Kathie restarted chemo today. Avastin was added to the regiment... and ended up slowing the process down a bit. When Lauren spoke with her at around 1:30, she was doing pretty well, but ended up having a slight intolerance (not an allergic reaction - that would have caused a whole different set of issues) to the Avastin. They had to slow down the administration, but she got through it. Bob estimates they won't get out of the doctor's until close to 6 this evening. On the "upside" - Jeannie was there to be her pal today, as her chemo was also off-track. Due to the complications, Bob stuck around for the whole treatment.
The delay in the end of the chemo/avastin treatment will delay when she gets her pump... delaying when she goes in to get it off on Thursday... but it's all part of the game.
Kathie's sister, Eileen, and niece, Melissa, will be in tonight to help out around the house during the week.
Posted by Lauren
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Bob's shopping
The title is pretty much just to frustrate Bob. Kathie is doing pretty well, still figuring out pills and how they affect her - this week's trial is with some iron pills. 3 have been causing her some stomach cramping, 2 seems to be okay - but she's supposed to be taking 3.
Kathie and Bob went shopping yesterday (Bob claims that men go "buying" not "shopping".... and I quote, "there is a fundamental difference between men and women." Phew, good thing he explained that before I got any older;)
When Lauren spoke with them yesterday, they both sounded in very good spirits... It may have helped that they were fed an excellent brunch by Sharon Reed, Eddie's mother-in-law.
Kathie will resume chemo this Tuesday. Her sister, Eileen, is coming in for a few days and the week is ending with a visit from Lynette, I believe. Kathie will also be starting her first treatment of Avastin along with chemo. It's a big week.
Posted by Lauren
Kathie and Bob went shopping yesterday (Bob claims that men go "buying" not "shopping".... and I quote, "there is a fundamental difference between men and women." Phew, good thing he explained that before I got any older;)
When Lauren spoke with them yesterday, they both sounded in very good spirits... It may have helped that they were fed an excellent brunch by Sharon Reed, Eddie's mother-in-law.
Kathie will resume chemo this Tuesday. Her sister, Eileen, is coming in for a few days and the week is ending with a visit from Lynette, I believe. Kathie will also be starting her first treatment of Avastin along with chemo. It's a big week.
Posted by Lauren
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Jail break
Kathie got out of the joint today, with sky-high white blood cell counts... anyone who didn't know what was going out would have automatically thought she had leukemia. As Eddie mentioned the other day, she will resume chemo next week with a slightly lower dosage (about 10% less).
Posted by Lauren
Posted by Lauren
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
A few corrections
OK, we got some bum data on the last post. That is what happens when you play "telephone" and get info from someone who got info from someone else who got info from a hospitalized patient that is not taking notes. So, here is the new, hopefully more accurate data.
Bob and Kathie actually talked for about an hour with DiMartino (oncologist) and finally got some answers.
Kathie's white count is really 560, not 900. Even though normal is 4k-10k, they want to get her up around 10k before they do chemo. This is so that she can have some "buffer" in order to not crash the count down to nearly 0 again. So, chemo is definitely off until next week.
Her red count was actually correct, but they are going to give her some shots of some red cell booster medication as well as a stronger shot/dose of the white count booster shots. We are hoping that this will help both white and red counts get back up.
The "good news" is that the blood test has come back and there is no meaningful infection. She had blood tests from the port and other veins. Interestingly, an infection in the port would be a "bad thing" b/c they are very difficult to get rid of. Again, though, no infection was found. DiMartino said that the fever will probably simply remain until the white count gets back above about 1500. Apparently, it is a "normal side effect" of having such a low white count. So, again, hopefully the shot tonight helps get this up tomorrow.
Kathie will, most likely, be spending the next 2 days in the hospital. She is getting antiobiotics by IV every 8 hours as a precaution.
The other thing Bob and Kathie found by being able to actually sit and talk with DiMartino is that this is a somewhat normal reaction to chemo. The dose that is assigned at first is based on height and weight only. Then, after the doctors see the effects, it is modified. For example, if Kathie's white count hadn't gone down at all, the dose probably would have been upped. Since the white count took such a dive, the doseage will obviously be lowered. In the next treatment, it will be adjusted by 10% down.
Sorry about some of the misinformation. Hopefully, we can keep the right info flowing in the future.
posted by Ed
Bob and Kathie actually talked for about an hour with DiMartino (oncologist) and finally got some answers.
Kathie's white count is really 560, not 900. Even though normal is 4k-10k, they want to get her up around 10k before they do chemo. This is so that she can have some "buffer" in order to not crash the count down to nearly 0 again. So, chemo is definitely off until next week.
Her red count was actually correct, but they are going to give her some shots of some red cell booster medication as well as a stronger shot/dose of the white count booster shots. We are hoping that this will help both white and red counts get back up.
The "good news" is that the blood test has come back and there is no meaningful infection. She had blood tests from the port and other veins. Interestingly, an infection in the port would be a "bad thing" b/c they are very difficult to get rid of. Again, though, no infection was found. DiMartino said that the fever will probably simply remain until the white count gets back above about 1500. Apparently, it is a "normal side effect" of having such a low white count. So, again, hopefully the shot tonight helps get this up tomorrow.
Kathie will, most likely, be spending the next 2 days in the hospital. She is getting antiobiotics by IV every 8 hours as a precaution.
The other thing Bob and Kathie found by being able to actually sit and talk with DiMartino is that this is a somewhat normal reaction to chemo. The dose that is assigned at first is based on height and weight only. Then, after the doctors see the effects, it is modified. For example, if Kathie's white count hadn't gone down at all, the dose probably would have been upped. Since the white count took such a dive, the doseage will obviously be lowered. In the next treatment, it will be adjusted by 10% down.
Sorry about some of the misinformation. Hopefully, we can keep the right info flowing in the future.
posted by Ed
Still in the hospital
A quick blog update for the day.
Kathie has received some of the test results back. So far, there is no obvious reason for the fever. The CT scan did not show a sinus infection/blockage, the x-ray did not show any lung issues, and the urine analysis was negative, also.
So, for now, they are still on the same path -
Monitoring her and continuing tests (blood test should be read tonight some time).
