Happy Monday

I thought I would share some pictures that I took this weekend. The picture above is artwork that my niece and nephews sent me. Isn't it the best!!!

Hailey and Emmitt playing Candyland



My sister-in-law, Amber sent me this beautiful necklace and prayer card of St. Jude. I'm not sure if you can read the card in the picture but here is what it says. "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." - An Irish Blessing

On Saturday, I got another package in the mail. I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened it. Thank you so much Sandy and Larry, I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done.


Hope everyone is enjoying all the pics I've been posting. I would love for you all to send me some. I can't believe the girls start school on the 15th of August. Wow, summer break seemed short form them this year. I know they are both very excited to be going back to school. Hailey is going to be in 1st grade and Taylor in 5th. WOW, I'm getting old :)

Time to get to work. I gotta close those files.

xoxo

Thank You

I was laying down this morning because I wasn't feeling too good and the doorbell rings. It was the mail person leaving me a wonderful surprise. Sandy and Larry sent me a goodie box from North Idaho. For those of you who don't know, I was pretty much raised in North Idaho. I have known Sandy and Larry since I was about 5 years old. Back to the wonderful surprise....I opened up the box and it was full of goodies. A beautiful card, hershey kisses, peanut granola bars, a gift card to Barnes and Noble, a journal and the most beautiful quilt ever. This is her very first quilt and its perfect. I love it. I thought it would be nice to take some pictures of the girls and I with the quilt to share with everyone. Also I wanted to share with you what is on the cover of the journal is says the following "just when then caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly"

Sandy and Larry, thank you so very much. I can't even begin to tell you how you made my day! I love you guys very much and I can't wait until I'm better so I can come "home" and see everyone.

Tired But Clean

I’m back and my hair is clean!!

I’ve been doing a lot of resting the last couple days. I have to admit, I washed my hair for the first time in 5 days. I can’t get the area where my port is wet until it completely heals. So taking a bath is the only option and since the area has been pretty tender, I have not been able to lean over the tub or sink to wash my hair. Nana got me a new shower head to make my life easier (and cleaner). I hate not having clean hair.

I got a phone call from my doctor’s office after I posted my last blog telling me that my white blood cell count was too low for my scheduled treatment. So instead of having Chemo on Wednesday, I had to go see the nurse so she could show me how to give myself injections of Neupogen (medicine to help build my white blood cells). Like I’ve said a hundred times, I hate needles. So instead of giving myself the injection, I am going into the injection center at the hospital. By Friday, I had my count up enough to undergo my 2nd round of Chemo; it was my first round using my chest port.

Saturday and Sunday were pretty uneventful. I took a nap both days and lounged around in my new rocking chair the rest of the time. Josh and Nana didn’t let me do much and they wouldn’t let me go anywhere. I think I am going a little crazy L Between that and the fact that I have started loosing my hair. I know it’s only hair and it will grow back but it is still hard seeing it in my hand every time I touch my head.

Today, I had to start the Neupogen again. I have to do it for the next 10 days and then I stop a couple days before my next Chemo treatment. It causes me to have body ache and a major headache. The headache wasn’t as bad today as it was last week but the body aching was still pretty bad today.

I talked to my mom this morning and she told me that her friends at work have been bringing in donations for Camp Kesem. How wonderful is that? They even know that Taylor and Hailey won’t be able to attend this year but they still want to give their donations. Thank you all so very much. It means so much that you all care so much. My mom is very lucky to have friends like you and I can’t wait until I can meet you all.

Ohh, I forgot to tell everyone, On Friday, it was 60 days since my last cigarette and Josh is going on 45 days. I can’t believe how good it feels to not smoke anymore and to not smell like a cigarette anymore. They say reformed smoker’s are the worse. Sorry!!

I’m going to go and watch “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?” with the family. The girls love this show. After that, Josh and I will watch “Hell’s Kitchen” and then it’s time for more sleep. I hope everyone is doing well and had a great weekend.

xoxo

STUPID ASS TEENAGERS

I CAN'T BELEIVE THAT IT IS 1:00 IN THE MORNING AND THE COPS WERE JUST POUNDING ON MY FRONT DOOR. SOME ASSHOLE TEENAGERS DECIDED TO BREAK INTO MY HUSBANDS TRUCK AND INTO MY JEEP. THEY ALSO THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COOL TO PUNCTURE A HOLE IN MY GAS TANK. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, WHAT THE HECK DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS? SORRY, JUST HAD TO VENT.

