Time flies even when you are in cancer treatment.
September 2011- I finished 4th cycle of chemo and nuclear med treatment at the Victoria Hospital
in London Ontario. Results tumors stable but no shrinkage.
September 2012. In February I received MIBG treatment ( isotopes of radioactive Iodine) and was in the Victoria hospital for 4 days and 3 nights, in a lead lined room on the 7th floor.
In September I received ( in 111 isotope Octreotide) and was in hospital for 3 days and 2 nights. These treatments are always followed by 8 weeks of blood work and after 10 weeks a CT scan. ( liver tumors stayed the same, spot on kidney observed)
February 2013- This years treatment and follow ups were the same as 2012. with MIBG and Octreotide therapies. The report after the February treatment was liver tumors the same, still no shrinkage, spot on kidney not reported on.
September 2013- I just returned from London and the (in11 octreotide therapy) I will yet again endure 8 weeks of blood work which is able to be done in Burks Falls and then in 10 weeks go to London Victoria hospital for a CT scan . and after that I will return for a visit with my nurse and Oncologist and Nuclear med Dr.
How do I feel after 8 years of Treatment???
I am tired of Doctor's visits, hospital stays, I V injections, blood work. I tire easily and am short of breath climbing stairs or walking for very long. I have not lost any weight through it all as eating is a coping devise and a comfort. My blood reports show that my Hemoglobin is 108(low) as my bone marrow was damaged by the chemo and nuclear meds. My liver and kidney functions are ok and toxins high. I am thankful for relatively stable disease and still can travel and shop and do crafts and paint when I can over come lack of interest and fatigue. I am so very thankful for all my family and friends who have supported me with prayers and e-mails and positive thoughts and cards and visits.
The Holy Spirit fills me will hope and peace and grace to continue and His guidance and presence directs my steps each and every day. I commit my self, my treatments, my Doctors and nurses and all things into God's loving care and trust HIM to overrule in all decisions made for my care and well being. My favourite verse is" Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding, In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. "
I share this journey to wellness with you and pray that you will be encouraged to walk this life hand in hand with our loving Father, till Jesus returns and we are all risen together in the air with Him, ever to be with our Lord.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, August 05, 2011
2011 Net cancer treatment - finished 3 cycles
Well here it is August 2011! I finished cycle #3of treatment at the end of June. I was about 2 weeks recovering from the chemo and isotope therapy. I was very dizzy at times and short of breath and tired. Now after a month, I am able to do more and enjoy more. I read Maeve Binchey's latest book, "Minding Frankie". I really liked it and the characters were real and interesting.
I have done several jigsaw puzzles and have started painting a scene for Ruth's cabin window, in acrylic paint.
My next adventure in living and treatment takes me to London Ontario, Victoria Hospital , on Monday Aug. 22. I will be admitted to my lead- lined room for 2 nights and 3 days. on Aug. 24th I will get 2- I V Chemo's and the isotope of Octreotide. by IV also. I start my oral chemo on Aug. 17th and finish on Aug. 30th. I will continue with the weekly blood work which started in Feb. for 8 more weeks and after 12 weeks will return to London for 3 body scans and a Dr. report visit to learn about the effectiveness of this 6 months treatment. I am praying for tumor decay and reduction in my liver. :)
I hope you are all enjoying this warm and in some places hot summer. Get out and enjoy the sun, life is short but it can be an adventure. It is all in your choice of seeing , doing and feeling!
Here's a link to my newset site for winning, watching it grow!
www.varolo.com/village/jackie1939
I have done several jigsaw puzzles and have started painting a scene for Ruth's cabin window, in acrylic paint.
