tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74657473777315553562024-02-07T02:23:45.849-08:00My Breast Cancer Journey-Through the Tunnel and Out Againgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-37974980616149053712009-09-15T05:09:00.001-07:002009-09-15T05:52:02.141-07:00An Anniversary, A Remembrance, A RequestIt was one year ago, on Monday, September 15th, 2008, at about 2:00 pm that I spoke with a woman from Huntsman Cancer Institute on the phone who answered to my cheery request, "So, do you have good news for me?" "No, I am very sorry, but I don't. Your tests came back positive, you have breast cancer. Two types...." So began the year of amazement for me. <div><br /></div><div>My hours and days and months which followed have hosted a conglomeration of tears, well wishes, prayers, lifting activities, laughs, kindnesses, sacrifices; so many emotions and experiences! I hope someday to be able to chronicle in a meaninful way the love, support, strength, faith, humor, and goodness you have all shared with me throughout this last year; so that others, when wondering what to do for someone they know who is faced with a similar diagnosis, or who faces challenging times of any kind, can look to the example of my people for direction...for indeed, it is you, dear ones, who have set a standard higher than any I could have ever imagined. I honor you.</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to celebrate my anniversary, I would like to invite you all to join with me in an activity which will infuse your goodness in new directions--you have kindly focused on me for the last 12 months, now I would invite you to extend those endeavors to another who is either a survivor, a care-giver, or a relative of someone who did not win against cancer. The request is this: send a note, place a call, or pay a visit to these folks today, let them know why you are thrilled that they are around, or what influence for good that they have had in your lives. You have overwhelmed me with your expressions of love throughout the last year; it would please me to no end for you to continue to extend this same remarkable love to someone else. I hope that you will celebrate every September 15th, a day which has become in someways my new birthday, with me by doing what you do so AMAZINGLY well...loving others. </div>gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-25358986207781628692009-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:002009-09-10T10:22:37.581-07:00Excavation ZoneYesterday I went in for my "chest excavation" project, as I was calling it...removal of the dreadful expanders and port-a-cath... wooooooohhooooooo!!! You have heard of weights being lifted off your shoulders, well, mine was a weight lifted too, just down a little from my shoulders. Instead of carrying around the heavy bricks, I now have light-weight silicone. While I am in some pain, I can already tell that life without the bricks will be blissful. The surgery lasted just over an hour, we started around 8:30 and I was home around 4ish. He didn't put any drains in, so I don't even have those to worry about.<br /><br />All in all, I think this was a great success! I am at my mom and Alan's home, in the recovery suite, and will be here through the weekend. I plan to be at work on Monday. My main restriction is to not lift anything heavier than 2lbs....hmmm...I think I may have already violated that just a little in getting my laptop on the table.<br /><br />Slowly but surely I am coming to the end of my surgically eventful year. As an update on my lower extremities, my left foot neuroma surgery I had done at the end of July is healing nicely, though it is still tender, and it will probably be a second or two before my foot adjusts to the numbness, but at least I don't have the feeling that a nail is stuck in my foot there any longer...a very good thing.<br /><br />The right ankle/foot is doing alright at this point. I am relegated to wearing shoes with a slight heel so as to relieve the pressure that walking in flats puts on the joint. A heel opens the joint, whereas the flat shoes really pinch and close it down on the front part of the ankle. I am still hoping for a miracle cure for it. I have an apt. with the Dr. on the 24th of this month, and we will make the decision then. If I do go for the surgery, then I will schedule it immediately following a work-related conference ending on the 21st of October. So, the joint has until then to shape up :)<br /><br />With all that, it makes only two more possible surgeries to complete by the end of the year: the right ankle fusion/foot osteotomy, which would be in late October, and which would make me non-weight bearing for 8-12 weeks; a big and life-changing event. The last,a little follow-up cosmetic surgery to put the finishing touches on the excavated chest area.<br /><br />I am thrilled to be on this side of the 5 surgeries I had looming ahead of me in June. This certainly won't be a year easily forgotten, nor should it be. I have learned much from so many of you, and experienced so many wonderful and meaningful things with you. Thank you, as always, for your uplifting prayers, thoughts and good wishes...they have made all the difference.gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-18428314926453606822009-06-25T21:03:00.001-07:002009-06-25T21:59:48.472-07:00Foot Surgery UpdateI know that this blog is technically for tracking my progress with breast cancer, but since many of you are kindly interested in the on-going surgery saga, I thought I would post a little note regarding my latest surgery this week. Most of you are aware that I was scheduled for a major foot and ankle surgery for September 16th, 2008...a day after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Needless to say, I put off the ankle to concentrate on the cancer, and now that treatment is complete, it was time to come back to the foot. <br /><br />I had surgery two days ago with the hope of being able to "glue" my broken talus (anklebone) together with bone grafts from my knee. I knew that I would look to my knee first after recovery to see if the surgery was successful...it would all depend on the state of my ankle bone and whether or not it was healthy enough to work with. I woke up and had no bandage. My sweet mother was left to deliver the bad news, along with one of my doctors on a phone call that there is a real mess inside my joint. When they pressed on the bone, "it was soft--akin to the top of a pie crust coming out of the oven" was the dr's quote.<br /><br />So what now? I had a follow-up visit with my dr. today, and he said that he cleaned out a bunch of damaged cartilage and trimmed things up as best he could, and now there are three possible outcomes: <br />1- Some people (about 20%) have a kind of miraculous healing...scar tissue can take the place of cartilage and fit in between the bones, and life is pretty happy and painless. I will know in 2-3 months if such healing is taking place.<br />2- A cadaver part could be sought, with the risk of it carrying some disease that they currently don't test for (e.g. 20 years ago they didn't test for AIDS) and there is a possibility of infection, etc. This could take a while too, as a good match would have to be found, and my joint may still not be in good enough condition to take the new bone. <br />3- Fuse the talus to the fibula at a 90 degree angle which would severely limit my up and down motion of my foot. Most likely I could learn to walk without a limp but it would be unlikely that I would ever run again. Ankle fusion is considered the last resort in "fixing" ankles, but it would most likely get rid of the pain. While they do ankle joint replacements, it is a once in a lifetime option, and they typically fail in 10-15 years, which makes it impossible for me, as I am "too young and active" for a joint replacement. <br /><br />As you can imagine, I think option 1 sounds the best. I also think this is a perfect opportunity to petition the heavens for a miracle. After all, as Mormon says, "Have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay: neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men...they are subject unto him, to minister according to the words of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness." While I find my dissapointment to be high and my endurance to be low at the moment, I cannot and will not let these slings and arrows overcome me. <br /><br />And so, dear friends and family, I would invite anyone who wishes to join with me in a special day of fasting and prayer for a healing of my ankle/foot to do so on Sunday, July 5th. I will also be asking for a blessing of healing from the priesthood holders amongst my family and friends. I figure I may just as well be part of that "miraculous 20%" as anyone else, and if God would like me to ask and work for it, then I will...and enlist the faith of you dear ones, as well.<br /><br />In the meantime, I am healing well from my "mere flesh-wounds" surgery (scope entries and removal of old hardware) this week, and expect to be back at work on Monday. I am staying in the guest recovery suite on Sandalwood with my ever-attentive mother and Alan seeing to every need. Thanks to so many of you who have sent lovely bouquets, well wishes, and cheery calls...as always, you lift me up. gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-10488113029363589682009-05-24T19:51:00.000-07:002009-05-24T20:51:17.055-07:00The End of Treatment and Race DayIt is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since the end of my last radiation treatment. My skin is healing and I am gaining more energy everyday. My dear co-workers threw me a little celbration party which included a DELICIOUS cake made by Janet Howard.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5ufJYUWCrSfkjDt7TUn7WwO3LTzpi5S01gpGlI_STfn1bwQCIturNBRNi7hNhOQmxKnmLuqiUyE00h0AIYC2OjOHRGvqCBLzu_vn0kxItLWd6HtKkazvOJwySrDXgLIvUB7Oo5JauXDo/s1600-h/cake+4.