IN - PORTED

It's been a crazy couple days. Yesterday, I went to get my blood work for my Chemo Treatment and then I took the girls out to lunch. When I got home, I had a message from the Infusion Department that my appointment for Chemo was cancelled. They left no reason on why it was cancelled just that it was cancelled. So of course, you know me...I'm freaking out. Is something wrong, what did the Bone Marrow Biopsy results say? I called my Oncologist and the Infusion department and left them a few messages. To find out they were in meetings and the reason my Chemo got cancelled is because they were in training. The appointment has been rescheduled for Wednesday, the 18th.

Today, I was at the hospital at 7:30 getting prepped for my Chest port. The surgeon wanted to have the port on my right side but due to my tumor being on that side, it made it hard for him to get to a good blood vessel, so the port was put in on the left side. The nurses and doctor did a great job.

I did come home and check my voicemails and emails for work but didn't last much longer than that. The pain meds were starting to wear off and I needed to try and relax for a while. I ended up falling asleep in my new recliner. My neck is pretty sore and it's really hard to move without any pain but I know in the long run, it was worth it. Tomorrow, I go in for my 2nd Chemo treatment at 10:30. I've taken one of my anti-nausea pills today to hopefully prevent getting sick like I did last time.

Gonna go rest some more. Hope everyone is well.

xoxo

Camp Kesem

I wanted to share a website that my mom found with everyone. The website is for an organization called Camp Kesem. I will be quoting some information from their site in my blog, but please feel free to check out their website yourself.

"Camp Kesem is a free week long overnight camp for kids ages 6 - 13 with parents who has (or has had) cancer." It is a college student ran summer camp. The first camp was started at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California in 2000, since then 15 new schools have joined on. In 2008, they anticipate a total of 21.

The following is word for word from their website -

What does Kesem mean?

"Kesem is the Hebrew word for magic. The founders of Camp Kesem chose Kesem because their goal was to bring magic to families coping with cancer. More recently, we've developed a more detailed definition of what Kesem means to us. Kesem (n): magic; the ability to change a life; an agent of growth; the unique power that transforms kids into Camp Kesem Campers"

Is Camp Kesem a religious camp?

"No, Camp Kesem is a secular camp and is open to student volunteers and families of all backgrounds."

This is such a wonderful thing that these college students are doing. I applied for Taylor and Hailey to go to camp this year but it is already at the maximum amount of children it can take. So I am planning on getting them on the waiting list for next year. In the meantime, I thought it would be nice to start collecting some of the items the camp has on it's "wish list". I invite everyone to get involved and donate to this organization. You can donate money or material items that are on their "wish list". You can even chose which location you want to donate to.

Camp Kesem Wish List

Linens/Towels

Towels, Twin Sheets, Blanket, Pillowcases

Sports Equipment

Baseball equipment, Basketballs, Potato sacks, Swimming toys, Large Rubber Balls, Jump ropes

Clothing

T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Children’s swimsuits, Socks, Flip Flops, Children’s pajamas**
Toiletries

Kleenex, Toothbrushes, Soap, Sunscreen**, Shampoo
Toys/Games

Children’s books, Board games, Playing cards, Water balloons
Arts & Crafts

Miscellaneous art supplies, Hot glue gun, Paper, Safety scissors**, Tie Dye

Fun Stuff

Stuffed animals**, Glowsticks, Costume supplies (ie, hats, scarves wigs, dresses, masks, etc),
Foodstuffs

Large water cooler**, Non-perishable snacks**, Water bottles**, Packaged drinks**, Sandwiches/bagels for opening and closing day picnics
Miscellaneous Supplies

Garbage bags**, Brooms s Candles**, Pens/Pencils**, Disposable cameras**, Polaroid camera and film**, Flashlights**, Walkie Talkies, Sleeping bags, Infirmary supplies (ie, band-aids, ointment, thermometer, etc) Batteries (A, AA, C, D)

http://www.campkesemnational.org/

I hope you take a moment to check out their website. Take a look at all the great Universities that are involved in this "magic".

