How it all started

Hi all-

Still working on #5. Next chemo Oct. 1st.

I have heard that some people didn't know how this all started and I thought I should fill you in.

In March I had a Dr's appt. for a cold or something....I mentioned that when I would go to the bathroom, I felt like I had to go back. Incomplete they call it. We figured hemorriods or something simple. Pushing 50 I was told that a routine colonoscopy was what I needed.
Colonoscopy's are NO BIG DEAL!!!!!!!! YOUR ASLEEP!!!!. The prep is the pits. I remember the nurse talking about polyps.....they would biopsy and call the Doc in a few days. Before I could call they called me and said that 1 of 3 had cancer. I remember being in the bathroom crying
because Laura was in the den and I had no idea what or how to act. I was told to get Jim and come in the next day. In a whirlwind of planning, I was set to have laproscopic surgery
a month later. This was the fix. Remove the part of the colon where the cancer lived and the surrounding area. I had the surgery, was up and walking the next day. Your cured everyone thought. I wanted to wait for the pathology. 7 out of 27 lymph nodes were cancerous. Chemo.
I went from such a lucky girl to an ordinary sick person. But I have friends and co workers who keep my on task and thinking positive. And then there is Jim and the kids. The 3 muskateers.
I am blessed to have them all.
Now you know the rest of the story.

Liz

5 is a charm!!!!

It's a go!

I have been set up for a 50% dose with lots of instructions. I am to notify the Dr. if certain things occur....and not wait. I am also trying to eat even though I don't feel like it. 7 hours and the sensitivity for hands and mouth have already returned. To go from almost normal to crappy so quickly really stinks. But who can argue with crappy or gone!!!!! I can get throughc this and onto 6. After 6 I am gonna go shopping. Not sure what I am gonna get-maybe a horse or zebra! Just kidding. Concentrating on today. Happy thoughts please!!!!!

More after I drop off the pump Friday.

Liz

Tomorrow the 17th is D Day

Hey!

Had a great weekend visiting with my firend Scott from NYC. He flew into Seattle and treated us all to Shrek the Musical. Very good. The show is in previews before going to New York.
Then we brought my friend home where we played tourist for a few days. Scott and I met doing Showboat in 1981. Can't believe I have had a friend so long. He says it works because we only see each other every five years or so.

Need lots of prayers tomorrow. Checking my wieght and numbers. If all OK. we do number 5.
I need to really watch my nutrition and get plenty of rest. I don't want more delays.
Jim has been making these crazy shakes that have a blast of stuff from GNC that has 750 calories. I have had a better appetite this week and am m hoping for the best.

Missing the college and all my volunteer stuff. Will miss the Raider Dancers this year.
Life interupted. Not fair but reality.

Think of me tomorrow.

I will report whats doing.

Thanks



Liz

Free Week

Went to the Dr. yesterday. Have lost too much wieght......never thought I would ever hear those words......and red blood count down. Need another week to recover from #4. Not sure what the reaction will be, but we will try a lower dose and hope for the best. If my body can't handle the chemo I figure the cancer couldn't take it either. I am focusing on the day and not the future.
So I am off to Seattle with my family to met up with an old friend. We are seeing Shrek the musical and then I will bring him home for a few days. We performed together in the early 80's
and I have never been able to shake him. I went to NYC in 84 and shortly after Scott arrived.
He is a native New Yorker now and I can't wait to see him.

so chemo #5 next Wed. cross your fingers.

Liz

Today is a big day

I have been home from the hospital for almost a week and I feel better than I have since I started Chemo. They are trying a new long lasting nausea drug. Today we check all my levels and then maybe tomorrow, try a reduced chemo regimen. I pray for that. I don't delays that push this into 09. I want to finish it now. I am not teaching this fall at the college. Breaks my heart. I love the college and my students. So I am free and available to do nothing but care for me. If I have to lie in my bed and eat rice 3 times a day to stay straight....I will do it.

I am told everyday by someone that they are praying for me and want to help. Food is still being dropped and good wishes are flowing my way. If nothing else I am comforted by my family and community and it means everything.

Planning my 50 1/2 B'day for Feb. Just save every Sat. because we haven't picked a date yet.
Huge blow-out like the Holiday do. Presents required. I am thinking of registering at a few places.......just kidding.

More after the vist to the oncologist.


Liz

Maybe Today!!!!

I might go home today. It has been 9 days and I feel like a pin cushion. Doc is coming by today to check everything. Laura is not feeling well and Jim is having to take care of that as well as everything else. I love him for being a great husband and Dad.

I will let you know if I get sprung.


Liz