So often I hear myself saying, "I don't know." I try very hard to be informed and to look up everything I may not know or understand about Heather's situation. However, even after asking questions and researching everything that I know to ask and research, I still say, "I don't know" too often for my liking.
We went to San Francisco for Heather's January 20 appointment. Because we did not think about bringing her January 5 MRI disc with us, Dr. Chang could not give us much information. Heather's brain was quite swollen then (January 5) and she went on her steroids, which did reduce the swelling a ton. But Dr. Chang could not see the comparison without the disc. She told us there was obviously "something there" that was not on the November MRI taken in San Francisco. But, knowing that Heather's brain swelling symptoms had diminished and her strength had returned to her left side, Dr. Chang felt comfortable that the steroids were working. But, the "something" was still there. So, upon our return to Omaha on Wednesday, we immediately "one-day" delivered the disc to UCSF Medical Center in hopes Dr. Chang would be able to present it to her Thursday morning tumor board meeting. Of course, our $60 "one-day" FedEx delivery wound up being a two-day delivery, so we have to wait until next Thursday.
Basically, Dr. Chang called and told us that she wants to see Heather the week of February 23 if the tumor board agrees the steroids are working and the "something" on the MR is from swelling. If the tumor board feels it might be something other than swelling, Dr. Chang will want to start another type of treatment before Heather's scheduled Temador treatment in two weeks. Heather also has some "leakage"; when I asked if that was normal and just part of the radiation, Dr. Chang said leakage is "nonspecific." I have tried to research this, but so far have not had much success. However, Dr. Chang reaffirmed that the swelling is from the radiation.
Because I see Heather almost daily and talk with her several times a day, I believe all is good. I refuse to think we have anything to worry about at this time; however, Heather is feeling a bit stressed right now. I think she believes if all was well, she would not have to return to San Francisco until the end of March. Because Dr. Chang wants to see her within a month, Heather is a little uncomfortable about it.
Heather's hair is beginning to grow in places, and only the top of her head remains hair-follicle free. I think she is excited about her hair starting to show some growth. She will, however, continue to shave her head as long as the top of her head is bald.
One somewhat funny situation: When Heather started her steroids, she started eating non-stop. We all knew the steroids would do that, but she was really eating a lot! She also had tons of energy, and needed little sleep, which is NOT normal for Heather. Well, come to find out, she was accidentally taking double dosage for 10 days! I think even though Heather was not happy with herself for making such a mistake, she was happy to know that she won't be uncontrollably eating as much.
As always, we continue our prayers and efforts in our fight against brain cancer! Please join the fight.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Whew!
Heather has just finished her second month of Temador. YEAH for her not being sick! She has been tired and sleeping, but I don't think she has slept as much as last month. However, this time she had fluid - along with anti-nausea, electrolytes, anti-stress, and white blood cell "stuff"-infusions Day 1 and Day 3. Originally, she was supposed to begin on Monday, but Dr. Popa felt Heather needed another MRI because of some concerns with Heather's left side. The MRI revealed some edema around the brain. In addition, Dr. Popa wanted Dr. Long to view the MRI and compare it to the previous one from San Francisco. Because of her left side "issues," Heather is doing physical therapy and occupational therapy every week. Dr. Long feels what may look like tumor growth is really dead cells from the radiation - necrosis, I think. We will learn more when we return to San Francisco on January 20.
Although Heather has handled this round much better, she was too tired to attend the UNO Maverick Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure event this weekend; but hopefully she will be able to attend in two weeks for the second of three weekends. Speaking of the weekend, LFAC has teamed with UNO hockey to promote brain cancer awareness. I am so excited about this event. Mike Kemp, head coach, has set a $30,000 goal. If the goal is met, all players and coaches will shave their heads Center Ice after the February 7 game. Although it sounds like a lot - and it is - Omaha seems to support good causes, and this is a good cause. This fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity for Brain Cancer Awareness and for UNO Maverick Hockey to get involved. The players are now going to visit Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center on Monday, January 19. Community work is vital for connectedness.
I just received notice today that the National Cancer Institute has made a preliminary decision to slash funding by 50% for the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium. That means research will lose funding, Trials will be cut, and brain cancer patients will suffer. Brain cancer patients and family rely on the hope of research; without research, treatment cannot advance. I think it is time for a check and balance on all funding - for everything! I don't care about "bridges to nowhere," nor do I care about flies mating. I just want a cure for cancer - ALL cancers!
