Sunday, February 17, 2013

BAD at this blogging deal...

Hello Hello!!
I must first off apologize for being so terrible at this blogging business.
I am not cut out to be a journalist that's for sure!
So a lot has happened since I last posted.  Most of you follow me either on Facebook or via text messages and phone calls. So you are all probably fully aware of what's been going on with me.  I'll update anyways, just in case someone isn't aware.
 
I saw Dr. Borst about 2 weeks ago (two weeks on Tuesday) he did a physical in which I have gotten the results official in the mail to my PAP and it was NORMAL!!!! YAY YAY!!! :) That's my first piece of good news! When he did the physical he did tell me everything appeared to be normal.  Now we know for sure it was.  After the physical and spending some time with Dr. Borst (him answering my questions) I was sent off to the lab to have blood drawn to see what my levels were.  Ten minutes later I was getting the lab results.  My platelets were 37!!! Not the good news we wanted.  Meeting with Dr. Borst he informed me that my platelets were TOO low to do my last round of treatment.  So we were going to stop treatment at five rounds. I have been praying that God will help heal me, take this monster away and give me my life back.  The life of normal physicals, no more labs, not many doctor appointments, life with hair. Ha Ha the life where I can work out, go to school and work.  Be a normal 28 year old.  I prayed that if my levels were low that the five rounds would be enough to kill the monster living inside me and keep it away.  FOR GOOD.  I thank God each and every day and still thank him for giving me each day, whether it be a good day or a bad day.  I prayed for comfort when I did finally find out if I would have five rounds or six.  God is Good, he has been very good to me.  When I meet with Dr. Borst and he finally gave me the word that my levels were 37 and too low for cycle six of chemo, that  five rounds was it.  I felt as though a HUGE weight had been lifted.  I felt like my life was just beginning.  As he put it this could be a way of my body telling me ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!  I believe there is a reason for everything.  We may not know it at the time being, but sooner or later we will find out just what the reasoning behind everything is.  Thinking back a few weeks prior.  I was admitted to the hospital for what we later found out was the fluid pockets in my pelvis.  I was treated for infection and released.  The ENTIRE time I was in the hospital (almost a week) My labs were outstanding!!!  My WBC was seven and eight's! My WBC hasn't been that high since before I started treatment, so almost six months! My platelets were low in the hospital but that was nothing new.  I was suppose to have my last round of chemo the Monday I was admitted and since I was inpatient I wasn't getting chemo.  Once I was released from the hospital and got my labs done all my levels were low low.  To me that is a sign I wasn't suppose to have the last round of chemo.  Dr. Borst told me he wanted me off work for at least another six weeks or until my platelets were back up to normal.  The second week I had labs drawn (last week) my platelets were up from the week prior from 37 to 50.  They need to be at least 100 or higher.  Second piece of good news, they are at least going in the right direction! He had also told me he wanted me to have a PET Scan in six weeks.  I should have that in mid March and will meet with him shortly after to get the results and hopefully be released to return back to work.  I am so thankful I have six weeks to recover and get my strength up before going back to work.  More so that the longer I wait to return back the closer we are to flu season being over.
 
It's been about six weeks since my last round of chemo.  I am finally getting to the point where I can go all day without having to take a nap.  I have started walking everyday...I go for a walk in the mornings with Sophia and Bailey and we walk about a mile.  I get almost all the way around before I want to stop and rest.  I don't stop, I keep going, I push myself to get home before I sit and rest.  Sophia and Bailey love our walks! It's a perfect way to start the day off!!  I tried for the gym today! I was only there about 30-45 minutes.  I walked on the treadmill for about 15 minutes at a very fast paced walk with a steep incline.  KICKED. MY. ASS.  I then did a few leg and arm machines and was spent.  I want to become a runner.  Many times I have had the same dream.  I am running and it feels so good.  I am just running and running and I just can't get enough of it.  So after having this dream about ten times I have decided its a sign I need to become a runner.  I have made a promise to myself that I will become a runner and I will get in shape and I WILL run the half PF Chang's Marathon next January.  My good friend Christina is a marathon gal.  She has made the commitment to me to train me over the next year to get me ready and she will run the marathon with me next year. The marathon is 13 1/2 miles.  Can you believe it.  I am going to attempt to run 13 1/2 miles.  I didn't say I was going to come in first, or even in the top 300!!! ha ha ha but I will run that damn marathon and I will cross the finish line if it's the last thing I do.  Mark my words! :) I am well on my way! I told her we would start training in March; I have already started a little bit a head of schedule!
 