She received a shot last night in an effort to increase her white blood cell count. This seems to have helped a bit, but the count is still too low. It is up to about 900 (not sure about the units on this number). She needs for it to get above 1000 before they will consider giving her chemo. A 3rd party tells me that 4000-10000 is normal (although I haven't verified those numbers). So, we are hoping that another shot will be enough such that she can continue chemo soon. Unfortunately, the shots do give her some pain in her bones and spine. This is, apparently, a normal side affect for these "white cell booster drugs".
She is also a bit low on her red cell count. It is 8.9 (again, not sure of units). Apparently, below 8 is getting to the point where a person gets a transfsion. So, they are keeping an eye on this as well.
Tonight, she will spend the some more time in the hospital, trying to get healthy. It is a good thing she thinks Bob looks cute in his mask :-)
On another topic, she has started losing her hair already. She thought she noticed that hair was starting to come out over the weekend. Now, however, she is removing "clumps" of hair, and is definitely noticing it thinning. I guess she will soon be able to relate to her husband and son's baldness...
posted by Ed
Kathie has received some of the test results back. So far, there is no obvious reason for the fever. The CT scan did not show a sinus infection/blockage, the x-ray did not show any lung issues, and the urine analysis was negative, also.
So, for now, they are still on the same path -
Monitoring her and continuing tests (blood test should be read tonight some time).
She received a shot last night in an effort to increase her white blood cell count. This seems to have helped a bit, but the count is still too low. It is up to about 900 (not sure about the units on this number). She needs for it to get above 1000 before they will consider giving her chemo. A 3rd party tells me that 4000-10000 is normal (although I haven't verified those numbers). So, we are hoping that another shot will be enough such that she can continue chemo soon. Unfortunately, the shots do give her some pain in her bones and spine. This is, apparently, a normal side affect for these "white cell booster drugs".
She is also a bit low on her red cell count. It is 8.9 (again, not sure of units). Apparently, below 8 is getting to the point where a person gets a transfsion. So, they are keeping an eye on this as well.
Tonight, she will spend the some more time in the hospital, trying to get healthy. It is a good thing she thinks Bob looks cute in his mask :-)
On another topic, she has started losing her hair already. She thought she noticed that hair was starting to come out over the weekend. Now, however, she is removing "clumps" of hair, and is definitely noticing it thinning. I guess she will soon be able to relate to her husband and son's baldness...
posted by Ed
Monday, July 23, 2007
Quick update
Quick update about Kathie:
She is in isolation for this evening - no flowers, no vegetables, etc. She's having tests out the wazoo to pinpoint what exactly she has (she has some sort of "infection" - meant to be vague- due to the low white blood cells), receiving antibiotics (general until they figure out exactly what it is) and some drugs to boost white blood cell count. That's it for now... more tomorrow when we see where the test lead.
She is in isolation for this evening - no flowers, no vegetables, etc. She's having tests out the wazoo to pinpoint what exactly she has (she has some sort of "infection" - meant to be vague- due to the low white blood cells), receiving antibiotics (general until they figure out exactly what it is) and some drugs to boost white blood cell count. That's it for now... more tomorrow when we see where the test lead.
NO FLOWERS
So, upon a little research, I have found that when Kathie is experiencing Neutropenia (the official name for her having low neutrophil count - 50-60% typically makes up your white blood cells) it is the absolute WORST time to have flowers, as they tend to carry fungi and other various germs. Also, though Bob said there is a ridiculous amount of food at home (thanks for taking care of him and mom!) - uncooked foods are also a no-no right now....
Here's the info I found on the web (thanks again Google!) http://www.oncolink.com/treatment/article.cfm?c=2&s=13&id=68
- Eliminate uncooked foods, which may contain germs, from your diet, including:
cold soups made from fresh fruits or vegetables
salads of raw vegetables or fruits
raw meats or fish salads
natural cheeses
uncooked eggs
fresh, frozen and dried fruits
uncooked herbs, spices and black pepper
instant iced tea, coffee or punch
sushi and sashimi
Avoid fresh flowers and plants which may have germs in the soil.
Thanks for helping us watch out for her!
Posted by Lauren
Here's the info I found on the web (thanks again Google!) http://www.oncolink.com/treatment/article.cfm?c=2&s=13&id=68
- Eliminate uncooked foods, which may contain germs, from your diet, including:
cold soups made from fresh fruits or vegetables
salads of raw vegetables or fruits
raw meats or fish salads
natural cheeses
uncooked eggs
fresh, frozen and dried fruits
uncooked herbs, spices and black pepper
instant iced tea, coffee or punch
sushi and sashimi
Avoid fresh flowers and plants which may have germs in the soil.
Thanks for helping us watch out for her!
Posted by Lauren
The good, the bad, and the ugly
If this looks too long... read what's under the asterisks - it's the important stuff... but the beginning is something Kathie wanted on here.
So, Kathie called Lauren on Saturday to put a "funny" story on the blog... but Lauren did not have access to the internet until today.... so here's that part:
*WARNING* Bathroom humor is present... and honestly, that's just the way we like it these days...
Saturday, Kathie was finding herself a bit blocked up (while being visited by her very good friend, Glenda)... and pulled out a couple of the muffins specified for constipation issues, made by Lauren and stocked in the freezer. The pain meds have that lovely side effect... or they cause the reverse, in which case there is a casserole in the freezer with that label. (Cancer cookbooks are divided by symptoms).
She ate one muffin and waited a bit, wondering if she was going to have to take another sapasitory (sp?)... but thought she'd give a second muffin a try before popping yet another pill. Alas, a couple hours later she had a "movement" that would please any man if it were his own.
The end of the story was apparently funnier when spoken between Glenda and Kathie... but the punchline is supposed to be something like.... "The fish that got away." I understand the joke, but I'll let you take it how you want... I think it's funnier that way.... it's the little things in life these days.
Lauren was simply pleased that she had done something helpful while at home. By the way, if you ever have a little "stop-up" issue, the Zucchini Raisan muffins are really quite tasty.
