tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39701170671879737492024-03-18T21:46:52.886-07:00*STRENGTH*LOVE*COURAGE*
"Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-12544605383467663822014-08-03T09:10:00.001-07:002014-08-03T09:10:32.236-07:00We have an OFFICIAL flyer!!! Wahooo!!!! We are almost there! We are so thankful for all the help of the Sponsors, community members, friends and family and we can't wait to see you all there! Help us spread the word...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-75257487117627677172014-05-15T09:41:00.002-07:002014-05-15T09:47:39.016-07:00REGISTRATION FORMS ARE READY!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello all!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! This form has taken me F-O-R-E-V-E-R and I'm sorry! Every time I got started it just made me miss her more and realize she's no longer with us. But here it is! I have finally figured out how to convert the file from PDF to JPEG...that was a nightmare. </div>
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Here are the details: Please let us know if you have any questions...we have the cut-off date for EARLY registration prices so we can get the t-shirt order into the company with enough printing time! </div>
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**RIGHT CLICK, SAVE IMAGE, PRINT FROM DESKTOP**</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-60919954912711153922014-05-10T14:11:00.002-07:002014-05-10T14:11:34.768-07:00Busy...Busy...Busy<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyday I wake up and think of my sister. I think of the memorable times we had together, the smiles we shared, the laughter we always had and then the sadness overwhelms me that she's not here. It's so impossible to think that she's NOT here. I dreamed of Tanya last week that was so vivid. I can't tell you what it was about because it was one of those dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night with tears and try so hard to remember every detail, then go back to sleep. I woke up and didn't remember anything aside from it was so real. I remember it was full of smiles and laughter. Her laugh was so contagious....you would laugh just because she was laughing. I miss that. </div>
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After I lay there in the morning feeling sad because she's no longer physically with me, I then thank God for the blessings in my life and that fact that she's not longer in pain or suffering. I know she's with us in many ways, when we don't think she is. She's my strength and sometimes the only way I can get through the day. I try to keep myself busy. Busier than one should. I've tried consuming my life with church (not a bad thing), MOPS, crafts (miss crafting with her), yard work, fundraisers and really anything that will help the time pass. With all the projects on my plate, the most i'm excited for is the Hope for Tanya 5k Fun Run! I've put so much time and effort into this for Tanya and all the other women fighting for their lives. I've managed to get a website started (still very far from finished), sponsorship packages, t-shirt, donation forms & today finished the registration form! When this event is finished I will be so relieved and proud of myself for actually doing it! I never finish anything in my life and I just realized that! Oops. </div>
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This event means the world to me because all I've ever wanted in life was to be able to HELP people. That's reason alone is why I loved my job in the medical field. Just to put yourself in someone else's shoes for 1 minute and try to think how they are getting by each day with a sick child, parent, sister, brother, family member or themselves are sick; and how I could make it better even in the smallest way. How did my sister stay so positive and optimistic through her entire battle and I can't seem to make it one day without complaining about something. It's the strength we find from deep within that tells us we CAN do it and we will come out ahead. It's God. So with all that said...i'm am pleased to say that with hard work we have secured so far 10 Sponsors for the Fun Run in September and of course are still looking for more! We have fun little things planned for this event and even a blood drive! You know, it's VERY important to give blood at least 3 times a year! For most cancer patients blood is something they are given quite frequently and hospitals rely on blood donations to do so. Don't hesitate...please donate! Things for the Fun Run are still in progress and most likely will be until i get to Arizona, but we have the shirts finalized, 3 banners and are working on the flyers and all the other media stuff! Wahoo!!! I am in need of volunteers to help get donations...we are in need of donations/gift cards in $25 values or more! Let me know if you want to help or know someone who does! </div>
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Email me @ hopefortanya@gmail.com</div>
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We are only 4mo away from this event...soooo exciting!</div>
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Thanks everyone!!! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-33263090062897396692014-02-28T17:18:00.000-07:002014-02-28T22:12:17.492-07:004 Months<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been 4 months. Today. </div>
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Today, 2/28/14 marks 4 months since Tanya's passing. </div>
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4 months of not seeing her smile. Not hearing her laugh or cry. </div>
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4 months of not getting a text or phone call. </div>
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It's been 4 months of not seeing her; talking to her, calling her, FaceTime chats, laughing or wishing we could be closer in distance to one another.</div>
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4 months of not being able to rummage through her closet for something to wear. No carpet picnics. No shared dinners. No evening walks. No shopping. No movie nights spent talking and laughing the entire time. </div>
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It's been 4 months of not having my sister around, 4 months has passed since I last saw my sister. She was so amazingly beautiful. So beautiful my Dad asked if we had put makeup on her the day she passed; she was that beautiful! I've wished for so many things. I've wished to have been able to talk to her. To have her talk to us, smile, a squeeze, a movement...something...anything but I know deep in my heart, she WAS doing all these things. She knew we were there, we are ALWAYS there. After-all, she had to know...we weren't that quiet & she was happy about it! I know that she made the decisions she did so that she could be with us during our trip to Florida. </div>
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Somehow her passing seems like it's been easier for me (although it hasn't) to deal with because I moved just 2 months before. In some small way I think this is how it was suppose to happen. It killed her that we were moving. It killed her to let go of me and the kids when we left Paradise Bakery that night. It killed me to leave her. It hurts to know we aren't just down the street from each other anymore. We were always together, doing something.</div>
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It feels as though I just moved away and that she will be in Arizona when I go back. I know she won't & I know she's always with me in spirit; I see her everyday in my children, even in the smallest of ways; especially Breckin. They were best friends. If you ask him today who his best friend is, he will say Tata. I see her in myself on days when I want to give up, on anything. I see her in my niece, my Mom & Dad and my Sister! I see her everywhere. So I know she's around and teaching me valuable life lessons. Im sure Dustin appreciates her being around too, she was always the one who knew everything about my life and marriage even if she didn't want to. Haha. </div>
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The hardest thing for me to get past are the things that's changed since she's been gone. Relationships aren't the same (even some stronger than before), friendships have failed, hearts are broken & feelings have been hurt. I know in time things will sort out, they always do but it doesn't make it any easier. There are days when all I want to do is make a call or text, but I don't. I stop and pray. Praying. It's become a necessity & should be in everyone's lives. Tanya and I were suppose to get baptized in July last year...we never did. She was too sick, so in her honor on Easter Sunday I will get baptized. I know she will be there right beside me and it's going to be the best day ever! </div>
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She's my rock, my strength, my Sister & one of my best friends. She's amazing and always will be, but she's missed greatly and while it's already been 4 months I know that for her, although she misses us greatly it's been 4 months of being FREE! </div>
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Free from pain; endless doctors & appointments, medicine, tubes, monitors, being exhausted, needles, nephrostomy tubes/bags, free from being bald. It's been 4 months of not having to fight every minute for her life. It's been 4 months of being in the most amazing place we all hope to be someday and 4 months of being CANCER FREE! </div>
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Time will continue & on those hard days I have to simply remember that just because God doesn't answer your prayers, doesn't mean he's not listening, he's just got something better in store for you! We love you and miss you everyday & know you are looking over us all! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-85083391694877168632014-02-21T14:04:00.001-07:002014-02-21T14:04:49.624-07:00Tumor Sequencing Findings...<div style="text-align: center;">
Well...all I can say is POOP!! We got the call from T-Gen today and it wasn't the call we were hoping for. Not the answers to the questions we were told we would get, BUUUTTT....definitely will help others down the road... </div>
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According to the research doctor we spoke with, this specific tumor sequencing that Tanya participated in was strictly to determine if Small Cell Cancer in the ovary is similar to that of the cervix; even though Tanya was told otherwise (and maybe was told that to get her to consent.) Who knows. The conclusion is that to the naked eye, they are the same but under a microscope they are COMPLETELY different. The only similarity they have is that they are both Small Cell. We found out that Small Cell is 100% more common in the cervix than the ovary. Isn't that crazy? For SCCC being such a RARE cancer, it's definitely not as rare as SCOC. </div>
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So with that said, the study won't help the ladies currently in treatment but with ongoing research in the years to come, it will help those that will be newly diagnosed. We are feeling kind of deflated that we didn't get ANY of the questions answered that we were told as far as treatments that work on original tumors and MET's. However, he did tell us that while he couldn't say for sure, he was almost 100% positive Small Cell Cervical Cancer is NOT genetic. I did the happy dance and smiled. This puts my mind at ease as I'm sure it does Katrina & my Mom too. Since Tanya was diagnosed, I've worried that EVERY little pain, ache or issue that's come up is this cancer or any for that matter and I worry about Ella & Brinley's life in the future. It's a lot of stress to carry around wondering if we will be diagnosed with this monster. </div>
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This call seriously just confirms that Tanya so selflessly gave up her tumor so that others could get the answers to the questions that she & we didn't get. Research takes years and years & today researchers learned more about SCCC than they knew yesterday and tomorrow they will know more about it than today. So while I'm sad we didn't get the answers we were hoping for, we did get answers and that alone is still AWESOME. We will continue to carry on supporting the fight of Neuroendocrine Small & Large Cell Cervical Cancer for Tanya, those that went before her and those that are currently fighting! </div>
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We won't give up, just like Tanya didn't. </div>
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-Ashley </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-72033844100104489282014-02-19T17:42:00.003-07:002014-02-19T17:42:54.130-07:00THIS IS HUGE....TUMOR SEQUENCING FINDINGS!?!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Guess what?!? Last year, Tanya went to TGen where she was to start the clinical trial, which she did. While there, because her cancer is so rare they asked if she would give consent to let them do a tumor sequencing (dissect into a million little pieces & study it) to find out some VERY valuable information! She was suppose to get results in October, just a few days before her passing actually, and it wasn't ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We were told these things can take years to complete but that since her cancer was so rare and aggressive they would have all hands working on it for quicker results. Well...we got a call yesterday that it's complete!! While we were told a few different things about what exactly it would show we are hoping that it will tell:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1- Where it originated</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2- When it started</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">3- What chemo will kill it & which to use as a back-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">4- What chemo will kill the METs and which to use as a back-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">5- Hopefully LOTS more but we aren't even sure all this will be given! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While this doesn't help Tanya now, we are very hopeful that the findings will help others. The information will go to Dr. F in Houston, Texas at MD Anderson & the doctor from TGen will be calling to review the results over the next few days! Hopefully this is a breakthrough in treatment for SCCC/LCCC! Please keep praying we get lots of questions answered and that this truly means Tanya is still fighting...fighting for all the women currently fighting and those that will be diagnosed! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is HUGE!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">- Ashley</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-6471488396848534832014-02-12T12:43:00.002-07:002014-02-12T12:43:45.901-07:00Hope for Tanya Fun Run 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Well good morning...or...afternoon depending on where you are! Today is a happy day (even though i'm sad!) Today, we purchased a website for the Hope for Tanya Foundation my family and I have set up! </div>
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During Tanya's fight, she always talked about how lucky she was to have such a strong support system and we want to be able to give that to others who need the support and maybe don't have as much as Tanya had. It's an amazing feeling to go through the steps to get something established to help the many women who have to go through this fight day in and day out. </div>
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So while our Foundation right NOW isn't here to support research, maybe someday we will be able to help in that. We are still waiting for the results from T-Gen on her tumor sequencing that they started last year. These types of things generally can take years, but we were told all hands are on her study because of the rarity of her cancer. So here's to hoping we get results SOON and can pass the valuable information on to MD Anderson!! </div>
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Anyhow, the website will come soon, when I get time to completely build it. In the meantime, the post was really to announce we have our 2014 Hope for Tanya Fun Run in the works! I'm currently working on sponsors, donations, shirts, water, goodie boxes, logos, banners, registration...you name it...I'm working on it! We need help with just about all of it! We have the shirts ready and waiting to be printed, so that's exciting! If you own a business, know a business owner or simply want to donate as a single, that would be AMAZING!!! Please contact me at 480.223.2263 or hopefortaya@gmail.com if interested!</div>
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Thank you! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-70322383737832259732014-01-17T12:24:00.000-07:002014-01-17T16:24:30.917-07:00A Last Minute Flight<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">**THIS POST IS ACTUALLY #3 OF 3 POSTS...</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">P</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">LEASE START A FEW DOWN FOR THE WHOLE STORY** </span></b><br />
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10.26.13<br />
I don't think any of us got sleep Friday night ...and even into Saturday morning and I certainly wasn't expecting the news I had received a little after 6am. I remember laying in bed with my phone going off...the message from my Mom read "you need to get here now". That was it. That was the moment my heart broke. That was the moment I didn't know how to move, what to do or where to start. Me being the organizer and freak that I am, I started calling Katrina, Dad, Bannon & Scott. The only thing I knew was that I had to get us all there and FAST but Florida is soooooooooo far, and even further when you want to be there yesterday. </div>
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I managed to book us all on flights that departed from each city at 8:30am. The rush to pack bags for 3 people, since Dustin had to stay home, in a matter of minutes was hectic and somehow I didn't do too bad. I knew if I missed something it could be bought or borrowed from Mom & Tanya...and even Katrina. I had become a pro at being in a fog and packing in a rush, and by pro I mean getting SOMETHING in the bags...even if it were summer clothes for winter weather! Dustin drove me & the babies to the airport, we cried the whole way then said our good-byes and off we were. Traveling with the kids has become so easy and second nature that I just laugh when people see me coming with 2 kids, a stroller and bags. I probably look frazzled and today wasn't any different. I barely remember going through the airport, now that's scary. I remember being numb to everything. Just sitting there crying, trying not to let others see me so I didn't have to answer the "are you okay?" question. It was a sad day. A day we ALL wished wasn't happening. A day that took forever. A day that went by so fast. It was a fog...I was in a fog. All I kept thinking about was hoping that nobody's plane was delayed and that we all go there together. Somewhere in the air I got a text from Aunt Lori saying Uncle Pat was on his way too and then heard that Grams and Uncle Matt left and actually had met Uncle Pat on their connecting flight. WOW. Just WOW. This was amazing that we all would get there about the same time and could be there for Tanya. </div>