Next mile marker is my CLEAR PET SCAN in mid March! I know it will be clear! I know we have killed that little poisonous monster living inside of me.  Now just to keep it away and to never return that is the next big step. I will keep you all posted on when my PET Scan is scheduled and when I get my clean bill of health! :) There will be a celebration!
 
As always I thank you, each and every one of you for reading my blog. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown me over the last six months.  Thank you for encouraging me to never give up.  Thank you for all the inspiration.  Thank you for being YOU! I am one lucky girl to have found such beautiful and amazing family and friends.  You all make up a part of me, to you I am thankful.
 
I love you!
XOXO


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Postponed yet again...

Hello one and all.
I was scheduled for my last round of chemotherapy on Monday 01.21.13.  After being in the hospital for a week my Infectious Disease doctor requested I push back chemo from Monday 01.21.13 to  Wednesday 01.23.13.  Which I did.  Once I arrived to chemo on Wednesday 01.23.13, they drew blood work and my levels were too low and they wanted me to push it back yet again to the following Monday 01.28.13.  When I arrived to the Oncology office on Monday 01.28.13 they drew labs once more and my labs were still too low. 
 
Questions start to arise, why are my labs so low for so long? What do we do if they continue to be low?  What is our next course of action?  Well I have an appointment with Dr. Gadichi tomorrow at 11:15am.  I am still on the IV antibiotics she put me on when I was in the hospital.  I will continue to be on these until she says further. I hope we will know more once I see her tomorrow.  I will have more labs drawn on Friday 02.01.13 at Dr. Borst's office.  This will give us some sort of idea if my labs are going up or going down.  I have an appointment with Dr. Borst on Tuesday February 5th.  The appointment time with him is 9:00am.  I am currently scheduled for Chemo at 11:15am this same day.  That being said, I will meet with Dr. Borst on Tuesday, he will do a physical.  He wants to check the spot he did the biopsy on a few weeks ago.  Just due to the fact that I was inpatient for fluid pockets in the pelvis he just wants to do a recheck.  At this appointment he will also talk to me about my labs, and where we go from here.  That means he could decide to stop at 5 rounds.  If he does I just pray those 5 rounds have and will be enough to kill this monster.  He could decide to postpone treatment until my levels are up (no matter how long that is) and add addition rounds of either the same drug or another drug.  He does want additional imaging, I already have orders for another CT Scan of my abdomen and pelvis, but he wants to wait until the IV antibiotics are completely done before the CT scan is done.  By the time I see Dr. Borst on Tuesday, I will have already seen Dr. Gadichi and have answers from her.  Then Tuesday Dr. Borst will put all her answers together with my labs and give me a game plan going forward. 
 
I will keep you all posted as to what Dr. Borst says. 
 
Thank you for all the support and love! :)
Tanya


Friday, January 25, 2013

FREAKING HOME CARE....

 Afternoon! :)
My last post, left off with me getting the transfusion.
The transfusion went well.  I was finished about 430pm.  I got two units of blood.  It is kinda scary thinking about a transfusion. Someone else's blood in my body.  It's creepy. However it saves many many lives at the same time. I have heard from other cancer patients that after getting a transfusion you have lots of energy. This was NOT the case for me. I was exhausted the following day. I just wanted to sleep all day and I did sleep mostly all day.  I didn't have any visitors until about noon on Friday and it felt really good to just sleep.  I saw my ID (Infectious Disease) doctor about 230pm on Friday and she told me I would be able to be released that evening.  They were going to get me set up with Home Health and get the IV antibiotics ordered to get my first dose that night before I went home.  I had my doubts.  I didn't think they would be able to get home health set up that night.  To  my surprise they did.  I had my first dose of the new antibiotics that night and was discharged about 8pm.  I have to say Good Sam is just an absolutely wonderful hospital.  Every time I am in there I have nothing but the best nurses, the best doctors and the over all care they give their patients is just amazing.  When I was discharged on Friday my nurse for the day was leaving at the same time, she says "instead of waiting for them to come up and get you, I'll take you down myself."  She was fantastic! Such a wonderful nurse. 
 