As I mentioned earlier, I am so excited about UNO Maverick Hockey, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, and Leap-for-a-Cure's teaming together in the effort to fight brain cancer. Planning has been in the works for months, and now it is here. The first of three weekends is over, but I think the event will only get better. Some special people who have supported and organized and helped make it work: Mike Kemp, Michele Roberts, Shirley Fey, Robyn Sitzman, Jean Koerten, and Ryanne Hastings. Of course, others have helped, but these people have made the commitment as a committee to work extra hard and to share their talents. THANK YOU!
It seems as if I am always eager to go to San Francisco as there is always something new to learn. As always, I will have my list of questions and will keep my fingers crossed for GOOD news. Since 2008 is over, I am believing in 2009!
Although Heather has handled this round much better, she was too tired to attend the UNO Maverick Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure event this weekend; but hopefully she will be able to attend in two weeks for the second of three weekends. Speaking of the weekend, LFAC has teamed with UNO hockey to promote brain cancer awareness. I am so excited about this event. Mike Kemp, head coach, has set a $30,000 goal. If the goal is met, all players and coaches will shave their heads Center Ice after the February 7 game. Although it sounds like a lot - and it is - Omaha seems to support good causes, and this is a good cause. This fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity for Brain Cancer Awareness and for UNO Maverick Hockey to get involved. The players are now going to visit Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center on Monday, January 19. Community work is vital for connectedness.
I just received notice today that the National Cancer Institute has made a preliminary decision to slash funding by 50% for the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium. That means research will lose funding, Trials will be cut, and brain cancer patients will suffer. Brain cancer patients and family rely on the hope of research; without research, treatment cannot advance. I think it is time for a check and balance on all funding - for everything! I don't care about "bridges to nowhere," nor do I care about flies mating. I just want a cure for cancer - ALL cancers!
As I mentioned earlier, I am so excited about UNO Maverick Hockey, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, and Leap-for-a-Cure's teaming together in the effort to fight brain cancer. Planning has been in the works for months, and now it is here. The first of three weekends is over, but I think the event will only get better. Some special people who have supported and organized and helped make it work: Mike Kemp, Michele Roberts, Shirley Fey, Robyn Sitzman, Jean Koerten, and Ryanne Hastings. Of course, others have helped, but these people have made the commitment as a committee to work extra hard and to share their talents. THANK YOU!
It seems as if I am always eager to go to San Francisco as there is always something new to learn. As always, I will have my list of questions and will keep my fingers crossed for GOOD news. Since 2008 is over, I am believing in 2009!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Downside of Chemo Treatment
Heather has just finished her first 5 days of Temador; and although it could have been worse, it was no picnic for her. She takes the pills at night before bed to help avoid being sick, but she was sick all night her first night anyway. The following day (Tuesday) she slept off and on between being sick. But, she had to take the pills again at night. She came to our house on Tuesday so that she was here in case she got so sick again. Tuesday night brought another night of being sick and achy. By Wednesday, she was miserable, so off to Dr. Popa's we went. We found out that she was dehydrated - even though she drinks water nonstop. In addition, she was low on potassium. So, she had a 2 hour saline with potassium and more anti-nausea medication infusion. I learned what a dehydrated tongue looks like as well as veins. We are all rookies at this rodeo, and we know we have a lot to learn.
Heather returned to work on Thursday, but continued to feel very tired. Friday was the same. She slept from Friday night at 9:00 until Saturday at noon. She was up for about 1 hour, and then she slept another 3-4 hours. She just needs to sleep and sleep and sleep. And, she is not eating. She ate about 2 bites of applesauce and a few sips of soup today. She is not eating because she is not hungry and feels sick if she does. She has begun to lose weight, but I think once the initial chemo has run its course, she might feel better for a couple of weeks before it all starts again. After her 23 days off, her next treatment will be 390 mg instead of 285. In addition to her chemo treatment reactions, her Raynaud's phenomenon is driving her crazy! Her feet and hands are itching, and last night Heather was miserable with it. The Raynauds usually does bother her more this time of year, but on top of everything else, it is one more annoying issue.
After her next round, we will be headed to San Francisco for another MRI. We hope to learn more between now and then so that we have more questions in our quest for answers - answers that will someday help Heather.
Our next big fundraiser is going to be February 6 and 7 at the UNO hockey games. The players will wear special jerseys for brain cancer and those will be auctioned during the game on Saturday. In addition, during January and February 6 and 7, we will raise money with people putting money in players and coaches' jars to see who raises the most money. That person will have his head shaved at center ice after the game. More details will emerge soon, but I think it will be a fun event.