*********************************************************
Thank you to those that prayed for Jeannie... not quite a miracle, but she had some positive test results while at MD Anderson last week:)
On a less happy/humorous note... Kathie started spiking a fever again on Saturday... nothing too big, and it went down fairly quickly. Yesterday, however, it started going up again, reaching 101.3 (a "call the doctor ASAP" temp with cancer), but got it back down with some tylenol - as suggested by doctor. She took her temp again at 3 AM and it was back up, but "Dr. DuCharme" (slash, she didn't want to go sit in a hospital at 3 AM over sleeping), decided to take some more tylenol and skip the phone call to the late night group until this morning, since she had a blood draw scheduled for today anyway. Unfortunately, the blood test results came back with a not-so-good finding - she basically has no white blood cells. Kathie was told to report ASAP to ICU and checked in around 2 this afternoon. We're not sure what exactly the protocol is for this situation, so we're waiting and seeing how she is treated for the problem, and I'll try to update later this afternoon if I have any news. DO NOT CALL BOB RIGHT NOW and ask how she's doing... If you must, call Lauren, but really, all the news I've got is on here.
So, Kathie called Lauren on Saturday to put a "funny" story on the blog... but Lauren did not have access to the internet until today.... so here's that part:
*WARNING* Bathroom humor is present... and honestly, that's just the way we like it these days...
Saturday, Kathie was finding herself a bit blocked up (while being visited by her very good friend, Glenda)... and pulled out a couple of the muffins specified for constipation issues, made by Lauren and stocked in the freezer. The pain meds have that lovely side effect... or they cause the reverse, in which case there is a casserole in the freezer with that label. (Cancer cookbooks are divided by symptoms).
She ate one muffin and waited a bit, wondering if she was going to have to take another sapasitory (sp?)... but thought she'd give a second muffin a try before popping yet another pill. Alas, a couple hours later she had a "movement" that would please any man if it were his own.
The end of the story was apparently funnier when spoken between Glenda and Kathie... but the punchline is supposed to be something like.... "The fish that got away." I understand the joke, but I'll let you take it how you want... I think it's funnier that way.... it's the little things in life these days.
Lauren was simply pleased that she had done something helpful while at home. By the way, if you ever have a little "stop-up" issue, the Zucchini Raisan muffins are really quite tasty.
*********************************************************
Thank you to those that prayed for Jeannie... not quite a miracle, but she had some positive test results while at MD Anderson last week:)
On a less happy/humorous note... Kathie started spiking a fever again on Saturday... nothing too big, and it went down fairly quickly. Yesterday, however, it started going up again, reaching 101.3 (a "call the doctor ASAP" temp with cancer), but got it back down with some tylenol - as suggested by doctor. She took her temp again at 3 AM and it was back up, but "Dr. DuCharme" (slash, she didn't want to go sit in a hospital at 3 AM over sleeping), decided to take some more tylenol and skip the phone call to the late night group until this morning, since she had a blood draw scheduled for today anyway. Unfortunately, the blood test results came back with a not-so-good finding - she basically has no white blood cells. Kathie was told to report ASAP to ICU and checked in around 2 this afternoon. We're not sure what exactly the protocol is for this situation, so we're waiting and seeing how she is treated for the problem, and I'll try to update later this afternoon if I have any news. DO NOT CALL BOB RIGHT NOW and ask how she's doing... If you must, call Lauren, but really, all the news I've got is on here.
Friday, July 20, 2007
The other half
This will probably be the shortest entry yet (some of us have work to do! ;) )
Bob went in for a colonoscopy and the coast was all clear... and probably will be for days thanks to the stuff they give you!
Posted by Lauren
Bob went in for a colonoscopy and the coast was all clear... and probably will be for days thanks to the stuff they give you!
Posted by Lauren
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Check up with DiMartino
Kathie and Leigh went in for Kathie's appointment with Dr. DiMartino on Tuesday. Kathie felt the appointment went well. Dr. DiMartino said that her liver seemed to be staying about the same - it wasn't extra swollen or anything like that. She also said that Kathie actually did very well with the chemo and hopefully that is indicative of how she will react with the rest of treatment. After reviewing what Kathie was taking for pain, Dr. DiMartino prescribed something different, feeling that some of what Kathie was taking was too toxic to be taken on any kind of regular basis. They also chatted about some alternative treatment methods, which Kathie will be looking into further with some of the alternative medicine people at M.D. Anderson (nothing will be done instead of chemo, but rather in conjunction with, if she gets an okay). Dr. DiMartino also reconfirmed the the level of fluid in the lining of the lungs is lower than showed up on the x-ray taken the week after the lining of her lung was drained.
Getting off of the hydrocodeine (I think that was the drug?) has helped lower Kathie's feelings of nausea a bit - or at the very least, the vomitting ceased when she stopped taking it. The current issue is some mouth sores.
On another note, we'd like to direct everyone's prayers back to Mother Teresa - this time for Kathie's friend Jeannie, who is at M.D. Anderson this week for a check-up. Mother Teresa does need two miracles afterall, and Jeannie could very much use one of them. So if everyone could pray for some very positive test results for them, or if you are feeling daring, a cure... that would be great:) Kathie would greatly appreciate it.
Posted by Lauren
Getting off of the hydrocodeine (I think that was the drug?) has helped lower Kathie's feelings of nausea a bit - or at the very least, the vomitting ceased when she stopped taking it. The current issue is some mouth sores.
On another note, we'd like to direct everyone's prayers back to Mother Teresa - this time for Kathie's friend Jeannie, who is at M.D. Anderson this week for a check-up. Mother Teresa does need two miracles afterall, and Jeannie could very much use one of them. So if everyone could pray for some very positive test results for them, or if you are feeling daring, a cure... that would be great:) Kathie would greatly appreciate it.
Posted by Lauren
Monday, July 16, 2007
Another week, another helper:)
Lauren left on Saturday to head back to CT. Kathie had thrown up once before she even left. The rest of Saturday seemed to go okay, but Kathie took it easy, just in case.
Sunday, Bob and Kathie made it to Mass, but Bob headed up to the lake by himself afterwards and Kathie stayed home to recharge. Lauren's replacement, Leigh, came in early Sunday evening and will be staying for the week.
Kathie is definitely starting to be symptomatic from chemo (vomitting, "digestive issues," and most recently, mouth sores) - let's hope the side effects aren't the only thing happening! We won't find out how the tumors are responding until the next PET scan.
The pepcid Kathie has thrown into the medication mix seems to be helping a bit, and she stopped taking the codeine pain meds (which created more nausea).
Thank you to those that have e-mailed Lauren offering to help, we don't want to have to rely on one or two people (as there is a long road ahead), so we greatly appreciate a multitude of offers. It's never too late to add your name to the list:) Just e-mail Lauren at laducharme@bsu.edu with what you can do, restrictions on that and your phone number!!!