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5ufJYUWCrSfkjDt7TUn7WwO3LTzpi5S01gpGlI_STfn1bwQCIturNBRNi7hNhOQmxKnmLuqiUyE00h0AIYC2OjOHRGvqCBLzu_vn0kxItLWd6HtKkazvOJwySrDXgLIvUB7Oo5JauXDo/s200/cake+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339594334532094994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxbnCQuZ1Io-3eP7xw6iJm1WhpGQlb9Ar8xKAhQNy86iDQkOeLXiHlwpScDpYhGEHDp0hE4QaStpNIieTz3-dhmh_85gS7fX6HXvOMbQ07m2rB7S-dOIUJ5xjEoyCCd10nkMs0IiyWUEs/s1600-h/cake+3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxbnCQuZ1Io-3eP7xw6iJm1WhpGQlb9Ar8xKAhQNy86iDQkOeLXiHlwpScDpYhGEHDp0hE4QaStpNIieTz3-dhmh_85gS7fX6HXvOMbQ07m2rB7S-dOIUJ5xjEoyCCd10nkMs0IiyWUEs/s200/cake+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339594204302351746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWHD_Ws0hY390PgXQJGqKJogmrEu34o1DOllOYRyvY2th6-pMc84PSKCbPnb2udZZmiLXDLrKnmTH5FtpZY33NCdjeu-exKf8A85kRuO4YECCHnpS7SdBDVlGPNZccDTNu5E19V3-j-th/s1600-h/cake+2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWHD_Ws0hY390PgXQJGqKJogmrEu34o1DOllOYRyvY2th6-pMc84PSKCbPnb2udZZmiLXDLrKnmTH5FtpZY33NCdjeu-exKf8A85kRuO4YECCHnpS7SdBDVlGPNZccDTNu5E19V3-j-th/s200/cake+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339594088537143938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45tUVw1nNRf-3xkQKtNCf4jOKDHX2Ey6zRZUNUiNlIm96xMpF3bQk6yuso6cN5X9EI-BT8QrvouORTFcGnBGIiyzT31EMt8P4x6BzQBor5sMt9G6E3W6NRRwfBTYwWpLss48o1qcm9b7N/s1600-h/cake+1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45tUVw1nNRf-3xkQKtNCf4jOKDHX2Ey6zRZUNUiNlIm96xMpF3bQk6yuso6cN5X9EI-BT8QrvouORTFcGnBGIiyzT31EMt8P4x6BzQBor5sMt9G6E3W6NRRwfBTYwWpLss48o1qcm9b7N/s200/cake+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339593969004005186" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Race for the Cure was a wonderful experience with dear friends and family. I rollercoasted between laughing out loud at the hilarious sayings on tee shirts to getting teary-eyed at the "in memory of" signs on people's backs. Wearing a pink tee shirt myself this year was also a different experience; it made me part of the club, with feelings positive and negative. I heard a number of "congratulations", "good luck", "way to go" comments. It was also clear that I have now survived the number one killer of women, and that this will be a life-long fight...very sobering. It was so heartening though to see the amazing network of support which is available for every woman and every friend or family member of those who have been touched by breast cancer. It was a lovely day all the way around and the weather was perfect. My sweet doctor, Dr. Buys ran into me...literally, she was running the 5K as we walked the mile. My sweet mother made the mile (and all the extra walking to and from) with her very sore hip. It was a victory day indeed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja41bFwPZJgh9v8_coYKh9OkqB77_IJfYtrYjyrxmc7jByXejB2Zsih4inziSyGRQI0yeNJVES8MfxP3-vCzc9_Hq_MbzchqIeqDSH2gUHD6snNEU1Jgy6G6fn_aFOcf042wq_HQZHqjua/s1600-h/DSCN0558.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja41bFwPZJgh9v8_coYKh9OkqB77_IJfYtrYjyrxmc7jByXejB2Zsih4inziSyGRQI0yeNJVES8MfxP3-vCzc9_Hq_MbzchqIeqDSH2gUHD6snNEU1Jgy6G6fn_aFOcf042wq_HQZHqjua/s200/DSCN0558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339601464779516498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqhaMDjy6aqF15A5T7lPzNB0bVNbJDG_2ciMQLDheIc3vOJ-KZZ2M7AKHKdoML6CvjmuJ9Dye_uA5phKh8NjOFiKusEiYkAfs-TuNC-2yxsfDX1x_hOLB66teqC9oL_H1006r9zUjlrlM/s1600-h/DSCN0560.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqhaMDjy6aqF15A5T7lPzNB0bVNbJDG_2ciMQLDheIc3vOJ-KZZ2M7AKHKdoML6CvjmuJ9Dye_uA5phKh8NjOFiKusEiYkAfs-TuNC-2yxsfDX1x_hOLB66teqC9oL_H1006r9zUjlrlM/s200/DSCN0560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339601100161112290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo40Uuc_LXIHkTDi7AwQlaYoXcNxTA7ARowSix5gUm-m70wAb523RDnDaK4buUyEqIluQg1voDEQ2IWPmgxVXpp8GCd77M-tk8rZDX_zCFyqz85s5vHqXoRurm0qqy0KIN6YAksX10m1Y/s1600-h/DSCN0559.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBiToZnyP5-BZ9Y7jyPJ-ijWKuq4ASpsWzrBl395oD-3JCq9y23-Al_bsY8CX7bb-x5Y5dnhL-bSKYjIsr0wqqGBOHx_ndJJXe6g-KoZOMjC1cj_ymmHaPcyU64-YdLHJXpJ85hJPJcOX/s200/DSCN0547.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339599610483821698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAILsGhSTc_GiH5_FW28MxFCb9EBzQrvpgvIUlDGjySKBycC5jCh9Ue6xBRJvy5ieRsALZlDxljaGL6bHgjZ2PQ_62rXAKLZ3DCLstApLFLJRm-cO2_CtcSTCkEwX7Rw7HdbOyOEoJLNd/s1600-h/DSCN0544.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAILsGhSTc_GiH5_FW28MxFCb9EBzQrvpgvIUlDGjySKBycC5jCh9Ue6xBRJvy5ieRsALZlDxljaGL6bHgjZ2PQ_62rXAKLZ3DCLstApLFLJRm-cO2_CtcSTCkEwX7Rw7HdbOyOEoJLNd/s200/DSCN0544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339599261961948482" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWkv4-vfxWZ9HTCjFF9yxG0h42kb7dsyq2a7_wdv1YTmyYCKwTGeG2-CNennPqyi2r8BAd50ulq19FlzwIdUfODadH7ejDnwxktdkKDeBqQkASzRIHkqO0_vbp4fpnIZU54M1jDL_KIje/s1600-h/DSCN0564.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWkv4-vfxWZ9HTCjFF9yxG0h42kb7dsyq2a7_wdv1YTmyYCKwTGeG2-CNennPqyi2r8BAd50ulq19FlzwIdUfODadH7ejDnwxktdkKDeBqQkASzRIHkqO0_vbp4fpnIZU54M1jDL_KIje/s200/DSCN0564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339603286151639746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcBduP8bCQNJ9nfSdzMCAwx8Ryzu0i5rFTY4DHK2-M44tduZ8zEtVaoNLrgmsSf7PGeOEYdK3Lyf4KdmPRIuDxzWkdHfx2fgx3POuj99z22piekOnNdT7qinaq8nQWhDvqrnoNFIKZaAG/s1600-h/DSCN0553.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcBduP8bCQNJ9nfSdzMCAwx8Ryzu0i5rFTY4DHK2-M44tduZ8zEtVaoNLrgmsSf7PGeOEYdK3Lyf4KdmPRIuDxzWkdHfx2fgx3POuj99z22piekOnNdT7qinaq8nQWhDvqrnoNFIKZaAG/s200/DSCN0553.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339602884016405090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ0ij33VwtOkbvu9Lmbupv4aSzUlwODUcm6f31p_Z_F3VExDEdlHKtpI54tu0Ho4P4eGKJlUM_Vk4hoeevyG_F5IiIlUXPgkwDwSqquzKf1AiVlyxXKkzyh7dvonIEdehNc3IjWIZagfb/s1600-h/DSCN0565.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ0ij33VwtOkbvu9Lmbupv4aSzUlwODUcm6f31p_Z_F3VExDEdlHKtpI54tu0Ho4P4eGKJlUM_Vk4hoeevyG_F5IiIlUXPgkwDwSqquzKf1AiVlyxXKkzyh7dvonIEdehNc3IjWIZagfb/s200/DSCN0565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339602466562915810" /></a>gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-61539756200994167202009-04-26T20:04:00.000-07:002009-04-26T20:14:56.997-07:00Signs of SpringA wise gardener carefully prunes the vine to make possible a greater rebirth come spring. The wisest of all gardeners took shears to my vines last fall. Since then, I have felt in close harmony with mother earth and her offspring of trees, shrubs and flowers; who at the end of the harvest gathered to herself her decorations which in summer and fall produced colorful shows and delightful fruits. As the weather turned cold, every living entity followed the ancient pattern of gathering in unto itself, instinctually sending remaining nutrients to its roots. <br /><div><br />I too gathered in unto my roots that which was nourishing and sustaining; love, friendship, and faith. Meanwhile the destructive shears of poisonous treatments hacked away at my decorations, leaving a scattered mess of fallen hair, bulging body and scarred flesh lying wantonly at the base of the once thriving vine. The winter snows continued to cover my ground, nevertheless, I was sustained by the hope of renewed and regenerated growth and health—the promise of spring.</div><br /><div><br />It has been a long winter here in the West; so too has this winter of trial been long, but spring has finally arrived! With chemo completed and only 8 more radiation treatments to go the sun is warming my roots and branches and my rebirth has truly begun. </div><br /><div><br />The radiation treatments have been a daily affair; every morning from 8:00-8:30 I spend time on an x-ray table nicely cradled in a custom form with my arms and hands above my head while the serious machinery is lined up with my new tattoos and then shoots beams of deadly rays into the upper right quadrant of my body. Every other day, I get what is called “fancy wear” placed on me, a golden mesh of metal known in the biz as a “bolus” which apparently conducts the rays faster, deeper into my body. I didn’t notice any real side affects aside from fatigue during the first half of the treatments…but they warned me that the radiation builds up and that I would start to see red, sore, and possibly blistered skin in the second half. And so it is. I am reduced to giving careful hugs and slathering my body with Aquaphor and monitoring my activities so as not to wipe myself out. This has been a challenge; I have spent more Sundays in bed recovering after an active Saturday, and if you really want to hear a sob story, ask me about my attempt at a swim workout. J I feel like a kid at the end of the school year, anxious to remove the confines of the schoolroom and feel the summer sun on my face.<br /><br />Speaking of sun, I have a week of tropical sun scheduled in June. I will be going to Maui with my angel mother and her dear friend Chris, and possibly my dear friend, Dayle. Chris has a condo time share which she has graciously offered to us and I was able to use my miles to purchase a ticket. What a wonderful treat to look forward to and a lovely boost to body and spirit. I will most likely spend the majority of time lounging on the sand or snorkeling in the water; even though I understand that there are lovely sights to see if one heads off in jungle paths. While this would usually really appeal to me, it won’t be an option on this trip because…</div><br /><div><br />Many of you know that I was diagnosed last September 15th, a day before a scheduled major foot and ankle reconstruction surgery. Well, first things first, the life-saving treatments were moved to the top of the priority list, and the foot and ankle were postponed until later. One can live with a broken ankle, but only for so long. So, I have decided to “slip” in this surgery between the end of radiation and the reconstruction surgeries slated for sometime in the fall (the skin has to have time to heal from radiation). A week after I return from HI, on June 23rd, I will go in for surgery. The status of the outcome is still unknown, as it was last fall; the dr. will start out with a scope to determine the health of my ankle joint, and if it is healthy enough, he will take bone and cartilage grafts from my knee to “glue” the cracked talar dome back together, (this is the top part of your heel bone where it meets up with your leg bones). And since he is making a mess of things, he will fix the bad carpentry of a previous surgical attempt to flatten my arch by re-breaking my first metatarsal and repositioning it…hopefully resulting in my weight being properly distributed to the ball of my foot rather than the second metatarsal head, which is the current state. If on the other hand, the joint is not healthy, he will remove the scope and we will have to wait for a cadaver donor with a good joint match and then start the surgery again. I pray therefore, that my joint is healthy, as the second option is not only more complicated, but who knows when it will happen. I am scheduling short-term leave again with work and hope to be out only a couple of weeks. My desire to walk someday without pain is strengthening as treatment for cancer ebbs.