A friend suggested I set up a Care Calendar to solicit folks to sign up to help with various things. Currently the most help would be rides for me down to Albuquerque for radiation treatments.
(Dear friends the Bouquin's and Karen Warthen have been providing great food.)
If you can help, please check out the calendar at:
http://carecalendar.org/index.php
The ID and security code are: 64657, and 1402
Right now I just have set up a few rides. Might need to add more later.
thanks.
Cheri
About Me
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Lots of Docs
Spent yesterday in Abq. getting to know the Radiation Doc and getting "fitted" for radiation. Also got another MRI, this of my total spine.
Received calls today from the Radiation Doc and my Oncologist. The MRI shows small cancer spots, one each in the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar regions of my spine, and they found several more small spots in my brain.
So, the plan now is 14 days of radiation to my brain and spine. Docs say this will wear me down quite a bit as it will kill good cells with the cancer cells. It will take my hair, mess up my digestion, and cause skin issues - oh boy, what fun!
I plan to try and keep my body moving and am currently trying to get my brain functioning. The Doc gave me some steroids that are supposed to reduce the swelling in my brain and I hope get some cells to fire. Currenlty can hardly hear through the right ear, so if talking to me, please be patient.
thanks for caring.
Cheri
Received calls today from the Radiation Doc and my Oncologist. The MRI shows small cancer spots, one each in the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar regions of my spine, and they found several more small spots in my brain.
So, the plan now is 14 days of radiation to my brain and spine. Docs say this will wear me down quite a bit as it will kill good cells with the cancer cells. It will take my hair, mess up my digestion, and cause skin issues - oh boy, what fun!
I plan to try and keep my body moving and am currently trying to get my brain functioning. The Doc gave me some steroids that are supposed to reduce the swelling in my brain and I hope get some cells to fire. Currenlty can hardly hear through the right ear, so if talking to me, please be patient.
thanks for caring.
Cheri
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My brain my brain
Who is it in the Wizard of Oz who needs the brain!? I'm thinking it is the scarecrow.
Well, they found a couple small (very small) "spots" in my brain and ovarian cancer cells in my spinal fluid, so the docs say I have cancer cells swimming around in my head. (Can't they find another pool!?)
Anyway, this is rather rare to have ovarian cancer metastasize to the brain. My doc consulted with a specialist at Johns Hopkins and decided whole brain radiation therapy and radiation to my spine would be the best first treatment. I see the Radiation doc tomorrow am. Sounds like I'll need to go to Abq every weekday for 3 weeks to get radiation.
I also have an appointment for later in February to see a doc at MD Anderson in Houston.
So far I'm doing ok, but not functioning at full throttle. Fuzzy head, balance issues, can't hear in right ear, pain in shoulder, arms, arms go tingly and numbing.
That's about it for now.
Well, they found a couple small (very small) "spots" in my brain and ovarian cancer cells in my spinal fluid, so the docs say I have cancer cells swimming around in my head. (Can't they find another pool!?)
Anyway, this is rather rare to have ovarian cancer metastasize to the brain. My doc consulted with a specialist at Johns Hopkins and decided whole brain radiation therapy and radiation to my spine would be the best first treatment. I see the Radiation doc tomorrow am. Sounds like I'll need to go to Abq every weekday for 3 weeks to get radiation.
I also have an appointment for later in February to see a doc at MD Anderson in Houston.
So far I'm doing ok, but not functioning at full throttle. Fuzzy head, balance issues, can't hear in right ear, pain in shoulder, arms, arms go tingly and numbing.
That's about it for now.
Friday, January 21, 2011
A bit of a Bummer!
Say my oncologist today. My CA-125 climbed to 124 (normal is considered under 30). Good news was that the CT scan showed only a small (1cm) growth on my aortic lymph node - doc says is better to have lots of small cells floating around than big groups.
I'll be starting chemo treatment next week - doing a trial - GOG 213. Will be the same drugs used the last trial I was on, so,... I'll be getting a new hair do! (Just got a new color last night! - tell me what you think next time you see me.)
My first 6 - 8 treatments (once every 3 weeks on Thursdays), I'll be looking for rides to Abq. Typically will need to be there around 8 or 9 am, and stay about 6 hours. So, if you have some shopping to do and don't mind dropping and picking me at Presbyterian, please let me know.
thanks.
Cheri
I'll be starting chemo treatment next week - doing a trial - GOG 213. Will be the same drugs used the last trial I was on, so,... I'll be getting a new hair do! (Just got a new color last night! - tell me what you think next time you see me.)
My first 6 - 8 treatments (once every 3 weeks on Thursdays), I'll be looking for rides to Abq. Typically will need to be there around 8 or 9 am, and stay about 6 hours. So, if you have some shopping to do and don't mind dropping and picking me at Presbyterian, please let me know.
thanks.
Cheri
Friday, December 10, 2010
Update: Numbers climbing a bit
Well, saw Dr. today and my CA-125 climbed to 51; however, my CT scan was clear. This cancer typically starts growing before scan detects it.
I not opting for chemo yet, though. Will wait a month and see what CA-125 is. If it goes higher, will probably try for another Avastin trial.
I'm still feeling pretty good, just a little bummed about the increase.
I not opting for chemo yet, though. Will wait a month and see what CA-125 is. If it goes higher, will probably try for another Avastin trial.
I'm still feeling pretty good, just a little bummed about the increase.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Getting more energy
Energy level is increasing. Doing yoga daily, acupuncture every other week, and massage in between. Have special pills from acupuncturist to boost "Qi". Drinking pureed veggies with garlic and turmeric, and trying to get enough rest. Next blood work in a couple weeks.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Good news from Doc
Doctor called me today to say that my CA-125 appears to have stabilized (was 24). Other tests look good, and I'm feeling a bit more energetic.
I think maybe the acupuncture, yoga, veggie smoothies, and taking more time to take care of myself are doing the trick.
Did a much longer than expect walk today. Checked out the new country trail loop, expecting to walk for maybe 1/2 hour. Didn't realize it was so long! Was a great day though. LA Fall is the best!
I think maybe the acupuncture, yoga, veggie smoothies, and taking more time to take care of myself are doing the trick.
Did a much longer than expect walk today. Checked out the new country trail loop, expecting to walk for maybe 1/2 hour. Didn't realize it was so long! Was a great day though. LA Fall is the best!
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