I was home about 9pm and it felt so good to just be home!! Out of that hospital bed and in my own.  Saturday my antibiotics were suppose to be delivered about 5pm.  I got a call at 5pm ON THE DOT saying "I am running an hour behind"  I let him know my Home Health Nurse will be here to do the infusion at 6pm, and my supplies needed to be there before 6pm.  He was there at 559pm with the supplies.  My Home Health Nurse calls and says she is lost about 630pm.  I give her directions and she says "I'll be there in 10 minutes" about 30 minutes later she is finally here.  She was a nice nurse but VERY unorganized.  I finally got my infusion done and it made me sick to my stomach.  I have thrown up more in the past week than I have my whole life...If I never get sick to my stomach again it will be too soon! I just hate that feeling!!!  We had a birthday party to attend on Saturday night as well as Sunday afternoon.  It was a lot to do just being released from the hospital, but I was a champ and I attended.  I was a lump on a log, but I didn't miss them! After the party on Sunday I got home and just passed out for a few hours. 
 
When I went to the ER two Sundays ago they accessed my port, that was a bad experience and painful!!! I have NEVER cried when my port was accessed, I did that day...I just had tears rolling down my face I couldn't hold it in.  I'm not sure the nurse had much experience with port access.  There is cream I use to numb the area, or they have a spray which freezes the area so you don't feel it.  Well this dumb nurse uses the spray then farts around for 15 minutes, of course it's not frozen by now...so I ask if she can use the spray again.  Which she does...then farts around for 15 more minutes...needless to say I wasn't numb and I felt every inch of that needle!  I was released from Good Sam with my port still accessed.  Home Health was under the impression that my port was still accessed and the line would need to be changed out every Sunday until I wasn't on the antibiotics anymore.  This is to cut down on the chances of infection.  So when my second Home Health Nurse came to the house on Sunday I told her I would need the line changed out.  She was very uneasy and hesitant.  I asked her if she could change it she said "yes if I need to" So she takes out the line that was in, and proceeds to clean and sanitize the area.  She pulls the new needle out and starts pressing around on my chest to find my port and sticks the needle in.  I didn't feel anything, no pain nothing.  She then tried to flush it but couldn't.  She tried about 20 times to get the needle in and couldn't do it.  She says she thinks its my port.  I informed her I have had my port for 5 months, I have never had an issue having it accessed, flushed or even getting blood return on it.  She says "hmm...I really think it's your port" UH NO LADY IT'S FREAKING YOU!!!!!  So she says she needs to call her office to see what they want to do.  She asked if she could use my phone so I let her.  She says "nobody is answering, let me get my phone and call another number" she goes outside in which she was out there about 10 minutes and comes in to tell me, they recommend I go to the ER. So she leaves the needle sticking out of my chest and covers it with a tegaderm patch and tells me to take my antibiotics with me and they will do it all at the ER.  So I am off to the ER yet again...and a little pissed off.  Here is to the $140.00 dollar copay that I shouldn't have to pay since BANNER HOME CARE is more than incompetent.  I get to the ER and they got me right in and I even got a nurse that had 16 years experience accessing ports.  I was right at ease.  She was amazing. Like everyone else at Good Sam! :) So I have a few calls into Banner Home Care to make some complaints about the care I received.  I can't believe this! I am even a Banner Employee and I am getting this sort of treatment from a Banner facility.  I am so ashamed right now!!!  Had I gotten into an accident or something and was knocked out, and my port was accessed by the EMT's or the ER they could have blown my vein or my port right out of my chest.  Thank goodness nothing like that happened.  I did tell Banner Home Care I was NOT comfortable having any of their nurses coming to my home and accessing or de-accessing my port.  I contacted my Oncology office and Michelle Dr. Borst's PA told me she would be more than happy to change it out for me every week.  I will have a new line put in next Monday. 
 