Those who cannot volunteer any time and wish to help out in some other way (beside donations to the American Cancer Society)... Several people have offered to have food sent in, only Lafayette doesn't have any services like that (unless you count pizza), so Bob and Kathie are accepting small gift certificates to places that have pick-up at the very least... right now the ones that would help are Bob Evans, Olive Garden, Logan's, and Chili's. (The first two more importantly). Even if Bob and Kathie don't use all of them while they are still in Lafayette, most of those are rather extensive chains, or we'll let our visiting caretakers take themselves out;)
Posted by Lauren
Sunday, Bob and Kathie made it to Mass, but Bob headed up to the lake by himself afterwards and Kathie stayed home to recharge. Lauren's replacement, Leigh, came in early Sunday evening and will be staying for the week.
Kathie is definitely starting to be symptomatic from chemo (vomitting, "digestive issues," and most recently, mouth sores) - let's hope the side effects aren't the only thing happening! We won't find out how the tumors are responding until the next PET scan.
The pepcid Kathie has thrown into the medication mix seems to be helping a bit, and she stopped taking the codeine pain meds (which created more nausea).
Thank you to those that have e-mailed Lauren offering to help, we don't want to have to rely on one or two people (as there is a long road ahead), so we greatly appreciate a multitude of offers. It's never too late to add your name to the list:) Just e-mail Lauren at laducharme@bsu.edu with what you can do, restrictions on that and your phone number!!!
Those who cannot volunteer any time and wish to help out in some other way (beside donations to the American Cancer Society)... Several people have offered to have food sent in, only Lafayette doesn't have any services like that (unless you count pizza), so Bob and Kathie are accepting small gift certificates to places that have pick-up at the very least... right now the ones that would help are Bob Evans, Olive Garden, Logan's, and Chili's. (The first two more importantly). Even if Bob and Kathie don't use all of them while they are still in Lafayette, most of those are rather extensive chains, or we'll let our visiting caretakers take themselves out;)
Posted by Lauren
Friday, July 13, 2007
Doctors, doctors, doctors, pills, pills, pills
Lauren took Kathie in to get an x-ray around 10:30 to check for fluid in the lungs. The x-ray actually showed she had less liquid than she did on the last check... that was the good news. The bad news is that we had no explanation for why she was having a difficult time breathing. The x-ray did show her diaphram was a little elevated - but we don't know if that was in comparison to the previous x-ray, or just in general. A little while after getting home, Dr. Cusack's office called asking Kathie to come in there (they had arranged the x-ray), so they could give her a little more thorough check-up.
At Dr. Cusack's he didn't notice anytihng that caused him any more concern than the general situation, so we went on our way from there. Dr. Cusack did suggest taking some pain medication to relieve the feeling of pressure, and wrote her a prescription for a new one. Kathie took that immediately and it did quickly relieve some of her shoulder pain (an off-shoot of the liver pain) and the liver area also eventually felt a little less troublesome.
Kathie was moving slowly, but still moving;) After taking the pain medication, Lauren and her headed to the wig shop, which of course was freakishly closed (the hours said it should have been open - so the guy may have been on vacation or something). They had a little time, so they then tried the sporting good store for a good water bottle and then the bookstore for a paint book - walking away with nothing from either. At 4, Kathie had doctor's visit 3 (though this one was planned in advance), she had her stitches in her nose removed.
The appointment at the dermotologist went much better than the day she went in for surgery. The nurse who took out the stitches did a great job, and Kathie didn't even feel it. Bob called as Lauren and Kathie were leaving the office to see if Kathie felt up to eating out - she was feeling pretty good, so the three of us met up at Chili's. The half rack of ribs sounded good to Kathie and she ate most of those and was in good spirits throughout dinner. Bob had thought that perhaps some of her symptoms were due to acid reflux (something they had also brought up at M.D. Anderson), so he got her some pepcid, which seemed to help a lot with some of her discomforts. She was still feeling good after dinner, so Lauren and her went around to some of the restaurants that were around that area who offer pick-up and got some menus for the future.
The weather was great in Lafayette today, and was still gorgeous when the three of us got back from dinner, so we went on a 15 minute walk. Kathie did great on the walk in comparison to some of her earlier walks. Lynette called shortly after they returned from their walk, and while Kathie was talking to her, she got really nauseous, and then got sick for the first time in awhile. Lynette wanted me to mention that as soon as she returned to the phone, she picked up in the conversation where she had left off! Kathie felt fine after throwing up and unfortunately, the vomitting could be tied to a number of variables, so we're just going to go with that it sucked.
About an hour and a half later, she got sick again - and again, felt pretty much fine afterwards... no residual nausea - but after the second time, she got a little more cautious and decided to settle on the couch for awhile. After making a few phone calls (she's trying to get to everyone who has called - but it's going to take awhile!) she hit the hay a little before midnight. We'll see what tomorrow brings, today was not the day Kathie or Lauren had planned!
Posted by Lauren
At Dr. Cusack's he didn't notice anytihng that caused him any more concern than the general situation, so we went on our way from there. Dr. Cusack did suggest taking some pain medication to relieve the feeling of pressure, and wrote her a prescription for a new one. Kathie took that immediately and it did quickly relieve some of her shoulder pain (an off-shoot of the liver pain) and the liver area also eventually felt a little less troublesome.
Kathie was moving slowly, but still moving;) After taking the pain medication, Lauren and her headed to the wig shop, which of course was freakishly closed (the hours said it should have been open - so the guy may have been on vacation or something). They had a little time, so they then tried the sporting good store for a good water bottle and then the bookstore for a paint book - walking away with nothing from either. At 4, Kathie had doctor's visit 3 (though this one was planned in advance), she had her stitches in her nose removed.
The appointment at the dermotologist went much better than the day she went in for surgery. The nurse who took out the stitches did a great job, and Kathie didn't even feel it. Bob called as Lauren and Kathie were leaving the office to see if Kathie felt up to eating out - she was feeling pretty good, so the three of us met up at Chili's. The half rack of ribs sounded good to Kathie and she ate most of those and was in good spirits throughout dinner. Bob had thought that perhaps some of her symptoms were due to acid reflux (something they had also brought up at M.D. Anderson), so he got her some pepcid, which seemed to help a lot with some of her discomforts. She was still feeling good after dinner, so Lauren and her went around to some of the restaurants that were around that area who offer pick-up and got some menus for the future.