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Those flights were long and as the anticipation grew I wondered what would it be like when we landed; when I saw my family, when we got to the hospital and most importantly when we saw Tanya. All the emotions I was feeling were somehow at ease when I saw my Dad, Katrina, Bannon & Brinley walking off the plane. Finally. We were all here. We had NO idea where we were going, what we were doing but we were here. Together. That's all that mattered. </div>
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It was well after 10pm when we got to Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida. Safety Harbor? I know...I KNOW. We parked & met Mom down by the ER entrance since it was after hours. Hugs were given out, the tears were flowing and all I heard my Dad say as he tightly squeezed my Mom was "I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry"...over and over. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't something he could have changed. It wasn't something anyone could have changed but I knew the feeling he was experiencing. We all felt it. We all were sorry that Tanya was going through all this. We all were sorry that we weren't there for her. We were sorry for ourselves because the inevitable couldn't possibly happen. It's not something any of us wanted to think about or even mention but I'm sure we all had the same feelings inside. </div>
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It's always easier to keep things inside. You don't hurt as much, or seem to. You don't hurt others, or think you aren't. I know Tanya kept a lot inside, so she wouldn't hurt us, make us worry more than we already were. She was always "okay" or "hanging in there"...she rarely ever told me how she really felt. I got that she was "scared & nervous" a few times but she knew in order to keep herself strong she had to keep us all strong. </div>
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As we entered the Critical Care Unit my legs seemed as though they couldn't carry me. I floated through the hall and into her room. Then I broke down. We all did. The tears wouldn't stop and quite frankly I didn't want them to. I was happy I was there but sad for the reason. I was wanting to take in as much as a person can of another. We just hugged her and told her we loved her. There was no way to mentally prepare yourself for what we saw when we entered her room. The wires, monitors and hospital environment was very familiar to me but the tubes, beeping and poor little Tanya just laying there unresponsive was NOT something that was or ever will be familiar. I hated seeing her this way. This was NOT suppose to happen. Not like this, not here. She was as beautiful as always but all I could stare at was her nose. It was different. It wasn't the same. She wasn't the same. She was thin and frail, lifeless and calm. She was what I imagined was sleeping, although I know she probably wasn't. Not in the hospital, are you kidding me. Nobody sleeps there. </div>
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She had freshly painted nails...pink ones. You know...her favorite Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in Racy Rogue or something like that. I only know because that lady Sally only has so many colors! haha. She had a nice hairdo and perfectly manicured eyebrows. She never lost her eyebrows during treatment and honestly I was ALWAYS jealous of them since she never waxed or anything. She was just her. In all her perfectness. Her sweet smell permeated the room as if she had perfume on and it was HER. Just her. Nobody, nothing else.</div>
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My Dad was standing on her left side with Bannon and then that's when it hit me...when I saw him breaking down, helpless. We all were helpless but we were right where we needed to be. We just stood there crying for hours and hours and hours. Uncle Matt, Grams & Uncle Pat arrived somewhere before midnight and joined us. We just stood in her room in the dim light crying, reminiscing and staring at her as if she was just going to open her eyes, squeeze our hand or just sit up. Well, that's what we all hoped for. A miracle. Her skin was soooo smooth, like butter (inside joke) and again I was jealous. Mine was so incredibly dry...ALL the time. I just love her. </div>
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We took turns, breaks in the family waiting room; which was turned into our personal area quickly. We had baskets upon baskets in the waiting room and her room full of fruit, snacks, etc. They were looking out for us because lets face it...we certainly weren't. I think I managed to get in 1-2 hours of sleep in a 48hr period but exhaustion has passed long ago. Fasting wasn't something I had in mind but certainly wasn't hard to do. Finally, everyone was there in the hospital to be there for Tanya. Blessed she was, beyond measure. The love for this girl is astounding and overwhelming. Sunday, at some point, we had a family meeting. Dr. Stein was able to arrange an air transport back to Arizona but would be around $15,000 and who knows when that would happen, if Tanya would do okay and the one thing that kept coming to me was that she would be ALONE on the flight...all the way across this great country. What if something happened and we weren't there...AGAIN? She wanted to go home. I wanted her to go home, we all did. </div>
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The reality was that she was very sick and even though we couldn't take her "home"; WE WERE her home. We were there and we weren't leaving her side. Not at all. In the few family pow-wows, if you will, we discussed what quality of life she has on the ventilator. She could be on this indefinitely. Her liver was shutting down, you could see how yellow her skin and eyes started to become. She was slowly slipping away, against her wishes. Tanyas cancer was so aggressive that the 2 months she had gone without treatment had only given it free reign to do what it wanted in a place that it did not belong. She fought and fought and never stopped fighting. SHE was relentless...she was brave. She was strong. She was so full of courage, love and ambition. She was not about to let this monster take anything else from her and she didn't. She won. She took her life back. Though she may not be here physically with us, she is more alive now than ever before. </div>
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As a family, we decided to take her off life support. That's no life for anyone and certainly not what Tanya would have wanted. We got pizza, her favorite, and went to Clearwater Beach. We bought flowers and sent them out to sea. When we returned to her room we said our goodbyes and she was taken off life support. Nobody knew what to expect. They doctor & nurses had to titrate her medication so they knew she could handle being off the vent. Of course she handled it like a champ and was breathing on her own. Maybe our miracle was happening? We held onto any little piece of hope there was. That was at 5pm when she was taken off the ventilator, on Sunday. As they allowed us back in the room we all huddled around her again and the crying continued. The million "I love you's" were coming out of our mouths left and right. More than you can imagine...and then something happened. Something AMAZING happened. Tanya began moaning! She muttered something and although it wasn't long lasting and we didn't know what she was saying, Mom assured us she was telling us she loved us too! That was the last thing Tanya said to any of us. She knew we were there and she was beyond happy that we did make it...but she knew we would; in one way or another. </div>
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Tanya was given medications to help dry up some of the secretions in her lungs that was giving her that gurgling sound as she breathed. He breaths became less labored, he skin looked better (not as yellow) and she looked peaceful. She looked amazing! That was Monday morning. Still kicking cancers ass! Breckin had left his botty (blanket) with her on Sunday night...and since it's practically an appendage, this was HUGE! He knew his best friend needed the comfort and warmth of his botty more than he did. He never once asked about it or cried for it. He loved his Aunt Tata sooooo much. Me being the overbearing one decided since all life saving measures were being removed, I would make her comfortable. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I did. Everyone kind of just looked at me without saying "what are you doing?" She was my sister...my baby sister and I wasn't going to let her lay here in this bed where she had been since Friday, uncomfortable. She always hated the monitors, wires, etc. That was the one and only thing she ever complained to me about. So restricting. So...I took them off. I lowered the bed rails so we could get a little closer. I took off the stickies all over her chest that were connected to wires. I did some exercises on her legs and arms because come on, have you ever had your limbs stuck in one position too long? It hurts! She got her own pillow, that Breckin now sleeps with every night. I removed the arm restraints from her wrists & I hoped that she felt at least some comfort in her bed. </div>
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The kids were getting restless, emotions were higher than normal today so we took a walk. They loved their walks with Tata, pointing out different colors of cars. That's how she taught Breckin his colors! So off we went. We stumbled upon a park just outside the parking lot of the hospital and hung out there. Released some pent up energy the kids had and soaked in as much sun as possible. For being in a hospital for 3 days the kids were surprisingly doing well but the weather was too beautiful to not enjoy! Soon Uncle Matt, Katrina & Brinley joined us and then Mom & Dad dropped off snacks as they headed back to the room. We decided to go get the kids some lunch and hit Walmart for the little things like contact solution and shampoo, that we had forgotten. Summer clothes too. </div>
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That's when we got the call. The news that I knew was coming but wasn't ready for. I just stood there as Katrina told me. We didn't eat lunch. We got back in the rental car and headed back to the hospital. I wasn't there. We weren't there. It kills me every day to know I wasn't there for her, yet again. I wasn't there when she left us for a better place, a place we are all jealous of. I mean walking the streets of gold with God...come on! It hurts me that I wasn't there with her in her last moments, but from what I heard; she was NOT in pain. She did not suffer and there was a calm in the room like never before. She was at peace. She was in heaven. She knew we would all carry on her memory and she's right! Tanya left us on Monday, October 28, 2013 @ 105pm. She had joined many close friends and loved ones and I believe Morgan Cooper was the first one at the gates as she entered! She probably shoved her way through to see Tanya! I'm so glad that Tanya had Morgan by her side so many times throughout her fight and every day before that. Until we meet again girls...I love you both more than you could ever imagine!!!! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-19204943103328540902014-01-17T10:56:00.000-07:002014-01-17T15:31:18.442-07:00Florida Bound = Utopia Wellness Center<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course I wanted to go sooooooooo bad, but lets face it...my monsters in a Wellness Center setting? Probably not the best idea...so I headed up to Show Low to hang out with Katrina and get stuff rolling for the Fall Fling she & a few friends were putting on! The Fall Fling went well and we brought in $5000 for Tanya! That's huge and we thank EVERYONE that helped us pull this off. Backing up, Tanya was packing (for an army) for Florida and as you can imagine was so scared, nervous, excited and ready to get better! So off they went...Florida bound. Sunday, October 13th Tanya, Mom & Scott were on their way, she texted me as they land saying "it's beautiful here!!!" and although her flight wasn't fun and she got sick a few times and was so incredibly tired, I'm glad she was able to take it all in! Her treatments started on Monday and meeting/information galore flooded in. Overwhelming? YES! But in true Tanya fashion she took it all in like a champ. She was starting to learn how to control her vomiting, since her body for so long had gotten use to doing it, she had to retrain. Her bleeding had almost stopped but she was still nauseated and tired all the time...but was getting better! She couldn't wait to have more energy and really wanted to get out and explore the city & most certainly was ready to come home a week later! Haha...she still had 11 weeks at least to go. BUMMER.</div>
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As Tanya was getting well, we all back in Arizona wrapped up the weekend of the Fall Fling & I was packing to head back to Washington that was on Monday, October 21st. Dustin, the babies and I drove straight through (we are champs at this 25hr drive at this point) and made it home just in time to get Breckin to his first ever field trip! That was exhausting for sure! We began getting back into a routine, unpacking from moving in August and just getting back into the swing of things...until Friday October 25th when my Mom told me Tanya had skipped her appointments at Utopia because she wasn't feeling well. </div>
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She had spent the day in bed until she couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't breathe and although I can only relate it to falling off a swing in mid air and losing your breath, I'm sure it was much worse. Much more worse than we could have ever imagined. Worse enough for Tanya to not be able to walk from the bed to the table. Worse enough to tell my Mom she was scared to death and that she needed to go to the hospital. Worse enough to actually for ONCE complain. Worse enough for the ambulance to come. Poor thing. All I could do was cry. Cry because I didn't want her in pain, because I didn't want to hear this news, because of the unknown. Because she didn't deserve this and most importantly because I wasn't there and didn't want to lose her. I know, not a good time to think about myself here but she's my sister. My best friend and I WASN'T there for her. The worst feeling ever. I knew my Mom had complete control of her and could manage just fine but it still hurts when you are miles and miles away and feel helpless.</div>
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The last text messages I have from Tanya was on Thursday; we were talking about my crazy kids and how fast they were growing. How much they missed and loved Tata & how much she missed and loved them! Tanya was admitted to Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida on Friday afternoon through the ER and was quickly admitted. The ER physicians did a CT scan and became concerned with the findings; started blood work and soon informed her that her liver was shutting down & that she was more sick that she (anyone) realized. She soon received a bed on the Critical Care Unit and was assigned Dr. Robert Stein & RN, Dawn. Dr. Stein was an Intensivist & Pulmonologist and began quickly working on Tanya and had taken a special interest in her as his son was her same age. Tanya honestly could not have received better care than she did at this hospital. EVERYONE was beyond amazing.</div>
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Saturday, morning the breathing difficulties continued and had gotten worse, Dr. Stein told Tanya she could go on a ventillator to help her breathe. He gave her all the information, risks, benefits, etc and told her he would be back in 1 hour to talk to her. Dr. Stein was called back to Tanya's room not 20 minutes later and she asked him "how soon can you do this?" He replied with "as soon as you want it". Tanya had the intubation done, her choice, and was heavily sedated to keep her from naturally wanting to pull it out. </div>
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I can't imagine how difficult this was for my Mom who had to sit there and see her baby in pain, suffering and not being able to breathe. As a mother you want to fix everything and she couldn't. She couldn't take the pain away, but she was there and that alone I know meant more to Tanya than my Mom will ever realize. Dr. Stein told Tanya that once the tube was placed, she would not leave the hospital without it; she understood and I wholeheartedly believe she was just giving all of us time to get to her. She wanted to go home; she didn't want to be there. Of course she didn't want to be there, especially when you don't feel good...all you want is your own bed, your own house...HOME. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-80722909450216235002014-01-17T10:36:00.000-07:002014-01-17T15:30:27.793-07:00Try & Stay With Me Here...Hello everyone, this is Ashley and I'm here to update you all on the happenings since Tanya posted in August. Tanya continued the clinical trial in Scottsdale for 2 rounds until she ended up back in the hospital on Friday, September 13th at Banner Gateway Medical Center. She was having pain, blood pressure and heart rate through the roof, unstable potassium levels which were fine one day and severely low the next and was impacted. Despite not wanting it, Tanya had to receive an enema to help since the tumor in the pelvic region was putting pressure on the colon, thus backing everything up; poor girl. <br />
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I can't even think for one moment how she must have felt, so helpless, lost, angry and frustrated for the lack of compassion, skill and knowledge some of the nursing staff had. After the enema she started feeling much better and spirits were up a lot. The impaction on film was about 3-4ft up from the tumor, so you can imagine how uncomfortable she must have been, but always had a smile on her face and a positive text to me! Of course we were back in Washington and SO far away, which kills me! We continued to text back and forth over the days and night and on Sunday the 15th Tanya had a CT scan of the abdomen & pelvis to determine how the clinical trial drug was working, an EKG to make sure her heart was okay and was on O2. They was mounds of blood tests and speculation that she had a virus called VRE. She had cords everywhere and monitors for everything which frustrates her even more, she hates those damn cords! With the anticipation building for the results on the CT scan Tanya's night went less than relaxing. The RN was in there till well after midnight, then they come in ever few hours for this and that so she was really tired come Monday. In a text from Tanya, she was suppose to see her Oncologist, Dr. Schlumbrecht in the early afternoon and would be released to go home either that night or Tuesday. This was so odd to me. Why are they sending you home? Are you keeping food down? How is your potassium? She responded that she had no idea why they were sending her home, it was just what his PA said. This clearly worried me...worried me to the point where it made me sick to my stomach. Being in the medical field for the last 11 years and working with surgeons, oncologist, hospitalists and patients (cancer) day in and day out, I had a bad feeling that something wasn't right. Doctors don't just "send you home" for no reason. Was the cancer gone? Was the cancer spreading? What was the treatment doing? I wanted questions and I wanted questions NOW. I hate the waiting game our providers like to play. I know they are busy, believe me, I know first hand how a medical practice works.<br />