I was suppose to have my last round of chemo this past Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Since I was admitted the week prior my ID doctor said to push chemo back at least to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  So I did.  Well I went in on Wednesday and they told me based off my labs (they were drawn on Tuesday) my levels were too low.  They wanted to draw my labs again Wednesday to make sure they hadn't gone up.  All my levels were good to go, except for my platelets.  Dr. Borst said the only way I would get treatment would be if my platelets were 90 or higher.  Mine from Tuesday were 78, then when they redrew them again Wednesday they were 86!! DANG IT...So they said no go for chemo.  My last round was pushed back to next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  This will give my body some time to heal and recover.  I have high hopes my levels will be high and I will get treatment next week!  Once I have my last treatment done, It's just going to be eating healthy, taking my vitamins and exercising.  I have to get healthy and stay healthy!  I don't want this monster coming back! :)
 
I should have a PET Scan in the next coming weeks.  I know I will have a clean scan! :) I will keep you all posted on when that scan is and what the results are when I get them.  I hope to return to work in the next month or so.  I will more than likely go back part time for a few weeks to a month, until I can get my stamina back up.  I am still having to take naps once a day.  I get tired pretty easy.  I am so looking forward to the return of a normal schedule and life.  I know life will never be as it was before August 13th, 2012 but it will be as close to that normal as I can get. 
 
I decided to stop shaving my head, I want my hair back.  I miss my long dark hair so much!!  I last shaved my head on December 8th, 2012.  It has really come in.  I would say I have about a half inch of hair now, and it's straight as can be and DARK DARK!! I keep telling Scott I can't wait until I can run my fingers through my hair, its finally at the length I can do so...well a little bit! :)
 
So today I am just lounging around doing nothing.  Just relaxing.  I am enjoying these next few days of feeling pretty good.  Come Monday the vicious cycle will start all over, but this time for the last time.
 
Thanks for reading and supporting,
 
Tata

Thursday, January 17, 2013

It's my Birthday...I'll transfuse if I want to...

Today is 01.17.13...my birthday! :) I am 28 years old today.
I have been through a lot in my 27th year. Today marks another year of life, another of fighting and most important I made it to 28! :) I never had any doubts I would.
 
I know Ashley has been keep you all informed on what has been going on with me. I thank her very much for being on her toes! :) She really should be been in PR! ha ha
 
So let me update you on what's been going on the last few days...
I was transferred from Banner Gateway Medical Center to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center on the request of wonderful Dr. Borst.  He said it was in my best interest I be transferred since all of my care since I have been diagnosed was done at Good Sam, beside he sees patients at Good Sam so he would be able to follow my care. I arrived at Good Sam on Tuesday about 1230pm.  They hadn't had any orders put in for me yet, so I was taken to my room and was able to just relax and take a nap.  I took a nap for a couple of hours which was much needed as Gateway doesn't believe in letting you sleep!
 
We originally were told we would be able to drain the abscess that has been causing such a fuss. Well after getting to Good Sam and the IR (International Radiologist) doc looked at my CT Scan from Monday he decided it wasn't a good idea to go forward with the drain. It was too big of a risk.  The abscess are too deep into my abdomen to be able to drain it properly.  They could puncture my bowel or my bladder and I would be in a whole new class of infection and problems. 
 
 
So we are back to square one. We waited around all day yesterday waiting for Dr. Bhoola to come in and see me. I finally asked my nurse if and when he would be back. She said not until he did is rounds the following morning...GREAT, so NOW I have to wait 24 more hours to get answers. Well about 3 minutes later she pokes her head back in and says that Dr. Borst is here and will be in to see me shortly.  We were told that he was not at Good Sam this week and we would be seeing his partner Dr. Bhoola.  Well I guess he stopped in anyways. He is a wonderful doctor. I can't say that enough. He confirmed that the fluid pockets (he is not calling them an abscess, as he isn't sure it is an infection) are too deep into my abdomen and can't be drained.  Said they are about the size of a ping pong ball but not as big as a golf ball.  He believes these fluid pockets can be treated with IV antibiotics (like I have been on for several days now).  He wanted to keep me inpatient for a few more days since I am still spiking a fever at least once a day. I hope to be home Friday or Saturday at the latest. 
 
When I am released I will be set up with a Home Health Nurse that will come to my home and administer the IV antibiotics.  The ID (Infectious Disease) doctor wants me to get a dose once a day for 7 days.  She would like for me to complete the entire dose before having chemo, and then have a CT Scan done after antibiotics are done to make sure everything is healed up nicely, before moving on to chemo.  However Dr. Borst says it is very important I keep on my chemo schedule as planned and not postpone chemo is necessary.  There is a possibility that chemo can and will get pushed back a few days.  They want to make sure I am healthy enough to handle the chemo.  Dr. Borst would like me to be fever free for at least 48 hours before they will do chemo.  He is saying there is a chance (with no fever of course) at I am able to do chemo and the IV antibiotic at the same time so I don't have to push back chemo at all.  That was that latest word as of last night about 430pm. 
 
