Hello again,
War weary from the last chemo, but still running!
This last chemo took a greater toll than the others, much more weakness and fatigue, more serious lesions in the mouth, nausea, etc. etc. BUT I'm finally climbing out of the hole and starting to feel human again.
I had a PET scan done on the 19th. We got the results on the 21st, the date of my next chemo, and I am happy to say the results were good! There was no further growth of cancer cells and Dr. Constantinou informed us that the chemo treatments can be reduced to 6 instead of 8 or 9. That means my last one will be 11th of June! Big Lake here we come! We hope to spend July there, at least.
I will need to return to Quad cities for a check in 4 months and continue those checks on a 4 to 6 month basis.
I was relieved that I won't have to have the last two or three chemos as they seem to get harder on your body, the more you have.
Lynne and Jamie and girls will be visiting the last of June as well as granddaughter Tiffany who is coming from Switzerland to visit. We will be making the trek home after that.
Because I have two kinds of Lymphoma, follicular lymphoma which transformed into diffuse (fast growing) B cell lymphoma I will need to continually do follow up physicals and tests as the follicular lymphoma cells could transform once again, but we can deal with that!
Sooo, things are finally looking up here in the Quad Cities and we are looking forward to grandson Nick's high school graduation this next week.
Thanks for being patient with my lack of postings. It is difficult for me to get my head together and the energy to do the posts after the chemo treatments. Once I start feeling better it's much easier.
Bless you all!
Fran
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Back Again
I'm finally getting back to (sort of) normal after my last chemo on the 30th of April. All of you who will read this, thanks for sticking with me!
I have another PET scan scheduled for the 19th. It should show whether the Chemo is working or at least how well it is working. We are hoping for the best, but must accept and deal with whatever happens.
The weather here in Moline is getting warm which makes me long for a visit to Big Lake. We miss the lake and all our friends there. Hopefully we will be able to travel there before the snow flies again.
We are still contemplating finding a place to winter here in Moline near our doctors. Not a good time to sell but maybe a good time to buy?
Jim is busy working on another solar heating device. It keeps him busy, which as you all know, he needs to be.
The household here is preparing for Nick's graduation in June. He'll be off to college in August.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers and happy birthday to my special Mother's Day gift 52 years ago, Dr. Jim.
Thanks again for all your patience and kind attention and cards and phone calls and books. All are SO appreciated.
Love, Fran
I have another PET scan scheduled for the 19th. It should show whether the Chemo is working or at least how well it is working. We are hoping for the best, but must accept and deal with whatever happens.
The weather here in Moline is getting warm which makes me long for a visit to Big Lake. We miss the lake and all our friends there. Hopefully we will be able to travel there before the snow flies again.
We are still contemplating finding a place to winter here in Moline near our doctors. Not a good time to sell but maybe a good time to buy?
Jim is busy working on another solar heating device. It keeps him busy, which as you all know, he needs to be.
The household here is preparing for Nick's graduation in June. He'll be off to college in August.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers and happy birthday to my special Mother's Day gift 52 years ago, Dr. Jim.
Thanks again for all your patience and kind attention and cards and phone calls and books. All are SO appreciated.
Love, Fran
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Spring!
It's Spring and I'm still running!
I finished my third Chemo session on the ninth. Lynne and family were visiting here in Moline and Lynne came along to view the process. It was nice having her there. All went well, but of course with the usual repercussions for the next ten days.
We have had lots of visitors this month, children and grandchildren came in from all over the country. It was great to see everyone, a great get-together.
My fourth Chemo is the 30th of April. Sometimes they do another PET scan, if the insurance company agrees, to see how the therapy is working. If all is going well that means my treatments MAY be shorter, that is 6 instead of the 8 that are scheduled. We are hopeful.
I still have a very small amount of hair and it seems to have stopped falling out so I'm not totally bald yet at least. I am wearing the wig that I got from Jim and Anne for my birthday, on special occasions and my cute little hairy caps most other times. I am looking forward to wearing the straw hats that I received from Jen and Joe, when the sun gets really hot this summer.
Much thanks to all of you who took the time to send flowers and cards for my birthday, they were very much appreciated.