The weather was great in Lafayette today, and was still gorgeous when the three of us got back from dinner, so we went on a 15 minute walk. Kathie did great on the walk in comparison to some of her earlier walks. Lynette called shortly after they returned from their walk, and while Kathie was talking to her, she got really nauseous, and then got sick for the first time in awhile. Lynette wanted me to mention that as soon as she returned to the phone, she picked up in the conversation where she had left off! Kathie felt fine after throwing up and unfortunately, the vomitting could be tied to a number of variables, so we're just going to go with that it sucked.
About an hour and a half later, she got sick again - and again, felt pretty much fine afterwards... no residual nausea - but after the second time, she got a little more cautious and decided to settle on the couch for awhile. After making a few phone calls (she's trying to get to everyone who has called - but it's going to take awhile!) she hit the hay a little before midnight. We'll see what tomorrow brings, today was not the day Kathie or Lauren had planned!
Posted by Lauren
Pressure
Kathie has a little pressure in her lungs again - she feels like she can't get a good deep breath in, so Lauren is taking her to get an x-ray and we shall see if we have fluid again. She still has some pressure in her abdomen, but we're thinking there's a chance that's gas related.
We'll keep you updated, but it may be a bit before I can get connection to the internet again.
Posted by Lauren
We'll keep you updated, but it may be a bit before I can get connection to the internet again.
Posted by Lauren
Harry Potter
Kathie woke up with her appetite. Lauren had already started making apple pancakes (which luckily sounded good to Kathie), and Kathie managed to eat two. One of Lauren's friends, Sara, had asked Lauren and Kathie to do lunch with her - so they had to get a move on in the morning. With a little clever maneuvering - Lauren helped Kathie with her pump while she took a shower, since the electronic part clearly cannot get wet. She wasn't feeling 100%, but they did manage to make it to lunch with Sara. Unfortunately, the people next to their table ordered hamburgers which put Kathie over the edge - but they had managed to be at lunch for about an hour before exiting quickly. Kathie did not eat a ton, but managed a decent portion of her salad.
Kathie had what we thought to be a two o'clock appointment to get her pump taken off. She wasn't feeling fabulous after lunch, so we ran back to the house to grab her nausea medication. When we got to Dr. DiMartino's office, we were waiting for awhile, wondering what was taking so long (it was supposed to take 10 minutes to take the pump out, push a little more chemo and flush the line)... and we found out someone had written her down for three, even though we had been told around 2! They kindly let us back early - but it was already about 2:30. Jeannie was also there, so we said hello - but as promised, Kathie was only there for 10 minutes and Lauren and her had plenty of time to catch the 3PM Harry Potter showing:)
Towards the end of Harry Potter, Kathie started to feel not so great - could have something to do with the popcorn she ate - but that is just speculation. Lauren and Kathie quickly made their way home - one, to get Kathie's medication which they had both foolishly forgot, and two, to meet Debby Cusack, who had produced dinner. Debby was already here when we arrived - with a delicious tuna casserole and a salad with a scrumptious (oh, I said it!) lemon vinaigrette. Kathie managed a bit of that about an hour later, when her medication had a chance to kick in. A little after that, Lauren convinced Kathie to run out and look for a planner (to track appointments, but also to have a notebook handy to record how she's feeling). Kathie was doing okay, but not great when they left. She's had some pressure in her abdomen - not so much nausea as discomfort, off and on all day - but mostly on during the evening.
She found one position on the couch that made her comfortable, and Lauren did her nails as she fell asleep. Let's hope for less discomfort on Friday.
Posted by Lauren
Kathie had what we thought to be a two o'clock appointment to get her pump taken off. She wasn't feeling fabulous after lunch, so we ran back to the house to grab her nausea medication. When we got to Dr. DiMartino's office, we were waiting for awhile, wondering what was taking so long (it was supposed to take 10 minutes to take the pump out, push a little more chemo and flush the line)... and we found out someone had written her down for three, even though we had been told around 2! They kindly let us back early - but it was already about 2:30. Jeannie was also there, so we said hello - but as promised, Kathie was only there for 10 minutes and Lauren and her had plenty of time to catch the 3PM Harry Potter showing:)
Towards the end of Harry Potter, Kathie started to feel not so great - could have something to do with the popcorn she ate - but that is just speculation. Lauren and Kathie quickly made their way home - one, to get Kathie's medication which they had both foolishly forgot, and two, to meet Debby Cusack, who had produced dinner. Debby was already here when we arrived - with a delicious tuna casserole and a salad with a scrumptious (oh, I said it!) lemon vinaigrette. Kathie managed a bit of that about an hour later, when her medication had a chance to kick in. A little after that, Lauren convinced Kathie to run out and look for a planner (to track appointments, but also to have a notebook handy to record how she's feeling). Kathie was doing okay, but not great when they left. She's had some pressure in her abdomen - not so much nausea as discomfort, off and on all day - but mostly on during the evening.
She found one position on the couch that made her comfortable, and Lauren did her nails as she fell asleep. Let's hope for less discomfort on Friday.
Posted by Lauren
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
50th blog entry;)
Well, Kathie did do well yesterday - until the evening. Unbeknownst to us, Kathie received something during her treatment that acted as a stimulant, keeping Kathie awake until about 5AM. She finally crashed, but only made it an hour before Bob's alarm for work woke her up. Lauren walked in her room at 20 to 9, expecting Kathie to be asleep, but was instead surprised to see her awake and munching on a cookie that Lauren had made the night before. She had slept all of an hour.
Lauren gave her a little head massage and put on some Enya and Kathie fell back asleep - for about another hour:( While Lauren was at her dentist appointment and running errands (to the grocery store, surprise, surprise), Kathie started getting nauseous. Unfortunately, despite medication, the nausea lasted all day - though surely the lack of sleep had some part in it. Every "meal" was touch and go - and definitely based on "what sounds good." She did manage to get in an impressive amount of food considering how crappy she felt today.