</div><br /><div><br />Speaking of walking, another fun activity I am looking forward to is participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I have done this a number of times in the past, but I think this year will be a little different for me… I will be one of the women wearing the pink t-shirt and perhaps my name will be on someone’s tag of “in celebration of”. It is always an emotional (in a good way) experience, and I am looking forward to participating in it with friends and family. For any of you who may want to join, it will be held on Saturday, May 9th, at the Gateway. Registration is still available on-line. The nice thing about this event is that you don’t have to be a runner; you can walk a mile, or run or walk the 5K. I will be walking the 1 mile, unless the ankle is feeling super that morning, and I may attempt to go the 5K. Nonetheless, the experience of being there is one I eagerly await. http://race.komenslc.org/site/TR?fr_id=1000&pg=entry </div><br /><div><br />Indeed the sun is shining down on me; my exposed cuts from the pruning shears are seeing new growth. The hair on my head is keeping pace with the blooms and buds of the trees. I have felt my roots sink deeper in the soil of faith; hopefully the fruit of my future will be more abundant and flavorful. The master gardener has seen fit to cut me down a bit to spruce me up. I only hope that I fulfill His vision of my future beauty. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nryCkypPqVVvnnN4g-7ZJmEc0Nvk5Ek6cjCfywnyOma62_q0jTcNePYPAQrFAQdJWDY19C6CFxz4jRTGDv7VvU_ryZyHmqdu-qrYFjiV1iO7i2UHrkaGQLZrZ3ezioSV8BoMalNZ-E1a/s1600-h/GretchenInSpring[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329203042932852178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nryCkypPqVVvnnN4g-7ZJmEc0Nvk5Ek6cjCfywnyOma62_q0jTcNePYPAQrFAQdJWDY19C6CFxz4jRTGDv7VvU_ryZyHmqdu-qrYFjiV1iO7i2UHrkaGQLZrZ3ezioSV8BoMalNZ-E1a/s200/GretchenInSpring%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />For winter's rains and ruins are over,<br />And all the season of snows and sins;<br />The days dividing lover and lover,<br />The light that loses, the night that wins;<br />And time remembered is grief forgotten,<br />And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,<br />And in green underwood and cover<br />Blossom by blossom the spring begins.<br />Algernon Charles Swinburnegfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-48268009264477052562009-03-11T13:09:00.000-07:002009-03-12T20:56:03.878-07:00Houston, We Have Lift Off!That is lift off from the Chemo IV! Tuesday, March 10th marked my last of eight chemo treatments...and I am thrilled to have reached this milestone! This last treatment so far, has been the easiest of them all, as I didn't need to get the really expensive and painful Nulasta shot...which really contributed to the muscle/bone aches.<br /><br />What next? Radiation therapy. I will meet with my radiation oncologist, Dr, Gaffney next Wednesday, and will most likely get "tatooed", so that the computer knows where to shoot the radiation beams. Probably a week after that I will start the 5 weeks of treatment, which means I go in every day M-F for about 10-15 mins and get zapped.<br /><br />I also met with Dr. Agarwal, the plastic surgeon and reviewed my options, and he confirmed that it we wait at least 6 weeks before considering any reconstruction, the skin simply has to have time to heal. Dr Buys also took me off the bone-strengthening drug, as my ankle seems to have really flared up since I have been on it. I may start that up again, but I am taking a couple weeks off to see if it makes any difference. Speaking of which, I may try to get the foot/ankle worked on after radiation, the Docs all agreed that it would be a good time frame.<br /><br />As I pass from phase II to III of the journey, my doctors gave me a little heads up that many patients feel that they are not doing enough to fight the cancer once they complete chemo, and so become a little distressed. While it is hard to say preemtively how I will feel, I have always viewed this as a process, and that one day it will come to completion and that I will go on with my life. It will never be quite the same; hopefully I will have experienced some growth (and no...not just the growth happening by design!) but that I will be a little more filled with faith, compassion and understanding. I hope not to live with a fear of metastasis, but just a calm and careful watchfulness tempered by peace.<br /><br />While I will continue to meet periodically with the doctors and nurses at Huntsman, my goodbyes on Tuesday were a little bitter-sweet. I have come to love and adore each of my care givers, and while I didn't look forward to treatment, I always eagerly anticipated meeting with them. I don't know if there is a better group of folks fighting cancer than those at Huntsman! Following are some pictures of these fabulous people:<br /><strong><br /><br />Dr Buys<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWa3IatO87kcVrWVMuhtgn4brAuAH7bKVEh9r0Pm_sH7orjbLZPkbruPn_PaIVq2HH0fXobwBSf_cAgsau_YNTUXriqRLghyphenhyphenZgIz6L0a1CYQ62uHwAnEt8mNgSGsioztwlX-w1wo6X0BR/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312508388087054722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWa3IatO87kcVrWVMuhtgn4brAuAH7bKVEh9r0Pm_sH7orjbLZPkbruPn_PaIVq2HH0fXobwBSf_cAgsau_YNTUXriqRLghyphenhyphenZgIz6L0a1CYQ62uHwAnEt8mNgSGsioztwlX-w1wo6X0BR/s200/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Janet Bloch-NP <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYVAboJU7K7DcqIXZEGkTVDzQmrwTHtJVCuJ3JukQTC-XUe0F3HV8G743JYSpLjeMEleBFSNEe8monHpVnBYxqrG4bILNq7m5-Y-LRR23HAYZgkb5KdHhwtK8AmV0m3oDHo2qCZLSBTNy/s1600-h/IMG_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312026181971890674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYVAboJU7K7DcqIXZEGkTVDzQmrwTHtJVCuJ3JukQTC-XUe0F3HV8G743JYSpLjeMEleBFSNEe8monHpVnBYxqrG4bILNq7m5-Y-LRR23HAYZgkb5KdHhwtK8AmV0m3oDHo2qCZLSBTNy/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgNPeG2Uc6HoiDC7Sd_vi63DR0ng3AoXDGXgC_ON5Bm-lht2BcV7_57Ql-KRN0M1dmTRHzjFJGRFeiXvZCnB53cc4iCTPGyFmBTs5c1Ma0uYcqbF5O_GjTG8ZxLzK6GXJqbEBS2kiygjk/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Nurse Vicki<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnidsI0k_D9LBQX9tsckTnCe4p6F5udEh80TXcochKnhB9x9Hk2l_IBY7g6Bxz5zNZoUeDok1BacLXshOR1IXJHY_scQ3KCbXjpGaWAsE8a3fnzx8K_VqX7rGGNPrmHwVMe0fku80dRGRy/s1600-h/IMG_0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312026100003929922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnidsI0k_D9LBQX9tsckTnCe4p6F5udEh80TXcochKnhB9x9Hk2l_IBY7g6Bxz5zNZoUeDok1BacLXshOR1IXJHY_scQ3KCbXjpGaWAsE8a3fnzx8K_VqX7rGGNPrmHwVMe0fku80dRGRy/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Port Access Nurses Michelle and Majda<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkDCop3XnN3obKKdlHSAgeR-rLNWzrwvgbIBcyD-mmRr7hUXsQ-vnNhbKs6MnKddayrOLr7xbe_5SLKuN0-7lEvLp86fnAtbcDEJxRrLHHN63TpooijTeeCJP_YgoZ_0YwdTWU7R1gXNk/s1600-h/IMG_0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312026017947518386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkDCop3XnN3obKKdlHSAgeR-rLNWzrwvgbIBcyD-mmRr7hUXsQ-vnNhbKs6MnKddayrOLr7xbe_5SLKuN0-7lEvLp86fnAtbcDEJxRrLHHN63TpooijTeeCJP_YgoZ_0YwdTWU7R1gXNk/s200/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The nurses in infusion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgudmhHga0vno4h6OtM8Xpv7WzTLJXv0_a4zYBjTJsdesxUscO9rh5abfoiNv3032Mkck10Sc2T8DyUFVrk8pEXLMefznCCLJ0286Bro8t13MgTNWW5zw9p9nY7IIdeqWW8-FhSy3htL4/s1600-h/IMG_0001_1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312025780890553234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgudmhHga0vno4h6OtM8Xpv7WzTLJXv0_a4zYBjTJsdesxUscO9rh5abfoiNv3032Mkck10Sc2T8DyUFVrk8pEXLMefznCCLJ0286Bro8t13MgTNWW5zw9p9nY7IIdeqWW8-FhSy3htL4/s200/IMG_0001_1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />With the port accessed<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wVIhX2SMKGHMushgkubVgemT7u9Wyz3jVVteb8fKYaWMW4TO25WTPwiUTZ1ylU0mJRAlVz0JrjdrzKMf1Ci2bGEDPB-DuseLX2KQb7ywvUHga2YAP2MbKwHOsMJaEJyx6jfnz-WhhkBr/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312025678574177954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wVIhX2SMKGHMushgkubVgemT7u9Wyz3jVVteb8fKYaWMW4TO25WTPwiUTZ1ylU0mJRAlVz0JrjdrzKMf1Ci2bGEDPB-DuseLX2KQb7ywvUHga2YAP2MbKwHOsMJaEJyx6jfnz-WhhkBr/s200/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a>gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-36446070766627742982009-02-25T19:20:00.000-08:002009-02-25T20:46:13.179-08:00The Latest UpdateYesterday marked my 7th of 8 Chemo treatments...I was so excited to go in, as it just means that I am getting sooooo close the end of them! It was made doubly fun because Aaron accompanied me! He was so kind to fill in for my mother who had to take Alan to the knee surgeon for a follow-up. I am sure though, that there are many folks who look forward to the end of their sessions much more than I, as really, the treatments, while not fun, have been fairly easy to tolerate. I know that the amazing medical care, drugs, and precautions nurses and doctors take all have an impact on how well they have proceeded. However, I am FULLY convinced that the prime reason for my well-being throughout has been the love, prayers, faith, well wishes and good thoughts sent my way throughout the ordeal. I live as a daily miracle, for which I am ever grateful.<br /><br />There are a few other interesting updates. I have officially enlisted in study S0307, "Phase III Trial of Bisphosphonates as Adjuvant Therapy for Primary Breast Cancer" That's a mouth full :) Basically, if you have seen the comercials on TV with Sally Fields for Boniva, a drug that is helpful in combating Osteoperosis, it is the same class of drug. The idea is that because breast cancer, if it develops matastesis, will often go to the bone, let's try to strengthen the bones first as a shield to preventing that metastesis. Trials have been going on in Europe for a while, and have shown really positive results. For anyone interested, here is a link to an article from the NYT on it. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/health/research/12bone.html?_r=2">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/health/research/12bone.html?_r=2</a><br /><br />Some of you may remember that I had attempted an MRI on my hand/arm to determine the cause of a pesky, persistent numbing of my left little finger and half of the ring finger. Having metal in my chest prevented that exam, so instead my doctor sent me off to a neurologist to get a nerve test. That showed that my ulnar nerve is pinched around the funny bone, but it has not caused any permanent nerve damage...at least so far. He likened it to carpal tunnel syndrom, and just told me to try to keep my arm straight and keep on the look out for atrophy in my hands...ok. I am hoping that as I get back into yoga and other exercise, it will somehow unhitch and all will be normal. <br /><br />One last tidbit, I am now moving into phase III--radiation, and looking ahead at reconstruction surgery. My assumption was that I would be able to move right into surgery immediately following the completion of radiation...but it is not to be. I have to wait 3 months at least from the end of radiation, as the skin continues to change and heal, and so it will be at least August before reconstruction can start. I am now thinking that perhaps I can then squeeze my foot/ankle surgery inbetween that 3 month time frame? I will chat with Dr. Buys to see if there would be anything preventing that, and if not, I will be contacting my ankle surgeon and hopefully get that scheduled. Of course, I have to work around work, so more on that to come. Perhaps the name of this blog should have been "All you ever wanted to know about Gretchen's medical problems and more". I promise this blog will have an end someday :)<br /><br />As always, many many many thanks to you all for your lovely gifts, cards, services, prayers, faith, lunches and laughs...you make my world brighter than you will ever know. What a joyful ride this has been because of you! gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-21244858461683626642009-02-01T20:08:00.001-08:002009-02-01T20:32:16.643-08:00A New Drug=New ExperienceThis week's treatment was the first of four Taxol treatments that I will be receiving. I was encouraged by the medical folks who said this would be an easier drug to tolerate than the A/C rounds...and in many ways it has been. But like my doctor said, it is a whole new ballgame, any sort of "routines" I was able to establish before would be null and void for this new drug.