Kathy had her second infusion on Tuesday and she is feeling well enough to go out to lunch today which is a good sign. Not a great sign because she would have to be feeling really really bad not to go to lunch with her friends but it is still a good sign. We like those.
Last week we went to Daniel's graduation at BYU. I wouldn't let her drive at all so she could rest and relax some. I think it worked. She rested and I relaxed some. She seemed well all the way there and back and was able to see the graduation and participate with all the activities. Just needed a nap or two and was rearing to go.
Dan came home with us (in his own car) so we now have Dan, Mike and Matt living at home for awhile. Dan will go when he finds work. Mike we don't know what his plans are and Matt for two more years. The house seems full again and I can't watch whatever I want on TV again. Hey, something has gone terribly wrong.
Kathy's white blood cell count has actually gone up the past week which seems very strange to me but is really great. The danger is when is gets down in the 1's and it was 3.4 last week but 5.3 this week. Weird. Let's just hope it stays that way. Next week is the 3rd in this cycle and then she gets a week off. I hope this time her week off is actually something she can enjoy.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
3rd Infusion, Risks and CT Scan Results
Kathy had her 3rd infusion last week and then went to Idaho to pick up Michael from school. It is hard to believe his school year is over already.
Since coming home she has not felt strong. She is tired and achy and is having a harder time than she has in a long time. We have been watching her temperature to make sure we don't miss the signs this time. We are both hoping to avoid another hospital stay.
With each infusion her white blood cell count goes down. It was low when she went in last week so it could be almost 0 after the third infusion and could explain her not feeling well. She could be fighting the beginning of a sinus infection or just about anything else. It looks like we are back in the world of worrying about the chemo almost as much as we worry about the cancer.
She has noticed her hair is starting to feel crunchy which, as we have discovered twice already, is the precursor to losing her hair. This is an emotionally draining thing that I can't relate too. Or, I relate to it so well that it doesn't bother me much but is defistating to her each time. This will probably be the last time she loses her hair since I believe we have used up all the known medications that don't cause hair loss.
The good news is that the CT scan didn't show much growth in size or number of the tumors. That was a relief but Kathy was so stressed out about the results and everything that she didn't feel like celebrating. I told her the results couldn't have been better but she looked at me and said, "yes they could, she could have told me the cancer was gone". Well, I guess there is that.
After the appointment at the Dr. I went home with her and stayed the rest of the day. She needed to rest and not take Matthew to the DMV for his Learner's Permit. So I drove him there and Kathy slept in the car while we were in the DMV for two hours. Good times.
We are a bit anxious right now over the possibility she might be sick but so far no fever and her Eyes, Nose and Throat Dr has given her some anti-biotics to fight a sinus infection just in case. Thanks for keeping her in your prayers.
Since coming home she has not felt strong. She is tired and achy and is having a harder time than she has in a long time. We have been watching her temperature to make sure we don't miss the signs this time. We are both hoping to avoid another hospital stay.
With each infusion her white blood cell count goes down. It was low when she went in last week so it could be almost 0 after the third infusion and could explain her not feeling well. She could be fighting the beginning of a sinus infection or just about anything else. It looks like we are back in the world of worrying about the chemo almost as much as we worry about the cancer.
She has noticed her hair is starting to feel crunchy which, as we have discovered twice already, is the precursor to losing her hair. This is an emotionally draining thing that I can't relate too. Or, I relate to it so well that it doesn't bother me much but is defistating to her each time. This will probably be the last time she loses her hair since I believe we have used up all the known medications that don't cause hair loss.
The good news is that the CT scan didn't show much growth in size or number of the tumors. That was a relief but Kathy was so stressed out about the results and everything that she didn't feel like celebrating. I told her the results couldn't have been better but she looked at me and said, "yes they could, she could have told me the cancer was gone". Well, I guess there is that.
After the appointment at the Dr. I went home with her and stayed the rest of the day. She needed to rest and not take Matthew to the DMV for his Learner's Permit. So I drove him there and Kathy slept in the car while we were in the DMV for two hours. Good times.