My next adventure in living and treatment takes me to London Ontario, Victoria Hospital , on Monday Aug. 22. I will be admitted to my lead- lined room for 2 nights and 3 days. on Aug. 24th I will get 2- I V Chemo's and the isotope of Octreotide. by IV also. I start my oral chemo on Aug. 17th and finish on Aug. 30th. I will continue with the weekly blood work which started in Feb. for 8 more weeks and after 12 weeks will return to London for 3 body scans and a Dr. report visit to learn about the effectiveness of this 6 months treatment. I am praying for tumor decay and reduction in my liver. :)
I hope you are all enjoying this warm and in some places hot summer. Get out and enjoy the sun, life is short but it can be an adventure. It is all in your choice of seeing , doing and feeling!
Here's a link to my newset site for winning, watching it grow!
www.varolo.com/village/jackie1939
Saturday, November 03, 2007
FALL 2007
September saw me driving to London ,Ontario for a series of scans.
The results are below:
#1. Octreotide Scan Sept.12th. with injection the day before. 3 areas of the liver had up take, the largest in the dome of the right lobe. The other 2 were in the posterior segment of the right lobe. A small focus of uptake is seen in the spleen, not seen previously. Overall improvement with appearance of liver lesions.#2 C.T. Scan- Sept.13th. A lesion in the right lobe close to he diaphram has increased to 3.8 x 3.2 cm. from 2.8x 2.1 cm.The lesion in the posterior segment has decreased in size. Degenerative changes are seen throughout the skeletal structures.#3. MIBG Scan- Sept 17th. A lesion in the anterior superior right liver lobe as seen in C.T.scan. Two lesions attached together in the anterior superior segment of the right lobe. Other lesions seen 6 months ago have disappeared. There is significane improvement. My blood work shows that the cromogratin A is 24 and my 24 hour urine test was 53. These are both better levels then last year. Dr. Kocha and Dr. Reid say that further treatment -chemoembolization should be done in 2008 to reach the lesion which had increased. I have follow-up 24 hour urine test in November also. This would be my 3rd. Chemoembolization.Visiting: I have enjoyed visiting with my son, Dave & Wendy and granddaughter Emma while in London. They live in Lambeth. I have also visited with my 2 sisters and nieces and nephew in Orangeville area this fall. My sister Donna and I travelled to Elmira and went to a charity Quilt show put on by the Menonites.These are very beautiful and all handmade and hand quilted, works of art,for sure. We also went to the St. Jacob's farmers market. Wow is that a huge market and wonderful produce and crafts and much more to see and buy. I bought delicious Ambrosia apples, potatoes, squash and onions and great nippy old cheese. YUMMY! Travel: I am leaving for a trip to Puerto Vallarta Nov. 23rd- Dec.15th. It will be my 3rd trip there and I am very excited and happy to be able to go to the land of sun, sea, and palm trees. We will be staying in Old town at the Rosita Hotel, a quaint hotel on Banderas Bay near the board walk-The Malecon. On The Malecon you see lots of art shows and musical performances. The weeks in December will host the evening parades to the Church for Christmas celebrations- very beautiful floats and bands and dancers. Watch for my photos in January, but until then you can see the other trip photos at Web shots. Thanks to all my faithful friends and prayer partners and family, you have made my health treatments and follow-up so much easier to bear. I feel you prayers and positive thoughts as I take each new step of my journey to health and happiness.
