and Mogi, my nurse, a shoulder to cry on, and always there to make me laugh. We have always thought we made a good team whether it be because he always eats what I won't, he cooks and I clean up the kitchen, or I fold the laundry and he puts it away. He told me the other day that he has gotten strength and courage from me, which is funny because I thought I was getting strength and courage from him...so I guess once again we are making a good team and giving each other strength and courage. Either way, I can't think of a better team member to go going through all of this with.
Let's not forget about the rest of our team though: ALL of you...our family and friends. I love getting the mail everyday, as there are always cards with uplifting and kind words. Our freezer, fridge, and stomachs for that matter, never go empty with all the food people are bringing us. I think my mother has already put 1,000 miles on her car in the last week driving back and forth multiple times, any time we need her. She not only has brought food and supplies, but done laundry and cleaned my house better than I have since I've lived here. She has been there any time of the day and supported us through multiple doctor's visits, because sometimes we just don't feel as if we can do it, just the two of us. We'll never be able to thank her enough for all she's done, but I only hope I will be able to re-pay her later in life...I'll definitely splurge for a top-notch nursing home! :) The morning before my cone biopsy procedure, ironically my sister (in Minnesota) and I were both watching CMT and this music video came on, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You all are loving me through all of this and it will get me through all that is ahead of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ&ob=av2e
Ok...now back to who this blog was supposed to be about! :) I would say Jerrid is overwhelmed, but he's hiding it well. Through all that he has been doing for myself and Brayden he has had to miss a lot of work and cross country which has been hard. But at the same time, when he is at work and/or cross country, then it's hard for him to be away from us. He wants to do it all, but that just isn't possible. Luckily, there are great people to fill in for him in his absence. Papio South has been very supportive through all of this, and he has a great sub when he is gone. Coach Stenger and the cross country boys have been very supportive and understanding through all of this also. So, thank you to all of you for making this easier on him. As for when he can not be with me, people are fighting over who gets to spend that time with me...which isn't a surprise! :) No, but really...there have been multiple people offering to come over whenever we need someone. Lastly, Jerrid's family has been his rock. They are always calling, writing, texting, visiting, and helping in any way that they can. As for me, I couldn't ask for better in-laws!
While Jerrid is home with me he's constantly tending to my every need. He has a timer set to go off every four hours so I make sure to get my meds on time (even in the middle of the night.) He's always making sure my water bottle is full, that my temperature is normal, and that my incision is healing correctly. He's forcing me to eat, putting the heating pad on my bruises, and icing my blisters (come to find out I'm allergic to steri strips.) This all seems like enough to keep him busy, but beyond this he is playing with Brayden, tending to his every need and trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, while trying to keep up with things around the house the best he can. Last night while I laid on the couch, my 2 boys were downstairs playing. I turned off the TV and listened to them play, laugh, and talk for over an hour. It was the sweetest thing ever and made me so thankful for Jerrid...not only for all he has done for me, but especially all he has done for Brayden. Those of you that know Jerrid, know that he has always loved Superman. Well he has shown me over the last week that he is Superman; he does it all with a smile and doesn't stop. I'm sure he's exhausted and overwhelmed, but you would never know it. Blake Shelton has a song out called, God Gave Me You, and the lyrics truly express how thankful I am for Jerrid. Many of you have said you are inspired by my outlook and strength, well I wouldn't be the way I am if it wasn't for Jerrid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCf2PoTuh4Q&ob=av2n
Friday, September 23, 2011
"What can I do?"
The outpouring of support we have received from our families, friends, co-workers, sports teams, ect. has been amazing! Everyone is asking what they can do to help, what we need, and offering so many things...we are so thankful! Many people are wanting to bring food, frozen meals, gift cards, and ect. My Special Education colleagues at LVJH have set up a website to assist with this. On the website people can sign up for dates they plan to bring food, along with what they plan to bring. I thought I would post the website so others can also use it if they'd like.
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=58b901e9-90eb-4e95-b6f8-afc290de476f
My treatments will be in the mornings, so meals can be dropped off about any time in the afternoon or evening. You may want to text of call ahead of time to make sure I'm around.
We will never be able to thank everyone enough, but please know we are extremely thankful for all of you!
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=58b901e9-90eb-4e95-b6f8-afc290de476f
My treatments will be in the mornings, so meals can be dropped off about any time in the afternoon or evening. You may want to text of call ahead of time to make sure I'm around.
We will never be able to thank everyone enough, but please know we are extremely thankful for all of you!
Meighan, Jerrid, Brayden, and Mogi
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Breaking out!
Well I'm finally breaking out of the hospital! It's been a long 3 day stay and am looking forward to the comfort of my own home! On the agenda for this weekend: lots of rest, relaxation, and hydration so I'm ready to take on chemo and radiation Monday morning!
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