Lauren's cooking with some garlic made Kathie feel worse, so she enjoyed some fresh air and got a couple of visitors today - Elaine and Linda Cochran came over and brought Linda's famous chicken noodle soup (which only Bob enjoyed today... but has been frozen for when Kathie feels a bit better). Elaine and Linda stayed over for a couple of hours and the three of them had a nice visit while Lauren tried to compensate for the smell by lighting candles, putting around potpourri and baking more cookies and some muffins. Luckily, that finally helped out a little.
Kathie tried to nap again this afternoon, and succeeded, until Bob and Lauren woke her up - not wanting her sleep schedule to be completely shot. Lauren had rented Stranger than Fiction, and the three of them watched that while they ate (well, Kathie picked over her food"). She still wasn't feeling great, but seemed to be in better spirits when she headed to bed around 10:30... I guess we will see how things go tomorrow.
Posted by Lauren
Lauren gave her a little head massage and put on some Enya and Kathie fell back asleep - for about another hour:( While Lauren was at her dentist appointment and running errands (to the grocery store, surprise, surprise), Kathie started getting nauseous. Unfortunately, despite medication, the nausea lasted all day - though surely the lack of sleep had some part in it. Every "meal" was touch and go - and definitely based on "what sounds good." She did manage to get in an impressive amount of food considering how crappy she felt today.
Lauren's cooking with some garlic made Kathie feel worse, so she enjoyed some fresh air and got a couple of visitors today - Elaine and Linda Cochran came over and brought Linda's famous chicken noodle soup (which only Bob enjoyed today... but has been frozen for when Kathie feels a bit better). Elaine and Linda stayed over for a couple of hours and the three of them had a nice visit while Lauren tried to compensate for the smell by lighting candles, putting around potpourri and baking more cookies and some muffins. Luckily, that finally helped out a little.
Kathie tried to nap again this afternoon, and succeeded, until Bob and Lauren woke her up - not wanting her sleep schedule to be completely shot. Lauren had rented Stranger than Fiction, and the three of them watched that while they ate (well, Kathie picked over her food"). She still wasn't feeling great, but seemed to be in better spirits when she headed to bed around 10:30... I guess we will see how things go tomorrow.
Posted by Lauren
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
One down...
Lauren arrived to Indiana on Sunday (several hours before Bob and Kathie got back from North Carolina)... since then, she has been grocery shopping, errand running and cooking almost non-stop;) Bob has started referring to Kathie as "Queen Bee" as she is getting a little more comfortable making requests. Unfortunately, she has developed a little taste change in her mouth and has specific cravings making it difficult to cook anything early - she is on a "what sounds good" diet. Lauren has become the walking and medicine nazi. We found gummy bear vitamins and calcium fortified chocolates that the Queen Bee hasn't complained about.
Today was Kathie's first chemo session. Lauren and Kathie were at the doctor's office from 11:15 to about 4 PM. Bob stayed from around 11:15 to around 2, a little after mom's chemo buddy (Jeannie) came for her treatment. Dave, Jeannie, Bob and Kathie chatted for a bit while Lauren semi-napped in one of the recliners. To start treatment, Kathie had pre-medication that included some anti-nausea and numbing agent. After discussing the bathroom issues (Kathie is not thrilled about everyone still discussing her bowels), they decided to give her some diarrhea prevention medication in her line as well. She received fluids and medications for about 3 hours, plus a FULFURI push. At the end of the session, Kathie received a pump that will continue to inject FULFURI (sp? - refer to one of Eddie's posts) for 46 hours. Lauren and Kathie ran a couple quick errands immediately following treatment and Kathie did fine - driving Lauren nuts looking at bathroom vanities for far too long:)
Lauren put her foot down at dinner and did not take requests - but served the turkeyloaf she stayed up making the night before;) It was received well. Also enjoyed was some stew that Lauren had pre-prepared a day earlier. Later on, Kathie enjoyed some healthy cookies (from Lauren's detox book) and some frozen yogurt... so whoever comes and visits, don't let her bully you into giving her crap food all the time (although, Lauren got conned into buying trail mix and a sweet tea while Kathie was at chemo). After dinner, Lauren and Kathie made a quick run to Target for more errands - Kathie has been doing good! She will take some anti-nausea medication with her to bed, just in case, but has so far coped well with just the medication she was given before chemo today.
Lauren has not received a lot of e-mails from local people - even if you have mentioned something to Kathie... PLEASE E-MAIL Lauren!!! Just because it has been said verbally, does not mean it was passed down the line, there have been a few things on our plate to keep everything straight some days. Also, please remember to put your phone number so Lauren does not have to dig through Kathie's address book which is in code language only she understands:) Refer to the post before if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
Posted by Lauren
Today was Kathie's first chemo session. Lauren and Kathie were at the doctor's office from 11:15 to about 4 PM. Bob stayed from around 11:15 to around 2, a little after mom's chemo buddy (Jeannie) came for her treatment. Dave, Jeannie, Bob and Kathie chatted for a bit while Lauren semi-napped in one of the recliners. To start treatment, Kathie had pre-medication that included some anti-nausea and numbing agent. After discussing the bathroom issues (Kathie is not thrilled about everyone still discussing her bowels), they decided to give her some diarrhea prevention medication in her line as well. She received fluids and medications for about 3 hours, plus a FULFURI push. At the end of the session, Kathie received a pump that will continue to inject FULFURI (sp? - refer to one of Eddie's posts) for 46 hours. Lauren and Kathie ran a couple quick errands immediately following treatment and Kathie did fine - driving Lauren nuts looking at bathroom vanities for far too long:)
Lauren put her foot down at dinner and did not take requests - but served the turkeyloaf she stayed up making the night before;) It was received well. Also enjoyed was some stew that Lauren had pre-prepared a day earlier. Later on, Kathie enjoyed some healthy cookies (from Lauren's detox book) and some frozen yogurt... so whoever comes and visits, don't let her bully you into giving her crap food all the time (although, Lauren got conned into buying trail mix and a sweet tea while Kathie was at chemo). After dinner, Lauren and Kathie made a quick run to Target for more errands - Kathie has been doing good! She will take some anti-nausea medication with her to bed, just in case, but has so far coped well with just the medication she was given before chemo today.
Lauren has not received a lot of e-mails from local people - even if you have mentioned something to Kathie... PLEASE E-MAIL Lauren!!! Just because it has been said verbally, does not mean it was passed down the line, there have been a few things on our plate to keep everything straight some days. Also, please remember to put your phone number so Lauren does not have to dig through Kathie's address book which is in code language only she understands:) Refer to the post before if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
Posted by Lauren
Friday, July 6, 2007
Volunteers?