The results are below:
#1. Octreotide Scan Sept.12th. with injection the day before. 3 areas of the liver had up take, the largest in the dome of the right lobe. The other 2 were in the posterior segment of the right lobe. A small focus of uptake is seen in the spleen, not seen previously. Overall improvement with appearance of liver lesions.#2 C.T. Scan- Sept.13th. A lesion in the right lobe close to he diaphram has increased to 3.8 x 3.2 cm. from 2.8x 2.1 cm.The lesion in the posterior segment has decreased in size. Degenerative changes are seen throughout the skeletal structures.#3. MIBG Scan- Sept 17th. A lesion in the anterior superior right liver lobe as seen in C.T.scan. Two lesions attached together in the anterior superior segment of the right lobe. Other lesions seen 6 months ago have disappeared. There is significane improvement. My blood work shows that the cromogratin A is 24 and my 24 hour urine test was 53. These are both better levels then last year. Dr. Kocha and Dr. Reid say that further treatment -chemoembolization should be done in 2008 to reach the lesion which had increased. I have follow-up 24 hour urine test in November also. This would be my 3rd. Chemoembolization.Visiting: I have enjoyed visiting with my son, Dave & Wendy and granddaughter Emma while in London. They live in Lambeth. I have also visited with my 2 sisters and nieces and nephew in Orangeville area this fall. My sister Donna and I travelled to Elmira and went to a charity Quilt show put on by the Menonites.These are very beautiful and all handmade and hand quilted, works of art,for sure. We also went to the St. Jacob's farmers market. Wow is that a huge market and wonderful produce and crafts and much more to see and buy. I bought delicious Ambrosia apples, potatoes, squash and onions and great nippy old cheese. YUMMY! Travel: I am leaving for a trip to Puerto Vallarta Nov. 23rd- Dec.15th. It will be my 3rd trip there and I am very excited and happy to be able to go to the land of sun, sea, and palm trees. We will be staying in Old town at the Rosita Hotel, a quaint hotel on Banderas Bay near the board walk-The Malecon. On The Malecon you see lots of art shows and musical performances. The weeks in December will host the evening parades to the Church for Christmas celebrations- very beautiful floats and bands and dancers. Watch for my photos in January, but until then you can see the other trip photos at Web shots. Thanks to all my faithful friends and prayer partners and family, you have made my health treatments and follow-up so much easier to bear. I feel you prayers and positive thoughts as I take each new step of my journey to health and happiness.
Friday, July 27, 2007
SUMMER 2007
I am enjoying the sunny hot days with family and friends.
Last weekend I attended, "Books by the Bay" in Callender. I especially enjoyed
Graeme Gibson's talk about birds in literature. The Centennial park, on Callender's waterfront was a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Saturday night Margaret Attwood gave a humorous talk and reading from her book, "Moral Disorder". Poetess Lorraine Janzen read some her many poems. They were very expressive and filled with wonderful imagery. Our books were signed by both writers later in the evening.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed an early morning cruise on the Chief Commanda II.
Darren Renaud shared his research, "Flight of the Nipissings".
Earlier in the Week I was inspired by viewing Doris McCarthy's art Exhibition in the Parry Sound Station Gallery. Doris's iceberg paintings certainly portray our Canadian, majestic landscape and rugged life. I had the pleasure of meeting Doris at the opening of her Gallery in Toronto,York University, a few years ago. Doris is an energetic prolific artist even now at 97 years young.
Our beautiful province of Ontario is filled with talented artists of many varieties. Last Fri. night my ears and soul were equally refreshed listening to our local musicians in South River United Church, "Sounds for the Station". even surpassed previous proformances.
I will be continuing my summer of the arts in August by attending the "South River Festival of the Arts". August 9th-12th. Our Burks Falls Art and Crafts club will hold an art exhibit in the Seniors' building. This is the same weekend that we are having our Annual Book Sale, for Friends of the Library, at the Sundridge, Foodland Garden Centre. It will be a busy but exciting weekend. I do enjoy volunteering for these events.
I am so happy to have the summer relatively off from health treatments and travels and tests. I still receive my monthly injection of Sandostatin, but my nurse comes to the house to give them. I will return to London Health Centre for 3 scans in September, C.T. scan, Octreotide scan, MIBG scan. These will give the Doctors an up date on the state of my liver tumors and they will decide on the need or not need of additional treatment or medications.
Thanks to all my support team for your continued prayers and up lifting notes and help. You are the best!
Last weekend I attended, "Books by the Bay" in Callender. I especially enjoyed
Graeme Gibson's talk about birds in literature. The Centennial park, on Callender's waterfront was a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Saturday night Margaret Attwood gave a humorous talk and reading from her book, "Moral Disorder". Poetess Lorraine Janzen read some her many poems. They were very expressive and filled with wonderful imagery. Our books were signed by both writers later in the evening.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed an early morning cruise on the Chief Commanda II.
