I Just Found Out I Have CANCER...HELP

[Krista G]

Bald, beautiful and ALIVE!!  Keep up the fight, you will WIN!!

[Nikita]

A friend of mine who has survived cancer just spent the day with Dr Ian Gawler, who healed himself of cancer 30 years ago through diet and meditation. She found him very inspiring. His website for cancer help is http://www.gawler.org/ and he's also on facebook.

[Nikolett]

Keep praying for you, Maria Elena! Hold on! So glad to hear the tumor is shrinking and sorry you feel sick from chemo!     

[patreiche]

I am glad you are getting better. I think it is great you are sharing your experience. I think that what you are sharing will help other people. Remember remain positive. I know you do not feel much like eating now but when you do make sure you follow a healthy diet. I know everyone here is anxious to try and help and support you in anyway we can. I am confident you will make a full recovery.

[chispa]

There are so many things I need to be thankful for this year...

I am thankful for...

My family who have been giving me unconditional love during this difficult time

My husband, who truly has shown me the meaning of for better or worse,

My children that have supported me and each other through the ugly side of cancer

My friends that have the courage to walk next to me during this journey

The kindness of strangers,

The Monday, Wednesday and Friday meals; I never thought how helpful they would be,

The walks that take me out for fresh air and remind me to take a deep breath,

My chemo nurses who are compassionate in my delirious stage,

My mom who holds my hand as we pray, cry and laugh,

My dad, for being unselfish and letting my mom be near me all this time,

My round head, beats being bald with a bumpy head

My red wig that makes me feel sassy,

Prayer, that brings me back to Him and place my trust in Him,

Anti nausea medication,

Colace,

That I finally got a diagnosis and the cancer was caught early,

Chemo, yes, I am even thankful for chemo!

And this forum where I share my journey

[nhockaday]

Aww, you bring tears to my eyes. Have a good Thanksgiving.

[patience]

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I am glad to hear you are getting better   

[chispa]

Dec. 12 - A Busy Week, including Chemo #3
   
I do not know if I have mentioned this before, but chemo sucks!

This was a busy week for us. On Monday we headed to the hospital for a CT scan. What I didn't know was that the scan was a full body scan. I discovered this when they took us into a "lounge" and placed 3 large  cups containing 32 oz of yuk "lemonade" in front of me. I had 20 minutes to drink each cup. Since I wasn't allowed to drink anything prior for 4 hours, the first cup went down easy and within the alloted time. The second cup was ok, but I was feeling full. The third one, I was ready to give it to Craig to drink. I wanted nothing to do with lemonade for quite some time. Once inside the machine, I needed additional contrast. I hope my kidneys keep up! Of course results are not available for 48 hrs. The waiting is the hardest part.

Tuseday was port day. I was excited to get the port because I kept hearing the wonderful benefits from it. What I forgot to keep in mind was the pain and shock my body would go through. I am in pain again! That stinks because the pain in my side from the surgical biopsy and collapsed lung was finally subsiding. Hopefully, the benefits will out weigh this pain.

Tuesday night a huge storm hits Madison. Snow day for the kids tomorrow!

Wednesday Craig and I ventured through the desolated streets of Madison to get to the hospital. I was glad people listened to the weathermen, as we were one of the few patients that dared to drive in this weather. We certainly couldn't let a few flakes (12-18 inches) get in the way of the next treatment.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were glad to know that my doctor had made it in, as well as a few nurses. As I waited, I asked the lab technician to help me put some Elam cream on the port area (Elam cream is used to numb the area before use for treatment). As the tech started to remove the coverings, I began to have visions of being that guy in the Alien movie, just waiting for something scary to pop out of my skin. Then I saw myself on the cover of the Enquirer with the by-line "Woman Abducted by Aliens. Aliens place an object under her skin. She has been taken to Area 51 for further testing." I was scared of what to expect and ended up having an anxiety attack. My body felt as if I had been dunked in a pool of alcohol. I was burning up, sweating and at the same time freezing. During all this time, the tech and nurse were still trying to take the covering off. It was so painful, all I kept thinking was "What have I done to myself?!" I became nauseous and turned pale white. The nurse immediately placed me in a wheelchair, took me in a chemo room, placed me in bed, took my blood pressure and temperature, and gave me anti-anxiety medication. When I was stabilized, it was determined that the port area was too sore and sensitive, so we would not be using it today. So much for the port.

There were, however, two positive aspects to the day. First, because there were so few patients that made it in, we got our choice of therapy venues, so we went for the penthouse, or at least a room with a window, a bed, and close to both a bathroom and the kitchenette. We had almost undivided attention, which resulted in the quickest treatment yet. More importantly, however, the results of the CT scan showed the tumor was significantly smaller compared to the PET scan results back in October. Our doctor was confident that only 6 treatments would be needed, as opposed to the 6-8 originally expected. If so, we could already be half-way done. That is music to my ears. Keep your fingers crossed. However, as we approach the back half of the chemo treatments, Dr. Chang suggested we start thinking about follow-up radiation to zap whatever residual tumor remains. That scares me!

Today, Friday, I feel like I have been run over by a bigger truck... again. Chemo seems to do that to me.


Keep me in your prayers!

[nhockaday]

My grandpa found out he had prostate cancer at about the same time you found out about your cancer. He opted for the radiation treatment. He had to get 34 treatments. He has only experienced a few side effects with the radiation, so I wouldn't worry about it so much.

[KL]

That's great news, Chispa! Looking forward to seeing you fighting fit again before long!!

[chispa]

  Wishing EVERYONE a Happy New Year!  May 2010 bring you health and happiness!  (the rest is the cherry on top!)

Update:

Chemo #3 really hit me in my head.  It seems to be trying to break  my spirits!  Stayed in bed for 4 days

I think I a doing OK!  Had Chemo #4 yesterday.  I can see the end...just two more chemo treatments!  I can't wait till all this is over.

Here is a picture of my Mom and Dad and me.  Loved having the family throughout the holidays.  Ca you believe it!  He shaved his head for me!

Love him!

Again, thanks and Happy Holidays!  Keep me in your prayers...IT'S WORKING!!!!

[nhockaday]

You are beautiful...even with no hair!

[PY]

I totally agree with nhockaday!! You are such a beautiful person. This new years eve you will be in my prayers, because I know we will win cancer!! I say we because we are with you.
Chispa ,GoD bless you I wish you a very better 2010..and 2011 and 2012 and 2013...and so many more are caming for you BE STRONG!!!

[Krista G]

Well said PY.  I second that.  Thank you Chispa, for allowing us to be with you throughout your battle.  I have known only one person personally that has had cancer and it has been very touching to walk this with you.  I appreciate all your posts.  Happy New Year and may 2010 be our best year yet!

[patreiche]

You are beautiful. The no hair looks good on you. Wish you a speedy recovery and a great year. We are here for you and love to hear from you.

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