Just a reminder, I am getting my Chest port put in on Tuesday morning and then my second Chemo treatment after the surgery. I'm feeling really good about it. Don't get me wrong my nervousness about the surgery is still there, but overall I know that it will make my journey with cancer a little less stressful. I'm positive I am going to beat this and I am going to have the best time I can while doing it!!!!

Have a great weekend. Talk to you all soon.

Love,

Jane

Missing In Action

You were probably wondering what happened to me. I know its been a few days since my last blog but I'm here now to give you an update.

The last couple days have been kind of hard for me; emotionally and physically. I've been trying to be really strong and not let this cancer get to me. Well, it got to me! The chemo makes me have good days and bad days.

Yesterday, I think I was the worst. I was so emotionally and physically drained. I think being physically tired is so much easier than being emotionally tired. I had a really good cry with my mom. Thanks mom, I love you. I have so many special people in my life right now and appreicate every single one of you. Thank you for all the wonderful comments. I can't tell you how much they make the day easier.

I bought a really nice Lz Boy Recliner on craigslist yesterday. It is a nice oversized comfy rocking chair. I love it!! It is going to making relaxing much easier to do :) lol

It's getting late, so I'm going to call it a night.

xoxo
Jane

07.07.07

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY JEN!!! This is your special, special day....07.07.07! I hope its a great one!

Yesterday, Nana, the girls and I met with the radiologist who will be putting my chest port in. He was very informative and let me know all my other options if I chose not to go with the chest port. I am definitely not one for the details when it comes to a surgical procedure so I asked him to leave that part out. :) He did ask that I commit to keeping the chest port in for a minimum of 1 year. I was concerned because my Infusion Nurse told me that they liked it in for 2 years. I don't really want to keep it after I beat cancer but I understand that it's important to be in remission before the port is removed. The doctor will be putting in the chest port right before my next Chemo Treatment. It will actually be the same day as my treatment; July 17th.

Today, Nana, Josh, the girls and I, made a trip to Costco. It was time to stock up on the bottled waters, cat food, toilet paper you know all the bulk items. I absolutely love going to Costco but I always tend to spend too much money. I did find a really nice portable umbrella. It's recommended by the American Cancer Society because of how well it protects you from the UV Rays of the sun. I figured when the girls are swimming in the pool, I can set myself a nice shade area up.

Well, I think its time for a little nap. Hope you're all having a great weekend.

xoxo

Jane

A Little Too Much Energy

I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July. I haven't been on for a couple days so I thought I would update everyone on how my first treatment went.

I showed up at the hospital at 8:00 in the morning and didn't get leave until about 2:00 in the afternoon. The nurse Judy told me that my first treatment would take longer than the rest because they have to give me the medicine slow. As I mentioned before, my treatment consists of 4 medicines...I made it through the 3rd one just fine. When I was about half way finished with the 4th one, I started to feel a little nauseous. Needless to say, I ended up getting sick. The Oncologist Pharmacist had to give me special stuff to get my stomach to calm down. Judy was surprised that I had gotten sick. She said that they hadn't had anyone get sick that far through the first treatment. Leave it to me to be different.

I got home and pretty much slept the rest of the day. This was a nice change for me considering I haven't been able to sleep very well lately. I didn't feel any pain, I actually felt pretty normal again. I slept all through the night without waking once.

On Wednesday, the 4th of July, I got up and felt more energy than I had in a long time. Still no pain. I decided to put this energy to work :) Since I own my own business and work from home, it makes it easier to make up time that I've missed. After working on some files for a while, I started unpacking more boxes, cleaning the kitchen and also got some laundry done. It felt so good to get so much stuff done.

Josh made a really nice dinner for us and then we relaxed while waiting for the firework show to start. The show was suppose to start at 9:00 but didn't end up starting until about 9:30. To find out, our house is in the best spot. We sat on our front lawn and saw the whole show that the city put on. We're selling tickets next year :) just kidding! It was time to go to bed after the fireworks. I woke up this morning starting to regret the fact that I did so much yesterday. What was I thinking? Needless to say, I'm sort of paying for it. I think its time for me to go relax for a while.

XOXO

Jane

IT'S TIME

It's official. I have my first chemo treatment in the morning!