I was very tired and worn out mostly all day yesterday, I was having a lot of pain in my lower back (kidney) area, my bum and bladder.  So I was on pain killers off and on all day.  I finally felt like getting up about 1015pm last night and took a little half bath half shower.  As soon as I got out of the shower I felt 100 times better.  My body wasn't sore anymore and I was clean! ha ha I went all night without pain killers.  I spiked a fever late last night and broke it later last night.  I woke about 6am needing pain killers.  I was dreaming of a poisonous lizard that bit me in the calf, when I came to and saw Dr. Bhoola and his crew in my room! ha ha I hope I wasn't talking in my sleep!! :) He said we were going to change from Tylenol to Motrin to see if that will kick my fever I seem to spike once a night.  I will be put on Lovenox injections nightly for the remainder of my stay.  These help to keep blood clots from forming.  Thirdly my labs looked great this morning, other than my hemoglobin was on the low side showing I was anemic.  He wanted to set me up for a blood transfusion.  Two units of blood, and transfuse over 6 hours.  Each unit will take about 2 hours.  They will be doing the transfusion in my room. The reason for transfusion is that my levels will need to be up and as high up as they can for this last round.  Especially if we will be doing IV antibiotics with chemo. So I know when you hear transfusion one tends to freak out. My platelets were great 95! Up from 29 on Sunday!!! That's awesome! :) So we are just getting the blood to cover our bases for chemo on Monday.  We just started the transfusion and all seems to be going well! :) We will be done in about 4 hours! :)
 
Thanks for Reading and Supporting!
 
Tata


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Fevers...

As many of you know, Miss Tanya was admitted to Banner Gateway Medical Center on Sunday evening for persistent fevers of unknown origin.  She spiked a fever Friday and broke on Saturday, but kept coming back despite Tylenol.  She was taken to the ER on Sunday with what she thought maybe was a Radiation flare up, as she’s had before, and possibly a UTI or something going on with her kidneys.  She experienced pain early in the morning on Monday so she asked for a CT Scan of her Abdomen and Pelvis.  She had the scan yesterday and results came back about 415pm yesterday that she had two abscesses around the sigmoid colon.  There was only one size noted and the abscess measured at 2.3 x 3 cm.  The resident with Dr. Schuster’s group (the general surgeon who did her Gallbladder surgery) stopped by yesterday evening and explained it this way:  Radiation is good because it can be directly given to one specific area, unlike chemo that goes all over the body, however, with radiation it kills the bad and sometimes the good cells, thus making an easy target for bacteria to present and form what she has, an abscess.  Abscesses are fluid, usually pus, filled pockets of infection.  Thus the reason why she’s having fevers. 

She was started on Zosyn, an IV antibiotic and will have a new bag every 6hrs, this medication hopefully will touch the infection, but if the abscesses are too big the antibiotic cannot get to the center to heal them.  This is where Interventional Radiology (IR) would come in and drain them.  They would basically do a fine needle aspiration to remove the fluid, they use CT technology to guide the needle in so it’s less invasive.  The other option is surgery if the abscesses are too small for IR to drain or too big where surgery is needed.  

Tanya said she had a rough night last night, that the pain she’s having in the abdomen and back was its highest at an 8.  This morning Dr. Schuster came in to see her and told he was waiting for the IR doctor to get in so they can talk but ultimately it's his final word on what happens as he is the head surgeon. Said he was sorry this was happening to her and he would fix it as soon as he could.  Made a few jokes and said he would talk to Dr. Borst and make a plan. He said this situation is delicate. It's not just do surgery or go through IR.  He wants to get everyone involved and get answers. There is an infection in there but he doesn't know why or how it go there. He needs answers. So said he would be back later to see her…

Dr. Schuster came back and talked to Dr. Borst and they will be putting a transfer request in to have her transported from Banner Gateway to Banner Good Samaritan sometime today because that’s where Dr. Borst is, her Oncologist.  He said he wholeheartedly believes in his radiologist at Good Sam since that’s the hospital he works out of, so she’s showering and eating then when the transfer goes through she will be taken by ambulance (so she doesn’t get a bill).  They are still thinking the IR can drain them, but Dr. Borst wants her there.  This is good…at least her doctor wants his patient to be taken care of by himself and no one else.