<br /><br />And so this week has been filled with new experiences; the infusion itself wasn't too bad, though it took longer than the other (3.5 hours just for the drip). The day following treatment was great, but days 3 and 4? A bit more of a challenge. They had warned me that deep muscle and bone aches were a typical reaction. Dr. Buys asked if I had any pain meds at home, I said that I had some left over oxycodone, but I wouldn't be taking those, as they have their own slew of bad side effects. She kind of rolled her eyes with a look of "hmmmmm, we shall see" and said keep the ibuprofen and tylenol handy. I promised I would. In the early hours of Thursday morning, I woke up wondering how a big truck could have run me over in the middle of the night...the muscle pain was a little shocking. Not feeling well enough to get up and get food and take more meds, I spent a wakeful night. <br /><br />In the morning, I got out of bed and got ready for work, figuring I could be in pain at work just as well as at home. My poor co-workers, when asking how I was got a grumpy "today's a crapy day" response...they were in for the same on Friday too, I am afraid to say. After popping the little drugs all day, I came home and succumbed to the oxy. It helped me get a good three hours of sleep. Friday was the same song, second verse, as was Friday night. Only this time, my sweet mother came to care for me. Thankfully, Saturday the pain eased up, and continued to get better as Sunday rolled along. At this point, I am hopeful that the worst of that particular reaction is over, and that I have another 8 good days ahead. This whole process is nothing if not an adventure.<br /><br />I am sorry to have been silent to those of you who have kindly called and emailed...but know that I am grateful for your care and attention. As always, your support is what keeps me going. Thank you for continuing to create miracles in my life, you are wonderful. Much love to you all, gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-48489917098259637382009-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-23T10:29:03.151-08:00Disaster Averted . . .Well!<br /><br />It's me, The Mom, hacking into Gretchen's blog again.<br /><br />I'm (almost) incensed! My kid had an incident this ayem that could've proven tragic.<br /><br />From the beginning she's had a surgery -- well not "complication" exactly -- more like a "result." She suffers from numbness and tingling down her left arm, from shoulder to fingertips. It's her <em>left</em> arm, mind you, not the <em>right</em> side where the cancer was discovered. This numbness is of great annoyance and pain to her. More pronounced when she wakes up in the morning then lessens throughout the day. Keeps her from gripping the phone and eating utensils sometimes.<br /><br />She finally mentioned it to Dr. Buys, the oncologist, a very thorough woman, during our last visit. Dr. B ordered an MRI of the nerve bundle near the left scapula, which is where arm nerves originate. The MRI appt was this ayem.<br /><br />Gretchen got in there, undressed, and waited and waited and waited in the cubicle. Finally the MRI tech came in and asked her at which hospital she had her expanders inserted, Huntsman or UofU or elsewhere? Gretchen told her Huntsman. She apologized and said that the kind of expanders used at those two hospitals were not MRI-compatible. (Too much metal.) Expanders used elsewhere were okay. Exam cancelled.<br /><br />How awful! Don't know who caught that, the tech or the radiologist, but aren't we happy the question was asked??? Can you imagine the damage to her chest that would have been done if it hadn't?<br /><br />In Dr. B's defense, she's probably never ordered an MRI near a patient's chest wall before. Or know what materials the expanders are made of. That's the plastic surgeon's area. These specialists are so highly, well, <em>specialized</em>, that they can't be expected to know the details of each others' specialities.<br /><br />But oh, my, aren't we happy it was caught?<br /><br />As for the numbness, <em>so</em> annoying -- and Gretchen's fear is that it will be permanent -- it will remain undiagnosed until reconstruction, <em>hopefully</em>, when the expanders will be removed and silicone injected. She's hoping it's just caused by the pressure from the left expander which, upon close inspection, lies a little lower than the right. (to Gretchen's buddies -- try to take a peek without being too obvious!)<br /><br />That's my latest from Cedar Hills,<br />Have a great TGIF!<br />Lindy-Lougfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-24543406702040161282009-01-16T11:48:00.000-08:002009-01-16T12:49:20.192-08:00Another Milestone Reached!Great news...I have just passed the half-way point of Chemo, and from what I hear, the hardest part. I have finished with the A/C treatment, which included the dreaded "Red Devil" (Adriamycin) and Cytoxin combination. The red devil is what makes you loose your hair, and the Cytoxin is no fun either. However, those four doses are now over, and I am on my way to four more treatments with Taxol, which I understand are much easier to tolerate, though some people experience neuropathy (tingling or loss of sensation in fingers, toes, etc.) <br /><br />Getting the last dose of the Red Devil: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkztas-3iMePkQoO1kHcIsUx5PddjjQ4y2ORPsuSpOnca7SRdYrD4mKzFImnWKp5ToKj-sXK6v3plFyrHoG6fSLDbFHvJBtDY4jO0EbBEIvuC5vETin-JFgx4cskUMIkhQhf2W3oHFqwg3/s1600-h/red+devil+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkztas-3iMePkQoO1kHcIsUx5PddjjQ4y2ORPsuSpOnca7SRdYrD4mKzFImnWKp5ToKj-sXK6v3plFyrHoG6fSLDbFHvJBtDY4jO0EbBEIvuC5vETin-JFgx4cskUMIkhQhf2W3oHFqwg3/s200/red+devil+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291993458517082546" /></a><br /><br />How I really feel about it: <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEBP2g1emIwi0XcVLqlzyOVILDBcp7bHPapwG-4RfjYsPp_YHZfZ7vAYhTFJpOvtzvkf0SLGKrzxbTqBQyix3CAZm0Ge0ASj6vIIDE-dZRmRSHQi_6OoaQ9ki-4QrnYYNGmDoM7RfEgca/s1600-h/red+devil+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEBP2g1emIwi0XcVLqlzyOVILDBcp7bHPapwG-4RfjYsPp_YHZfZ7vAYhTFJpOvtzvkf0SLGKrzxbTqBQyix3CAZm0Ge0ASj6vIIDE-dZRmRSHQi_6OoaQ9ki-4QrnYYNGmDoM7RfEgca/s200/red+devil+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291994547983418434" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The drug requires the whole HAZMAT getup:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h0yNnSmx1xIe7zSlRHNfueTbRbX4iifMdyOnVQC-wSAriJj0P-x3hGkobeq2vY63JmcqAJG60BA322X8D6MrZ0GVfXdCgB8E-ty-x4L4ZEw_4p7j3sd5hKSv4wwFhOrGrXzs9TJ8c5JL/s1600-h/red+devil+3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h0yNnSmx1xIe7zSlRHNfueTbRbX4iifMdyOnVQC-wSAriJj0P-x3hGkobeq2vY63JmcqAJG60BA322X8D6MrZ0GVfXdCgB8E-ty-x4L4ZEw_4p7j3sd5hKSv4wwFhOrGrXzs9TJ8c5JL/s200/red+devil+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291994918040494578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am thrilled that I have been so blessed with a fairly smooth journey through chemo thus far...though I can definitly tell I am getting poisoned, and there are days which are worse than others, I really believe that the sustained faith and prayers and good thoughts of all of you are uplifting and healing and helping me through this process so well. I can't utter enough thanks for that lovely, on-going support.gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-32174948221937807022009-01-07T06:43:00.001-08:002009-01-07T07:35:57.803-08:00As the Gut Churns . . .. . . my, what an awful title for a blog entry!<br /><br />Yet, it's very descriptive. This is The Mom, BTW, hacking in, once again, to her daughter's blog.<br /><br />This is my first update for 2009. I'll try not to get too graphic just in case you're sitting there with your caffeine 'n' cruller this ayem while you catch up on your necessary blog-reading before getting down to the work you're getting PAID to do!<br /><br />Gosh, SOOO many changes and things to learn about this chemo-stuff!<br /><br />Gretchen came to our house NY day for dinner with us and our Idaho daughter's fam. 'Twas fun, but I could tell she was having a lot of chest pain. The pump-up she gets just prior to every chemo treatment is improving her curves, but the skin-streching sure causes discomfort. This last inflation was tough. <br /><br />And the chemo itself. Wierd. She doesn't get sick right away. The illness comes at a different day's distance each time. This time it was four days later. She couldn't come to play games with us Friday -- she was having trouble swallowing and started feeling "fuzzy headed" as she put it. Saturday was not good. The bi-weekly gut pain had started. She made it to church Sunday but that was all. And it was barely. <br /><br />By Monday morning she was a mess. <br /><br />I went over Monday around noon and I was shocked. Gretchie-Poo looked so shrunken and white lying there in her bed. If it weren't for the bright blue turban she wore for warmth, I couldn't have seen her in her all-white bedding. <br /><br />Her cute little house was strewn with dirty dishes and laundry. She'd tried to cook herself some cream of mushroom soup (her staple on yukky days) Sunday nite but she didn't have the strength to stir it so it burned in the pan. Brought me to tears. She'd been running (crawling?) to the bathroom with diarhhea for two days and was as weak as a kitten. I brought our puppy, Polly, along for company because they love each other, but Polly was too much. I had to crate her to keep her from tearing her "big sister" to pieces. She lacked the strength fend off Polly's enthusiastic "kisses."