Spoke too early

OK...I spoke a little early when I said that it went well. Tuesday and Wednesday were fine but on Thursday, I got the pump removed and I was really weak and tired. This is going to be hard getting used to. Friday was a little better but I still felt pretty weak. Today has been the first day I have felt semi-normal. My bowels are still not working correctly so I am back to my white diet (eggs, oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, pretty much anything white). Having my mom here was a dream though because I didn't have to worry about dinners or driving or anything. She is such a champ. She did say that this is a whole lot easier than last year when she was here for 2 weeks taking care of me with my broken knee. At least I am mobile this time.

I'm just so grateful for Mike and the patience he has with me. I am so lucky to have a great man in my life that helps me get through the tough times. I'm also glad that he started a new job this year that doesn't require him to travel so much. We are also finding that the insurance is a lot better than what we had for my knee problems last year. I know that we are being watched over and blessed. Thanks to all for your continued support, love and prayers. I feel it everyday.

#1 Chemotherapy

The first session of chemotherapy went well. My mom is in town which always makes it better because I know that I won't have to worry about a thing. We got to the office at 9 a.m. and met with a physician's assistant (mid level) as my doctor is on vacation. He went over the results of the CAT scan I had last week. There is some fluid that was found that they have not ruled out is the cause of a leak in the colon. I had some sharp pains over the weekend and more blood in the stool but we are just going to keep an eye on the pain, blood and my temperature.

So after meeting with the PA I went to chemo where they drew my blood to check my blood count levels. They test the blood on a Coulter machine which is the competition of the machine my dad sells. He teased me and said that I could not trust the results because it was a competitors machine. My blood levels were fine so they went forward with the chemo. The combination of drugs I receive is called FOLFOX. I was given anti-nausea medicine, 2 potent drugs, and then a push of 5-FU that I also got as a pump that goes home with me for 48 hours. The pump gives me about 1/2 teaspoon of the drug every hour. The port is working like a champ!! We were able to watch a movie while we waited for the drugs to go in. It was a cute chick-flick called Penelope. I recommend it.



I haven't really had any side effects. I have some prescriptions for anti-nausea that I have to take for 3-4 days whether I feel nauseous or not and then as needed. I did have one strange side effect happen though. We came home and as I was taking my anti-nausea pill, I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge and as I was drinking it was cold and felt like razors going down my throat. The sensitivity to cold is something I'm going to have to get used to. Luckily, it will only last the first couple days.

One down, Eleven to go!!!!

Placement of Port

On Friday I had the port put in. This is a little device in the shape of a triangle and about an inch thick that sits just below my skin in my chest and then a tube travels up into my neck and into a vein. It will make life a lot easier as it will be like a temporary IV that will stay in for 6 months. When blood is needed for tests or dye and medicines need to go in, the nurses and doctors can access the port. I was awake for the procedure which was kind of creepy. They sedated me a little but I could feel the doctor pulling on my skin.

Here is a picture as I was recovering. They kept me there for about an hour after the procedure to make sure that things were fine. I was just glad that I didn't have to stay the night.



I've been pretty sore the past couple days and Friday afternoon when we got home, I crashed and slept for a few hours. Today it is sore and the incision where the port is, itches like crazy. Hopefully it will feel better in a couple days.

Chemotherapy---here we come!!

I thought it might be best to update my cancer news on this blog. I haven't been too great at updating other items of news.

For a summary:
On Jun 30, I had a colonoscopy that was ordered by my doctor because of blood in the stool. The colonoscopy found a tumor that had malignant tissues. On Jul 7, I went into surgery and about 10 inches of my colon was removed that contained the tumor. The doctor also took out 31 lymph nodes. The results were that the cancer had penetrated the colon wall and one lymph node was infected with cancer.

Today I met with my oncologist (cancer specialist) and we discussed my treatment plan. I officially have Stage 3 colon cancer (due to the one lymph node that is infected) and I start chemotherapy on August 12. The chemo will last for 12 treatments over 6 months. I will have a port inserted in my chest which lies just below the skin and the chemo will be administered through the port. I do not have to go through radiation which is great news. Things look really good and I really liked my doctor. He says that because I am young and healthy, I should do OK with the chemo. When the chemo is done I will still have about a 20% chance that the cancer will return, so that is why there is continued monitoring which will consist of blood tests, CAT scans, and colonoscopies for the next 5-6 years.

I feel really good about all of this and am determined to beat this. Oh yeah and the other good news is that I will keep my hair. It might not grow too fast and it might thin but I most likely won't go bald. My brothers will be glad that they don't have to shave their heads with me. :)

I will continue to update the progress. I have been so blessed through this whole trial by such great family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Thanks to all...it means a lot to know that so many are thinking of and praying for me.


I had to attach a couple of cute pictures that I took while recuperating at the family cabin.

My cute mom and I painted whirligigs to go in flower pots. They were so fun to do and I was so proud of my mom for painting outside the box (she usually needs a detailed pattern to follow). They are fun to watch when they get spinning.





Here is a picture of cute BriAnn and Amelia. BriAnn's hair was static clinging to the sides of the swing but she squealed with delight when anyone pushed her. The swing set was a new toy at the cabin and a huge hit.

Christmas Tree

Here is our new Christmas tree. It looks so much better than the 6' pencil tree we used the last couple years. My country type ornaments and rafia bows just won't look the same on this tree so it looks like I'll have to do a 2nd tree downstairs...but not this year. It's all I could do to get this one all decorated in time for December.

Utah Thanksgiving

I forgot to take pictures of the dinner...but I did take pictures of the aftermath. Here is one load of dishes....

and here is the other.

We had Thanksgiving with Mike's parents and it was an enjoyable feast. Our turkey turned out so moist...I think it must have been because I didn't cook a monstrous bird.

We went to Aunt Nancy's for pie and the raisin tradition to say what we are thankful for. I am most thankful this Thanksgiving to be able to walk and for Mike and all his patience.

Monitors Galore

Here is Mike's early Christmas/Birthday present to himself. He built himself a new computer and talked me into letting him get 3 monitors. He is in heaven and I don't think I'll be able to get him out of his office.