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Anyhow, her blood pressure was still bouncing around but was 129/90 when we talked & her heart rate was normal again. She was eating again, which was something that hadn't been happening or at least staying down, for a while; so that was good. Since I was feeling quite helpless and 1500+ miles away I had to call in my resources and who was best at that then Tanya's friends Abi & Krystal! Abi went on Sunday and Krystal showed up Monday afternoon. She even brought the requested Sour Cream & Onion chips she had been craving! Thanks again, Krystal for doing that for me...it means so much to me that you and Evan were there with her! <br />
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So as my house was a disaster from trying to unpack and get some normalcy to our new lives in Washington, I put a movie on for the munchkins, Christmas of course and anxiously awaited any news from Tanya. At 3:43pm I got a text from Tanya that said: "How are you?". "I'm fine, why?" I replied. She says: "I got the CT results"...."and?"..."Not good news. Want me to call or text you?". "Call". That was the moment my heart and stomach sank. I started shaking uncontrollably. I was about to hear the news from my sister, who was fighting the biggest fight of her life. News that I had become so use to hearing sadly, every day. News that nobody wants to hear, that nobody wants to tell, that nobody wants to think about. I had somehow made it upstairs away from the kids in a quiet area. It was rainy outside (surprise surprise) and as my phone rang with Tanya on the other line I just slumped down on the floor. I said "What did he say?" Tanya: My cancer has spread, it's everywhere. I have over a dozen spots on my liver, spots on my lungs that have shrunk and some that have grown. The clinical trial drug isn't working and i'm getting sicker because of it. My body is so toxic that there isn't anything they can do for me anymore except keep me comfortable." Me: "What, no chemo, no nothing?" Tanya: "Nope." "So what now?" They want to put me on hospice and send me home.". Me: "They can't. I'm so sorry, I hate that i'm not there with you RIGHT now". Obviously by this time we were both balling our eyes out on the phone. I hated that I wasn't there for her. There to give her a hug and just take her in. To be there as a punching bag if she needed it. A shoulder to cry on...anything. I hated it all. We continued to cry and try to come up with options. I asked what next? She said...well they aren't the only ones that treat cancer, so if they won't help me I will find someone that will. I told her that I loved her so much and I would call her back in a little bit so she had time to make other calls, scream or whatever she needed. <br />
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I hung up with Tanya and immediately called Dustin, who was at work and busy as ever. I was crying on the phone and gave him the news and was told to pack our stuff and get ready to leave for Arizona. In the midst of all the sadness, stress and packing I remembered that earlier that day I pulled out a memory from the jar Tanya made me as a going away present and it said "Always being there for me". I text her a picture and we both started crying all over again. Her strength is amazing. She told me "i refuse to let this be it" and an hour later we left Washington and drove all night and day to be with her. I cried the whole trip, constantly texting her and making sure she was okay. She said she was "holding up pretty okay. Angry and a little lost feeling". I know there wasn't anything I could do or say to make the bad news and results go away, I just knew I needed to be there. <br />
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We arrive in Gilbert on Tuesday at 7pm after stopping and getting Tanya a Green Tea from Subway, her request. The kids and us were beyond ready to get out of the car and see Tanya and Grandma! I had never been so happy to see this hospital in my life. When we walked into #1531 I was so beyond happy to see her. I had to hold it together...and I did. I think. Gosh I don't even remember...that drive was intense. We visited for a while before we forced our way out the door, not wanting to leave her side. The excitement on the kids & Tanya's face was worth the trip and I would do it every day if I could! I was lucky enough to spend the day on Thursday with Tanya as she stayed in the hospital a few more days and had to receive 2 units of blood and 1 unit of platelets. I went back Friday morning and spent the day with her too; took her a Vanilla Bean Frapp from Starbucks. We, well I, did some work on her 401k, fundraising, and lots of eating while she slept...soaked in as much time sleeping as she could. Which I'm sure wasn't much. It was right where I needed to be. No kids, no noise, just being there for her...like always. We ate lunch together, okay well I ate my lunch and she ate 1/2 of hers....I probably could have ate hers to. I guess you know what I do when i'm stressed! Later that day we met with Dr. Singh who is the hospitals naturopath and went over all the crap she was taking and eliminated what she felt wasn't necessary. Tanya went home on Friday, September 20th...FINALLY! <br />
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I was lucky enough to get in tough with "The Oil RN", Sarah...if you don't know her start following her on Facebook or Instagram (she's amazing) and together we set up times for Tanya to get the AromaTouch therapy done with doTERRA essential oils. If you don't know about doTERRA...go check them out on Tanya's website found here: http://mydoterra.com/hopefortanya! All proceeds go to Hope for Tanya Foundation! Anyhow, Tanya was receiving this AromaTouch by Sarah until I got certified...let me tell you it's soooooooo nice and relaxing. Tanya said it was the most relaxed & best sleep she had got in a long time! So she was getting these done along with a host of oils added daily and she was feeling better & she started seeing Brent Timco in Gilbert who is an accupuncturist and he helped he immensely with her nausea and vomiting during our search for a Wellness Center, which we found in Tampa, Florida! All arrangements were being made for Florida as Tanya had the energy. Hotel room booked, flights booked, Utopia Wellness Center booked....everything taken care of and ready to go...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-36012932591786661962013-10-02T20:46:00.001-07:002013-10-02T20:46:08.469-07:001st Annual Fall Fling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR-1kMSS5V4IpJMRb0DmaumkC8H65mzV8HIdV4eZNTLtoC1Ar5cmC0VebClr7nqMkYpUZgEB8lRWdgioc9DBwNPv_XS9qH8PrLl4NH4udw1GTHl9hzHZ9AsXksazU-GZU7Kj3ujsc6M4/s1600/finalfallflingflyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR-1kMSS5V4IpJMRb0DmaumkC8H65mzV8HIdV4eZNTLtoC1Ar5cmC0VebClr7nqMkYpUZgEB8lRWdgioc9DBwNPv_XS9qH8PrLl4NH4udw1GTHl9hzHZ9AsXksazU-GZU7Kj3ujsc6M4/s320/finalfallflingflyer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Join us for the 1st annual Fall Fling at Flag Hollow Ranch!</strong> </div>
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Do a little shopping at the silent auction and the many vendor booths. Christmas is right around the corner, why not do your shopping while supporting a great cause. Try your change at winning a raffle. Eat some good food and play a game or two. Ring in fall with a hay ride. There is no better way to spend a day with family. ALL proceeds go directly to Tanya. We can't wait to see you there!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-44185847401305229412013-08-23T19:22:00.000-07:002013-08-23T19:22:45.380-07:00TWISTS AND TURNS OF TREATMENT...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">oh you lucky, lucky Hope for Tanya supporters you...</span></div>
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two <strong>BLOGS</strong> in a week...<strong>WWWWHHAAATTT</strong>...</div>
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This morning I woke up feeling <strong>SO</strong> tired, weak and just overall exhausted. I haven't had a day yet that I wasn't able to walk from the car to my appointment. That day came today. It took <strong>EVERYTHING</strong> I had to get out of bed, even more to get from the house to the car, and <strong>THAT</strong> <strong>MUCH</strong> more to get from the car to the appointment. I had to use a wheelchair. My legs are just so </div>
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We found out today this is due to me being severely dehydrated. Today I was to get labs and an exam by the clinical trial nurses. When I pulled up in my beautiful maroon Cadillac Scottsdale Healthcare wheelchair they said "get her back and get her on fluids and draw blood now" I looked like a terrible slumped over Tata. I crawled into bed <strong>FREEZING</strong> my buns off and they got hot blankets (oh I love those) blood and hooked me to fluid. I soon was passed out. </div>
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A short time later I heard some talking but just didn't bother to move or wake up...I knew mom was there and could handle anything. I have been blessed with the most amazing mother in the world. I can't imagine being my care taker. I sleep all day every day, I hardly eat, I have been vomiting too much, complaining of gas cramps, that I am hungry but I can't keep it down, sleepy but I can't sleep, hot but I am cold, so thirsty but it comes back up, energy but no energy. She just helps in any and every way she can, she is nothing short of <strong>AMAZING</strong>. She has been outside in the heat (100+ degrees) doing the yard work, cleaning house you name it. I thank her every day for doing everything for me, but honestly "Thank you" is just so small in the grand scheme of it all. I can't "thank" her enough and will find a way for the rest of my life to repay her. <strong>THANK YOU MOM</strong>, you are the <strong>MOST AMAZING WOMAN</strong> I have ever met I hope to be half the mom you are one day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvnGMuv8Qtf4TtaGQAm005_nyTNwCj5f2VO5YfhQKh3T6ExKRJWh4ulEq3hno9WakpowO3vENd05sX9GMcokmLnnEFtcs4cHjJJrkH1V0eb7VsFY8BhqK377G6OvXI2BV025L_mfCXUY/s1600/994874_10200973221585200_1312772763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvnGMuv8Qtf4TtaGQAm005_nyTNwCj5f2VO5YfhQKh3T6ExKRJWh4ulEq3hno9WakpowO3vENd05sX9GMcokmLnnEFtcs4cHjJJrkH1V0eb7VsFY8BhqK377G6OvXI2BV025L_mfCXUY/s320/994874_10200973221585200_1312772763_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I woke up mom said "I know your awake over there, I hope I got all that right" Haha she knows me so well. She did great, got it all right. Filled me in on what they talked about and what <strong>IV's</strong> I was hooked up to. Today they hooked me up to a 4 hour infusion of potassium and saline, dexamethasone which is a steroid. My potassium was extremely low, all my electrolytes were totally out of whack, stomach acid was really high, and extremely dehydrated. So I was in <strong>BAD</strong> shape. After the 4 hour potassium infusion, the dexamethasone that was to help with nausea and to calm my stomach and will help make me hungry so I can eat, boy did it! I was naming off everything I could think of to eat! Haha she also gave me <strong>IV</strong> Zantac to help ease my stomach acid, which is what might be causing me to not keep anything down. I have nothing in my stomach, yet I am puking non stop, my stomach acid it on the fritz. After I woke up a few hours later, I had to pee, I was able to walk to the bathroom alone and not feel like my legs were going to give out under me. I still needed to use the Cadillac to the car but I felt better. I even had high hopes of going grocery shopping with mom. Using the Cadillac of course!! We got home and had to get a few things taken care of when I just didn't have it in me. Maybe tomorrow! :) </div>
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I am feeling so much better than when I woke up this morning thank you to the medical staff at Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center for nursing me back to health. Your all awesome!!! :)</div>
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For those of you that have been a little confused about where I am going for this clinical trial and all that we got clarification today... Haha I see Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale, they are partners with TGen. TGen is the one that has <strong>MY ACTUAL</strong> tumor and are testing it and doing research on it. In about 3 months <strong>OR</strong> when the testing is done. Once the testing is done, we will have a meeting with the folks at TGen, they will tell us everything they found with the research on my tumor. I can't wait for this appointment. The testing and research they are doing is <strong>RARE</strong>, because it's so expensive. We are talking $40,000 or more. The testing is very close to the human genome, they will take my tumor and test it, find out why it has mutated, how it's mutating, and what drugs to use to kill the cancer. </div>
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Currently my treatment is Friday and off for two weeks and then treatment again Friday. I know a lot of you have been wanting to know when will we know the drug is working? Well I will have a Scan on October 10th and that will tell us what the drug is doing. My last dose will be on October 25th. Sometime around then I will meet with the folks at TGen and they will give us more information. </div>
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I know some of my <strong>SCCC/LCCC</strong> sisters have asked me about the trial and where to get more information. If you or anyone you know is interested in a clinical trial, not just for <strong>SCCC/LCCC</strong>, but for any and all type of advanced staged aggressive cancer call::</div>
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Joyce Schaffer, MSN RN AOCNS</div>
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Patient Care Coordinator</div>
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<u>Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center</u> Clinical Trials</div>
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Scottsdale Healthcare 10510 N. 92nd St., STE 200</div>
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PROUDLY partners with TGen Scottsdale, Arizona 85258</div>
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480.323.1339 phone</div>
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480.882.5820 fax</div>
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<a href="mailto:joschaffer@shc.org">joschaffer</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">@shc.org</a> email </div>
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Thanks,</div>
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Tanya</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-75016173848915093392013-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:002014-01-17T10:43:31.935-07:00Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Night<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night! :) </span></div>
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It's been while since I have been on here to update you all. </div>
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I am sorry about that, but I hope you all can understand </div>
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<strong>WHY</strong> I haven't blogged in so long. </div>
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Please understand that, for most it's a simple task as just typing up a message and posting it.</div>
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For me it take a lot more. I get tired really easy, for one and for two most days I hadn't been feeling</div>
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very well so typing a blog was the <strong>LAST</strong> thing on my mind. </div>
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Like I had mentioned in my previous post I have been very sick. I couldn't keep anything down,</div>
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and I was very weak. Well this has continued for a few more weeks. I was in and out of the clinical </div>
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trial getting fluids every other day it seemed. </div>
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Well last Friday I was suppose to get a dose of chemo <br />
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**I WANTED TO POST THIS FOR TANYA BECAUSE SHE NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO FINISH IT...**</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-78061646901830194612013-08-20T13:25:00.002-07:002013-08-20T13:25:36.675-07:00CLINICAL TRIAL...<div align="center">
<strong>HELLO</strong> :)</div>
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I am sorry it's been so long since I have updated. I am so sorry you all have been kept at arms length not knowing what's going on, or how I am doing or anything for that matter. </div>
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The past good month has been a trying one for me. I got really sick, vomiting and not able to keep anything down for a good three weeks. No matter what, I drank, ate, didn't drink, didn't eat, no matter what it came up. Three straight weeks of this. Nobody could tell me why. It was exhausting. </div>
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<strong>PAIN</strong>...oh the pain. I had the worst pelvic pain. (due to the tumors) I was on pain pills for the pain, which helped the pain, but constipated me, and on top of that I couldn't function. Every time I would take them they would knock me out. So I was sleeping mostly all the time. Sitting down became impossible. It was so painful to sit on my bottom, no matter what surface. </div>
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<strong>CLINICAL TRIAL</strong>!!!!</div>
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I went in to see T-Gen for a clinical trial consultation. The day of the appointment they told me they didn't have any studies open for me, but would keep an eye out and would let me know if anything came up. The day later I got a call saying a trial opened up and I would be a match. They needed me to come in ASAP for further consultation. I went in with Scott, Mom and Grandma. When they told me about a trial that I am eligible for. Filled me in and all the details and I signed all the paperwork. They told me the first week of the trial was going to be hard. They do <strong>MRI's</strong>, blood work, and biopsies. It's a full week of this each day more <strong>MRI's</strong>, blood work and a biopsy. I had a liver biopsy and adrenal biopsy. The results to these tests are for trial purposes only. They aren't looking for growth or spread disease or whatever. These results are just for what the trial is looking for only. </div>
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The trial drug is injected once every two weeks. The first week I will be really worn down and tired, the week after I should have more energy. The trial drug has been used in phase 3 studies and they have had much success! So I am on a phase 3 drug in a phase 1 study. They have high hopes this will work and so do I! </div>
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A few weeks ago I got a call from the trial and they told me T-Gen has opened up a study for Small Cell Ovarian Cancer. They looked at my history and they are very interested in my tumor. So when they did the biopsies they took extra tissue samples for them. The best news is that if this trial drug doesn't work, we will have this as a back up plan. They will do all sorts of tests and research on <strong>MY</strong> tumor tissue, to know how it grows, why it grows....<strong>EVERYTHING</strong>! The testing will take about three months and so will trial drug I am on. </div>