<br /><br />So I hung around and picked up, cooked anything that sounded good to her, and spent the nite. She insisted on going to work yesterday ayem, but I drove her in. She still had the fuzzy head and the roads were getting bad with our latest snow storm. <br /><br />By lunch-time yesterday she reported she was still feeling yukky, but that awful gut pain started easing up in the afternoon. Lisa, a kind work buddy, brought her home. I'd made some soup (Pennsylvania Dutch chicken-corn -- yummy!) and that terrible tummy/gut was finally ready for "real" food. <br /><br />Alan came over to pick me up, joined us for soup, and we drove home in what by then had become a really heavy storm. By then our patient was feeling much better. <br /><br />This chemo-stuff is interesting to say the least. The anti-nausea drugs work well. But the gut-wrenching begins about four days later and seems to last about that long until the poison finally leaves her body. Then she's okay until the next round. (Next Tuesday.) And of course, the ever-persistent chest pain is there. <br /><br />I keep thinking that this process would be better if she could just stay home and pamper herself. But you know what? Not only does she love her job and especially her wonderful work buddies, but like all of us, if we don't have our work and purposes cut out for us and beckoning us, we'd be sitting around doing, well, who knows what? Wasting time -- that's for sure. So 'tis with Gretchen, too. Knowing she needs and wants to get up and go to work every day really energizes her. Unfortunately, some days she just can't get there. Her wonderful Navitaire folks know that these challenging weeks will be behind her as spring pops into bloom. The healthy Gretchen and the new season will be a welcome relief to all!<br /><br />Thank you, Navitaire folks who are reading this. YOU give Gretchen purpose and motivation! I love and appreciate you all so much!<br /><br />Lindy-Lou the Mom<br /><br />(Nice to see you last eve, Lisa. Hope you made it home okay in the storm)gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-79136099371923288782008-12-31T19:01:00.000-08:002009-01-01T08:25:03.644-08:00Three Down, Five to Go--and Good NewsGood news! The treatment yesterday wasn't so bad, it has been akin to the 2nd one so far :) This means that I am feeling relatively well, and have a fair amount of energy, for which I am so grateful. I may feel a bit crudy over the next few days, but that isn't bad considering what it could be.<br /><br />A couple of other pieces of good news--I got my genetic test results back on the BRCA1 and 2 genes, and it is NEGATIVE--YEAH!!! That means that my half-sisters don't have any undo genetic risk for breast cancer, at least from our father's side, and it means that I am not at a huge risk for ovarian cancer :)<br /><br />The other good news is that my dad's wife, Marguerite had a very successful surgery to clamp off the aneurism in her brain. In the last three days, in particular the majority of the pain she was in during recovery has subsided, most likely due to the swelling going down, and she is now planning when she will start with PT, OT and another therapy, I believe it is speech therapy. <br /><br />All in all, I think this is a great way to ring in the new year! I am ever thrilled and grateful for all your kindnesses and interest and faith exerted on my behalf. I wish you all a prosperous and happy New Year! Love, gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-36815474920781928672008-12-26T08:12:00.000-08:002008-12-26T08:43:41.971-08:00Yes, she was warned . . . BUT!Merry Boxing Day to Gretchen's blog-followers!<br /><br />'Tis been awhile since we blogged here -- just thought you might like a catch-up. <br /><br />The kidlett is doing just fine . . . NOW.<br /><br />On her way home from work early afternoon Tuesday, she was suddenly hit with the deep bone pain she was warned about. Just like THAT -- grabbed her outta the blue -- severe pain in the shoulders, spine, pelvis, hips, and down both legs. She made it from the garage into her house but that was IT for the remainder of the day. Couldn't even answer the doorbell when friends dropped by with Christmas goodies. She sat there crying out in pain and just bearing it. Didn't tell me about it 'til Wednesday. Poor kid. These are the times when a single person should NOT be living alone. However, I know there are millions of singles out there who are in both physical and emotional pain who are in just as, or greater, need of comfort and help.<br /><br />Our patient was finally able to take enough ibuprofen and get to the bathroom for a nice hot soak in the tub to aleviate the pain enough to have a night's sleep.<br /><br />Wednesday was better. Bone pain, but not as bad as long as that giant ibuprofen bottle was handy. <br /><br />Overall, Gretchen has insomnia problems, gut pain, and odd eating abnormalities that keep us concerned, but they're all part of the literature and other warnings on the subject, so we're not surprised, just, well . . . you know.<br /><br />Like everyone reading this, we hate to see a loved one in distress or discomfort. Or pain of ANY kind!<br /><br />Gretchen's Christmas was happy and relative pain-free. We three had a lazy, movie-watching, relaxing, and Santa-generous day. We went to bed wearing the same jammies we woke up in!<br /><br />We're expecting family visits today and maybe we'll make it OUT to see one/two of those promising-looking movies in the theaters. Our buddy, Aaron may join us. AND we have a family wedding to go to in Heber. Right now the patient is poaching eggs for Eggs Benedict -- whaddya think about THEM apples?!<br /><br />Next chemo date: This coming Tuesday. Two families are coming as house guests on Wednesday for extended visits. Gretchen will stay at her house, but I'll go there too, if my help is needed. These crazy treatments. We just don't know WHAT to expect!<br /><br />Stay tuned . . . AND thank you again for your continued prayers . . . <br /><br />Lindy-Lou the Momgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-53704468835151685312008-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:002008-12-16T19:21:22.510-08:00...Gone TomorrowLast night the hair came off! It was good timing too, as just that morning I had a clump of hair come out as I was combing conditioner through. It was the first time that that had happened. Carri, Mollee and Dave, Cindy, Aaron and my mom and Alan all joined me for the big event. We started by Mollee and Carri putting a lot of little pony tails in my hair, and then we all took turns cutting them off with my mother collecting them strait so we could assemble them in a big pony tail to send off to Locks of Love. Then Carri cut the remaining hair shorter and Mollee then used the clippers to get it shorter still, and then Carrie finished it off with a razor and soap. Some parts are smoother than others, but in the end, we got it all off. I was surprised that I wasn't in tears, but with such loving friends and family around, it turned out to be alright. I forgot about a scar I have on the top of my head from a fall when I was six...I had to get five stitches, and it stands out clear as a bell on the smooth top. It was a lovely evening, a great end to a wonderful day...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUONp2s5dInYMC6aRK8c7iPCdYaoNfNIxWJs1oRtiEE03diOtFSrDrt27ovh6ODK25DhqT5nIK3rENc5qQkg0pxnYC7alPKgDd91zzeffFQJXvR2tQ9i2IXc4wC65e8RYfVIvTn7cjYi2/s1600-h/DSCN0228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280588306043829666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUONp2s5dInYMC6aRK8c7iPCdYaoNfNIxWJs1oRtiEE03diOtFSrDrt27ovh6ODK25DhqT5nIK3rENc5qQkg0pxnYC7alPKgDd91zzeffFQJXvR2tQ9i2IXc4wC65e8RYfVIvTn7cjYi2/s200/DSCN0228.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7i64GB9GV4DWZcWeUcRRBa2ehSYrqZT7kof70cAze4-XvX4GJ0hMIxrerlMd-2nC6yQbGNYOQsWl7rpO2fcGNQ6bZdO-TWPaOTHEVMPzBe1_j8HHeURwMcJeWhAU5ztzhCdv28jAGQDRO/s1600-h/DSCN0257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280589219067771202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7i64GB9GV4DWZcWeUcRRBa2ehSYrqZT7kof70cAze4-XvX4GJ0hMIxrerlMd-2nC6yQbGNYOQsWl7rpO2fcGNQ6bZdO-TWPaOTHEVMPzBe1_j8HHeURwMcJeWhAU5ztzhCdv28jAGQDRO/s200/DSCN0257.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-J37Wmb4xXpxNM2WVQu-Uyv-7gSy37irmRWUjxC-NvE7HnnViIv2TQ3nGJvJWekcLdD_MDF8UGSIvXh2yTW6d2aE5YdcuMTneqmBMp1uZDnxqPb2X-uwWIY0rUm6f3r7e9OLRSh-6Fcf/s1600-h/DSCN0262.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280589851389731890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-J37Wmb4xXpxNM2WVQu-Uyv-7gSy37irmRWUjxC-NvE7HnnViIv2TQ3nGJvJWekcLdD_MDF8UGSIvXh2yTW6d2aE5YdcuMTneqmBMp1uZDnxqPb2X-uwWIY0rUm6f3r7e9OLRSh-6Fcf/s200/DSCN0262.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHDoPgWTUuK6qcvkc2rI3ByjuhPNhlI3wmpAbZ0WEUaz162Ww6PAEYVdb5URlwEx23ADR5MZlT8GjI9h_6cFT7_cp0IWvKEHJgRt3jINc9EkKqF6KakEUr3zOYdLLfu-jkrGWc7Alj_QQ/s1600-h/IMGP0225.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280591457187734578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHDoPgWTUuK6qcvkc2rI3ByjuhPNhlI3wmpAbZ0WEUaz162Ww6PAEYVdb5URlwEx23ADR5MZlT8GjI9h_6cFT7_cp0IWvKEHJgRt3jINc9EkKqF6KakEUr3zOYdLLfu-jkrGWc7Alj_QQ/s200/IMGP0225.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was my first day back to work, and I was overwhelmed by the amazing welcome I received from my dear friends there. I was greeted by men who had shaved their heads in solidarity, a lovely pink Christmas tree decorated with pink lights, ornaments and ribbons and a pink stocking with my name on it. Also, Seth had organized a lunch get together where I was able to meet with and chat with such dear friends. A huge surprise was an enormously generous check, a gift from fellow co-workers, which included folks from 3 continents, 4 Navitaire offices, and even some customers. All these amazing things had me in tears, of course, and leads me once again to search for words to express my gratitude. Thanks seems so paltry in the midst of such genuine goodness and love. Over and over again the phrase "your strength is my strength" is what I feel. Any grace I may achieve is because you are giving it to me. Much love to you all. gf<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYkrickO_W5hrVMlp7-gO460pFVlVh2p4FW8lNHnmgqtdhQCcapixldfIZ2kH5mexPDUqJzWkjxa840yrxnVK_8Ru2WWJ2LGvHoCWmiXcOIyJVDsEQQLN4824tNk8Whhb1eRob8Zw5XfP/s1600-h/GretchenParty-7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280447738306384978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYkrickO_W5hrVMlp7-gO460pFVlVh2p4FW8lNHnmgqtdhQCcapixldfIZ2kH5mexPDUqJzWkjxa840yrxnVK_8Ru2WWJ2LGvHoCWmiXcOIyJVDsEQQLN4824tNk8Whhb1eRob8Zw5XfP/s200/GretchenParty-7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu4Qw7_BYRDADY4hyphenhyphentECq2DIOoBezgyBv3WCjWToWYYcKs2GlFE8aFkpx5KQWSZPOKqzOxOf32h_4euONmi4fqnUSsNL0u8yRNMBwZrkycXENXTp9TwYHNgwn-JgtZ1RYJY_9wQYvU3YJ/s1600-h/GretchenParty-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280448125316433330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu4Qw7_BYRDADY4hyphenhyphentECq2DIOoBezgyBv3WCjWToWYYcKs2GlFE8aFkpx5KQWSZPOKqzOxOf32h_4euONmi4fqnUSsNL0u8yRNMBwZrkycXENXTp9TwYHNgwn-JgtZ1RYJY_9wQYvU3YJ/s200/GretchenParty-4.jpg" border="0" /></a>gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-65967099485821159152008-12-10T14:31:00.000-08:002008-12-10T14:54:39.525-08:00Hair Today...Another first on this road of many firsts...wig shopping with Santa Alan, Mom and Heidi Ho. Here are some fun pics of the event. We chose two different ones...so fun! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdTuEcUUPBx1bt6wAthS1UYqGW5j-sspill2QdRA3h3zJ8Y9yIFxV1g9kcfqlR7iU7u8QVSqI60k_h6qj-OtWmU-MuKVV918ZkxOiqYc3fylC67cAdSwfnKI8oWq2B6XqkPVADOQru3I3/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdTuEcUUPBx1bt6wAthS1UYqGW5j-sspill2QdRA3h3zJ8Y9yIFxV1g9kcfqlR7iU7u8QVSqI60k_h6qj-OtWmU-MuKVV918ZkxOiqYc3fylC67cAdSwfnKI8oWq2B6XqkPVADOQru3I3/s200/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278297540938420434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNrA6UUj6oRegaARwxzHEx2dkWPJqk4K3aVy1hn195i6HGxm9V_I0Nych9hCWjcUkvhqQrIrhoWrinVKCQZ6stG_ZTTtMeksfRazi34rqwgmZw8av76KuPmAkyJjZE3iordNWygBG3ODj/s1600-h/IMG_0010.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNrA6UUj6oRegaARwxzHEx2dkWPJqk4K3aVy1hn195i6HGxm9V_I0Nych9hCWjcUkvhqQrIrhoWrinVKCQZ6stG_ZTTtMeksfRazi34rqwgmZw8av76KuPmAkyJjZE3iordNWygBG3ODj/s200/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278297170051923842" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w8TDznF3-kwjTdm2dcUwrPrf3z7WGp19zd4OBxZpYVM-MLQwZ_GQUjhnGWAp8S57Yf6SvB9w5JhxaEID63ttiZ2GZpw1ZwY1VVbgCF-u85evoRJUrVr0h2_DlQzDgKHQDYZA0I-FvyK1/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w8TDznF3-kwjTdm2dcUwrPrf3z7WGp19zd4OBxZpYVM-MLQwZ_GQUjhnGWAp8S57Yf6SvB9w5JhxaEID63ttiZ2GZpw1ZwY1VVbgCF-u85evoRJUrVr0h2_DlQzDgKHQDYZA0I-FvyK1/s200/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278296995420551714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZmC8EvjSBpNz0KD8QbigO7IMqYKK1ffkA4-z79JDa12AJINpuVg6rDgYXI7vccWePKpLq3eo1WT2iQXDkaGKWu6wQoKImXFcK_CADNBt0hjMOkx4KxIREKYVJri_-0YVrK7xGniMjgnp/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZmC8EvjSBpNz0KD8QbigO7IMqYKK1ffkA4-z79JDa12AJINpuVg6rDgYXI7vccWePKpLq3eo1WT2iQXDkaGKWu6wQoKImXFcK_CADNBt0hjMOkx4KxIREKYVJri_-0YVrK7xGniMjgnp/s200/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278296820227073906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yk9IiBvIj0Hrah3B0ZzPzsY0K_rckHHSe0y46dBToFFksQRFbE50xOO4CwDT_Nt78oC6UZ6jJ2qyiIJHcT24gvWjRhypj94U0Lg4aUrtsF0HSt_5TTO3KbVvitcUKKC98yTI3qb32CaU/s1600-h/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Yk9IiBvIj0Hrah3B0ZzPzsY0K_rckHHSe0y46dBToFFksQRFbE50xOO4CwDT_Nt78oC6UZ6jJ2qyiIJHcT24gvWjRhypj94U0Lg4aUrtsF0HSt_5TTO3KbVvitcUKKC98yTI3qb32CaU/s200/IMG_0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278296676820088066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wSSMQyv-23QazO7R4gu8VMtjgRDsuxzn7VMEcBEqUndwY7_CbJAxO5LuUcEWr21sBRwjGJbHNwYdiHvnzsOEBkLA3_Co4Kk3hIINjxOLl-4KqdNOpmXUQWyVxfa8xFvGSdSr6Lh-dJeV/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wSSMQyv-23QazO7R4gu8VMtjgRDsuxzn7VMEcBEqUndwY7_CbJAxO5LuUcEWr21sBRwjGJbHNwYdiHvnzsOEBkLA3_Co4Kk3hIINjxOLl-4KqdNOpmXUQWyVxfa8xFvGSdSr6Lh-dJeV/s200/IMG_0018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278296264128609362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKFYIG0VefT2M2FfraNiIMoHdrkIvmSsm8BNFP7FUgjRaaLyjVHIebKDP7iK3z_yfZUYbT7yWR7RwjjRsatc5GjFi4xMX6ybaZnbyDMpyGneMuyKIWuPDBNvtO17HPeeAgybYvFKbwYhP/s1600-h/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKFYIG0VefT2M2FfraNiIMoHdrkIvmSsm8BNFP7FUgjRaaLyjVHIebKDP7iK3z_yfZUYbT7yWR7RwjjRsatc5GjFi4xMX6ybaZnbyDMpyGneMuyKIWuPDBNvtO17HPeeAgybYvFKbwYhP/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278297939203857106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYJ0NvkqVkaWpOuTZRNIuqWzBipQo0ckBWFLeRpWKIU4yU6i9gLb2KeURlykgu7-l76i3kuGudmYHXen0osOzN2hJ0WXdVwNsGISvIoJ8TbKf7C_LtkjSxADA2gHNBQnd1arCyhB4PgNH/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYJ0NvkqVkaWpOuTZRNIuqWzBipQo0ckBWFLeRpWKIU4yU6i9gLb2KeURlykgu7-l76i3kuGudmYHXen0osOzN2hJ0WXdVwNsGISvIoJ8TbKf7C_LtkjSxADA2gHNBQnd1arCyhB4PgNH/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278297801934532834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMAwVSxs59wC54cD27JjXLCgCGdYcrYzyyZc60WVQjbOTFsnJaGvXmWvzRv6qeTflX5hTwLEjimOi-inGzmKbkbMNcuXne4oWx6hjZWb8ep42js2-BNJzf9bKPM1yESNpuVI_A6X8WBDd/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMAwVSxs59wC54cD27JjXLCgCGdYcrYzyyZc60WVQjbOTFsnJaGvXmWvzRv6qeTflX5hTwLEjimOi-inGzmKbkbMNcuXne4oWx6hjZWb8ep42js2-BNJzf9bKPM1yESNpuVI_A6X8WBDd/s200/IMG_0020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278297669465680834" /></a>gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-83680824947908016882008-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:002008-12-09T10:21:12.359-08:00A Better WeekI just wanted to put out a quick update on this week's progress...I understand now why they give you a week between treatments, as it is a wonderful opportunity to feel better for a little while. No doubt about it, last week was not one of my favorites, but I am encouraged by the increased level of energy and appetite that I have felt so far this week. I don't know if the chemo or the drugs I took to combat the chemo effects were worse...in any case, none if it tops the fun list. It has been a time of exploration and trying to understand what the new "normal" is all about. I am trying to find the healthy line between resting and activity, and where it is that makes the most sense and gives me direction and purpose without wearing me out. I have a sneaky suspicion that this line will continue to move as I progress with further treatment. <br /><br />However, I have decided to return to work on the 15th, and take PTO days for the remaining treatment times. I have been very blessed to work with wonderful and understanding people who are willing to let me explore at my own pace and do what I can. I belive though, that being back in the "land of the working living" will add to my sense of purpose and be a positive change.<br /><br />I am looking forward to a "get-out-of-sickville" trip to NYC this weekend with dear friend Aaron, where we will see Wicked, and take in the fun Christmas sights and sounds of the big city. I am gearing up physically and trying to build stamina for the trip. <br /><br />In addition, on Monday night, the 15th, I will be hosting a little shave-my-head party. They say that hair starts to fall out in earnest after the second treatment, so I thought I would cut off the ponytail and send it to Locks of Love and let friends have fun shaving the remainder. Anyone who wishes is more than welcome to come on over...I guess we would get started around 6:30ish. If anyone wishes to participate in the "Brave Shave to Save" effort that my cousin, Miriam has already initiated, this could serve as an extension. You can see a fun video of the Dec 6th event. http://playersanonymous.org/main/fun/hairshave2.mov. She has organized these hair shaving/cutting events to raise money for cancer research, and I can send anyone more details if they are interested. <br /><br />As always, I continue to feel your love and support and prayers and well wishes. I can't imagine facing this all without you...you are an amazing strength to me always, through the good and the bad. Much love to you all, gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-61196073397468305042008-12-05T07:15:00.000-08:002008-12-05T08:14:02.004-08:00"Cancer Sucks!"That was the verbage on the button of the clerk's smock at Walgreen's last evening when Gretchie-Girl dragged herself into the store to pick up yet more drugs. She looked at the busy clerk and said, uncharacteristically, "Yeah, you're right -- cancer sucks!"<br /><br />This was following a entire day of sadness, depression, lethargy, no-appetite, some pain, some nausea, yes, but mostly just, "Bleh, I'm just sick of this whole thing -- lemmee outta here!" She was disgusted with herself because she sat, uncaring, before the TV all day with nothing more in her tummy than a small bowl of Cheerios and half a can of soup. The veggie snacks we'd cleaned and bagged the day before lay untouched in her fridge.<br /><br />You all know this gal as sunny, upbeat, cheerful, and happy. I can take that a step further and can say, honestly, that I've seen her in tears fewer times than I can count on both hands. In her LIFEtime! Neither scraped knees on the playground, a fractured scapula from a nasty bicycle wreck nor a broken heart a time or two produced weeping. Depression? I don't think she even knows how to spell the word. But last night when she called me? Tears . . . tears . . .<br /><br />It's the drugs, of course. Big BIG guns this time. The chemo? The anti-nausea stuff? Who knows?<br /><br />Alan told me topack an overnight bag and practically pushed me out the door. I came here to find an untrimmed tree, a messy house, and . . . a crumpled daughter. She didn't answer her phone all day because she didn't want to whine and complain to anyone, she told me. I couldn't get her to eat anything, not even a tangerine! -- so we watched a movie until I fell asleep. I'm assuming she made it to bed just fine because I woke up and checked on her and she had an audio book playing early this ayem. We sat down in the kitchen and she consumed a giant bowl of Cheerios and said she felt a bit better. I took her temperature and she's running a low-grade fever (not unexpected) and complained of feeling hot. I cracked open a window and turned down the furnace and she went back to sleep.<br /><br />She came down to her office just now in improved spirits. She's headed for a shower and may just face the day a new person! <br /><br />She's VERY saddened by a message she just listened to from her buddy, Dayle in Dallas. Two close friends of theirs, who worked for the same bank for years, were laid off yesterday. This, coupled with serious layoffs (including Gretchen's boss!)at her own company, Navitaire, is enough to send ALL of us back to bed with depression! None of are immune . . . none.<br /><br />So let's get that tree trimmed (maybe asking too much) and those yukky dishes washed, shall we? I'm here to help! <br /><br />What was that I said in my last blog about being flexible? Let's hear it for the foibles of cancer! So here's my sincere cheer:<br /><br /><strong><strong>BLEEEEEEEEEEH!!!</strong></strong><br /><br />Friday huggies to you all,<br />Lindy-Lou the Momgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-2808184003065469122008-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:002008-12-03T07:45:14.609-08:00Part II post chemoWell!<br /><br />Ol' Gretchie-Poo was up and cheerful early this ayem. She reported a mild headache, mild nausea, ate some cereal, took more drugs and back to bed she went. Hooray!<br /><br />We'll be headed back to Huntsman later this ayem for an injection (just a sub-Q, really) to boost her white blood cells. THEN I'll head home and continue the march toward Christmas and its many projects that call out to me.