I don't know if I will write again before the holidays, so I wish you all a happy holiday season!
Heather returned to work on Thursday, but continued to feel very tired. Friday was the same. She slept from Friday night at 9:00 until Saturday at noon. She was up for about 1 hour, and then she slept another 3-4 hours. She just needs to sleep and sleep and sleep. And, she is not eating. She ate about 2 bites of applesauce and a few sips of soup today. She is not eating because she is not hungry and feels sick if she does. She has begun to lose weight, but I think once the initial chemo has run its course, she might feel better for a couple of weeks before it all starts again. After her 23 days off, her next treatment will be 390 mg instead of 285. In addition to her chemo treatment reactions, her Raynaud's phenomenon is driving her crazy! Her feet and hands are itching, and last night Heather was miserable with it. The Raynauds usually does bother her more this time of year, but on top of everything else, it is one more annoying issue.
After her next round, we will be headed to San Francisco for another MRI. We hope to learn more between now and then so that we have more questions in our quest for answers - answers that will someday help Heather.
Our next big fundraiser is going to be February 6 and 7 at the UNO hockey games. The players will wear special jerseys for brain cancer and those will be auctioned during the game on Saturday. In addition, during January and February 6 and 7, we will raise money with people putting money in players and coaches' jars to see who raises the most money. That person will have his head shaved at center ice after the game. More details will emerge soon, but I think it will be a fun event.
I don't know if I will write again before the holidays, so I wish you all a happy holiday season!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
From Hawaii to Reality
Hawaii was a special treat for our family! (Although we missed Amy, we will make certain she is able to join us on our next vacation.) Heather was able to relax and sleep and sleep and sleep. The radiation finally caught up with her, and she remains very tired. Dr. Popa said today that Heather's reaction to the radiation is normal even though it is a bit "later" than some people's. She was not tired during the last two weeks of radiation as many people are; but about a week after it, she became very tired and still sleeps a lot. Dr. Popa also said that since Heather tolerated the low-dose Temador with her radiation, she feels Heather will also tolerate the higher dose of Temador. Heather's dose of Temador during radiation was 180, but she will begin her regime with 285 for the first 5 days and then go to 380 (I think). She will take her Temador for 5 days and be off for 23 days; then it starts over so it is a 28-day cycle. Tiredness is the most common side effect along with nausea. However, Heather will take anti-nausea medication an hour before taking Temador and will take the Temador about 1 hour before bed. Hopefully, she can sleep through any sickness she may encounter. She will have her blood checked weekly for any signs of other side effects. Dr. Popa also reinforced the idea that Heather could be on Temador for over 3 years if she tolerates it. Along with Temador, Heather must once again begin her anti-acid, anti-nausea, and antibiotics and continue her vitamins. She has been so happy not taking all the medications throughout the day; now she realizes it could be for another 3 or more years if all goes well - sounds ironic to me. But, her attitude continues to be "whatever it takes" to become cancer free!
We are planning our next San Francisco trip for January. UCSF Medical Center has a different MRI machine - one that Omaha does not have. If all goes well, we may not return to San Francisco for 4 months after January. Dr. Popa is perfectly OK with us going to San Francisco, and that makes us all feel more comfortable. I am feeling more and more relaxed with Dr. Popa and more and more confident with her as Heather's oncologist. It isn't easy "turning over" your child to someone else - even a doctor. But I have no choice, so I must find confidence in the person who is treating her. I cannot explain how important that is - it has to be a feeling of belief and hope.
So far, Heather is back at work full-time. She is grateful to her employers (Ted and Kathy) and all the people she works with who are supportive of her absences from work. She hopes that she does not miss more work because of her Temador regime, and will only have to miss work because of her San Francisco trips.
So, now that we have returned to cold and snow, we reflect on our wonderful time in Hawaii as a family having fun in the sun. We were able to relax, read, share, sleep, and escape our reality. Our daily routines have returned and worrying and thinking about Heather is a part of that. As hard as I try, I very rarely skip a minute without Heather entering my mind. But, because I always hold her close to my heart and mind, I am always researching for new approaches to brain cancer. I continue to learn and continue to ask questions. I will NEVER give up hope because I know that someday there will be a cure and that Heather will be a recipient of that cure!