I will keep you up to date as we know what’s going on…please keep her in your prayers and pray everything goes well and she’s home for her 28th birthday on Thursday and that she can still have her 6th and FINAL round of Chemo on the 21st!


Love, Ashley


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A Year for the Books...

HELLO! :)
 
Sorry it's been awhile since I have posted. I got a few texts messages from some of you this past week wondering how I was doing.  SO I figured its past time of updating.
 
Last week (specifically the 2nd, 3rd and 4th) was my 5th round. What a way to bring in the new year! :) I have HIGH hopes this year is going to be nothing short of FANTASTIC!!!!  However, It never fails the day before my first day of each round I get really anxious and my nausea kicks in.  I am almost positive this happens because I know whats in store for me. I know whats about to happen and how I am going to feel. This 5th round wasn't all that bad.  I still sike myself up it though. I just knew this round was going to suck.  My infusion was on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Then I have a few days to feel like crap.  Then I get my neulasta shot on Monday.  Why does this suck you ask....the neulasta shots make my body hurt.  It feels like I have the flu with body aches but the ache is x3!!  So about the time I start feeling good from my infusion I get the shot and now I have to deal with the body aches. This should last a few days and then I'll be in the clear.  :) So I have probably today and tomorrow of feeling crumming and all achy before I'm back to my new normal. Just in time for all the BIRTHDAY parties!!! :) We have  five birthday Parties this month to celebrate, MINE INCLUDED, all within a weeks time!!! I will be the dreaded 28 years old. BLAH! Oh well at least I am not 30 huh Dustin!!! ha ha
 
I know the last time I posted (or one of the last times I posted) I had mentioned how my doctors are possibly wanting to add 4 more rounds.  We still don't have any answers on this.  I will have more information on the 21st.  My last and final round with Chemo will be on 01.23.13.  This is about 2 days earlier than what my last rounds have been.  My rounds now are 3 days of infusion, 4th day injection then off for 21 days.  My last round actually falls on a Wednesday, but they are allowing me to have it on Monday which puts it 2 days early.  I am excited to get it done.  I will have a PET scan done at some point after the 23rd, I just don't know when yet. This will again tell me that I am cancer free! :)  I will follow up ever 3 months to make sure my scans continue to come back clear. They say your in remission when you have been cancer free for two years.  I however say I am cancer free from the day my PET Scan is clear. :) Once I see my doctor on 01.21.13 I will then know more about when my PET Scan will be done, and if I have to do the extra 4 rounds, Also I will know when I am released to return back to work.  I never thought I would be excited to get back to my job.  I am ready for the daily routine more so than the actual job! It will just be nice to be doing SOMETHING during the day! :)
 
I am even planning a "I KICKED CANCERS ASS" Party!!  So let this be your save the date notices, without a date! ha ha :) I'll keep you posted on that when I have a date nailed down! This time we are going BIG!!! ha ha so you all better have your party pants on and be ready to celebrate! I expect you all to be there too! :) None of this "I'll be there" and then not showing up...you know who you are!!! I won't call you out, let this be your warning now!
 
That's about all for now, keep saying your prayers as they are greatly appreciated! :) I can't thank you enough for all the love and support you all have shown me and my family in our time of need.  I truly have surrounded myself with nothing but the most amazing people we have on planet earth! :) Here's to 2013 and a FANTASTIC year!!! :) I know, and I have a strong feeling this is going to be a year for the books! :)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

CONGRATULATIONS...

CONGRATULATIONS...
 
I would like to Congratulate Vickie Johnson on winning the 40 pound Beef Raffle!
 
I would like to just say our raffles are not rigged!! ha ha
There has been a few lucky family members to win the raffles we have put on. 
 
Congratulations again mom for winning the raffle!!!
 
A special thanks to those of you that participated in the raffles and all the other fundraisers we have put on in the past 4 months.  It is greatly appreciated, without each of you none of this would ever be possible.
 
I love you all so much!
 
T


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Crossbow Fundraiser...

Just a quick post...
 
We did the drawing last night for the Crossbow, and we had drawn out Micah Chlarson!
Congratulations Micah, enjoy your new Crossbow!!
Just in time for the Holiday!
 