I'm not gonna lie, I'm really nervous. Probably won't sleep very well tonight. To be honest, I havn't been sleeping very well the last couple nights. I go through my phases....a couple good nights and then several bad nights. Please chemo don't waste anytime killing this cancer :)

On a different note, did anyone else watch Hell's Kitchen tonight? I can't believe that Chef Ramsay moved Melissa to the men's team. Gotta love when a twist is thrown into the game.

It's time for me to hit the sack. Thanks again for all your comments. I would love to hear how everyone is spending their 4th of July??? Any big plans???

xo :)

Jane

My New Haircut

Taylor, Hailey and I spent some girl time together this afternoon. We went to Target and did a little shopping and then off to Fantastic Sams for some haircuts. Only Hailey and I got our haircut. Taylor told me she doesn't want to cut hers until it is long enough to give to me. I'm not sure that she understand everything that is going on but she sure is trying.

When I got home, Josh had yesterday's mail sitting on the counter. I received the information I requested from the Lymphoma Reasearch Foundation. They sent me an 85 page booklet "Understanding Hodgkin's Lymphoma, A Guide for Patients". I know what I'm doing tonight :)

I want to thank those of you who have started reading my blog and sending me your comments. They mean so much to me. Please consider yourself hugged. I love you all!

Chemo Consult

Yesterday was a little scary for me. We went and met with Connie (one of my nurses) to go over what I should expect during my Chemo treatments. Thanks to a new friend I've met, a lot of the information wasn't a surprise. Please check out her website at www.chemopalooza.com Her name is Kelly, she is 5 years younger than me to the day. We have the same birthday. She was diagnosed last December with Hodgkin's Lymphoma also.

The nurse gave me some hand outs on the medicine I will be taking during Chemo. I should be getting a call on Monday to schedule my first treatment.
ABVD
1. Adriamycin also known as Doxorubicin (doc-oh-ROO-bi-sin)
2. Bleomycin (blee-oh-MYE-sin)
3. Vinblastine (vin-BLAS-teen)
4. Dacarbazine (da-KAR-ba-zeen)

There is a pretty high chance that I am going to loose my hair. According to the nurse I will have chemo treatments every 15 days for 6 to 8 months. Each treatment takes about 4 hours. The day beofre each scheduled treatment I need to get blood drawn so they can check my white blood cell count. If it gets to low, I may have to delay that treatment until we can get it back up. I was given a lot of information, luckily Josh was there also to help me take it all in.

After the appointment, Josh took me to Target and let me pick out an Ipod so I can listen to music during my treatments. I bought an accordion folder to keep all my paperwork straight. It has a matching spiral binder so I can keep notes in. I also bought some puzzle books and a new John Grisham book. I'm not sure if I will feel like reading but just in case. So I decided I should also buy a tote bag to keep all of my stuff together. I'm trying to stay as organized as I can through this craziness.

My Oncologist wants me to get a Portacath (Port) in. I have an appointment July 6th for the consult. According to the booklet the nurse gave me; a port is a small plastic or metal container surgically placed under the skin and attached to a central venous catheter inside the body. Blood and fluids can enter or leave the body through the port using a special needle. The good news in, I won't be awake for that procedure.

On July 9th, I have to get another needle biopsy done. This time it is for bone marrow. When they did the needle biopsy last time into the tumor, I was awake for that. I believe I will be awake for the bone marrow biopsy. Some people have major phobias because of spiders, snakes or hieghts. Mine are needles and surgery. I really get myself worked up to the point I get nauseas. I spoke with the nurse about my fears yesterday and she told me that they will prescribe me a medicine that will make me not care what they do. :)

I should probably go get dressed for the day since its almost noon. Since I quit smoking I have put on some weight (which I really don't need) so I have decided that I am going to be as comfortable as I can through this process. I have invested in cotton shorts and pants with elastic waistbands. They are actually pajama pants, you know the ones with all the fun designs on them. The one's the teenagers where around town. I have Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Chilies, Plaid, and ones my sister-in-law gave me that are from Tennessee. I know these treatments are going to be tough on me, so I am going to try and be as comfortable as possible.

Okay, like I said earlier, its time to get my day moving. Thanks for taking the time to real my blog.

Love ya,
Jane