We know that many of you have offered help and we appreciate it more than you know. For now, many of the things we can still do on our own (and maybe some of them we want to do to keep things normalized for a bit longer), but as this process continues for the next x number of years, we’re going to need every offering hand! So, below is a list of things we think we may need in the future (maybe next week, maybe at Christmas) and Lauren would greatly appreciate if you feel like you would like to help with one or two of these things (aka – be on a list of hopefully a few people so there can be a rotation if it’s something that is needed frequently) that you shoot her an e-mail at laducharme@bsu.edu.
If you would like to be the point person for a specific list (so if you can’t do it, you’d be willing to call the others on that list to do it in your place) please indicate that as well! Lauren will then compile a little resource list so Bob and Kathie just need to call one person to get something taken care of… Please do not feel obligated to sign up for something – only sign up if you would like to help out with it… any help we get will be better than none! (No guilt if you don’t sign up – Lauren doesn’t even know who has this web address!) If you do sign up for something – it’s not an obligation for life;) Just let Lauren know if you can no longer fit something in, or if you’d like to switch to something else. Also, if there is something missing that you would like to offer to help with, e-mail suggestions too.
If you are a Lafayette person, and you know of more people that would like to help with something, please have them e-mail me too!
1. Bringing meals
2. Lawn and/or garden care
3. Errands
a. Dry Cleaners
b. Pharmacy pick-ups
c. Etc.
4. Shopping
a. Grocery
b. Birthdays
c. Christmas
5. Holiday Decorating
6. Holiday “stuff” – baking, wrapping, cards… whatever
7. Transportation for guests (AIRPORT PICK-UP/DROP-OFF)
8. Doctors appointments/Chemo transportation for Kathie
9. Visitors - This can be out of town or in town.
a. If you are out of town, please e-mail dates that work for you or if it’s easier, dates that
absolutely won’t work
b. If you are in town – it doesn’t have to be a weekly thing, but just something to get
Kathie out of the house or if she has to be in-bound, to play cards or whatever
10. Visitor prep – make beds, clean bathroom, etc
11. Walking buddies for Kathie – the woman needs to be out walking and she sure as heck is not going to do it on her own… malls only count if she’s not stopping and looking at racks ;)
So again: e-mail laducharme@bsu.edu with your full name, phone number (house and cell if possible), what you’d like to help out with – and any specifics for that (i.e. “I can help on Tuesdays if you need meals”, “I’m free all but Mondays to pick up dry cleaning”, “I’m available after 5 PM to walk” etc). Oh, most importantly, please e-mail no later than Wednesday, July 11th!
God bless!
Posted by Lauren
If you would like to be the point person for a specific list (so if you can’t do it, you’d be willing to call the others on that list to do it in your place) please indicate that as well! Lauren will then compile a little resource list so Bob and Kathie just need to call one person to get something taken care of… Please do not feel obligated to sign up for something – only sign up if you would like to help out with it… any help we get will be better than none! (No guilt if you don’t sign up – Lauren doesn’t even know who has this web address!) If you do sign up for something – it’s not an obligation for life;) Just let Lauren know if you can no longer fit something in, or if you’d like to switch to something else. Also, if there is something missing that you would like to offer to help with, e-mail suggestions too.
If you are a Lafayette person, and you know of more people that would like to help with something, please have them e-mail me too!
1. Bringing meals
2. Lawn and/or garden care
3. Errands
a. Dry Cleaners
b. Pharmacy pick-ups
c. Etc.
4. Shopping
a. Grocery
b. Birthdays
c. Christmas
5. Holiday Decorating
6. Holiday “stuff” – baking, wrapping, cards… whatever
7. Transportation for guests (AIRPORT PICK-UP/DROP-OFF)
8. Doctors appointments/Chemo transportation for Kathie
9. Visitors - This can be out of town or in town.
a. If you are out of town, please e-mail dates that work for you or if it’s easier, dates that
absolutely won’t work
b. If you are in town – it doesn’t have to be a weekly thing, but just something to get
Kathie out of the house or if she has to be in-bound, to play cards or whatever
10. Visitor prep – make beds, clean bathroom, etc
11. Walking buddies for Kathie – the woman needs to be out walking and she sure as heck is not going to do it on her own… malls only count if she’s not stopping and looking at racks ;)
So again: e-mail laducharme@bsu.edu with your full name, phone number (house and cell if possible), what you’d like to help out with – and any specifics for that (i.e. “I can help on Tuesdays if you need meals”, “I’m free all but Mondays to pick up dry cleaning”, “I’m available after 5 PM to walk” etc). Oh, most importantly, please e-mail no later than Wednesday, July 11th!
God bless!
Posted by Lauren
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
For now, no flowers please
We forgot to mention an important note from the doctor's office earlier yesterday. Kathie was told that flowers could be a bad thing during chemo treatments. Apparently, the fungus or other things in flowers can be unhealthy for a person with a low white count - which can happen during chemo. So, until we get a more definitive answer on if she can receive any types of flowers at all during any part of the process, please hold off on the flowers. (Although, the ones that have been sent to this point have been gorgeous!)
If you would like to make a gesture of some sort, Kathie is still asking for gifts to the American Cancer Society. Note that if you do donate in Kathie's name, please let us know so that we can thank you. We don't get notified just b/c the donation is tied to a person. Other thoughts include gift certificates (Kathie likes to shop, and needs to walk anyway) and edible bouquets. I have never seen the latter, but Lauren tells me that you can get them with fruit or candy and such.
Happy 4th of July!
posted by Ed
If you would like to make a gesture of some sort, Kathie is still asking for gifts to the American Cancer Society. Note that if you do donate in Kathie's name, please let us know so that we can thank you. We don't get notified just b/c the donation is tied to a person. Other thoughts include gift certificates (Kathie likes to shop, and needs to walk anyway) and edible bouquets. I have never seen the latter, but Lauren tells me that you can get them with fruit or candy and such.
Happy 4th of July!
posted by Ed
Chemo Orientation
Bob and Kathie went to chemo orientation yesterday - and learned about all the wonderful things that come with chemo - get sick to get better? It's a strange world we live in... anyway, then they of course signed the paperwork that says, "Yes, I understand this is going to suck" :)
Overall, the appointment did go well though - and they learned some important issues and helpful hints to deal with the chemo.