Darren Renaud shared his research, "Flight of the Nipissings".
Earlier in the Week I was inspired by viewing Doris McCarthy's art Exhibition in the Parry Sound Station Gallery. Doris's iceberg paintings certainly portray our Canadian, majestic landscape and rugged life. I had the pleasure of meeting Doris at the opening of her Gallery in Toronto,York University, a few years ago. Doris is an energetic prolific artist even now at 97 years young.
Our beautiful province of Ontario is filled with talented artists of many varieties. Last Fri. night my ears and soul were equally refreshed listening to our local musicians in South River United Church, "Sounds for the Station". even surpassed previous proformances.
I will be continuing my summer of the arts in August by attending the "South River Festival of the Arts". August 9th-12th. Our Burks Falls Art and Crafts club will hold an art exhibit in the Seniors' building. This is the same weekend that we are having our Annual Book Sale, for Friends of the Library, at the Sundridge, Foodland Garden Centre. It will be a busy but exciting weekend. I do enjoy volunteering for these events.
I am so happy to have the summer relatively off from health treatments and travels and tests. I still receive my monthly injection of Sandostatin, but my nurse comes to the house to give them. I will return to London Health Centre for 3 scans in September, C.T. scan, Octreotide scan, MIBG scan. These will give the Doctors an up date on the state of my liver tumors and they will decide on the need or not need of additional treatment or medications.
Thanks to all my support team for your continued prayers and up lifting notes and help. You are the best!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Health update- April 15/07
On April 12/07 I received the results from my last scans and blood tests and urine tests. I had my appointment with specialist Dr. Kocha and Nuclear specialist Dr.Reed.
The C.T scan results were very positive, showing tumor shrinkage in all sectors. :).
The blood marker for carcinoid tumors- cromagratin A -value was 24.anything less then 100 is good. The amount of hormone secretion in the 24 hour urine test was 46, this is down from the last test which was 112. a normal reading is 42.
The blood tests showed that all my liver functions were back to normal. :)
I said, "OK I'm done now!" :Oh no, we never let you go," said Dr. Kocha.
They intend to keep checking on me and I guess that is a good thing, even though at this point I am so tired of scans and tests.
I do get a short rest as my next 24 hour urine test is at the end of June and my next C.T. scan, MIBG scan, and radioactive Iodine test are not until the end of August.
I will be continuing to have the monthly Sandostatin injections. The nurse comes to my house to give these, so that is much better. This injection was increased from 20mg to 30 mg. in January. It will continue to counter the hormone secretions put out by the tumors.
I am so blessed to have great doctors and nurses and such an attentive medical team working to improve my health and protect me from future health issues.
I am also very thankful for you, my support team. your thoughts and prayers and hugs and cheerful, encouraging words and cards have carried me over lots of bumps and valleys over the past 2 years. Many Thanks!
The C.T scan results were very positive, showing tumor shrinkage in all sectors. :).
The blood marker for carcinoid tumors- cromagratin A -value was 24.anything less then 100 is good. The amount of hormone secretion in the 24 hour urine test was 46, this is down from the last test which was 112. a normal reading is 42.
The blood tests showed that all my liver functions were back to normal. :)
I said, "OK I'm done now!" :Oh no, we never let you go," said Dr. Kocha.
They intend to keep checking on me and I guess that is a good thing, even though at this point I am so tired of scans and tests.
I do get a short rest as my next 24 hour urine test is at the end of June and my next C.T. scan, MIBG scan, and radioactive Iodine test are not until the end of August.
I will be continuing to have the monthly Sandostatin injections. The nurse comes to my house to give these, so that is much better. This injection was increased from 20mg to 30 mg. in January. It will continue to counter the hormone secretions put out by the tumors.
I am so blessed to have great doctors and nurses and such an attentive medical team working to improve my health and protect me from future health issues.
I am also very thankful for you, my support team. your thoughts and prayers and hugs and cheerful, encouraging words and cards have carried me over lots of bumps and valleys over the past 2 years. Many Thanks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)