ENJOY
 
:) 

and the RESULTS...ARE IN...

My results are in and YAY!!
I am very happy to report that my levels are up!! I can't tell you how excited I am.
Finally!
 
I had blood work drawn on Monday and I waited the 10 minutes for the results.  Andrea the RN tells me "your labs are up, but I need to run them past Michele" (she is Dr. Borst's PA) I am freaking out thinking they are still low and I am going to have to start the other chemo drug.
She returns and says "your good to go, your WBC is great, but your platelets are low. We like them at 100 or higher, and they are at 85, so just don't go running around your house with a knife and you should be good" ha ha
 
Such a joker that one!!
I am still waiting to see if I will need to do the other Chemo Drug, if my labs are up next week, we probably won't have to do it! YAY!!
 
I am just so excited!! No more house arrest for this girl! YAHOO!!!
 
Later in the day yesterday I got a call from Michele, (Dr. Borst's PA) with my results for the biopsy they did last Tuesday. She says "Great news, the pathology on the tissue sample we took came back and we have nothing to worry about. The tissue was just inflamed and due to the radiation, that explains the discoloration so your all good! Merry Christmas"
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS is right!!
This and my labs just made it a fantastic day!! I can go up North and just relax and enjoy the family, winter weather and Christmas!
 
I have so much to be thankful for!
 
Thank you everyone for all the prayers, they are greatly appreciated, keep them coming he hears us!
 
Tata

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

PRAYERS...

The power of Prayer is amazing!!!
I have so much to be thankful for and I can't even begin to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
 
I am part of a support group on Face book for SCCC (Small Cell Cervical Cancer) and LCCC (Large Cell Cervical Cancer) a few months ago they posted about the Allyson Whitney Foundation Inc.
I submitted all my necessary information and my essay to the foundation, I got a call yesterday from the foundation Representative telling me I was chosen and they were going to be sending me the Grant.  After a few questions and exchange of some information all was complete. I can't believe it!!! I am so thankful for all this, it's so wonderful. The money will go to the rest of my medical bills. I can't even begin to tell you how thankful and appreciative I am.  I know I have been praying and so have many of you.  I thank you so much for that! :)
Please continue sending prayers up, I know he hears us.
 
On November 5th I had my last Radiation treatment and exam by Dr. Zaky. 
She is my Radiation Oncologist.  When she did my final exam post treatment (this includes a physical) she found a spot on the left at the surgical site.  She descirbed it as either a suture with scar tissue formed around it, or just scar tissue.  She wanted me to see Dr. Borst my Gynecology Oncologist/Surgeon for a second opinion.
 
Today was that day. I have been a nervous wreck for the past three days and my emotions have been running at an all time HIGH! ha ha I went in thinking I was going to be seeing Michelle, Dr. Borst's PA.  As all my treatment and appointments are usually with her. So when I called her today to let her know The Allyson Whitney Foundation Inc. would be calling her today to have the last few questions answered, she asked me if I was in the office.  I was surprised by this, since my chemo appointment today wasn't until 2pm. After sounding shocked and saying "no" she asked I come in about 1145am, as Dr. Borst wouldn't be in the office for a full day and the exam would be with him.
I hung up freaking out...as I was thinking it has to be bad news if I need to see my Surgeon again. I went in and saw Michelle PA first, she did the exam and said she saw just what Dr. Zaky had and she too thought it was just scar tissue, she was going to biopsy it, but wanted to talk to Dr. Borst first.
He came in the room and said it was great to see me and knew I would be holding up well. He then said he wanted to be the one to take a look and see what was going on.  He did another exam and said he saw just what everyone else had. He complimented Dr. Zaky for looking so closely as the spot they are looking at is about the size of a BB. He did the biopsy and said he believes it is just scar tissue that was radiated, but wanted to make sure.  He did the biopsy and will send it off to Pathology.  I will have the results back within 5-7 business days. Please continue to pray for a good Pathology report.  Please pray it is just scar tissue like Dr. Borst thinks.
After seeing Dr. Borst and having my exam, I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  I have been saying my prayers it's not Cancer. I will continue to say my prayers. 
 
I think that about wraps things up. I am sorry to not post often and then all of a sudden 3 back to back! ha ha :)
 
I love you!
 
Tata