I am feeling well, although not as strong, most of the time except for the 10 days following the chemo. I kind of crawl into a hole for that period of time but things get gradually better after that.
Love to all
I finished my third Chemo session on the ninth. Lynne and family were visiting here in Moline and Lynne came along to view the process. It was nice having her there. All went well, but of course with the usual repercussions for the next ten days.
We have had lots of visitors this month, children and grandchildren came in from all over the country. It was great to see everyone, a great get-together.
My fourth Chemo is the 30th of April. Sometimes they do another PET scan, if the insurance company agrees, to see how the therapy is working. If all is going well that means my treatments MAY be shorter, that is 6 instead of the 8 that are scheduled. We are hopeful.
I still have a very small amount of hair and it seems to have stopped falling out so I'm not totally bald yet at least. I am wearing the wig that I got from Jim and Anne for my birthday, on special occasions and my cute little hairy caps most other times. I am looking forward to wearing the straw hats that I received from Jen and Joe, when the sun gets really hot this summer.
Much thanks to all of you who took the time to send flowers and cards for my birthday, they were very much appreciated.
I am feeling well, although not as strong, most of the time except for the 10 days following the chemo. I kind of crawl into a hole for that period of time but things get gradually better after that.
Love to all
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hello Again,
The real me is back and ready to blog again.
My last chemo was the 19th of March. The treatment went well. Had the usual repercussions but the exhaustion and weakness seem to get more intense as we go, however it lasts about 10 days and then I start feeling better.
I had a little side trip to hospital on the 23rd. I was having some unstable angina so Dr. Jim advised a trip to hospital where he had a cardiac doctor friend of his waiting. They whisked me into the catherization lab pronto but before Dr. Boba did the procedure, he had all attending sing happy birthday for me. Well, it really was my 75th you know!
All went well and I just need a change in medication. We came home that evening and had cake and ice cream for the old gal.
Well, the hair is just about all gone and Anne and I picked up my wig just in time. I still wear my little fuzzy caps from Linda and Bev most of the time though. I'm going to have to order a white one for summer I think.
We have guests coming to visit In April. Philipp and Claire from Germany will be here the first week and the Morrises, et al, will spend the week before Easter with us. Ben is coming around the ninth and Joe around the 18th.
It should be a busy and fun month.
Thank you all for your patience with my lack of blogging spells but I hope you do still keep in touch. It means a lot.
Love you all
Fran
The real me is back and ready to blog again.
My last chemo was the 19th of March. The treatment went well. Had the usual repercussions but the exhaustion and weakness seem to get more intense as we go, however it lasts about 10 days and then I start feeling better.
I had a little side trip to hospital on the 23rd. I was having some unstable angina so Dr. Jim advised a trip to hospital where he had a cardiac doctor friend of his waiting. They whisked me into the catherization lab pronto but before Dr. Boba did the procedure, he had all attending sing happy birthday for me. Well, it really was my 75th you know!
All went well and I just need a change in medication. We came home that evening and had cake and ice cream for the old gal.
Well, the hair is just about all gone and Anne and I picked up my wig just in time. I still wear my little fuzzy caps from Linda and Bev most of the time though. I'm going to have to order a white one for summer I think.
We have guests coming to visit In April. Philipp and Claire from Germany will be here the first week and the Morrises, et al, will spend the week before Easter with us. Ben is coming around the ninth and Joe around the 18th.
It should be a busy and fun month.
Thank you all for your patience with my lack of blogging spells but I hope you do still keep in touch. It means a lot.
Love you all
Fran
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Hello again,
It's been a good week! Been feeling great. Tummy issues under control, thanks to Jim and Anne's good care.
Anne took me to a wig salon Thursday. We had great fun. I tried on all shapes and colors and Anne laughed and gave a thumbs up or thumbs down sign. We ended up picking out two that looked pretty good and the other customers in the salon voted on the one they liked best. We should be taking possession in a couple of days.
Jim took a trip home today. He just called and said he found a flying squirrel in the toilet when he got home! There's probably 20 more of them just waiting to take over my house when he leaves.