We are planning our next San Francisco trip for January. UCSF Medical Center has a different MRI machine - one that Omaha does not have. If all goes well, we may not return to San Francisco for 4 months after January. Dr. Popa is perfectly OK with us going to San Francisco, and that makes us all feel more comfortable. I am feeling more and more relaxed with Dr. Popa and more and more confident with her as Heather's oncologist. It isn't easy "turning over" your child to someone else - even a doctor. But I have no choice, so I must find confidence in the person who is treating her. I cannot explain how important that is - it has to be a feeling of belief and hope.
So far, Heather is back at work full-time. She is grateful to her employers (Ted and Kathy) and all the people she works with who are supportive of her absences from work. She hopes that she does not miss more work because of her Temador regime, and will only have to miss work because of her San Francisco trips.
So, now that we have returned to cold and snow, we reflect on our wonderful time in Hawaii as a family having fun in the sun. We were able to relax, read, share, sleep, and escape our reality. Our daily routines have returned and worrying and thinking about Heather is a part of that. As hard as I try, I very rarely skip a minute without Heather entering my mind. But, because I always hold her close to my heart and mind, I am always researching for new approaches to brain cancer. I continue to learn and continue to ask questions. I will NEVER give up hope because I know that someday there will be a cure and that Heather will be a recipient of that cure!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
From San Francisco to Hawaii
We just returned from San Francisco, and we feel the news is good - if "status quo" is good. Heather's tumor has not grown, so that is good. From what we were told, the tumor never "shrinks"; the cells just die. When the cells begin to grow again, the Temador attacks / kills them. The trick seems to be to make certain the Temador is taken when the cells are starting to grow. I think it is time for more research. We always learn so much with each visit! We will return to San Francisco the end of January - and I am certain we will return with more answers, but with more questions as well.
Heather seems to be doing well. She is happy with "status quo" - as we all are. For some reason this trip was really bothering her. She had a few bad days thinking about the trip; I think because she heard bad news the last time we were there maybe she was fearful she would hear bad news again. But, with a sigh of relief, we went to lunch to celebrate with my sister Jill and my best friend from high school, Tricia.
Saturday (11/15) the Omaha Lancer Hockey Organization held a fundraiser for brain cancer. The players wore special "brain cancer" jerseys designed by Bill Nervig (Lancer's trainer). Each jersey was auctioned off during the game. These jerseys were really "sweet." Obviously, I have never seen a jersey designed for brain cancer! I wonder if these are the first ones made for it? Unfortunately, the team lost in a shoot-out, so that was the only downside to the benefit. Once again, we have been amazed at the support the community has given to our cause.
Heather's cousin Aaron is doing great work in Lincoln promoting Leap-for-a-Cure. I hope to have more news on his efforts soon.
I don't think there will be much to write about until after our Hawaii trip. Heather is so excited about the trip, which we think is going to be special before she starts her chemotherapy. We learned that she could be on Temador for 2 - 3 years if she tolerates it. Wow, that is a long time! Of course, we think she will handle it well as she handled radiation and low-dose chemo very well. Our fingers are once again crossed for her health, happiness, and safety.
Heather seems to be doing well. She is happy with "status quo" - as we all are. For some reason this trip was really bothering her. She had a few bad days thinking about the trip; I think because she heard bad news the last time we were there maybe she was fearful she would hear bad news again. But, with a sigh of relief, we went to lunch to celebrate with my sister Jill and my best friend from high school, Tricia.
Saturday (11/15) the Omaha Lancer Hockey Organization held a fundraiser for brain cancer. The players wore special "brain cancer" jerseys designed by Bill Nervig (Lancer's trainer). Each jersey was auctioned off during the game. These jerseys were really "sweet." Obviously, I have never seen a jersey designed for brain cancer! I wonder if these are the first ones made for it? Unfortunately, the team lost in a shoot-out, so that was the only downside to the benefit. Once again, we have been amazed at the support the community has given to our cause.
Heather's cousin Aaron is doing great work in Lincoln promoting Leap-for-a-Cure. I hope to have more news on his efforts soon.
I don't think there will be much to write about until after our Hawaii trip. Heather is so excited about the trip, which we think is going to be special before she starts her chemotherapy. We learned that she could be on Temador for 2 - 3 years if she tolerates it. Wow, that is a long time! Of course, we think she will handle it well as she handled radiation and low-dose chemo very well. Our fingers are once again crossed for her health, happiness, and safety.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
End of Radiation Road
33 rounds; 33 trips; 33 visits. It's over! For as happy as Heather and all of us are to have radiation completed, the last day left us a little sad. Saying good-bye to the technicians, saying good-bye to the other patients - it's just a little sad. You visit with people everyday and become very interested in their lives, their journey, their personal battle. We wish everyone the best of luck in their fight. But we will never really know how they do.