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I'm still getting sick at least once a day, I have a nausea patch but doesn't seem to work 100%. I have a hard time getting food down, but I still try. Some days are easier than others.</div>
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That's about it for now, </div>
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Thanks for reading!!!</div>
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Tanya</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-42867462672386523572013-07-19T08:21:00.001-07:002013-07-19T08:21:54.055-07:00FREEDOM WAFFLES...<b>HELLO</b>!<div><br><div>I wanted to just post a quick post about the <b>FREEDOM</b> <b>WAFFLE</b> <b>BREAKFAST</b> we had put on July 4th. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rFquYrMLqJtqZMKSA5za8kP_tp8qZOgNsd46rLh515j3drferH-kpHHDhIZM_Do4LmDdRovHOygjw5CqBE5nNwOrhn5l2wOmw6-8UkT8BWufCIN9S1k5UvtKaHeooBu4MyAFtDvbidA/s640/blogger-image-209846287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rFquYrMLqJtqZMKSA5za8kP_tp8qZOgNsd46rLh515j3drferH-kpHHDhIZM_Do4LmDdRovHOygjw5CqBE5nNwOrhn5l2wOmw6-8UkT8BWufCIN9S1k5UvtKaHeooBu4MyAFtDvbidA/s640/blogger-image-209846287.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A <b>BIG</b> thanks goes out to all of you that helped make this possible!!</div></div><div><br></div><div>A special thanks to my big sister Ashley, and Carlie who came up with the idea and set the plan in motion! Also my big Brother Bannon for paying to get things rolling!! :)</div><div><br></div><div>I am so thankful for all the supporters I have. Without you fundraising wouldn't be possible, and neither would this fight. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-4706354706584904562013-07-10T12:46:00.002-07:002013-07-10T12:46:14.287-07:00GROSS<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hello!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">So I finally found some time to update. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Where to begin...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I recently had yet another hospital stay. I went into the <strong>ER</strong> a few weeks back due to a fever and rapid heart rate. I had been experiencing some unexplainable chest pain. I went in on a Friday and they assured me I was fine, and sent me home. Saturday came around and I was back at the <strong>ER</strong>. Same symptoms this time with a fever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">After doing more tests and talking it over with my Oncologist they decided to admit me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Oh great here we go again another hospital stay. I can't tell you how much I dislike the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">hospital! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBsV0A_haImz1gWQIDWTwTVKKRVufwYBOBqI28SeIakwydSMpRg9LaqF1KJCPf_57lNwQ7O0DMEHyhQCH4WJuTwir4VNqL3wWz0o_EUeGD77roxokv6uEB38GSbv_Hw4rzR-EGAMH7_0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBsV0A_haImz1gWQIDWTwTVKKRVufwYBOBqI28SeIakwydSMpRg9LaqF1KJCPf_57lNwQ7O0DMEHyhQCH4WJuTwir4VNqL3wWz0o_EUeGD77roxokv6uEB38GSbv_Hw4rzR-EGAMH7_0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was at Gateway for 4-5 days. They put me on antibiotics to treat me for the possible infection I might of had. I was still experiencing chest pains. They had me hooked up to ever possible machine they could think of. After a few days into my stay they were getting ready to discharge me! <strong>YAY</strong>!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">When I got sick. I was laying in bed and Grammy was there, I looked all around for a bed pan and couldn't find one...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I paged the nurse, she didn't come it seemed like a long time, when finally I asked Grammy to get the nurse, I was going to be sick. About the time they got me a bed pan, was about the time I got sick!</span></div>
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To my surprise this is what came up...</div>
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<strong>GROSS!!!!</strong> </div>
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I looked up and said to the nurse "what is this?" When she and the <strong>CNA</strong> took a look and said "um...." </div>
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The nurse paged for a <strong>GI</strong> consult to come in <strong>ASAP</strong>. A few short minutes later mom came in and was grossed out with the rest of us! Ha ha the <strong>GI</strong> physician came in and said she didn't know what it was, she hadn't seen anything like that before, but it appeared to be the "lining of something" is what she told me she thought it was. <strong>GREAT</strong>! </div>
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So much for being discharged. I was kept in a few more days. To which they would run even more tests on me. I had a swallow study done. They found that food, pills etc. get stuck for about 10 seconds or longer in my throat before it's pushed down. I am to watch what I eat and drink lots of fluid when I do eat. They did an <strong>EGD</strong> as well and it only showed that my stomach was inflamed. I was put on some antibiotics to help with the throat and stomach. They decided this was the reason for throwing up that weird lining. </div>
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I was finally discharged! I went home and went straight to bed. Slept for a good 4 hours or so. </div>
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Over the next few days I got better and better...I had Chemo on the 28th, it was a Friday. </div>
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I felt like junk, and I am just now starting to feel more like normal. </div>
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Chemo this time around has kicked my ass. The last time I did chemo I was nauseous, and felt crappy for a few days and then was normal for 2 weeks. Not so lucky this time around. I feel <strong>OK</strong> the day after chemo, then it all sets in and I feel crappy, it makes me feel very run down and tired, weak. My gag reflexes are heightened, so I gag over just about anything...which then makes me vomit. I will be feeling great, then all of a sudden I am in the bathroom with my face in the toilet. It just hits me all of a sudden. It's weird and it sucks. </div>
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We left for Show Low on Wednesday July 3rd, for the Holiday weekend...I have to say I have enjoyed this trip so much. Ashley and I weren't ready to head home when Sunday rolled around. So we decided to stay longer.</div>
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We are still here! We are planning on being here all week. Its beautiful up here, and the rain storms everyday are making it that much harder to leave. </div>
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I think I just might become a snowbird! :) You think I can get Scott to go for it? I will stay on the mountain for the summer and phoenix for winter! </div>
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I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed being around all my family this past few weeks. I just may never leave! :) I think they will all be <strong>OK</strong> with that! Ha ha</div>
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So for now, I am just enjoying this weather, loving the family time and just relaxing. </div>
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I have some decisions to make regarding a clinical trail in Ohio. I will have to be off chemo for at least 28 days before being excepted into the trial. I would then fly to Ohio and spend a month there. I just have to make some decisions as to if I am going or not. I got some information on the trial from the physician running the trial, that makes me double guess on going. I will keep you all posted if I go or not. I will have a <strong>CT</strong> Scan here in the next few weeks to see if the chemo is working or not. Please say your prayers it is! :)</div>
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I love you, </div>
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Tanya</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-68927860974612125562013-06-20T23:33:00.000-07:002013-06-20T23:33:21.969-07:00PAIN OH MY....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello! It's time for an update! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot has happened since I posted last... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw my Dr. Schlumbrecht on Monday (06.03.13) that appointment in itself was <b>RIDICULOUS</b>, I get to the check in desk the girl tells me "I don't show you on the schedule, let me contact the scheduler and see what's going on, have a seat and I'll call you back up when I hear from her". A short time later she calls me back up to the desk and says "the scheduler is saying you need to go down stairs and get labs, then back up here to see Katie <strong>PA</strong>." I go get labs and return to the office. I bring it to her attention that I was seen in the hospital Saturday by Katie <strong>PA</strong> and she told me I needed to follow up with Dr. Schulmbrecht since he knew my history and would have more options for me other than just getting the Nephrostomy Tubes. Minutes later she says "she just has to add you to the schedule and then I can check you in and they can call you back. However Dr. Schulmbrecht isn't here today so you'll see his <strong>PA</strong> Katie". I told her to cancel the appointment then since I saw Katie <strong>PA</strong> in the hospital and she told me to follow up with Dr. Schlumbrecht since he knew my history and might have more options for me. So she says have a seat and she would see what she could do. Finally I am getting really annoyed and say its time to go. So I tell the check in girl "we are leaving and to call me when she can figure things out". She says well the scheduler is telling me not to let you leave. Right then the <strong>MA</strong> Pam calls my name to take me back to a room. We go back with her. Between me and you I didn't care for <strong>MA</strong> Pam much.</span> She puts us in a consultation room and says Katie <strong>PA</strong> will be right in. Before I know it <strong>MA</strong> Pam comes in and asks me if I have eaten anything so far today (Monday) I respond a small amount of water. She leaves. Then comes in again says she is moving me to a procedure room, Dr. Schulmbrecht came in to see me specifically and needs to do an exam. I asked her if she could please send the doctor in I would like to speak to him first. She says "he will talk to you in the procedure room." I tell her I would like to talk to him now since nobody has even told me what is going on I would like answers, he isn't doing an exam on me until I speak to him." Pretty soon Joelle another <strong>PA</strong> comes in...who the <strong>F</strong> is she???, I am sure I asked to see the <strong>DOCTOR</strong>! She comes in and introduces herself. </div>
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Now I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I am <strong>BIG</strong> on <strong>PERSONAL SPACE</strong>...I <strong>HATE</strong> when someone is <strong>IN</strong> my <strong>PERSONAL SPACE</strong>. So when she shakes my hand she just holds onto it. I am talking for like 5+ minutes, at this point I am <strong>PULLING</strong> my hand out of hers. She just keeps holding it and talking. To make this situation even <strong>WORSE</strong> I am sitting on a couch, which one end is in a corner of the room and that happens to be where I am sitting. With my back to the wall I am facing the door. She is <strong>STILL</strong> holding my hand and now sits down on the couch, if she was sitting <strong>ANY</strong> closer to me she would be <strong>SITTING</strong> on my lap. I immediately don't like her. I finally get my hand free. I don't like her one bit. As soon as I open my mouth she shuts me down. <strong>OK</strong>...<strong>REALLY</strong> don't like her. She says "can you come with me into the procedure room so the doctor can do an exam" I said like I told Pam, What does he need to do an exam for?" She <strong>FINALLY</strong> lets me talk and <strong>FINALLY</strong> tells me he isn't doing a physical just a heart and lungs check. <strong>OK</strong>, was that so hard to tell the patient? I don't think so. </div>
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While we were in the consultation room she tells me Dr. Schulmbrecht wants to admit me to Gateway to have the Nephrostomy Tube Placement done. After she leaves the room I am immediately upset and just lost it. </div>
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Tears come to my eyes. I don't want this procedure. I am upset and freaking out. </div>
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We move into the procedure room to meet with Dr. Schulmbrecht. He comes in and right away notices I am upset and asks if I am <strong>OK</strong> and why am I upset. I tell him I don't want the neph tubes. </div>
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He is a great doctor. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor. He starts talking to me and telling me about this procedure and why he suggests I have it done. He also says "any medical decision is up to me, you are the one that gets to make the decisions, I am just here to give you guidance" Once we we're done talking and he answered all my questions and calmed me down a bit we all decided the best bet was to be admitted to Gateway and have the neph tubes placed. They were working on a room and would call me as soon as it was ready. Ashley ran to Colleen's to drop off the kids, dropped me off at home on her way so I could pack my stuff and get my girls situated. </div>
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We were admitted about 1130-12 Monday June 3rd. My procedure was scheduled for 330pm. Keep in mind I hadn't been feeling well and was in a lot of pain so the last meal I had was Saturday around 11am. I had a few juiced drinks on Sunday but no solid food. I get to Gateway and get checked into my room. Clearly still upset and crying from time to time. The <strong>CNA</strong> was trying to get my vitals and had to come back a few different times since I was so upset my blood pressure was off the charts! I am so thankful Ashley was able to be there with me. I also want to thank Martha (my brother in-law's mother) for calling me and talking with me. I really enjoyed our conversation. It's just what I needed to hear before having this procedure done. Thanks again Martha! I love you!<br />
<strong>FINALLY</strong> transportation came to pick me up and take me down to the <strong>OR</strong>. I didn't end up getting the procedure until about 430-5! Thank goodness they put me out for the procedure. When I woke up I was <strong>SOOO</strong> thirsty! I held onto my water glass and wasn't giving it up for anything. I even fell asleep with my tight grip on my cup. Ha ha....I was inpatient for 3 days and had chemo on day 3. After being discharged I was sent home. Under the impression I would feel crummy for a few days A few days went by, a few more and a few more...<strong>STILL</strong> feeling like crap!<br />Mom and Dad were down here for the week, they came down as soon as they got word I was being admitted. The following Wednesday I had follow-ups with my blood doctor, we will call him Dr. K for short. Plus labs and a seeing Dr. Schulmbrecht. <br />
I had labs first. Platelets were 157 (about) even <strong>AFTER</strong> chemo!!!! My <strong>WBC</strong> was low, but that was to be expected since I had chemo. Dr. K said I wouldn't need to follow up with him anymore unless something happened. Let's pray that holds true and I never have to see him again!<br />
I then met with Dr. Schulmbrecht, he was so excited to see my platelets so high. We talked about my neph tube and I told him how much I hated them. He said due to the color of the fluid (still a red color) he wanted me to keep them in for at least 2 more weeks. <strong>UGH</strong>! Whatever. At this point I am not happy but I will do whatever needs to be done to save my kidneys. <br />
I went to Show Low this past week (06.12.13-06.17.13) Peanut had her annual dance recital, I wasn't going to miss this for the world. She danced <strong>FRIDAY AND SATURDAY</strong>...and I am <strong>SOO PROUD OF HER...</strong>she is an amazing little soul.<br />
<strong>WELL</strong>, at this point I'm fully aware my body likes to do what it wants with no regard for me. So I felt <strong>OK</strong> on Friday, really tired and slight discomfort. I had lunch with Katrina and Peanut. After lunch was over I asked Katrina to take me back to her house, I just needed some pain pills and a nap. <br />
I got all cozy in her recliner and planned on sleeping for a few hours and then go to the recital. <br />
I took something for pain at 1pm. I never really fell asleep just kind of faded in and out. I went to get up to use the rest room and had <strong>THE WORST</strong> kidney pain I have ever experienced in my life on the left side. On a pain scale this pain was about a 12! To top it off I was <strong>STUCK</strong> in the recliner and couldn't get out!! Every time I would move it would recline that much more. Literally after 10 minutes I finally got out of that damn chair. I couldn't hardly breathe or walk. I made it to the bathroom. At this point it is about 430pm. So I am in the clear to take more pain pills. I do. <br />
I get in bed and no sooner do I lay down is that <strong>SHARP</strong> pain back on the left side! I couldn't even move. I took two pain pills that didn't even touch the pain. After being stuck in that position and not being able to breathe I called mom to come over. Not sure I <strong>WANT </strong>to go to the <strong>ER</strong> in <strong>SHOW LOW</strong> no less, but I thought I would get her take on it. We both decided against the <strong>ER</strong>. I finally got a hold of Dr. Schulmbrecht and he called in a new script of pain pills, dad gave me some muscle relaxers (which help <strong>SO MUCH</strong>) I was in bed feeling like crap for 2 full days. Saturday I was able to get up and make it to the second portion of Peanuts dance recital. I still slept half this day away. <br />
Upon coming home Dr. Schulmbrecht wanted me to be seen in <strong>IR</strong> and have the doctor that placed my neph tubes check them to make sure they are <strong>OK</strong>. Since I am having to be on pain meds every 4 hours or else I am in so much pain I can't even see straight. <br />
That lovely appointment was today. (06.20.13), I was scheduled at 1030am to check in, procedure at 1230pm. The <strong>RN</strong> that called me last night told me to hold off on all meds until after the procedure. <strong>UH</strong>, even pain meds? I asked she said even pain meds. I knew from the get go today was going to be tuff. <br />
My last dose of pain meds was at 130am...it was about 11am when I couldn't take it any longer and asked for something for pain. She came in with 1mm, <strong>OK</strong> I know that's not going to last long, but I had high hopes I would be called back for the procedure <strong>BEFORE</strong> the meds wore off. <br />
<strong>NO. SUCH. LUCK.</strong> <br />