We are a bit anxious right now over the possibility she might be sick but so far no fever and her Eyes, Nose and Throat Dr has given her some anti-biotics to fight a sinus infection just in case. Thanks for keeping her in your prayers.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Two Treatments Down
Well, we really don't know much at this point. Kathy had her second infusion of her newest chemo cocktail. She did well and didn't let us know she was in pain on Friday and Saturday. That was because we had David and Kathryn up for a fun Saturday and she didn't want to be a downer. Only Sunday did she let us know she had been really tired and sore in the bones and muscles.
Two days ago her sister Darlene sat with her thru her 3 hour infusion. Tonight we should see a little more how she feels. Last night she couldn't sleep and was wired all day yesterday. Funny how these things affect the body. You never know. Kathy says she was up til 3:00am before she could sleep. I'm assuming she took some Adavan or whatever but don't know. She didn't wake me at all.
Next week she gets her CT scans again which are supposed to provide a baseline for this chemo mix. It is a little late since she will have already had two infusions but what can you do. That will be interesting to see once we get the results back. She has felt lumps increase so you know something is going on in there. Hmmm.
After her infusion next Wednesday she wants to drive to Reno, pick up Kim and then drive Thursday to get Michael in Idaho. Nothing keeps her down for long.
Two days ago her sister Darlene sat with her thru her 3 hour infusion. Tonight we should see a little more how she feels. Last night she couldn't sleep and was wired all day yesterday. Funny how these things affect the body. You never know. Kathy says she was up til 3:00am before she could sleep. I'm assuming she took some Adavan or whatever but don't know. She didn't wake me at all.
Next week she gets her CT scans again which are supposed to provide a baseline for this chemo mix. It is a little late since she will have already had two infusions but what can you do. That will be interesting to see once we get the results back. She has felt lumps increase so you know something is going on in there. Hmmm.
After her infusion next Wednesday she wants to drive to Reno, pick up Kim and then drive Thursday to get Michael in Idaho. Nothing keeps her down for long.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Update From Kathy After Dr. Visit
Dear Family and Friends:
Well, once again, I get the opportunity of updating you all on life in the EDH Ricks' household. Never a dull moment--though I often wish that weren't true.
I went to see my oncologist today (Dr. Helen Chew @ UCD Cancer Center). Due to some recent tumor activity she has recommended that, as of this week, I change my chemotherapy treatment.
For the last nine months I have had the luxury of taking my chemotherapy in pill form at home (Xeloda). The side-effects have been mild and manageable--my hair is back in, my blood counts are stable, the biggest problem has been rawness of the hands and feet.
Starting next Wednesday, I get to return to my old routine of having my chemotherapy administered in weekly infusions (three weeks on, one week off) at UCDMC. The new drug is called Ixempra. The side effects are more similar to what one expects with chemotherapy--neuropathy of hands and feet, fatigue, unstable blood counts, and the ever popular hair loss (yes, I get to wear my scarves and wigs again this summer). Bummer.
Honestly, the hair loss, even the third time around, is the most difficult to face. No more cuts and colors (sorry, Tammy).
Will I be able to keep up with a normal lifestyle? I hope so. My option with this chemo was to have it weekly (as we chose), or once every three weeks at a higher dose. This every three week option would have basically wiped me out for 10 days after the infusion. Having the smaller doses administered more often should even out the side-effects and allow me a better quality and consistency of life.
Ray, Matt and I are taking off for a few days during Matt's spring break in a few weeks. I am going to Idaho to get Mike from BYU-I, I am coming to Provo for Dan's BYU graduation, I am coming to the Hardy reunion in July. I will continue to work at the temple and teach Relief Society and do my Visiting Teaching. I will continue to be a mother. I may just need to take a few more naps and fit in these darned doctor's appointments around my life. That's my goal!
As for the rest of the family, here is a quick update:
David finally passed his translator's test with the FBI and is now a full linguist. He is busier at work already and sees signs of soon being the primary breadwinner for his family. In the meantime, Kathryn continues to work at ClearBags (Benny Wilkin's company) and loves her opportunities there. We (Ray, Grandpa and I) went to their home for a fun St. Patrick's Day dinner last night. We love having them close.
Dan has successfully defended his thesis and will graduate with his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from BYU on April 22nd and 23rd. We are very proud of him. The job hunt is on in earnest. He will continue his job hunt from here in EDH after his graduation. Any leads are welcome.