My mom's new family doctor, Dr. Cusack - who is actually one of Lauren's close friend's father, also gave her the good news that the tests from the fluid in the lining of her lungs came back negative for cancer cells! YAY! There was a bit of new fluid showing up in the x-ray - but it wasn't enough to bother to drain and they also informed Bob and Kathie that draining it frequently actually caused it to come back faster. The chemo should help it go away, but they'll be watching it.
Kathie is on a 4 day hiatus from cancer starting today... Bob and Kathie left from Melissa's parents house in Indianapolis today to go to North Carolina. They will stay this evening at the Heruskas' (Lauren's boyfriend's parents' house - are you still with me?). They will return from NC on Sunday - though Lauren may beat them back.
Book suggestion for anyone getting really involved with this situation... or if you need a good summer read... The Anatomy of Hope. It's really pretty great and uplifting, something we could all use.
On another positive note - we all love those! - Lauren looked into a program called the Anderson Network for Kathie. The Anderson Network has a bunch of different support groups, one of them being a patient-to-patient one. They can match you up with someone who has similar diagnosis and is in a similiar life situation - and boy did they do a wonderful job! Lauren talked Friday with Jean (which in it's Hebrew origins means "the Lord is gracious"... I am obsessed with Google;) ) who seems a perfect friend for Kathie through this. Jean is 61, stage IV colon cancer and has been living with it for 6 years. She has 4 sons (ages 20-33) and three grandchildren... and she's in Indiana. She was very upbeat and seems to fight her cancer with a certain grace. The ball is in Kathie's court now for if she chooses to chat her up - but if nothing else, the kids at least have someone they can call;)
No more updates until Lauren gets to Indiana - because, as you may recall, for the next 4 days, the focus is on the house in redneck country, NC (not that all of NC is!), where it is only appropriate for men to go into the grocery store shirtless or in cutoff flannel to buy their Natural Light or Budweiser and where Possum Squat Hollar Rd is just down a mile down the street;)
Posted by Lauren
Overall, the appointment did go well though - and they learned some important issues and helpful hints to deal with the chemo.
My mom's new family doctor, Dr. Cusack - who is actually one of Lauren's close friend's father, also gave her the good news that the tests from the fluid in the lining of her lungs came back negative for cancer cells! YAY! There was a bit of new fluid showing up in the x-ray - but it wasn't enough to bother to drain and they also informed Bob and Kathie that draining it frequently actually caused it to come back faster. The chemo should help it go away, but they'll be watching it.
Kathie is on a 4 day hiatus from cancer starting today... Bob and Kathie left from Melissa's parents house in Indianapolis today to go to North Carolina. They will stay this evening at the Heruskas' (Lauren's boyfriend's parents' house - are you still with me?). They will return from NC on Sunday - though Lauren may beat them back.
Book suggestion for anyone getting really involved with this situation... or if you need a good summer read... The Anatomy of Hope. It's really pretty great and uplifting, something we could all use.
On another positive note - we all love those! - Lauren looked into a program called the Anderson Network for Kathie. The Anderson Network has a bunch of different support groups, one of them being a patient-to-patient one. They can match you up with someone who has similar diagnosis and is in a similiar life situation - and boy did they do a wonderful job! Lauren talked Friday with Jean (which in it's Hebrew origins means "the Lord is gracious"... I am obsessed with Google;) ) who seems a perfect friend for Kathie through this. Jean is 61, stage IV colon cancer and has been living with it for 6 years. She has 4 sons (ages 20-33) and three grandchildren... and she's in Indiana. She was very upbeat and seems to fight her cancer with a certain grace. The ball is in Kathie's court now for if she chooses to chat her up - but if nothing else, the kids at least have someone they can call;)
No more updates until Lauren gets to Indiana - because, as you may recall, for the next 4 days, the focus is on the house in redneck country, NC (not that all of NC is!), where it is only appropriate for men to go into the grocery store shirtless or in cutoff flannel to buy their Natural Light or Budweiser and where Possum Squat Hollar Rd is just down a mile down the street;)
Posted by Lauren
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Better spirits... but a long road
Kathie sounded much more upbeat today. She had a good visit with her sister, Carole, and Carole's daughter, Melissa and Melissa's son. They all left today and Kathie has been up at the lake re-wallpapering:) Sounds fairly Kathie-like, huh?
Bob thinks they may have to look for a cosmetic surgeon due to the shady surgery Kathie had on her nose on Friday.
Here is July's schedule:
-July 2 - Lung X-Ray to check for fluid
-July 3 - Baseline blood testing and Chemo training (I will be there)
-July 10- 1st Chemo - 4 hours
-July 12 - Return infusion pump - 1/2 hour
-July 17 - Dr DiMartino visit - 1 hr
-July 23 - Blood Test
-July 24 - 2nd Chemo - 4 hr
-July 26 - Return Infusion Pump - 1/2 hr
-July 27 - Nuelasta Injection
-July 31 - Nurse Practicioner visit - 1/2 hr
Lauren is heading back to Lafayette on the 8th and will be there until the 14th. Bob and Kathie are heading to North Carolina to look at the house and take a little Lafayette break from the 4-8, depending on how Kathie is feeling.
We'll try to keep you updated about this week's appointments.
Posted by Lauren
Bob thinks they may have to look for a cosmetic surgeon due to the shady surgery Kathie had on her nose on Friday.
Here is July's schedule:
-July 2 - Lung X-Ray to check for fluid
-July 3 - Baseline blood testing and Chemo training (I will be there)
-July 10- 1st Chemo - 4 hours
-July 12 - Return infusion pump - 1/2 hour
-July 17 - Dr DiMartino visit - 1 hr
-July 23 - Blood Test
-July 24 - 2nd Chemo - 4 hr
-July 26 - Return Infusion Pump - 1/2 hr
-July 27 - Nuelasta Injection
-July 31 - Nurse Practicioner visit - 1/2 hr
Lauren is heading back to Lafayette on the 8th and will be there until the 14th. Bob and Kathie are heading to North Carolina to look at the house and take a little Lafayette break from the 4-8, depending on how Kathie is feeling.
We'll try to keep you updated about this week's appointments.
Posted by Lauren
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