About 2pm they finally came to get me, at this point I was so uncomfortable I couldn't sit still, walking didn't help, sitting or laying didn't help. It was terrible.<br />
I get into the <strong>OR</strong> and my nurse says I have something for the pain for you...Oh thank goodness!<br />
At this point I am sitting Indian style with my arms wrapped around a pillow, fists clinched tears rolling down my face. She says "there you should start feeling some relief soon" I still feel nothing but pain...this process goes on for at least 15 minutes. When I hear Dr. Price walk in. He is asking me questions about my pain level and I can see him nod to the <strong>RN</strong> to give me more.<br />
He proceeds with the procedure. Flushing contrast through my kidneys and taking pictures via ultrasound. As <strong>SOON</strong> as he starts I scream out in pain...It <strong>HURTS</strong> so bad, It felt like my whole left side was on fire and being ripped off at the same time. I just kept screaming...The <strong>RN</strong> pushes more meds...still I have the pain...now moving on to the right side I hear him say. Crying and so tense I can't handle him to do the right side, I can't!! Sure enough the pain is there and I can't even breathe, screaming <strong>OUCH</strong>!!!! He says <strong>OK</strong> Tanya we are all done. <br />
<strong>THANK.YOU.GOD!!!</strong><br />
Basically what we found out today is that my kidneys are <strong>VERY</strong> sensitive. Ya Think??<br />
All the tubes are perfectly fine, in good condition and nothing seems to show as abnormal on my <strong>US</strong>.<br />
The source for the pain is the tubes. <strong>GREAT</strong>! Once my body heals the pain should start to subside. Until then pain medication and taking it easy. <strong>GREAT</strong>. <br />
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To top of the day, I have been having a really tender scalp...For my <strong>SCCC/LCCC</strong> sisters out there reading you know what this means...for the rest of you that don't it means my hair is starting to fall out. I will have to shave my head again here soon. I can't stand it being on my pillow, or just my hair blowing in the wind is painful. It only took <strong>ONE</strong> round, <strong>ONE</strong> round of this new chemo to make my hair start falling out. I think this is <strong>HORSESHIT!</strong> I hate that I have to go through all this again, I hate that I am in pain and that my cancer is back and in a few different areas of my body. <br />
I am <strong>NOT</strong> giving up, I will continue to fight! <br />
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I want to say sorry for not updating you all sooner, I know it has been a few weeks and you all were starting to send text messages and leave me voicemail, so I figured now is as good as time as any to put it all into words. I have had a rough few weeks. I eve started this post about 2 weeks ago and typed a few paragraphs and quit, then a few more and quit. <br />
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So here is the final draft!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-80211626277384854072013-06-02T17:40:00.002-07:002013-06-02T17:40:49.455-07:00THE HITS KEEP COMING...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The hits keep coming...one right after the next.</span></div>
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I had a nice weekend planned for Scott for his birthday. His birthday is on Tuesday, but I wanted to do something special for him. Ashley has a Hilton hook up and got us a room at the Hilton Tapiao Cliffs Resort. I told him we were going on a Stay-cation and we weren't to talk about cancer the whole week...it would be cancer free. Let's face it, we both <strong>REALLY</strong> needed it. </div>
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Friday morning I woke up about 4am, with right kidney pain. </div>
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It went away about 1pm and I went on with my day...no big deal. </div>
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I was thinking I just hadn't drank enough water. We checked into the hotel about 9pm Friday night and just really enjoyed each other. We had dinner <strong>AND</strong> dessert (deep dish apple pie) <strong>DELICIOUS!!!</strong></div>
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Scott is wonderful. I really got lucky the night I met him. </div>
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:)</div>
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So I had called family and friends and told them we had a cabana rented from 10am-6pm Saturday and to come hang out and enjoy the resort with us. It couldn't have worked out better! </div>
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We got to the pool and mostly everyone was there already. When we checked in the guy said "it looks like someone already checked in for your cabana already" I quickly walked off...Scott being Scott says to me "what someone is in our cabana, did you pay for it?" I said I did and that we needed to find out who was in our cabana. Prior to this he mentioned calling Ashley and having her bring the kids to the hotel to hang out, I made up some lie about Ashley being at Jesse and Amanda's pool hanging with them all day. He seemed a little bummed. So you can imagine his surprise when we walked up to the cabana and <strong>ASHLEY, BRECKIN, ELLA, KATRINA, BRINLEY, BANNON, AND TAMMY</strong> were all waiting for us! :) He said "Oh they all came?" ha ha I said more are on the way too! He was even more surprised! It couldn't have worked out better! </div>
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When I woke Saturday it was about 4am and I was having the same right side kidney pain...this time much worse than the day prior. I got up and drank a bunch of water and tried to "sleep it off"</div>
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I took a hot bath and was just going to <strong>TUFF</strong> it out. I was not going to let this stop me from enjoying the day or the weekend. </div>
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We played all day in the sun and I stayed as hydrated as possible. Drinking <strong>LOTS</strong> of water. With the tumors in my pelvis I have some bleeding. Since the tumors take up 1/3 of my vagina I am also not able to use tampons, so it makes enjoying the pool a little difficult. Just <strong>ONE</strong> more thing cancer has taken from me. The ability to <strong>GET IN THE WATER!</strong> Which sucks so bad, I <strong>LOVE</strong> the pool for one and two it's freaking 108 degrees outside, who doesn't want to be in the pool???</div>
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Well it was about 3pm and I had about all I could handle. I told Scott I just needed to get back to the room and lay down. He was insisting I go to the <strong>ER</strong>. </div>
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You all know me, I didn't want to go. Why would I, when every time I have gone to the <strong>ER</strong> it ends in at least a weeks stay. <strong>I HATE THE ER!</strong> </div>
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I took a hot bath, it seemed to help before. An hour later I was getting out of the tub and packing my things. We decided I needed the <strong>ER</strong> after all. </div>
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I kept thinking "the right adrenal has a tumor on it" which is the side am having all the pain. </div>
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After getting checked in, they checked urine, blood and did a <strong>CT</strong> Scan. </div>
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The urine was clear. The blood was normal, however my platelets were 118, they were 150 on Thursday. So they went down. As for the <strong>CT</strong> Scan, it showed my ureters were being compressed by the tumors in my pelvis. The ureters are the little tubes that carry your urine from your kidneys to bladder, then the bladder releases it. Since mine are being compressed I am not able to empty my bladder all the way, which means the urine is being backed up from my bladder to my kidneys. Which is why I am having a lot of pelvic pain. </div>
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<strong>ALSO</strong>...the <strong>CT</strong> showed fluid in my right kidney. Which confirms the blockage in my ureters. </div>
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which is the source of the pain in my lower back. </div>
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So the <strong>ER</strong> physician called my gyn/onc. His <strong>PA</strong> Katie came in to see me. This is after they decided to admit me...see I told you, every <strong>ER</strong> visit turns into me being admitted. </div>
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<strong>WHATEVER</strong>...</div>
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They finally get me into a room, and all hooked up to the machines, ran over my history when Katie came in to see me. At this point it's about 11:30pm I have already been given morphine and toradol for the pain and I am exhausted. NOT the right time to have a serious conversation. You know how hard it is to focus or keep your eyes <strong>OPEN</strong>?!?! </div>
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Scott is there so he of course has like 1000 questions. I love this guy, but 11:30pm after a morphine cocktail not in the mood for 1000 questions game. </div>
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Katie tells me the reason they wanted to admit me was so that I could have a procedure done Sunday. (today) This procedure is called Nephrostomy Tube Placement. What this procedure is, they place little drain tubes from your kidneys that come out your back and drain into a bag. These can be temporary and can be removed after the tumors have shrank, and the ureters are working like they should. <strong>HOWEVER</strong>, who wants this? Not me. I think having this procedure done would greatly decrease my quality of life. Not that I go out a lot, but who wants to carry a pee bag with them to dinner? </div>
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They couldn't get the procedure scheduled (thank goodness) since the <strong>IR</strong> doc was booked. So instead they released me and sent me home with pain medication. I will follow up with my gyn/onc at 8am on Monday and I hope he has a better plan than Neph tube placement. Scott and I are in agreement that there has to be something else they can do. </div>
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However, if my kidney function is compromised I can't get chemo or radiation to shrink the tumors to relieve the ureters. So we will see what Dr. Schulmbrecht has to say tomorrow. If something isn't done, the blockage can damage my kidney. </div>
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Like I need that on top of everything else. </div>
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So for now it's pain meds, and water!</div>
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Tanya</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-26809127744419395182013-05-30T20:17:00.000-07:002013-05-30T20:17:09.382-07:00A very real FIGHT...<div align="center">
<strong>UGH. . .F.R.U.S.T.R.A.T.I.O.N. . .</strong></div>
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I am so frustrated today. I woke up with the expectations of seeing my <strong>NEW</strong> Radiation Oncologist and getting my radiation "mapping" done so I can start radiation treatment. I saw her yesterday for a consultation and was suppose to come back today for the mapping portion of the process. That went out the door early this morning when Dr. Grade, this is pronounced <strong>GRA-DE</strong>...(The new Rad/Onc) called to tell me after talking my case over with Dr. Schulmbrecht (The new <strong>GYN/ONC</strong>) they decided based off the tumor size in my pelvis we are better to hold off on radiation for now. To see if we can get a few rounds of chemotherapy in to shrink the tumors before radiation is done. </div>
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<strong>WHAT'S</strong> that mean?</div>
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<strong>NO RADIATION</strong> will be done right now...or until further notice. The risk and complications are too great and out weigh the benefits. Since I have had radiation before, there is very limited amounts of radiation I can get. My bladder and rectum are already compromised, no need to compromise them further. By holding off on radiation and pushing forward with chemotherapy the hopes are we will <strong>SHRINK</strong> the tumors not just in my pelvis but all over my body. Treat the disease as a <strong>WHOLE</strong>, not just the disease in my pelvis. Once the tumors <strong>SHRINK</strong>, we then can do radiation, but have a more precise treatment plan and radiate <strong>JUST</strong> the tumor and not my bladder and rectum. </div>
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The <strong>RESULTS</strong> are <strong>IN</strong>...</div>
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I had blood work drawn today. I haven't had blood drawn in about a week. The last time I got my labs drawn my platelets were about <strong>147</strong>. I was worried they were steadily decreasing. I <strong>FINALLY</strong> got the results and my platelets are holding steady at <strong>150!!!!</strong> This is <strong>AWESOME</strong> news!!! This is even up a little from last week! :) </div>
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<strong>OUR</strong> course of <strong>ACTION</strong>...</div>
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Since my platelets are <strong>NORMAL</strong>, we are going to start chemotherapy...<strong>AGAIN</strong>. I will start this next Wednesday June 5th, 2013. I am going to be doing a chemotherapy called <strong>CARBOPLATIN</strong> mixed with <strong>TAXOL</strong>. This will be my first round and then after this we will check to see what happens with my platelets. Carboplatin (carbo for short) takes about 3 hours to infuse. Taxol will take about an hour. I will have pre-meds that will take about an hour as well. So over all it will be a full day infusion. If my platelets hold steady, we will do another round. If not we will work up a new plan. </div>
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I am seeing yet another new doctor tomorrow. Dr. Kludepplberg is a <strong>MED/ONC</strong> doctor. He will take over my care for my blood disorder, the <strong>ITP</strong>. I see him tomorrow and we will go from there. </div>
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My appointment with him is at 1pm tomorrow. I swear <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> only does appointments at 1pm. Every appointment I have had has been at 1pm. I am not sure at this point if they have morning appointments. Ha ha I hope he will be able to get me off these damn steroids, but I guess I can't be <strong>TOO</strong> upset about it considering my platelets are holding at normal levels. </div>
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I know I just changed care from Arizona Oncology to MD Anderson just last week, things are actually happening pretty quickly. I just feel like it should be happening even quicker. </div>
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I am <strong>FRUSTRATED</strong>. </div>
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I feel like I keep getting pushed to the side, not that <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> is pushing me to the side they are helping me, I just am frustrated. I want so badly for this cancer to be gone. I am trying <strong>EVERYTHING...</strong>I called T-Gen and was told that since the consultations are usually the only thing that is covered by insurance <strong>NOT</strong> the actual treatment or trail that <strong>DR. BORST</strong> office didn't go further with processing the referral. They also <strong>NEVER</strong> told me this either...so this whole time I have been waiting for them to get authorization!! Now I am having to talk to Dr. Schulmbrecht and have his office process it. Which upsets me. It was about a week ago that Borst's office was suppose to process it and didn't...that puts us a week farther behind. </div>
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I am now having to prepare myself for chemo....................<strong>AGAIN</strong>. </div>
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I am not sure how I did it the first time, and I am <strong>STILL</strong> not sure how to do it this time. Even having been through this process before I am still not sure what to do or expect. Side effects for this treatment might be different than last time, however it's safe to say chemo is chemo. These medications might effect my body differently than the last chemo drugs did. My <strong>HAIR</strong>...I might lose my hair...<strong>AGAIN</strong>. It's so irritating! </div>
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<strong>DO</strong> you know how hard it is to have to go through this <strong>ONE</strong> time, let alone <strong>TWO</strong> times. </div>
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It's for the birds really. </div>
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Having cancer <strong>NEVER</strong> gets easier. It's always <strong>SOMETHING</strong>. Like having cancer is ever <strong>EASY</strong>, but the drug induced <strong>ITP</strong> doesn't help my situation <strong>AT ALL</strong>. This time around is more scary. I have the <strong>ITP</strong> to worry about. Before I was fighting the cancer that didn't really exist since my scans were all clear...this time around I have cancer in both my lungs, right adrenal and four tumors in my pelvis, it's a <strong>VERY REAL FIGHT</strong>. </div>
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You can see where my frustrations come into play. </div>
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I am spent for tonight. </div>
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My brain is FRIED and I can't even keep things straight. </div>
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Tomorrow is another day!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-4861194933900198022013-05-23T22:38:00.000-07:002013-05-23T22:38:01.023-07:00DIRTY LITTLE BITCH...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>UPDATE</strong>...update...<strong>UPDATE</strong> y'all</span></div>
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I have a <strong>LOT</strong> to update you on. I told you it was a week for the books. Put your reading pants on and sit back and get comfortable. </div>
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You wouldn't be here reading this if you weren't interested....right?</div>
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First things <strong>FIRST</strong>...</div>
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I got my lung biopsy results back, it was <strong>POSITIVE</strong> for metastatic disease. This means the <strong>FUNK</strong> in my lungs <strong>IS</strong> in fact this <strong>BITCH. </strong>Nothing else really is important other than this changes the game...<strong>A LOT.</strong> </div>
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This dirty <strong>BITCH</strong> is fighting <strong>DIRTY</strong>. </div>
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I will fight <strong>DIRTIER</strong>. </div>