Josh still has one more year at BYU in Secondary Ed. He is dating a sweet girl, Tara Jackman, is working as a T.A. on campus, and is all around happy.
Jacob's mission has been extended for about three weeks so he will return from Mexico sometime around July 24th (we still don't have the exact date). He loves serving in the mission office as an Assistant to the President and is busy helping with the additional work of preparing his mission boundaries to be realigned on July 1. He will return to BYU in September.
Michael is about to complete his first year of college at BYU-I. I will be going to get him and bring him home on April 10th. He still doesn't have a job lined up for the summer, but I know he is working on that. His future plans are a bit uncertain, but we'll keep you all informed as he figures it all out.
Matt is still home and keeping Ray and I feeling young (or old, depending on the day). He is playing the piano a lot under the instruction of his older brother, David, and we enjoy hearing him practice and seeing the progress he's making.
Ray is able to ride his bike more now that we have more sunlight. He did, however, buy some really cool lights for his bike and he's almost disappointed that he can't use them more--next winter will come all too soon! Work has been really busy this winter with no let-up in sight. Keeping the company afloat is time consuming for the employees that have not been laid off. We are grateful he still has a good job.
Life is still good. We take our knocks, we have our slumps and our "I hate cancer days", but overall, we are happy.
Love to all--Kathy
Well, once again, I get the opportunity of updating you all on life in the EDH Ricks' household. Never a dull moment--though I often wish that weren't true.
I went to see my oncologist today (Dr. Helen Chew @ UCD Cancer Center). Due to some recent tumor activity she has recommended that, as of this week, I change my chemotherapy treatment.
For the last nine months I have had the luxury of taking my chemotherapy in pill form at home (Xeloda). The side-effects have been mild and manageable--my hair is back in, my blood counts are stable, the biggest problem has been rawness of the hands and feet.
Starting next Wednesday, I get to return to my old routine of having my chemotherapy administered in weekly infusions (three weeks on, one week off) at UCDMC. The new drug is called Ixempra. The side effects are more similar to what one expects with chemotherapy--neuropathy of hands and feet, fatigue, unstable blood counts, and the ever popular hair loss (yes, I get to wear my scarves and wigs again this summer). Bummer.
Honestly, the hair loss, even the third time around, is the most difficult to face. No more cuts and colors (sorry, Tammy).
Will I be able to keep up with a normal lifestyle? I hope so. My option with this chemo was to have it weekly (as we chose), or once every three weeks at a higher dose. This every three week option would have basically wiped me out for 10 days after the infusion. Having the smaller doses administered more often should even out the side-effects and allow me a better quality and consistency of life.
Ray, Matt and I are taking off for a few days during Matt's spring break in a few weeks. I am going to Idaho to get Mike from BYU-I, I am coming to Provo for Dan's BYU graduation, I am coming to the Hardy reunion in July. I will continue to work at the temple and teach Relief Society and do my Visiting Teaching. I will continue to be a mother. I may just need to take a few more naps and fit in these darned doctor's appointments around my life. That's my goal!
As for the rest of the family, here is a quick update:
David finally passed his translator's test with the FBI and is now a full linguist. He is busier at work already and sees signs of soon being the primary breadwinner for his family. In the meantime, Kathryn continues to work at ClearBags (Benny Wilkin's company) and loves her opportunities there. We (Ray, Grandpa and I) went to their home for a fun St. Patrick's Day dinner last night. We love having them close.
Dan has successfully defended his thesis and will graduate with his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from BYU on April 22nd and 23rd. We are very proud of him. The job hunt is on in earnest. He will continue his job hunt from here in EDH after his graduation. Any leads are welcome.
Josh still has one more year at BYU in Secondary Ed. He is dating a sweet girl, Tara Jackman, is working as a T.A. on campus, and is all around happy.
Jacob's mission has been extended for about three weeks so he will return from Mexico sometime around July 24th (we still don't have the exact date). He loves serving in the mission office as an Assistant to the President and is busy helping with the additional work of preparing his mission boundaries to be realigned on July 1. He will return to BYU in September.
Michael is about to complete his first year of college at BYU-I. I will be going to get him and bring him home on April 10th. He still doesn't have a job lined up for the summer, but I know he is working on that. His future plans are a bit uncertain, but we'll keep you all informed as he figures it all out.