Chemo on Thursday coming up next week. I hope it goes as well as the last one.
Love you All
It's been a good week! Been feeling great. Tummy issues under control, thanks to Jim and Anne's good care.
Anne took me to a wig salon Thursday. We had great fun. I tried on all shapes and colors and Anne laughed and gave a thumbs up or thumbs down sign. We ended up picking out two that looked pretty good and the other customers in the salon voted on the one they liked best. We should be taking possession in a couple of days.
Jim took a trip home today. He just called and said he found a flying squirrel in the toilet when he got home! There's probably 20 more of them just waiting to take over my house when he leaves.
Chemo on Thursday coming up next week. I hope it goes as well as the last one.
Love you All
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Hair
Hey gang,
It's been a pretty good week. Still have a little problem with the tummy but believe me , I'm NOT complaining. I feel very lucky so far.
I finally got my hair cut by a very talkative Vietnamese lady. She really took it OFF. I look like a boy now. That gal just kept on talking. The faster she talked the more she cut. Oh well, it's all coming off anyway. I sure don't have to worry about my doo now.
Anne and I will try to go wigging tomorrow.
More Chemo next week. Mmmm, can't wait.
Thanks for all the comments, they mean a lot.
Fran
It's been a pretty good week. Still have a little problem with the tummy but believe me , I'm NOT complaining. I feel very lucky so far.
I finally got my hair cut by a very talkative Vietnamese lady. She really took it OFF. I look like a boy now. That gal just kept on talking. The faster she talked the more she cut. Oh well, it's all coming off anyway. I sure don't have to worry about my doo now.
Anne and I will try to go wigging tomorrow.
More Chemo next week. Mmmm, can't wait.
Thanks for all the comments, they mean a lot.
Fran
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Chemical Reaction
HELLO ONCE AGAIN,
Sorry for the long time between blogs. Last week was a real learning experience.
One of the chemicals used in my treatment can affect the mucus membranes and it did. It caused acute indigestion and mouth tenderness. Jim and Anne were on top of it though and gave me the necessary treatment. I think we finally have it figured out. I am very careful about my diet now and eat a lot of liquids and softer foods. Cold foods, like ice cream or popcicles really help too. I also eat smaller meals every three or so hours.
I'm feeling better but get tired easily and feel a little weak sometimes.
Thanks to Linda and Bev for the cute head covers. My hair is still hanging in there but getting thinner. I'm sure one of these mornings I will brush and find a handful of hair, but I have my covers now, so let er rip.
My next treatment is March 19th. Wish me luck.
Thanks again for your kind words, they make me feel loved.
Sorry for the long time between blogs. Last week was a real learning experience.
One of the chemicals used in my treatment can affect the mucus membranes and it did. It caused acute indigestion and mouth tenderness. Jim and Anne were on top of it though and gave me the necessary treatment. I think we finally have it figured out. I am very careful about my diet now and eat a lot of liquids and softer foods. Cold foods, like ice cream or popcicles really help too. I also eat smaller meals every three or so hours.
I'm feeling better but get tired easily and feel a little weak sometimes.
Thanks to Linda and Bev for the cute head covers. My hair is still hanging in there but getting thinner. I'm sure one of these mornings I will brush and find a handful of hair, but I have my covers now, so let er rip.
My next treatment is March 19th. Wish me luck.
Thanks again for your kind words, they make me feel loved.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Chemo Day
Yesterday was Chemo day. It went quite well and I tolerated even the most potent drugs, SO FAR, that is. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. Hopefully the repercussions will be mild. So far, so good though.
Want to thank you all once again for your blogs, you can't imagine how important they are!
Next will be shopping for a wig. I'm open to ideas as to color and welcome any ideas.
Love you All,
Fran
Want to thank you all once again for your blogs, you can't imagine how important they are!
Next will be shopping for a wig. I'm open to ideas as to color and welcome any ideas.
Love you All,
Fran
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thanks again for the kind and encouraging comments you all have sent. I treasure them.
This week has been almost normal. No doctors, no tests and no hospitals! Yahoo!
The surgery sites are mending well and not so uncomfortable now.