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Secondly, I saw Dr. Borst today. My appointment was at 11:45am today and I got there at 11:38am and was waiting for labs before I was called back to see Borst himself. I got my labs and was ushered to a room to wait for Borst. <strong>UGH</strong> I am sure it didn't help I had a <strong>CHIP</strong> on my shoulder <strong>BEFORE</strong> even going in for my appointment. Ashley, Mom and I were all sitting in the room with Kayla his <strong>MA</strong> when Ash got a text from Colleen (the babysitter) and she had read it to me. The text wasn't <strong>ANYTHING</strong> bad, but just saying something along the lines of "they still made you wait, you think they would have learned their lesson after the last time when she walked out" </div>
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Kayla says "is there a problem with this appointment? I think we are doing pretty well" To which Ash responds "I was reading the text to her" as she points to me. MA responds "I would appreciate it if you would hold your conversation about our office until after I leave the room, I am sitting <strong>RIGHT</strong> here" Ash says "that's fine we will talk about you after you leave the room". </div>
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First of all bitch don't even get me started, I will talk about <strong>WHATEVER</strong> I want to, if it weren't for <strong>ME</strong>, you wouldn't have a job! That's <strong>OK</strong>...<strong>ONE</strong> more reason for me to <strong>SWITCH</strong> my care. </div>
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Borst finally comes in...</div>
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(let me just remind you we had been in the office for over an hour by this time.) </div>
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To catch you up to speed, I was asked at Dr. Zaky's office on Monday to bring my <strong>SIMS CD</strong> to Borst so he could <strong>VIEW</strong> it. Also since I went ahead and had my lung biopsy done <strong>WITHOUT</strong> his "approval" this appointment was <strong>SUPPOSE</strong> to be him giving me the <strong>APPROVAL</strong> and giving me clinical trial information. </div>
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<strong>OK</strong>....back to him coming into the office. He for one <strong>DOESN'T</strong> even ask for the <strong>SIMS CD</strong>. Which why would that surprise me? Really, why I am still shocked? He didn't even talk about my lung biopsy. I didn't bring it up either. Why would I? I already had the biopsy, and I already got my results. He did ask that I get a physical. To which I said sorry pal I have had <strong>TWO</strong> this week and it's <strong>ONLY</strong> Thursday, <strong>NOT </strong>happening. He didn't really know what to say after I said no. Apparently not many patients say no?</div>
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He asked if I was able to get into <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>...I said yes, they didn't really give me much more information than I already had. He said he was sorry about that. He suggested a clinical trial "T-Gen". To learn more about T-Gen visit:: <a href="https://www.tgen.org/">https://www.tgen.org/</a> He is going to see what he can do to get me in to see them. I have already put a phone call into the folks at T-Gen to see if they take my insurance for one and two to see if they can tell me since I have <strong>ITP</strong> and have done <strong>IVIG</strong> if that will exclude me from the trial. I am waiting a return phone call. <strong>IF</strong> I can't get in to see them he is going to consult with Bibb and come up with a chemo treatment plan. Which should be tricky for him considering I have <strong>ITP</strong> and no matter what chemo I get it will destroy the platelets even more. I am in a <strong>STICKY</strong> situation here. </div>
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That sums up my appointment with him. Can you tell it was a rather quick appointment. I think from the time he walked in till he left was maybe a <strong>WHOPPING</strong> 10 minutes. <strong>WASTE</strong> of my <strong>TIME</strong>, and <strong>GAS</strong> driving <strong>ACROSS</strong> town. I knew this was going to happen. </div>
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Let me talk to you about <strong>MY</strong> <strong>SITUATION</strong>...I have <strong>ACTIVE</strong> bitch in my body. In my pelvis, lungs and right adrenal. This has been confirmed. It's spreading like wild fire and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it. </div>
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My first <strong>BOUT</strong> with treatment caused drug induced <strong>ITP</strong>. Which means in short that I can't get chemotherapy due to the fact that my body is already <strong>ATTACKING</strong> itself and chemo could be fatal. </div>
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I <strong>AM</strong> able to get radiation. <strong>HOWEVER</strong>, they can't radiate my <strong>ENTIRE</strong> body, and since I have at least 10 tumors in my body what gets <strong>RADIATION</strong>? They want to focus radiation on just the pelvis. I have four tumors there. One in the adrenal and at least 5 in the lungs. </div>
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<strong>BUT</strong>...they can't even tell me if the radiation will work. Since I had radiation the last time, my "parts" are just about maxed out for radiation. My rectum can get up to 65 gray. Which is the strength of radiation to this specific area. Last radiation treatment I got 50 gray. </div>
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That means I can only get 15 gray to the rectum before more <strong>SERIOUS</strong> side effects happen. Same goes for my bladder. My bladder can get up to 75 gray and received 50 last time. </div>
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Here's the <strong>TRICKY</strong> part...</div>
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Remember how I told you the tumors in my pelvic were putting pressure on my rectum and bladder but NOT invading those spaces? Well this means no matter what she will have to radiation some portion of my rectum and bladder in order to radiate the whole tumor. </div>
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<strong>LET'S PRAY SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING!</strong> </div>
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No physicians are able to tell me if I can get <strong>IVIG</strong> and chemo the same time. None of my physicians have ever treated a patient with chemo and <strong>IVIG</strong> at the same time. </div>
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I have asked Dr. Borst, which just told me to ask Bibb. Bibb says he hasn't done it before and doesn't know how it will work but will consult with Bosrt. (that's clearly going to go far) I asked my new physician Dr. Schulmbrecht at <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>, as he said the same thing...he has never done it before so he isn't sure.</div>
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<strong>SO WHAT DO WE DO NOW??</strong></div>
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Like I said I saw <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>. I saw a Dr. Matthew Schulmbrecht. He is <strong>YOUNG</strong>...which doesn't mean anything. Like I've said before he comes <strong>HIGHLY</strong> recommended by a physician I know of at <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> in <strong>HUSTON</strong>. Dr. Schulmbrecht has even studied small cell in the cervix before and has much knowledge about small cell. I <strong>WILL</strong> be changing my care over to him. I know I fought tooth and nail and <strong>HATED</strong> every thing about going to <strong>BANNER</strong> <strong>MD</strong> <strong>ANDERSON</strong>, but in the end I think giving my situation, given that fact that everyone else has given up on me this is where I need to be. No matter how much I hate it. I need to be with a physician that has experience in treating <strong>SMALL CELL</strong>. </div>
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While I was seeing Dr. Schulmbrecht he did a physical and a total work up. We spent some time with him going over my options. He was totally honest with me. I like that about him. <strong>NO</strong> beating around any bushes and <strong>NO</strong> sugar coating it. My kinda physician. :) He told me he felt I was positive for metastatic disease. This was before I got my results back on my lungs. Which every physician I have seen has told me this. He said small cell is not curable. <strong>BUT</strong> I can still live a long healthy life <strong>WITH</strong> small cell I just need to the right care. </div>
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It's aggressive. <strong>NO SHIT</strong>. </div>
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He is going to present my case to the tumor board tomorrow (<strong>FRIDAY</strong>). </div>
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The tumor board is a board of Oncologist that meet every Friday to review cases that are <strong>UNIQUE</strong>, and <strong>RARE</strong>. The whole team then comes up with a plan or course of action that would best benefit the patient. He will call me tomorrow and let me know what the plan is. </div>
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He is also going to see if since I have my <strong>SIMS CD</strong> that I can get that in the hands of his Radiation Oncologist and see if she can make a plan for me based of the <strong>SIMS CD</strong> Zaky did. </div>
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I might be able to get started with radiation with <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong> without having to do my <strong>SIMS</strong> all over again. Say your prayers this happens as it will save us <strong>WEEKS</strong>!!! If for some reason she can't, then I will have to schedule a consult with her, then redo the mapping and then she will have to come up with a plan of treatment and that could take <strong>WEEKS</strong>, weeks I am not willing to <strong>WASTE</strong>. </div>
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In the mean time, I have a follow up appointment tomorrow with Dr. Bohan, she is my lung doctor. She is going to give me the results I already have on my lung biopsy. I think I will be cancelling this appointment. I kept it on since no physician has actually <strong>GIVEN</strong> me my results, but since Borst called me with this tonight I will cancel that appointment. </div>
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That's at 10am tomorrow. We cancelled the appointment we had at noon with the alternative treatment center in Scottsdale, they don't take insurance and my day tomorrow is going to be by far the most hectic. I don't have time for non insurance taking offices. Nor the money. </div>
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I see the Cyber-Knife Radiation office at 2pm and they <strong>DO</strong> take my insurance! Ha! When I talked to Dr. Schulmbrecht I asked him about this type of radiation and he said it sounds cool, but really the radiation machines they have at <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong> are just as precise. He suggested I go and talk to them and get a second opinion on radiation, what can it hurt?? </div>
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Like I had just mentioned Borst called me tonight with my lung biopsy results. </div>
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He said Bibb wants to see me tomorrow. So that will be added on to my day <strong>SOMETIME</strong> tomorrow...not sure when...but he will <strong>FIT</strong> me in. He wants to try putting me on something called Rituxan. This is suppose to help with my platelets...? We will see. My platelets were <strong>177</strong>, remember that day? I was so excited they were <strong>177</strong>. Well every time I get labs, my platelets are going down, down, and down. Last Friday <strong>177</strong>, Tuesday this week <strong>157</strong> and today <strong>147</strong>. They are steadily decreasing. <strong>THIS ISN'T A GOOD SIGN</strong>. Means the <strong>ITP</strong> is working over time, and the <strong>IVIG</strong> will be needed more often, and finally if in a weeks time my body can destroy 30,000 platelets what is it capable of doing with <strong>CHEMO</strong> in my system? <strong>SCARY</strong> thought! </div>
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I will meet with Bibb tomorrow and see what he has come up with. Say your prayers he has <strong>COME UP WITH SOMETHING! </strong></div>
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To top it all off I have to take Sophia back in for her post op surgery appointment. That's at 440pm tomorrow. I am <strong>GLAD</strong> Monday is a <strong>HOLIDAY</strong> and everyone is <strong>CLOSED</strong>! Ha ha I <strong>NEED</strong> the weekend to recover from the week! </div>
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I am scheduled for Tuesday to start radiation with Zaky. I will keep that appointment until I speak with Schulmbrecht and see what he can do for me. I pray he can do something for me! </div>
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I called Rubin's office today and let them know my lung results. His office is what a doctors office <strong>SHOULD</strong> be. I told Andrea (one of his office girls) what my results were and that I needed to be seen. She told me his first available was 6/7/13 @ 930am. I took it of course. </div>
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However, she told me I will give him the message and if we have to move some other patients around to get you in sooner we can. Rubin was out of the office today so she will talk it over with him tomorrow and call me with a new appointment time, she knew he would want me in sooner. <strong>PLUS</strong> they are <strong>NEVER</strong> behind schedule! :) I know Rubin will be the one to cure me of this bitch. </div>
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Here's do moving mountains!</div>
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Tanya </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-2064559891648940472013-05-21T18:02:00.001-07:002013-05-21T18:02:04.953-07:00NEGATIVE...Ghostrider!My <b>BMBX </b>results are <b>IN!!!</b><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>...</b>and were <b>NEGATIVE!! </b>Which means no bone cancer for this girl!!! :) </div><div><br></div><div>So truly I have <b>ITP, </b>drug induced. So the next steps are to keep my platelets in normal ranges so I can get treatment. :) That will be done by <b>IVIG </b>and steroids. </div><div><br></div><div>Should have my lung biopsy results back this week and I have <b>HIGH </b>hopes they will be <b>NEGATIVE </b>too!! :) </div><div><br></div><div>Tanya </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-86322081974592552032013-05-20T16:18:00.002-07:002013-05-20T16:18:41.263-07:00....a week for the BOOKS...<div align="center">
<strong>HELLO...</strong></div>
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Its that time again, time for blogging! :) </div>
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Today (05.20.13) I had an appointment with Dr. Zaky. </div>
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If you remember her from way back in September-November, she was my radiation oncologist. Which means she is my radiation doctor. I haven't seen here since March 6th. </div>
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A <strong>LOT</strong> has happened and a <strong>LOT</strong> has changed since I last saw her. </div>
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My appointment today was at 8am. </div>
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We (Scott, Mom, Ashley, Grammy and myself) met with Dr. Zaky. We talked about radiation and really just had a consultation type appointment. Got all our questions answered. </div>
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My "team" of doctors all have suggested I get radiation done to my pelvis...<strong>AGAIN</strong>. As I have active tumor in this area. My scans all came back showing tumor present in the "vaginal cuff" area. </div>
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I had scans done in Chicago when I was up there and it showed tumor but we didn't get a copy of the <strong>CD</strong> so we weren't sure what we were looking at and just going off the <strong>CT</strong> report. </div>
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After we all met with Dr. Zaky, we did what they call is <strong>SIMS</strong> testing. <br />
Let me explain to you what <strong>SIMS</strong> testing is...<strong>SIMS </strong>testing is when they put you in a <strong>CT</strong> machine, and gives you small bowl contrast to drink. They get you in a uncomfortable position on the table and send you through a series of scans. Once this is done, the scans show a few things. <br />
1) <strong>IF</strong> there is tumor present<br />
2)<strong>WHERE</strong> the tumor is<br />
3) <strong>HOW</strong> big the tumor is<br />
4) <strong>WHAT</strong> organs/structures are effected<br />
After my scans were all done, we met with Dr. Zaky again and we <strong>LOOKED</strong> at the scans. <br />
This is what we saw...<strong>ONE</strong>: there is active tumor in my pelvis. Which we knew. <strong>BUT</strong>, there is about 4 tumors in this small area that all seem to be connected to each other. <strong>TWO</strong>: we saw specifically <strong>WHERE</strong> the tumor is. Which is in the space between my vagina, rectum and bladder. This is just "empty space" since all my lady parts have been removed. Currently the tumors are growing <strong>INTO</strong> my vagina. Putting pressure on my bladder <strong>AND</strong> rectum, <strong>BUT</strong> not invading those spaces. Which is the best news we could ask for given the current situation. <br />
The tumor when I was last seen in March was about 1.5cm. It is now grown and is taking up about 1/3rd of my vaginal space. Which is the <strong>BAD</strong> news. Since the tumor has developed into tumors, and have grown from 1.5cm to the mass it is now radiation will be very tricky. We will have much more tissue to radiate for one, and two that means side effects are higher and three my bladder and rectum are now effected by <strong>MORE</strong> radiation. <br />
<strong>GOOD</strong> news is the tumors <strong>ARE NOT</strong> invading the bladder or rectum. They are just putting pressure on those areas. The reason this is good news is we can do radiation to stop the growth into those areas, even possibly <strong>SHRINK</strong> the tumors. If the tumor continues to grow and invades either of these spaces, then we are looking at high risk for infections. What <strong>COULD</strong> happen is the tumor can build a "tunnel" of sorts from the bladder and or rectum or both and eventually causing my bladder, rectum or both to send urine, or stool down this tunnel and out the vagina. Which causes infections, and the qualify of life for the patient is then decreased. <br />
Surgery sometimes doesn't always work to correct this. We do <strong>NOT</strong> want this to happen.<br />
So the sooner we get radiation going the better. <br />
As of right now I am scheduled to start radiation on Tuesday March 28th, 2013 at 1pm. I don't know yet, how long each treatment will be, or even how long treatment will last. Once my treatment plan is made (which will be this week) I will have the answers to those questions. <br />