Matt is still home and keeping Ray and I feeling young (or old, depending on the day). He is playing the piano a lot under the instruction of his older brother, David, and we enjoy hearing him practice and seeing the progress he's making.
Ray is able to ride his bike more now that we have more sunlight. He did, however, buy some really cool lights for his bike and he's almost disappointed that he can't use them more--next winter will come all too soon! Work has been really busy this winter with no let-up in sight. Keeping the company afloat is time consuming for the employees that have not been laid off. We are grateful he still has a good job.
Life is still good. We take our knocks, we have our slumps and our "I hate cancer days", but overall, we are happy.
Love to all--Kathy
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sinus Surgery Complications and Chemo
Well, just when we thought things were going smoothly and she was all recovered from her sinus surgery she had a bloody nose all night long that wouldn't stop until early in the morning on the 12th. She called the doctor, went back in and they packed her nose with gauze. It was in there all weekend (which we had planned to spend in Monterey) and finally taken out early last week. It even bled all night one night after her nose was packed so they took her off chemo.
Being taken off chemo helps things heal and gets her over some of the side effects of the chemo. So she has been feeling better while being somewhat miserable with the sinus issues. Mixed blessing at best. The downside is that the cancer sees it as a chance to move forward. Last night Kathy told me about a few lumps that had suddenly appeared. Yikes.
Today she had her regularly scheduled visit with the doctor. Her doctor was just starting to tell her we might get another week or so reprieve when Kathy pointed out the lumps. AFter looking more closely at the one Kathy pointed out and another on her neck she told Kathy to start her chemo again tomorrow. Her next appointment is in 3 weeks and if we don't see improvement on these lumps it may mean changing chemo treatments.
Changing chemo treatments is bad. It means one less defense is gone. Also, you don't know what the next side effects will be but probably means loss of hair----again. That is the worst thing possible to Kathy. There are other things like the unknown side effects, the trips to the cancer center to get infusions (the pill chemo has been great) and other things.
I knew we were feeling too comfortable. Now its another reality check. I guess I shouldn't get down until we find out in 3 weeks what the story is. I've learned to not get negative before necessary. This is a roller coaster.
Being taken off chemo helps things heal and gets her over some of the side effects of the chemo. So she has been feeling better while being somewhat miserable with the sinus issues. Mixed blessing at best. The downside is that the cancer sees it as a chance to move forward. Last night Kathy told me about a few lumps that had suddenly appeared. Yikes.
Today she had her regularly scheduled visit with the doctor. Her doctor was just starting to tell her we might get another week or so reprieve when Kathy pointed out the lumps. AFter looking more closely at the one Kathy pointed out and another on her neck she told Kathy to start her chemo again tomorrow. Her next appointment is in 3 weeks and if we don't see improvement on these lumps it may mean changing chemo treatments.
Changing chemo treatments is bad. It means one less defense is gone. Also, you don't know what the next side effects will be but probably means loss of hair----again. That is the worst thing possible to Kathy. There are other things like the unknown side effects, the trips to the cancer center to get infusions (the pill chemo has been great) and other things.
I knew we were feeling too comfortable. Now its another reality check. I guess I shouldn't get down until we find out in 3 weeks what the story is. I've learned to not get negative before necessary. This is a roller coaster.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sinus Surgery Done and Recovery Going Well
Yesterday Kathy went to the hospital to have outpatient surgery for her sinuses. They have been bothering her for a year (since the last hospital stay) and have not responded to medications. Finally, they had decided to do something more extreme and go in and do some repair work to something that was done on her last sinus surgery about 15 years ago.
After checking in at about 11am and scheduled for 2pm surgery they were running ahead of schedule so they called her in right after she got there. The surgery was completed before 2pm and her sister Darlene called me and told me she would be out to recovery shortly. I left work and got there about 3pm but Kathy wasn't there yet. After about 15 minutes they wheeled her in. She had a big gause (I can't spell) banadage taped to the bottom of her nose. She looked great!!