<br /><br />Before we leave I think we'll throw some lights on Gretchen's very-nice-smelling fresh Christmas tree in the corner of her living room and start the decorating.<br /><br />This evening she and buddy Aaron will come to our house to catch up on the last three episodes of Amazing Race. Something we've had to put on hold because of Aaron's VERY lingering nasty cold. <br /><br />If there are setbacks today, then of course we'll change gears. Flexibility is ALWAYS our middle name these days.<br /><br />BTW, Gretchen is very concerned about her dad, David, in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- whom several of you know. His wife, Marguerite, of about a year, was diagnosed recently with a brain aneurysm. Aneurysms are always diagnosed AFTER they rupture and kill . . . during autopsy. This abnormality was discovered as a "red herring" (a surprise finding during tests for other things)-- she was having a brain scan for other, unrelated symptoms. Her surgery is scheduled for a few days before Christmas. Dave, after all, is a man. Aren't men supposed to FIX things?? Not sit hopelessly and helplessly by watching his wife having brain surgery and his eldest daughter with breast cancer. Gretchen is very concerned about him . . . we three wish them well and pray for both his and Marguerite's families.<br /><br />Hey! Gretchie-Poo just popped up outta bed, came tripping down the stairs and is anxious to attack the day! Hooray!<br /><br />Let's hear it for great drugs, many prayers, her peppy spirit and good vibes coming her way!<br /><br />Love and Wednesday huggies to you all,<br />Lindy-Lou the Momgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-85911137331691168822008-12-02T19:04:00.000-08:002008-12-03T04:37:59.563-08:00One Sick PuppyNOW I think I have it!<br /><br />Okay, folks -- this has been a -- well, hm-m-m-m, ah -- INTERESTING day!<br /><br />I'm in my kid's downstairs office and she's upstairs in bed feeling, well, I'll quote her various comments over the last few hours:<br /><br />(gasped between shallow breathing:)<br /><br />"This is all new territory"<br /><br />"Please bring me my big yellow vomit bowl" (Her faithful companion for seven years since her various serious health issues began.)<br /><br />"I'm feeling all cold inside -- not chills,exactly -- from the inside out -- never felt this kind of cold before"<br /><br />"Please turn off the TV -- the food commercials make me want to throw up"<br /><br />"My head hurts -- not exactly like a headache -- different"<br /><br />"This is all new territory" (again)<br /><br />"Yes, I'm feeling the prayers and warm fuzzy thoughts of my wonderful family and friends"<br /><br />"I signed on for THIS?!?!"<br /><br />"This is all new territory" (again)<br /><br />"I'm feeling sorta dizzy -- can you help me up the stairs?"<br /><br />"Please tell everyone I love them and thank them for being there for me -- in thoughts and prayers"<br /><br />"This is all new territory" (again)<br /><br />The infusion itself took less than three hours. Such wonderful nurses! Honestly, in all my 22+ years in the health field (and as a patient for my own minor needs) I've never met a better bunch of health professionals -- from the physicians down to the clerks and the people who take out the trash. Dr. Buys, the oncologist, makes us feel like Gretchen is the only patient she's ever treated -- she's SO concerned and personable. Amazing bedside. <br /><br />We have no idea how long our patient will feel so crummy or if it's the anti-nausea meds (four!) that are making her feel so bad -- like Gretchen says, this IS all new territory.<br /><br />Alan keeps wondering why she won't come to our house and be sick. She explains it to us very simply: "Mom, Alan, I've been so ABnormal for over two months. Here in my own home, I feel like I'm sorta normal again. I just want so bad to feel NORMAL again." So, of course, I'll stay as long as I'm needed. We understand and sympathize completely. <br /><br />Last eve she had some wonderful, crazy friends in to help celebrate the lighting of Candle #1 on her hanging advent wreath. She was feeling SO "normal" for a change . . . it brightened her outlook and made this trying day easier to bear, she tells me. <br /><br />So, folks, there's the first chapter of Phase II. I'm feeling a little teary right now because I keep thinking of the couple we sat next to in the infusion lab this morning. Scott and Megan. Two little kids at home -- Megan is younger than Gretchen. She had the exact same cancer as Gretchen three years ago, bilateral mastectomy as well. She's back starting chemo again because she has mestastasis to her lymph nodes, liver and bone. I'm just sick thinking about it. So I'll try not to . . .<br /><br />I'll blog again tomorrow,<br />Can't thank you enough for your care and concern<br />Lindy-Lou the Mom<br /><br />PS -- She said to thank all of you who wanted to visit her in the past few weeks but are experiencing the cold-ish and flu-ish bugs this season of the year always brings -- and stayed away. If she had a cold or flu on top of these miserable post-chemo symptoms, she'd be in bad shape. So this includes a HUGE "thank you!" from me, as well.<br /><br />PPS -- to end on a chuckle: I recall vividly the day her amazing realtor, Steve, brought her here to see this new house last spring. One of her first comments was: "Wow I just love how this kitchen and bedroom are next to each other. This way, when I have surgeries, I can make my own food and be right next to my bedroom when I have to run to the bathroom to throw up!"<br /><br />Steve laughed out loud.<br /><br />Then he looked at all three of us and saw that we weren't laughing.<br /><br />He said that was the very first time he'd ever heard THAT reason for a client to like a particular house he'd shown them.<br /><br />Little did we know what lay ahead . . . <br /><br /><br /><br />(Matt -- you may want to forward this PPS part to Steve)gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-49520545610105361332008-11-24T19:04:00.001-08:002008-11-25T04:47:46.181-08:00Monday: "Wow! Am I ever happy THIS day is over!"Yep! Those are the very words our patient uttered as we headed south on the freeway toward the barn this evening. (My car knows the way from the Huntsman Cancer Center to my house by heart now. No need to use the steering wheel.)<br /><br />Lo-o-o-o-ng day! In our twelve hours there li'l' ol' Gretchie-Poo:<br /><br />1) Had surgery<br />2) Had a heart test<br />3) Had a CT scan from knees to chin.<br /><br />Short recap:<br /><br />1) Surgery to insert the port just under her left clavicle that will be left there until the first of April when her chemo ends. Beats the heck outta having an IV started every other week when she begins chemo a week from tomorrow.<br /><br />2) The heart test (nuclear medicine) took about three hours and tested the contractability of her heart. Gretchen's oncologist told us that the heart is sometimes in danger of being damaged by chemo. This test gives her (Dr. Buys) a baseline to track possible damage. (Br-r-r --- my own heart suddenly went cold at the very thought.)<br /><br />3) Two quarts of barium later . . . the CT scan tested for possible metastasis that may already have taken place. Notice the cavalier way I typed that? That's because I <em>refuse </em>to acknowledge anything so dastardly could already have happened. Nope. Uh-uh. Nada.<br /><br />"Super Gretch" asked me to take her home this evening. She said she could take care of herself tonight because she's aware I'm wa-a-a-a-y behind in my Turkey Day weekend houseguests preparations, and she'd be just fine.<br /><br />Too bad.<br /><br />I stopped by her house, locked her in her seatbelt, picked up her mail, her drugs, and her toothbrush . . . and brought her home!<br /><br />So there.<br /><br />She's now lying in the guestroom bed listening to her iPod and licking the dregs from her plate of the delicious beef stroganoff that thoughtful Alan made for us. And sadly, we must keep the excitable Miss Polly off her bed -- that little black fur-person just gets too spastic for our patient.<br /><br />Miz Fegel is pretty darned sore from <em>yet two more chest incisions</em> for the port. As I just now snipped the plastic hospital ID bracelet from her arm, I asked, "So, Gretchie-Poo, have you been keeping track of how many of these I've cut off your wrists in the past several years?" No guesses.<br /><br />Again, we're grateful for your many thoughts, prayers, invitations, good deeds, cards (Dayle, yours just crack us up!), emails, treats, etc. YOU are what keeps that girl going.<br /><br />On to Phase II.<br /><br />Chemo.<br /><br />Loss of hair, yes . . .<br /><br />. . . but not of spirit.<br /><br />Monday huggies to you all,<br />Lindy-Lou the Mom<br /><br />PS -- Miz Mary Beesley -- I just can't thank you enough for the truly fun jewelry-making party you invited us to last eve. AND the photo session (FOUR photographers!) you organized last week to capture the final locks of You-Know-Who. It's thoughtful people like you who warm the cockles of so many hearts . . .gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-63503499490987872362008-11-21T09:21:00.000-08:002008-11-21T10:16:54.092-08:00Chemo UpdateHello Dear Ones!<br /><br />Yesterday my mom and I were at Huntsman from 10:30 to 3:30...getting the low-down on all things chemo. The appointment included meeting a myriad of new people, including a social worker with a funny laugh, kind nurses, and Dr. Buys--who is wonderful. She sat down with us and went through a breast cancer 101 worksheet and drew diagrams, and explained all the reasons why chemo is a good idea for me...the two biggest factors are the size of my tumor, (anything over 5cm, and mine was 6cm) and the fact that it was found in 2 lymph nodes. She was very thorough and answered all questions. During teary moments she even gave us hugs :)<br /><br />Before I start, she ordered a CT scan from neck to knees to see if there are any mets. She also ordered a MUGA test which will test the health of my heart's ability to pump well, as chemo can negatively affect that. These two tests will happen next Monday, the 24th, along with a port placement under my skin under my clavicle for easy access for chemo. Dr. Nelson, my surgeon will also do that...it is a proceedure which takes no longer than 30 mins and while they don't put me completely out, they give me local and amnesia drugs...i love the idea of forgetting I was ever surgerized!<br /><br />Then, Tuesday, Dec. 2nd will be my first chemo treatment. I will be given 3 drugs, the first two administered together, Cytoxan and Adriamycin, 4 total doses administered every other week. These two drugs will cause me to loose my hair after the second treatment. This will be followed by 4 more doses, administered every other week of Taxol. After each of the 8 treatments, I go back the following day for a dose of Nulasta, which will help keep my white blood cells in check, and hopfully prevent any infection. She said that often times this drug causes deep bone aches.