I spend time reading, emailing and researching on the computer. I also try to spend some time with the kids each day. They are pretty amazing. Emma MUST see Grandma's booboo every day when she gets home from school. She seems quite fascinated with the port in particular. Jim and I go shopping some days and went to a movie this week. We saw Slumdog Millionaire, a super movie.
I start the Chemo treatments tomorrow. We shall see how it goes.
Love and Thanks to you all,
Fran
This week has been almost normal. No doctors, no tests and no hospitals! Yahoo!
The surgery sites are mending well and not so uncomfortable now.
I spend time reading, emailing and researching on the computer. I also try to spend some time with the kids each day. They are pretty amazing. Emma MUST see Grandma's booboo every day when she gets home from school. She seems quite fascinated with the port in particular. Jim and I go shopping some days and went to a movie this week. We saw Slumdog Millionaire, a super movie.
I start the Chemo treatments tomorrow. We shall see how it goes.
Love and Thanks to you all,
Fran
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I've been ported
Hey, I'm still here!
All went well. Dr. Kontos, the surgeon, did his usual excellent job. I was in and out of the operating room in a couple of hours. He and I have a special relationship and he always kisses me, which shocked everyone in the room, but we didn't care. We are probably the talk of the Quad Cities by now!!
I was pretty sore when the meds wore off but they gave me some vicodin to take home and that got me through the night. I've been taking it easy today and starting to feel pretty good. Still taking the vicodin however.
I was instructed not to take a shower until the needle is taken out though, and that won't be until a week from tomorrow! Uck.
Thanks again all you wonderful friends for your great support. Keep on blogging!
Love you all
All went well. Dr. Kontos, the surgeon, did his usual excellent job. I was in and out of the operating room in a couple of hours. He and I have a special relationship and he always kisses me, which shocked everyone in the room, but we didn't care. We are probably the talk of the Quad Cities by now!!
I was pretty sore when the meds wore off but they gave me some vicodin to take home and that got me through the night. I've been taking it easy today and starting to feel pretty good. Still taking the vicodin however.
I was instructed not to take a shower until the needle is taken out though, and that won't be until a week from tomorrow! Uck.
Thanks again all you wonderful friends for your great support. Keep on blogging!
Love you all
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Port
Hello once again,
Today is the day a port will be placed under the skin on my chest through which the chemical injections will be made once every three weeks. There will be about 8 injections.
It looks like Jim and Anne will be able to claim us on their income tax for 2009. They have been very generous and insist that we stay here for the entire treatment. It is comforting to have two doctors caring so closely for you at a time like this. We are very thankful!
The actual chemo will be started a week from Thursday in Davenport where Dr. Constantinou's office is located. It will take 6 hours a session to get the job done. This particular treatment is called CHOP. The letters stand for each type of medicine that will be used in my treatment.
The Yorkies are adjusting and May, the family dog on the premises, is adjusting too. Maggie still thinks she's top dog, however.
Wish me luck today gang, I'm going to need it. I hate the thought of getting on that table at the hospital again so soon.
Love you all.
Today is the day a port will be placed under the skin on my chest through which the chemical injections will be made once every three weeks. There will be about 8 injections.
It looks like Jim and Anne will be able to claim us on their income tax for 2009. They have been very generous and insist that we stay here for the entire treatment. It is comforting to have two doctors caring so closely for you at a time like this. We are very thankful!
The actual chemo will be started a week from Thursday in Davenport where Dr. Constantinou's office is located. It will take 6 hours a session to get the job done. This particular treatment is called CHOP. The letters stand for each type of medicine that will be used in my treatment.
The Yorkies are adjusting and May, the family dog on the premises, is adjusting too. Maggie still thinks she's top dog, however.
Wish me luck today gang, I'm going to need it. I hate the thought of getting on that table at the hospital again so soon.
Love you all.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
RX All Week
Hi Again,
I posted a new blog a few hours ago and lo and behold when I checked it a few minutes ago it ended up on the Petre Family Blog site! So, we'll try again.