I am going to see another radiation oncologist on Friday. This radiation oncologist does "cyber-knife radiation" which is still radiation, but it is more pin pointed and precise. Which might decrease the effects of radiation on my bladder or rectum. Which is what we want...we just don't know if this type of radiation will benefit <strong>MY</strong> type of cancer. Still worth the trip to Scottsdale to find out. <br />
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I have my <strong>LUNG BIOPSY</strong> scheduled for tomorrow at Banner Desert at 8:30am. I had blood work done today and my orders, and authorizations are all in and I'm ready to go! :) <br />
I check in at 8:30am and my procedure is at 10:30am. I will have results back on what is going on in my lungs in about 7 days from tomorrow. <br />
Then we will know just how dirty this cancer is playing. <br />
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Wednesday I have an appointment with <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>. This is my consultation and I will be meeting with Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht, <strong>MD</strong>. He comes <strong>HIGHLY</strong> recommended by Dr. F from <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> in <strong>HUSTON</strong>. I have been in correspondence with Dr. F for a few weeks now. I was going to make the trip to <strong>HUSTON</strong> to see Dr. F, as he sees many of my sisters (<strong>SCCC/LCCC</strong> Sisters) but once I talked to him he suggested I seek treatment here in Arizona and that I see <strong>DR. SCHLUMBRECHT</strong>. Since Dr. Borst is sending me to <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong> anyways I will see who comes highly recommended. I hope he can shed some light on the current situation and help us out with our course of action. Even better if he is here in Arizona. <strong>STILL NOT HAPPY</strong> that I am going to <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>. <br />
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Thursday I will see Dr. Borst at 11:45am. This should be an interesting appointment to say the least. I have a few choice words for this physician and I am irritated with this office. So Thursday will be fun for me. Ha ha! :) This is when he is suppose to let me know if I can have the lung biopsy done or not and give me more information about clinical trials. Which is why he is sending me to <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON</strong>. So the whole reason he wants me to come to his office will already be taken care of <strong>BEFORE</strong> I even make it to see him for him to tell me to do all this. <strong>WHATEVER...</strong><br />
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Friday...Oh Friday. I will see the Cyber-Knife Radiation Oncologists. This appointment is at 2pm. Scott has me scheduled to see some other alternative treatment center at noon this day. Its a week for appointments! Grammy says "how do you keep it all straight" I have two calendars and I coordinate them both one on my phone (I always have it one me) and my daily planner at home (for when I am at home). Mom made the comment today "you have made more phone calls today in one day than I make all year" haha story of my life...If I don't stay on top of my medical care then who else will?<br />
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I will keep you all posted on what comes of these appointments, so look forward to more blogging this week or next! :) Things are happening, and moving along...it <strong>ONLY</strong> took 3 months to light fires under some asses...but I hope we are well on our way to a cure! :) <br />
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Tanya<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-1869619669175520372013-05-17T17:25:00.000-07:002013-05-17T17:25:39.558-07:00FEELING POWERFUL...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>HELLO</strong> one and <strong>ALL</strong>!!! :)</span></div>
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I know it's been awhile since I last posted...to that I am sorry, but not! ha ha </div>
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I have been living life and a busy one at that. It's been full of the usual doctor appointments and labs and Vitamin C infusions and Biopsies and the list goes on. </div>
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Today (05.17.13) I had my follow up with Dr. Bibb. I can't tell you how much I love this doctor. I could only wish he was a gyn/onc!!! He is my med/onc (blood doctor) and he is just fantastic. You know you have a good doctor when he walks into the room high fiving you (for your platelet count) and giving out free hugs! :) It never fails when I see him he gives me at least two hugs before he is off and hugging the next patient. I had labs drawn today at his office to see my <strong>WBC</strong> is 8.6! That's <strong>NORMAL!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!</strong> My platelets are <strong>177</strong>, that's <strong>ABOVE NORMAL!!!!</strong> Can you believe it? <strong>177!!!</strong> It seems the <strong>IVIG</strong> and the steroids have<strong> WORKED!!!</strong> You read right, the <strong>IVIG</strong> and steroids are <strong>WORKING!!!</strong> </div>
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He has confirmed in fact I do have <strong>ITP</strong>. We were waiting on the <strong>BMBX</strong> biopsy before we could confirm it to be true. We have been decreasing my steroids for the past few weeks. He has lowered them again to 20mg. I will start that decrease tomorrow. I will more than likely be kept on steroids at 20mg for awhile, to see if my platelets will still hold strong at normal levels. I will need to do maintenance <strong>IVIG</strong> to keep at normal levels. This <strong>DOESN'T</strong> make me happy, but whatever. He has suggested I go forward with the lung biopsy. I didn't want to do this after seeing the <strong>CTCA</strong> physicians. Since my platelets are <strong>177</strong> (I still can't get over this) now is the time to do any biopsy. As he explained it to me, since nobody has done a biopsy we still don't know what is going on in my lungs. As the <strong>CTCA</strong> physicians tell me based on the <strong>SIZE</strong> of the nodules in my lungs it is metastatic disease. </div>
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<strong>HOWEVER</strong>, Dr. Bibb has valid points. He says if they don't have a pathology stating metastatic disease, they can't prove anything. With my platelets being so <strong>FUNKY</strong> and <strong>NEVER</strong> doing what we <strong>WANT</strong> them to do, why would I start chemo to treat my whole body when the cancer might not be everywhere. My body is destroying the platelets, why give me chemo to destroy more platelets if the cancer hasn't metastasized? He was going to speak with Dr. Borst and get things in place for a lung bx early next week. </div>
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<strong>WELL...</strong>as most of you know how I can be I took it into my own hands and I called my pulmologist and let her know the situation. She confirmed to go forward with the lung bx and even submitted a new order, and my recent labs. I was speaking with Michele Dr. Borst's PA and she tells me "there are many steps that need to be taken before we can just order the lung bx. I need to talk to Dr. Borst and he needs to approve it and then we have to call your pulmologist and get her to order it, then it has to be approved by insurance, you will need to then get interventional radiology to approve it and then hospital will need to schedule it and then they will call you" I let her know I already talked to my pulmologist and she approved it and sent in new orders with recent labs, I already had an authorization on file with my insurance and I had already put in a call to the hospital to get it scheduled but their computers were down. So I will schedule it <strong>ASAP</strong> when the computers are back up. She responded with "I will still need to talk to the boss man" meaning Borst. I said "OK whatever" and hung up. If I have an order on file and my pulmologist is approving me to have it done, then no matter what "the boss man" says I am having the lung bx done!!! Well she calls me back a few minutes later and says "I talked to Borst and he said he would like you to come in on Monday at 1130am so I can do an exam and then we can get things moving for the lung bx." I asked her why I needed to come in for a vaginal exam when we are talking about a <strong>LUNG</strong> bx...my vagina isn't going to tell her anything about my lungs" she got really quiet and said "he just wanted you to come in for an exam" I said "it's not necessary and I have too many appointments already on Monday" </div>
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<strong>PLUS</strong> I have an appointment scheduled already <strong>WITH</strong> <strong>BORST HIMSELF</strong> for Thursday. So she said to keep it on Thursday but they can't order anything until I see him. Well since he isn't <strong>ORDERING</strong> anything and my pulmologist is...I will schedule the lung bx for Tuesday! :) I know how to get around this little system she seems to <strong>THINK</strong> she has. </div>
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So I have taken my care and put it back in the proper hands...<strong>MINE!</strong> </div>
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I have been feeling so out of control of my own life and medical decisions lately it's not even funny. These little decisions made me feel so <strong>POWERFUL</strong>. I know it seems small to most of you, but for me it's huge! I can't remember when the last time I felt <strong>IN CONTROL</strong> of <strong>ANYTHING</strong>...actually yes I do that was <strong>LAST APRIL</strong>, before I was diagnosed. Back when life was <strong>NORMAL</strong>, when my life didn't consist of doctors appointments, labs, vitamin c infusions, and biopsies! Back when my biggest concern was if I was going to eat <strong>PIZZA</strong> for dinner or a <strong>CHEESEBURGER!</strong> It's so frustrating and I have talked to <strong>SO</strong> many of my <strong>SCCC/LCCC</strong> sisters and that's the main <strong>COMPLAINT</strong> every one of us has...feeling out of control and <strong>FRUSTRATED</strong>. </div>
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Between Scott and I we have researched every possible solution. I have doctors looking at my medical records in <strong>MEXICO, BEVERLY HILLS</strong> and even <strong>HUSTON</strong>. I am now being sent <strong>AGAINST MY WILL</strong> and by Borst to <strong>BANNER</strong> <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong>. It seems he doesn't know what to do with me. He thinks <strong>BANNER</strong> <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> can help me. I am not happy with this decision as I have been fighting against going to <strong>BANNER</strong> <strong>MD</strong> <strong>ANDERSON</strong> since the day I was diagnosed. I haven't heard <strong>ANYTHING</strong> good about them, and this is <strong>MY LIFE</strong> we are talking about, not something I am willing to just put in any ones hands. I <strong>HATE</strong> so much that this is where I am being sent. I <strong>HATE</strong> that <strong>NOBODY</strong> can figure <strong>ME</strong> out. I remember when I was first diagnosed my <strong>PCP</strong> at the time told me "you are going to end up being a clinical trial" </div>
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Here I am being sent to clinical trials cuz they "just don't know" that's <strong>BULLSHIT!</strong> Since I am being sent to MD Anderson, I took it upon myself to find out the best doctor to see...I contacted a specialist in Huston at <strong>MD ANDERSON</strong> and he gave the the best point of contact here in Arizona. I have already set in motion actions at <strong>BANNER MD ANDERSON.</strong> </div>
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I have been reading books and doing my research and I have changed my eating habits and my lifestyle and I take supplements three times a day and I am <strong>DOING</strong> all the stuff a "cancer patient" should do and you are telling me "we just don't know"! My med/onc today tells me "if it has metastasized to the lungs we are in a whole new game of baseball here, we are talking <strong>INCURABLE</strong>" To which I told him "<strong>INCURABLE</strong>" isn't even a word in my vocabulary. I am sorry but I don't know what that means. I <strong>WILL</strong> be cured one way or the other no matter if it has metastasized to my lungs or not. If you can't figure it out I will find someone that can. I would appreciate it if you didn't use words like "<strong>INCURABLE</strong>". That was the end of that. </div>
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So I left there today feeling pretty empowered. It's a feeling I would like to hold on to for as long as possible. I am just afraid with this diagnosis those feelings don't last long typically. I know the feeling of being lost and confused will set in sooner than I would like. It's just a day in the life of cancer diagnosis. </div>
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So for now I am holding on, fighting and staying as positive as I can. I am treading water and I think barley keeping my head above water, but the good news is...I am still treading water and my head is <strong>STILL</strong> above water. :) </div>
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Tanya </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-4044479208519593832013-05-09T18:24:00.000-07:002013-05-09T18:24:12.983-07:00SUPERHERO THURSDAY...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's <strong>SUPERHERO THURSDAY</strong> here in Arizona. I am not sure if I qualify as a real<strong> "SUPERHERO" </strong>but I sure do feel like one today...I am being pulled in so many directions I don't know which way is up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUKtnLuIO4h5DSBCJLXZejiP_ZFathxfWANIqNVAE_lAWy_hjrOhO4SMou51cgNXXPgJfAROS9Upm_5XIuivi5ZZxxX-NnQZustns5PGORIg7_DICWnG2CHFI_5WSfCG4YFc6wKQS9Pw/s1600/asldkjfas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUKtnLuIO4h5DSBCJLXZejiP_ZFathxfWANIqNVAE_lAWy_hjrOhO4SMou51cgNXXPgJfAROS9Upm_5XIuivi5ZZxxX-NnQZustns5PGORIg7_DICWnG2CHFI_5WSfCG4YFc6wKQS9Pw/s320/asldkjfas.JPG" width="253" /></a>I returned from <strong>CTCA</strong> and <strong>THOUGHT</strong> I had all my questions answered and a plan in place for moving forward with my treatment. <strong>HOWEVER, </strong>as it turns out that doesn't seem to be the case. </div>
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As I was in the infusion center at Arizona Oncology this week getting my <strong>IVIG, </strong>Michele Dr. Borst's PA approaches me and wanted to know how things went in Chicago. </div>
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(We have been texting back and forth since I got home.) </div>
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I let her know last Thursday 05.02.13 what the treatment plan was and that Dr. Williams from <strong>CTCA</strong> would be calling either her or Dr. Borst to touch base. </div>
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After seeing her on Tuesday and they still hadn't touched base, I was beginning to wonder if this "co-management health care" was for me. I called <strong>CTCA</strong> to get my records faxed to Michele so they would have them for my appointment <strong>TODAY.</strong> Well after many phone calls and long hold times, the records were finally sent and received late last night. Dr. Williams <strong>FINALLY</strong> called Borst. This was also after Michele called and left <strong>THREE</strong> message for Dr. Williams, and I called twice. So things were moving along........<strong>OR SO I THOUGHT!!</strong> :(</div>
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I had an appointment with Dr. Borst today at 12:30pm. I show up and sign in, only to sit in the waiting room for half an hour. I finally get called back to a room, to only have to wait an addition <strong>HALF HOUR. </strong>I was also scheduled to see Dr. Rubin my Naturopath at 2:30pm in Scottsdale. I told Scott "let's go, we are leaving". As we are on our way out of the office his <strong>MA</strong> comes chasing after me and says "are you leaving?" I look at her with this dumb look on my face and say "<strong>UH YES</strong>, I have an appointment at 2:30pm in Scottsdale I can't wait here all day." She looks at me and says "well Dr. Borst is ready to see you now." I said "Well he will have to call me to reschedule, I can't wait around all day I don't have time to see him now." She was all huffy and says "ooookkkkaaayy" and walks off. Scott was so worried they would be mad at me. My response: <strong>I DON'T GIVE A SHIT IF THEY ARE MAD...I AM MAD!!!</strong> My time is just a precious as <strong>HIS!!!</strong> </div>
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So I left and made it<strong> ON-TIME</strong> to see Dr. Rubin. <strong> I JUST ABSOLUTELY LOVE DR. RUBIN</strong>...and I can't thank Marsha Larson enough for referring me to him. I'll get into that in a minute...</div>
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I don't know and probably won't know what the plan is with Dr. Borst and his crew, but for right now I am so close to firing them it's not even funny. The doctor is <strong>ONLY</strong> as good as his office staff and right now his office staff <strong>SUCKS A BIG FAT ONE!</strong> While I was in the infusion center on Tuesday talking to Michele we were briefly talking about <strong>CTCA</strong> and the plan. I let her know that they wanted to put me on an oral chemo called Temodar. She got this dirty look on her face and says "why would they do that, you don't have a brain tumor and that's what that medication is for" I said "They have used it before with small cell and small cell is small cell no matter where it's at in the body and this medication and reacted to it well" she just kept batting down all my answers. I was getting frustrated and annoyed. So now at this point I am not sure what to do. Who to listen to or where to go from here. I was suppose to get all my questions answered <strong>TODAY</strong> when I saw Borst, but since that didn't happen I left feeling hopeless. </div>
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I headed to see Dr. Rubin and not really feeling it...and frankly dreading going to see him. This is the first appointment I have had with Dr. Rubin without Scott with me and I think I had some nervousness over that too. Well I got to Dr. Rubin's office and they are just so friendly and personable and just <strong>AWESOME.</strong> I meet with Rubin and first thing he says is<strong> "HOW WAS CTCA? TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT!!!"</strong> I tell him all about it and my labs, scans, the progression of my disease, what just happened at Borst's office and how frustrated I am and I don't know who to believe and what to do. I was feeling hopeless. He right away made me feel better. He said "<strong>CTCA </strong>is a <strong>RESEARCH FACILITY</strong> for one, which means they have used this oral chemo on patients with small cell and have positive results. They aren't just giving the old tired chemo to all the patients that aren't working in the first place. So yes of course your Oncology team here is going to react this way, their research doesn't show Temador to work for small cell but for brain tumors, but they also haven't tried it either." I told him Michele said it would totally wipe out my platelets (what I have left) it would be too hard on my system. He says "well they are giving it to you in a low dose, so it might and it might not." Rubin seems to think the Temador is the right way to go, once my platelets are under control. He thinks <strong>CTCA</strong> is the place I need to be and will support me in any decision I make. Rubin said also that he has heard a lot about Temador and it working with small cell...He added another supplement to my daily regimen. Which is another supplement to slow if not <strong>STOP</strong> the spread of the disease. We now have labs indicating my cancer markers and he believes that now that we know what my markers are, we can start changing the my levels with supplements to cure me of this nasty disease. I will add a powder substance to my daily routine twice a day in hopes this helps to slow the growth and eventually stop and kill the cancer. Dr. Rubin is an amazing doctor. He gives me the <strong>HOPE</strong> and <strong>STRENGTH</strong> to keep fighting, that's what I had lost today at Dr. Borst's office. </div>