<br /><br />She also offered me the opportunity to participate in a study, which would give me more drugs, alongside of the chemo that they think will add to the chances of avoiding a recurrance. As she mentioned one of the possible side affects (the jaw bone can get infected if a tooth is pulled, or there is big dental work...it just doesn't heal) I asked if it could possibly affect other bone healing processes, as I still have the big foot/ankle surgery ahead with bone and cartiledge grafts. She wasn't sure and will check with the ortho guys to see...so I may or may not participate in that study.<br /><br />After the 8 weeks of chemo, then comes the 5 weeks of radiation...by my calculations I should be done with the treatments by mid-April. Then I will do 5 years of Tamoxifen (a pill you take every day), as I am ER+, PR+ and Her2-...all of which make it possible to take this estrogen binding drug, which is the best combination to have :)<br /><br />I also got my first "fill-up" at the expander pump station, 60ccs of saline, which though not painful, is certainly noticeable. My nurse said that she took someone from an A to a DD size...that's not for me, but my, what a little saline can do.<br /><br />Finally, at the end of day, the nurse took us into the treatment room and walked us through the process of checking in, and then we toured the room. I think after a long day of information gathering and processing, this was the most sobering of moments...the reality hit that this is really going to happen.<br /><br />One last note...I attended a genetics counseling workshop on Tuesday, and decided to have the test done to see if I have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which based on the fact that one cousin on my dad's side had breast cancer at a young age, makes it feasible that I have the gene. If they do find that I have it, then my dad should get tested next, as it could have significant impact on my two half-sisters as well. It would also put me at a significantly high risk for ovarian cancer. It will take 6 weeks to get that report back.<br /><br />I never anticipated entering the world of cancer, but I guess no one really does. However, I am constantly amazed and impressed and grateful that there are so many skilled, caring and empathetic professionals with whom I am associating. I am also grateful to be in SLC, close to my angel mother who is willing to give up her days spent in appointments and care and who also sheds tears along with me. Continued thanks to all of you for your support, I couldn't do it without you! Love, gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-39173466965060827762008-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:002008-11-11T08:45:43.683-08:00Good News!Just a quick report on the dr. visit yesterday, the path report came back negative, meaning that there wasn't any more tumor cells in the tissue they took...sad to have had it verified by surgery, but better safe than sorry. Also, I got the drain removed---Yeah!<br /><br /><br /><br />I am now officially moving on to phase II, chemo. I meet with my oncologist for the first time on the 20th and will get the low-down on the treatment plan. An oncology nurse we talked with yesterday said that it may be possible that the dr. will put me on an every-other-week treatment plan for the treatments, which would shorten the duration, which would be nice. She also confirmed that I will get the type of drug which will make me loose my hair. A bit of good news though, she said that it is not acceptable to them for patients to be vomiting or have nausea...a little queeziness they can live with, but that they have drugs to combat the really icky feelings...so I am hopeful that that will be the case.<br /><br /><br /><br />Right now the biggest hurdle is getting the scar tissue to break up in my arm to prevent a frozen shoulder, which I have no need of :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd4HuNam-Ejt-OxSscfAnaB0k0vwKZ6Gj-wNvEcg9gmGhpvn1NQH8yAzTk1WF6ULHZ0RmLpFjAT5r0HPsBxd0a5mASNOcWypt_cKQxr2ozqvax50RbYTaCU_M1ng37U-kQgZ5mrHioOii/s1600-h/IMG_0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267441465721617938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd4HuNam-Ejt-OxSscfAnaB0k0vwKZ6Gj-wNvEcg9gmGhpvn1NQH8yAzTk1WF6ULHZ0RmLpFjAT5r0HPsBxd0a5mASNOcWypt_cKQxr2ozqvax50RbYTaCU_M1ng37U-kQgZ5mrHioOii/s200/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Much love and gratitude to you all. gfgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-56052884929096434232008-11-10T06:19:00.000-08:002008-11-10T06:35:48.626-08:00The Weekend ReportHowdy out there, blog-followers!<br /><br />Our patient had a pretty good weekend. Saturday she not only got up smiling and happy, but she made breakfast for us AND cleaned up the kitchen!<br /><br />Yesterday she went to church but only for an hour. The drain from her incision is driving her nuts and she was quite tired (all that pot-scrubbing from the day before, no doubt!) so she rested for the remainder of the Sabbath.<br /><br />Today is her follow-up appt to last week's surgery. Her doctor will remove the drain-that's-no-longer-draining and I'm sure she'll be a lot more comfortable. She still gets stabbing chest pains now and then and that right arm is only slightly above shoulder level when she lifts it.<br /><br />I'm being a Simon Legree in making her do exercises to get that arm up there. She does this finger-walking up the wall thingie to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out that scar tissue. Makes her break into a sweat to do it. But she'll get there, never fear! She blow-dries her hair and everything else with her left arm/hand. Alan was born a south-paw so he thinks that's perfectly natural!<br /><br />We should get the final path report today as well. Stay tuned . . .<br /><br />Lindy-Lou the Mom<br /><br />PS -- Oh! Gretchie-Girl is telling us this will be her last week as our houseguest. I know she's anxious to get home to her cute, new little house, but SHEESH! What'll we do without her cheerful spirit and upbeat personality??? sniff . . . sniff . . . sniff . . .gfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-83200102078824810552008-11-07T05:59:00.000-08:002008-11-07T06:47:58.772-08:00Challenging Week for "Super Gretch"Dearest Friends and Fam;<br /><br />While we knew this second surgery would be easier than the original, of course there are bumps along this road as well.<br /><br />For instance:<br /><br />Our patient spent an agonizing day-after with a horrific headache from the big-gun drug -- oxycodone. We keep asking each other -- "Why on EARTH would anyone pay BIG MONEY on the streets for such <em>misery</em>??" To Gretchen, back on the big-gun = horrible headache = time to stop taking them. She tried to back off gradually, but the head pain was still there, so now they're a no-no.<br /><br />So now it's OTC ibuprofen for our patient for pain -- but unfortunately ibuprofen doesn't cover it. For some odd reason she has <em>left</em> "Frisbee" pain -- coming off the sternum(cancer was on the <em>right</em>). Also back pain from being in bed so much, stomach pain from who-knows-what and just general misery.<br /><br />Our lovely fall finally turned into winter with that wonderful snow storm Wednesday. I played Christmas music all day and we drank Pero and stayed warm inside. Yesterday, Gretchen got cabin fever and ventured out with her new baby sister, black fuzzy little Polly -- br-r-r-r-r to all of us. With no fat on her (Gretchen's) chest, even tho she was bundled up, she began to shiver. The shivering causes her muscles to spasm and that equals great pain. So back inside we went.<br /><br />She has a drain coming from this incision and I empty it regularly, but there isn't much fluid there -- unlike last time.<br /><br />Overall, <em>this</em> week-after is quite an improvement from the <em>first</em> week-after a month ago, but still not fun.<br /><br />Your continued care and concern is what keeps her going. That and audio-books. She received a box of great ones yesterday from her buddy Dayle in Dallas and can hardly wait to dig in and listen up. TV doesn't hold much interest for her, even tho we record everything we like in order to FF thru the commercials. Must be that trip down the stairs to our new TV room. Occasional movies are fun, however. Last night it was "Rush Hour III" Silly stuff -- I fell asleep but the others made it thru.<br /><br />And, oh. That famous smile of Gretchen's you all know? It never ceases . . . even while she's wincing in pain. Personally, I find it difficult to wince and smile at the same time. I should snap a picture next time -- sorta contorts her face in an odd way, but she manages it nevertheless . . . poor girl.<br /><br />(BTW, you folks give me <em>far</em> too much credit for her well-being. You see, it is <em><strong>I</strong></em> who gets the up-lift and inspiration from my patient, <em>not</em> the other way around . . . )<br /><br />Lovingly,<br />Lindy-Lou the Momgfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465747377731555356.post-75921694452482716162008-11-04T18:02:00.000-08:002008-11-04T18:17:12.154-08:00Our Patient is Home!Yep!<br /><br />This procedure turned out to be a one-day surgery. Yahoo!<br /><br />She's a bit dizzy, light-headed, but not nauseated. She's in pain but the big guns should handle it for the next few days.<br /><br />The surgeon was able to leave the tissue-expander in after all, but he told us she'd be even MORE sore, of course, with the skin stretched so much further over it. She already refers to them as "feels like two Frisbees shoved into my chest" -- sounds so awful! <br /><br />I'm happy about the expander being left in because that should reduce the number of plastic surgery procedures down the road . . .<br /><br />The doctor thinks he got all the tissure he needs, but we'll have to wait probably another week for the full pathology report. Waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting . . . <br /><br />One concern: Her right arm.<br /><br />She can't lift it past shoulder level and last night we discovered why. If you were to look at her armpit where the lymph nodes were excised(such a thrilling prospect!) you'd see what looks like a huge tendon has formed there, preventing any decent range of motion.<br /><br />She showed it to the doctor today and he said it's scar tissue. Given Gretchen's history with scar tissue(adhesions galore from a few addominal surgeries seven years ago), that's not good. She's going to have to work really hard and do many stretching exercises to get that arm straightened out so she can use it.<br /><br />So that's the next project after she heals from today's surgery.<br /><br />And the beat goes on . . .<br /><br />More later,<br />The Mom,<br />Lindy-Lougfegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06318319371071536298noreply@blogger.com5