She was still groggy for a while so we sat and waited for the doctor to show up and tell us what he thought. That took two hours. By then Kathy was a little more clear headed and certainly more cleaned up. We washed her face off and she changed her bandage to a smaller version of the same thing. She got dressed and still we waited. Finally we told them we were leaving and I went to get the car. Of course that is when the doctor showed up and told her that it all looked good. They didn't see anything else that would cause a problem so we are hopeful this will work and she will not be dripping all the time..............time will tell.
Kathy was in no pain and slept pretty well with that gause banadage at the bottom of her nose absorbing the small amount of blood etc that drained. She says now that the draining has stopped. She is resting and taking it easy for a few days. She is doing well and we are hopeful for success.
Because of the surgery she hasn't been on her chemo meds so the side effects have subsided some. Not as much as I would have thought but enough to feel some relieve. We take the small victories we can get.
After checking in at about 11am and scheduled for 2pm surgery they were running ahead of schedule so they called her in right after she got there. The surgery was completed before 2pm and her sister Darlene called me and told me she would be out to recovery shortly. I left work and got there about 3pm but Kathy wasn't there yet. After about 15 minutes they wheeled her in. She had a big gause (I can't spell) banadage taped to the bottom of her nose. She looked great!!
She was still groggy for a while so we sat and waited for the doctor to show up and tell us what he thought. That took two hours. By then Kathy was a little more clear headed and certainly more cleaned up. We washed her face off and she changed her bandage to a smaller version of the same thing. She got dressed and still we waited. Finally we told them we were leaving and I went to get the car. Of course that is when the doctor showed up and told her that it all looked good. They didn't see anything else that would cause a problem so we are hopeful this will work and she will not be dripping all the time..............time will tell.
Kathy was in no pain and slept pretty well with that gause banadage at the bottom of her nose absorbing the small amount of blood etc that drained. She says now that the draining has stopped. She is resting and taking it easy for a few days. She is doing well and we are hopeful for success.
Because of the surgery she hasn't been on her chemo meds so the side effects have subsided some. Not as much as I would have thought but enough to feel some relieve. We take the small victories we can get.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kathy Gives Her Own Update
Dear Family and Friends:
I just sent out my annual letter to many of you that live far away and now I have my latest health update.
I had my oncology appt. today where I would learn the results of my latest CT scan taken last week. For some reason, I was really nervous about this appt. I asked Ray to go with me eventhough he is extremely busy at work. I tried to be calm, but my blood pressure and pulse were both a bit higher than normal......
Anyway, all my worries were for nothing. All is well. The scans showed that my cancer is still in check---no growth. I was so relieved!
Furthermore, I am having a sinus procedure done on Feb. 3rd and my oncologist says I am doing well enough that she recommends I take a few extra weeks off of my chemo until after the sinus thing is done. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even tell you how excited this makes me. My hands and feet will get two extra weeks to feel better before going back on the meds.
Don't get me wrong....I am grateful for the chemotherapy. I am alive and functioning (though dealing with some side-effects). I am very grateful for modern medicine and that my life is being prolonged with a decent quality to it. It is nice, though, to get a break every once in awhile so my body can heal a bit.
Thank you for all of your love and concern. I am at peace with all that is happening in my life. That is a good thing.
Love, Kathy
I just sent out my annual letter to many of you that live far away and now I have my latest health update.
I had my oncology appt. today where I would learn the results of my latest CT scan taken last week. For some reason, I was really nervous about this appt. I asked Ray to go with me eventhough he is extremely busy at work. I tried to be calm, but my blood pressure and pulse were both a bit higher than normal......
Anyway, all my worries were for nothing. All is well. The scans showed that my cancer is still in check---no growth. I was so relieved!
Furthermore, I am having a sinus procedure done on Feb. 3rd and my oncologist says I am doing well enough that she recommends I take a few extra weeks off of my chemo until after the sinus thing is done. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even tell you how excited this makes me. My hands and feet will get two extra weeks to feel better before going back on the meds.
Don't get me wrong....I am grateful for the chemotherapy. I am alive and functioning (though dealing with some side-effects). I am very grateful for modern medicine and that my life is being prolonged with a decent quality to it. It is nice, though, to get a break every once in awhile so my body can heal a bit.
Thank you for all of your love and concern. I am at peace with all that is happening in my life. That is a good thing.
Love, Kathy
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