Heather is doing well. She had her first full day of work in over 6 weeks today, so she is tired. She is so grateful to her employers for being understanding and supportive. Because of their support, Heather did not suffer extra stress about her job. Currently, her head is tender, much like a sunburn, so she does not like to wear anything on her head. Getting ready in 10 minutes is a plus as well. And, she has a great shaped head, so she looks pretty good bald. However, she might get cold this winter :)
I said in my last entry that I would talk about some of our fundraising events. First, after our "Wear Gray for a Day" event in September, Reagan Elementary School had a Penny War among some of its classes. Students also sold gray wristbands . Both ideas raised about $1,200! Because of Reagan Elementary, my department decided to have a Penny War among our English classes during homecoming week. Our students raised $8,200! Then our DECA students raised another $1,000 during the Powder Puff game. Student Council and a "Miracle Minute" added some more. All together, Millard North High School raised $10,500 for Leap-for-a-Cure!
Monster Bash was so fun! We think about 200 people attended and I met so many new people -some who have a connection to brain cancer and some who just want to support our cause. We are already thinking about next year's bash :) We have some ideas to make the event better as well as what we want to keep the same. I know - I just need to relax a little. I only have 12 months! Thunder Alley hosted the event and I cannot thank Ted and Kathy enough for all their efforts to make it a success. In addition, the classic rock band "Charlie in the Box" played for the event and donated the time. Everyone helped to make this a special awareness event.
Today is Old Chicago Restaurants' "Cookies for a Cure" day. Old Chicago has been a wonderful support for our cause. First, three of the restaurants each donated 8 pizzas to reward the winning teacher's classes for the Penny War at Millard North. Then the restaurants planned for the "Cookies for a Cure" fundraiser. I'm proud to be involved with this fine organization! Plus, I bought a lot of delicious cookies :)
The next event is November 15 at Mid-America Center. The Lancer Hockey team has purchased special brain cancer jerseys. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned and all proceeds will go to Leap-for-a-Cure. Another fun evening is approaching. . .
We have been so fortunate to have so many people supporting Leap-for-a-Cure. From students and staff at Reagan Elementary and Millard North High School, to Thunder Alley, to Old Chicago, to Lancer Hockey - we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.
I will continue to fight for the cause no matter how long it takes to find a cure. It has been too long without new steps, and I am getting impatient. I met so many good people the other night, and each one deserves to live his / her life to the fullest. Each one has a story. Each one has a fight. Our story and our fight is no different. However, this story has hit home - my home. We are no longer someone else.
Heather is doing well. She had her first full day of work in over 6 weeks today, so she is tired. She is so grateful to her employers for being understanding and supportive. Because of their support, Heather did not suffer extra stress about her job. Currently, her head is tender, much like a sunburn, so she does not like to wear anything on her head. Getting ready in 10 minutes is a plus as well. And, she has a great shaped head, so she looks pretty good bald. However, she might get cold this winter :)
I said in my last entry that I would talk about some of our fundraising events. First, after our "Wear Gray for a Day" event in September, Reagan Elementary School had a Penny War among some of its classes. Students also sold gray wristbands . Both ideas raised about $1,200! Because of Reagan Elementary, my department decided to have a Penny War among our English classes during homecoming week. Our students raised $8,200! Then our DECA students raised another $1,000 during the Powder Puff game. Student Council and a "Miracle Minute" added some more. All together, Millard North High School raised $10,500 for Leap-for-a-Cure!
Monster Bash was so fun! We think about 200 people attended and I met so many new people -some who have a connection to brain cancer and some who just want to support our cause. We are already thinking about next year's bash :) We have some ideas to make the event better as well as what we want to keep the same. I know - I just need to relax a little. I only have 12 months! Thunder Alley hosted the event and I cannot thank Ted and Kathy enough for all their efforts to make it a success. In addition, the classic rock band "Charlie in the Box" played for the event and donated the time. Everyone helped to make this a special awareness event.