We returned to Moline on Monday afternoon. Tuesday was the Pet scan which took about two hours, followed by a trip to the hospital lab for another blood draw. Wednesday was a return visit to the surgeon's office to check out another lump under my arm. It turned out to be just a hemotoma, nothing to worry about and will disappear in a couple of months. Tomorrow, Thursday, we go for the stress test to make sure the ole heart is tough enough to handle the chemicals that will be injected into my body by a port to be installed in my chest by the surgeon on another day.
As you can see, they are keeping us busy.RX
I see the oncologist on Friday and will find out when and how often I will be receiving the chemo treatments.
I want to take a .moment to thank you all for your blogs to my site. It's good to hear from you all and helps me keep centered and keep my sense of humor, so keep 'em coming!
Love to All
I posted a new blog a few hours ago and lo and behold when I checked it a few minutes ago it ended up on the Petre Family Blog site! So, we'll try again.
We returned to Moline on Monday afternoon. Tuesday was the Pet scan which took about two hours, followed by a trip to the hospital lab for another blood draw. Wednesday was a return visit to the surgeon's office to check out another lump under my arm. It turned out to be just a hemotoma, nothing to worry about and will disappear in a couple of months. Tomorrow, Thursday, we go for the stress test to make sure the ole heart is tough enough to handle the chemicals that will be injected into my body by a port to be installed in my chest by the surgeon on another day.
As you can see, they are keeping us busy.RX
I see the oncologist on Friday and will find out when and how often I will be receiving the chemo treatments.
I want to take a .moment to thank you all for your blogs to my site. It's good to hear from you all and helps me keep centered and keep my sense of humor, so keep 'em coming!
Love to All
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hi Ya'll,
We are home in Howell for the weekend. The visit to the Oncologist was interesting. He said I have two kinds of Lymphoma and after a couple of more tests to see if my little ole heart will tolerate the chemo, we should be able to start a chemo program the following week.
We came home to arrange things like mail, bank, taxes, etc, and to pack a few more things for the longer stay. We should know after the tests this week how long the treatment will be, perhaps something like 30 to 40 days, but chemo everyday! Oh boy!
We are taking Maggie and Molly back to Moline with us. Jamie and Lea and Carlee have taken very good care of them so far, but we miss them and they miss us. Jim and Anne said it would be ok to bring them along.
Gotta go, lots to do before my chemo buzz.
Love you all,
Mom
We are home in Howell for the weekend. The visit to the Oncologist was interesting. He said I have two kinds of Lymphoma and after a couple of more tests to see if my little ole heart will tolerate the chemo, we should be able to start a chemo program the following week.
We came home to arrange things like mail, bank, taxes, etc, and to pack a few more things for the longer stay. We should know after the tests this week how long the treatment will be, perhaps something like 30 to 40 days, but chemo everyday! Oh boy!
We are taking Maggie and Molly back to Moline with us. Jamie and Lea and Carlee have taken very good care of them so far, but we miss them and they miss us. Jim and Anne said it would be ok to bring them along.
Gotta go, lots to do before my chemo buzz.
Love you all,
Mom
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Still Running!
Just a note to let you all know this is the day we see the oncologist. Hopefully he will tell us about treatments, what kind and when they will start. In the mean time we are hoping to make a quick trip back to Howell this weekend to prepare for the longer stay in Moline.
We will get back to you with the info from the doctor next.
We will get back to you with the info from the doctor next.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Grim Reaper is on my ass but I'm still running as fast as I can!
Hello Everyone,
This blog has been set up to keep everyone informed of my recovery. When new information is available, I will post it on this site.
We hope to return to Michigan in a few days to get some household things taken care of then I will return to Moline for treatment.
I will be checking my e-mail as well as this blog on a regular basis.
My address in Moline is:
c/o Jim & Anne Petre
7810 35th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
Feel free to keep in touch.
Love,
Fran
This blog has been set up to keep everyone informed of my recovery. When new information is available, I will post it on this site.
We hope to return to Michigan in a few days to get some household things taken care of then I will return to Moline for treatment.
I will be checking my e-mail as well as this blog on a regular basis.
My address in Moline is:
c/o Jim & Anne Petre
7810 35th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
Feel free to keep in touch.
Love,
Fran
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