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This I believe is what a doctor, an <strong>ONCOLOGY</strong> doctor should do for you...Give you <strong>HOPE!</strong> </div>
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After talking to Dr. Rubin, and hearing him out I think I have decided to go with the treatment plan <strong>CTCA </strong>has come up with. Once I get my platelets on board and find out what's going on with them, I will start the Temador. Dr. Rubin said he has many patients on this medication and they do very well, hardly any side effects. </div>
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I have my bone marrow biopsy tomorrow and will have the results for that in about 7-10 days....here goes the waiting game again. I hate this part. Dr. Rubin doesn't seem to think they will come up with anything with the <strong>BMBX</strong>, nor do I and nor does Dr. Bibb...but we have to rule it out. I am having my <strong>BMBX </strong>tomorrow at Banner Desert. I will check in at 8am and it should only take like 30 minutes. Ashley is off tomorrow to be my taxi driver! haha Thanks again Ash! :) Maybe I can treat you to lunch to thank you for all your help! Be thinking of a good healthy yummy place to eat! </div>
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My <strong>IVIG</strong> went pretty ok this week. It was a long week. Long days and a <strong>LOT</strong> of fluid. One of the side effects of the <strong>IVIG</strong> is headache, I have had one for two days...what a joy this has been. I hate headaches. My platelets on Tuesday were 33, they were 111 last week. I had them drawn again on Wednesday and they were 61. They are at least going up, just not as fast as I would like to see them recover. I will have them drawn again tomorrow before the biopsy. <strong>IVIG</strong> comes in 10 gram bottles that is about 200 ml, I had to be infused with 8 bottles each day. Well since scheduling screwed up and put me on for 10am and we didn't start infusion until 11am, I had 6 bottle on Tuesday and 10 bottles on Wednesday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFdP54zOx3c4BqmaXZTgqJQSERUS68nW4R1AS16cXD8jjG0DAHErW1nWE4BrNBHLs0HRHrV2C9lQlyILZZ0gKHFm9fwo1V23qP_-wQzqOUbrIQ48DiPWHAG_-rBakB2t-3WJiN1oqtpw/s1600/asdfasdfasdfasd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFdP54zOx3c4BqmaXZTgqJQSERUS68nW4R1AS16cXD8jjG0DAHErW1nWE4BrNBHLs0HRHrV2C9lQlyILZZ0gKHFm9fwo1V23qP_-wQzqOUbrIQ48DiPWHAG_-rBakB2t-3WJiN1oqtpw/s320/asdfasdfasdfasd.JPG" width="320" /></a> I was feeling fine for the most part no serious side effects. Just the headache, extra full feeling. I felt water logged. Its a miserable feeling. I am glad it's over. I hope I don't have to do this <strong>IVIG</strong> again. 8 hours each day sitting getting infused is just too much for one person to handle. I have high hopes that after that <strong>BMBX</strong> is over and we get the results back on that and I am finally cleared of any type of <strong>BONE</strong> <strong>CANCER</strong>, (which could be causing the low platelet count) I will then be put on a medication for my platelet's and the <strong>ITP</strong> to keep my levels at and in normal ranges. Which will then allow me to start the Temador oral chemo. I can't tell you how ready I am to get on this oral medication and start kicking cancer ass again. I am so sick and tired of not having anything done and then to get scans and see the dang cancer has metastasized to yet another part of my body. It's frustrating and so irritating. I am doing everything I can on my end to keep this from happening and yet another scan shows it's in a new area. Then to have Dr. Borst's office tell me this isn't a good plan, well it's a <strong>PLAN</strong>, and it's at least <strong>SOMETHING!! </strong>Whereas they aren't doing anything, I had my last chemo on January 4th, 2013. I had a physical and follow up 6 weeks later with Dr. Borst and was "clear". Only to have a chest xray done in February and show mets in my lungs. So they have known since February that I have possible mets, and yet here it is <strong>MAY</strong> and we are still sitting on our asses doing nothing. I have had it! I have called several different treatment facilities throughout Arizona, California and even Mexico. I am getting my <strong>PET SCANS</strong> and <strong>PATHOLOGY</strong> reports into the hands of many well known physicians. That will review my records and tell me if I am a patient they can help. All three of these physicians have many years of experience in either neruoendocrine cancers, or small cell cancers. I however am not looking forward to having to travel and go outside of my home state to get treatment, but I have to do what I have to do to save my life. The best part about this is, once they physicians receive my records it's just a matter of them reviewing them and telling me "yes I can treat you, or no I can't". If they <strong>CAN </strong>treat me I will then set up a consultation appointment and go from there. If they can't we are back to the drawing board. I don't think at this point in my treatment that any more opinions are going to hurt. <strong>SOMEONE</strong> out there has to know about small cell and <strong>SOMEONE</strong> has to be able to figure out my disease and <strong>TREAT ME</strong>! I just know it! </div>
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:)</div>
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Still <strong>FIGHTING</strong>,</div>
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Tanya</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029281094634964330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970117067187973749.post-86617573613787321862013-05-06T16:07:00.000-07:002013-05-06T16:07:07.335-07:00Returning to normal...<div align="center">
We are back from Chicago, The Relay for Life is done. </div>
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I want to take this time to <strong>THANK</strong> the following people:: These very special individuals are near and dear to my heart. If it wasn't for each of you this relay wouldn't have been possible. I would have been walking the full 12 hours myself! :) So <strong>THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!</strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m62hK_aUicDkCpHWuw59ydMK3zUx5NN7LpVzV0EQTg06BZc0bHgNC4a1uNL8oAjAXIBAAW0HxmrJ_v8oYq01WeP41X6OhIrxvWSOuBhia4vs81Vgf8vI2b__oDTRS53zAcWt4kyuziE/s1600/Relay+for+life+Tanay+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m62hK_aUicDkCpHWuw59ydMK3zUx5NN7LpVzV0EQTg06BZc0bHgNC4a1uNL8oAjAXIBAAW0HxmrJ_v8oYq01WeP41X6OhIrxvWSOuBhia4vs81Vgf8vI2b__oDTRS53zAcWt4kyuziE/s320/Relay+for+life+Tanay+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Scott Larson</strong></div>
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Vickie Johnson</div>
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Bannon Johnson</div>
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<strong>Katrina Johnson</strong></div>
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<strong>Brinley Johnson</strong></div>
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Breckin Brown</div>
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Ella Brown</div>
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<strong>Ashley Brown</strong></div>
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Dustin Brown</div>
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Marsha Larson</div>
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<strong>Cathi Bell</strong></div>
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<strong>Jen Pelletier</strong></div>
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<strong>Matt Frantz</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWakP8WjfOTqoxvNnAilF7lLAA1gu-jr7SIvZxQO5h5Tl1hho8qRR9ZSE6vIRmhyphenhyphentv5x_Do1sK4RKKmpEbKKdzoHiL5mD-ZL4MuFtDEDxoiTD0goawfufxgxaReg4zxu6YYL34v13whI/s1600/601836_373798992737933_374564284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWakP8WjfOTqoxvNnAilF7lLAA1gu-jr7SIvZxQO5h5Tl1hho8qRR9ZSE6vIRmhyphenhyphentv5x_Do1sK4RKKmpEbKKdzoHiL5mD-ZL4MuFtDEDxoiTD0goawfufxgxaReg4zxu6YYL34v13whI/s320/601836_373798992737933_374564284_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Audrey Frantz</div>
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Jesse Frantz</div>
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Amanda Frantz</div>
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<strong>Tammy Orletsky</strong></div>
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Bri-Anne Lundell</div>
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Che Kelley</div>
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Malisa Caldwell</div>
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Jensen Caldwell</div>
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Hailee Caldwell</div>
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Madison Caldwell</div>
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Carson Caldwell</div>
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Dorothy Cook</div>
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<strong>Brittany Ford</strong></div>
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Britney Schuster</div>
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Nathan Schuster</div>
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<strong>Paula Williams</strong></div>
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I want to give an extra special <strong>THANK YOU</strong> to my mom for taking over while I was in Chicago and agreeing to take on the Relay had I not made it back in time. I really have the most amazing mother in the world. She continues to do things for me day in and day out. She is what all mothers should be. Endless amounts of love. <strong>THANK YOU MOM!</strong> :)</div>
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I have highlighted all the <strong>RELAY LIFERS</strong> as I like to call em...these are the true hardcore team members that stayed <strong>ALL NIGHT</strong>...From 5pm Saturday until 6am on Sunday. We were all crazy tired, seeing things, even saying things like "I only have this string to keep me warm and my suitcase is <strong>COLD</strong>" ha ha </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIJk3OcYPYFUl34nJpRteXLz1h8cdaYVbhersJdikbVfLdEbpf3uiFnfaDE_KV08D-C3gHfIV4ujzgdqKXfpWSl41_ULhNjs7YRort5jamDPRGAI7oB6DKt_4DQYJ2l6wJ5cJ_QLSIyg/s1600/931336_373798862737946_2065446987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIJk3OcYPYFUl34nJpRteXLz1h8cdaYVbhersJdikbVfLdEbpf3uiFnfaDE_KV08D-C3gHfIV4ujzgdqKXfpWSl41_ULhNjs7YRort5jamDPRGAI7oB6DKt_4DQYJ2l6wJ5cJ_QLSIyg/s320/931336_373798862737946_2065446987_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ661Lp35s0FYlozlJRNK3n2xXJkMDScAZIYzoy6w_0DRDKX7hK-Quct6qgn7WDXeq3uOHPkVaUaNWKETZPM8bSSrjT9JpLgxzgGF4v4ivReYtljB23yLIFdStjR7Ew1pSmt-wAUGF3Y/s1600/179419_373798886071277_1809186171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJ661Lp35s0FYlozlJRNK3n2xXJkMDScAZIYzoy6w_0DRDKX7hK-Quct6qgn7WDXeq3uOHPkVaUaNWKETZPM8bSSrjT9JpLgxzgGF4v4ivReYtljB23yLIFdStjR7Ew1pSmt-wAUGF3Y/s320/179419_373798886071277_1809186171_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have never done a Relay for Life event before. It was such an amazing experience. We took <strong>THIRD</strong> in teams that raised the most amount of money! :) We raised $3500.00!!! That's just <strong>AWESOME</strong>!! I am so excited I could contribute <strong>SOMETHING</strong> to cancer research. I can only imagine had I not had so much going on I would have been able to dedicate more of my time to the Relay we would have been first place! There is always next year and that will be my goal. :) Our <strong>*STRENGTH*LOVE*COURAGE*</strong> </div>
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team was the <strong>ONLY</strong> team that actually walked the <strong>WHOLE ENTIRE 12 HOURS...</strong>We ended up with about 8 people that stayed all night out of our whole team, in the early morning hours it was tuff and touch and go there for awhile, but we made it!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3tbtMZYQetL69iSHuTYnLfiya8g1CRS-P5vQ-NKqVsDaQz8FZAktFOgsAnI8FxvOFFRQgaygVWu3UETZZOArPF08KVTUg4VykhlBCiBUlBkSQAzlJD-_V14NXNp2D9kjhfnzcZBSIE/s1600/945619_373798929404606_1372066240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3tbtMZYQetL69iSHuTYnLfiya8g1CRS-P5vQ-NKqVsDaQz8FZAktFOgsAnI8FxvOFFRQgaygVWu3UETZZOArPF08KVTUg4VykhlBCiBUlBkSQAzlJD-_V14NXNp2D9kjhfnzcZBSIE/s320/945619_373798929404606_1372066240_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I would like to ask those of you that haven't done a Relay for Life event before or even those of you that did the relay this year for the first time but were unable to stay the whole night to consider doing a Relay for Life event in the future, and dedicate your time. I know 12 hours is a lot to ask of one single person. I now you all have many things going on in your lives and 12 hours is just too much to ask of you. Please keep in mind, we cancer patients don't have the choice to just <strong>STOP</strong> fighting. Just <strong>STOP</strong> walking, just <strong>STOP</strong> all together, or cancer wins. Relay for Life is an exhausting event, I am not going to lie, but it gives you just a <strong>SMALL</strong> glimpse into how <strong>EXHAUSTING</strong> a day in the life of a cancer patient can be. The fights, struggles, exhaustion, weakness, the list goes on, but I promise <strong>YOU</strong> won't <strong>REGRET</strong> it. Keep it in mind for next year. I will be recruiting those <strong>HARDCORE</strong> lifers...you <strong>KNOW</strong> who you are and <strong>I THANK YOU WITH ALL MY BEING</strong> for helping me fight back against cancer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L2Se32hFXiNmaZ-iVbXdBsy7xgFlP3OBNFCerc9AMJPe6rOsqlmS3eTfzvwDhyphenhyphen8FlsFLEuQNQYfcv0j6radMwY6UABH8HDkBLezxaybTw-fOIVab4nrG2II75_H4s2jVTSWOKZH8oPw/s1600/485473_373798916071274_2106628342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L2Se32hFXiNmaZ-iVbXdBsy7xgFlP3OBNFCerc9AMJPe6rOsqlmS3eTfzvwDhyphenhyphen8FlsFLEuQNQYfcv0j6radMwY6UABH8HDkBLezxaybTw-fOIVab4nrG2II75_H4s2jVTSWOKZH8oPw/s320/485473_373798916071274_2106628342_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydODXQxddwErlxmwpD3m8JO3NONCaHkFQF0MCS57Og8fSLXwAUNyLA4i9ltC1QO3H0ku6_j_ZwwIFNeqwdUslrouswJbj4oVOlxgyqarKzuSNMkGbtlrjwkP_kYikftOYtzwYsmibo7s/s1600/945742_373798842737948_638585934_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydODXQxddwErlxmwpD3m8JO3NONCaHkFQF0MCS57Og8fSLXwAUNyLA4i9ltC1QO3H0ku6_j_ZwwIFNeqwdUslrouswJbj4oVOlxgyqarKzuSNMkGbtlrjwkP_kYikftOYtzwYsmibo7s/s320/945742_373798842737948_638585934_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now on to doctors appointments, <strong>IVIG</strong> infusions, Bone Marrow biopsies and labs. </div>
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Today, I needed to call <strong>LTD</strong>, clean my house and find a place for all the Relay for Life crap, pay bills, make doctor appointments, Schedule the Bone Marrow biopsy, and for the <strong>IVIG</strong>. So much to do and I don't know where to start. First thing is first, I called <strong>LTD</strong>. I still haven't heard from <strong>LTD</strong> on if I was approved for not. This is going on three months without approval. Which means three months without pay. I called Rose bright and early and got the <strong>GREAT NEWS</strong>, I was <strong>APPROVED</strong>!! Even better news she tells me "did you not get the check?" Um...what check?? Ha Rose told me I should have a check in the mail, as they sent it out almost two weeks ago! <strong>WOW!!</strong> So I have been approved for <strong>TWO WEEKS</strong>, and nobody even called me to tell me I was approved! <strong>REAL NICE!</strong> So thankful I have my money! So the kids and I quick take a trip to the mailboxes and sure enough there is a check in the mail! Well I guess lesson learned I need to check my mail more often! Would have been handy while we were out of town. I finally got my house cleaned. Took me all day to do it, but I finally got it all done...My house is over run my Relay for Life crap! If any of you need or want a Relay Tee I have some is all sizes but Large. These are the shirts that we were given at the Relay, not the ones I made... :) </div>
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I got my doctor appointments all set up. I have labs and <strong>IVIG</strong> tomorrow and Wednesday both days at 10am at Dr. Borst's office. I still am not able to start my new oral chemo until Dr. Williams (my new gyn/onc) talks with Dr. Borst. I have been harping on Michele since Thursday and she says they still haven't touched base. I am starting to wonder if this co-management health care is going to be for me. I don't want to be spending all the time on the phone making sure this or that was done by this doctor or whatever. I say my prayers it all works out. For now I am still waiting for this conversation to happen so I can get started on my new chemo meds. Sooner rather than later would be nice. </div>
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I am scheduled for my <strong>BMBX</strong> on this Friday at 8am at Banner Desert. It will be about a 2 hour procedure. I had hopes to go to Show Low this weekend for Mother's Day and I still hope that is possible. Banner Desert does tell me this shouldn't be an issue, but I might have to go up Saturday for the day instead of Friday. The <strong>BMBX</strong> is going to tell us if I have any cancer in the bone. My <strong>PET SCAN</strong> was clear of anything in the bone, and my labs don't indicate bone cancer, but we have to rule this out before we can fully agree it's <strong>ITP</strong>. </div>
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I have decided with the news of my scans, and that <strong>CTCA</strong> is sure the cancer has metastasized to the lungs I am going to opt <strong>NOT</strong> to do the lung biopsy that Dr. Bibb is wanting to do. The chemo I am going to be taking is going to effect the lungs and the cancer anywhere in my body, there is no reason for me to do a biopsy. I just need to get the <strong>ITP</strong> under control and the <strong>IVIG</strong> will help with that. This week is going to be a long week. I was so looking forward to just hanging out with Breckin and Ella this week. That's out. I'll only see them Monday and Thursday. <strong>POOP!</strong> Tata isn't happy about that. </div>
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There is always next week right! :) </div>
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Tanya</div>
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