Today is Old Chicago Restaurants' "Cookies for a Cure" day. Old Chicago has been a wonderful support for our cause. First, three of the restaurants each donated 8 pizzas to reward the winning teacher's classes for the Penny War at Millard North. Then the restaurants planned for the "Cookies for a Cure" fundraiser. I'm proud to be involved with this fine organization! Plus, I bought a lot of delicious cookies :)
The next event is November 15 at Mid-America Center. The Lancer Hockey team has purchased special brain cancer jerseys. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned and all proceeds will go to Leap-for-a-Cure. Another fun evening is approaching. . .
We have been so fortunate to have so many people supporting Leap-for-a-Cure. From students and staff at Reagan Elementary and Millard North High School, to Thunder Alley, to Old Chicago, to Lancer Hockey - we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.
I will continue to fight for the cause no matter how long it takes to find a cure. It has been too long without new steps, and I am getting impatient. I met so many good people the other night, and each one deserves to live his / her life to the fullest. Each one has a story. Each one has a fight. Our story and our fight is no different. However, this story has hit home - my home. We are no longer someone else.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pre-Monster Bash
Tuesday, October 28, is a day we are all looking forward to. We have worked to promote the evening and we have a good feeling about its success. Heather is getting so excited, so that also makes me happy. She and I spent the afternoon buying balloons, table clothes, raffle tickets, etc. for the event. We are so ready . . .
Last week Heather was told she has Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday radiation treatments left. We had planned that Friday would be her last day, but she is doing "boost" right now, and that requires her to have three more days of it. We will celebrate her first radiation free day at Old Chicago and buying cookies for a cure! (Thursday, October 30)
So far, she has tolerated everything so well. She is no longer sick; she went back on her steroids and that took care of the headaches and body aches. However,Dr. Popa told her to try to get off of them if she can as the steroids will affect her stomach. She is trying.
Sometimes I look at her and forget she is sick because she is doing so well. Her coloring is good; her health is good; her blood work is good; and her attitude is good. She IS going to beat this.
When she is finished next Wednesday, she is free of all medical appointments until her Wednesday, November 12 MRI in San Francisco. As I have said before, I can hardly wait to get good news. Then, we will be off to Hawaii for a week and then she starts the year-long chemotherapy (Temador) at much higher doses than she takes now. But, we are still hopeful she will tolerate it all well. We are ready to handle anything that happens - good or bad - and move forward. As Heather always says, "It's temporary."
Heather has been such an inspiration to me. Her attitude and decision to take charge of her situation has been a lesson for me. I learn from her every day. I try so hard NOT to dwell on unpleasantness, negative situations, and difficult experiences. Life is not perfect, and we can only deal with what is given to us. I have always told my children that it isn't WHAT happens; it is HOW we react to WHAT happens that makes us who we are. If that is as true as I believe, Heather is going to be a role model for so many people. She has handed this situation with such grace and dignity. I know I have said it before, but I cannot ignore this truth.
Next time I will devote time to Leap-for-a-Cure and the successes of our efforts. That is something else for which I am proud.
Last week Heather was told she has Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday radiation treatments left. We had planned that Friday would be her last day, but she is doing "boost" right now, and that requires her to have three more days of it. We will celebrate her first radiation free day at Old Chicago and buying cookies for a cure! (Thursday, October 30)
So far, she has tolerated everything so well. She is no longer sick; she went back on her steroids and that took care of the headaches and body aches. However,Dr. Popa told her to try to get off of them if she can as the steroids will affect her stomach. She is trying.
Sometimes I look at her and forget she is sick because she is doing so well. Her coloring is good; her health is good; her blood work is good; and her attitude is good. She IS going to beat this.
When she is finished next Wednesday, she is free of all medical appointments until her Wednesday, November 12 MRI in San Francisco. As I have said before, I can hardly wait to get good news. Then, we will be off to Hawaii for a week and then she starts the year-long chemotherapy (Temador) at much higher doses than she takes now. But, we are still hopeful she will tolerate it all well. We are ready to handle anything that happens - good or bad - and move forward. As Heather always says, "It's temporary."
Heather has been such an inspiration to me. Her attitude and decision to take charge of her situation has been a lesson for me. I learn from her every day. I try so hard NOT to dwell on unpleasantness, negative situations, and difficult experiences. Life is not perfect, and we can only deal with what is given to us. I have always told my children that it isn't WHAT happens; it is HOW we react to WHAT happens that makes us who we are. If that is as true as I believe, Heather is going to be a role model for so many people. She has handed this situation with such grace and dignity. I know I have said it before, but I cannot ignore this truth.
Next time I will devote time to Leap-for-a-Cure and the successes of our efforts. That is something else for which I am proud.
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