July 6, 09 Tuesday
It was a great day for Val and she is very proud of herself and what she has accomplished today. She dressed, rode down to Foss Street in Barre and walked from her house to the end and back!! She went into her parents house after her walk. This was the first time since last summer she has been there!!! She has been thinking and planning this walk and visit to her house for several weeks so all of us are smiling from ear to ear for her today.
Mary the visiting nurse came this morning before her walk and this afternoon after her walk. The reason was the regular blood was drawn this morning with the WBC unchanged, but low. The RBC is also low at 8.4. Val's fever was up to 100.9 last night. The MD requested a second round of blood to be drawn along with a urine sample and a chest wound culture (I think)
Despite the fever, Val did not let it hold her back and she did something she has been wanting to do ...the walk.. go get'em Val!! Carpe diem..
Love and prayers to Val.......LoveSsalynn
Monday, July 6, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4, 09 Saturday
Happy fourth of July to all the followers. Dad and Val spent the day fighting the fever that was present yesterday as well. She was running a 100.5 both days which lowers slightly with a vicoden. This is the fever temperature to call the MD, but since the nurse Mary is coming tomorrow there is no real urgency to call. Dad would like Mary to call the MD office and get orders to draw blood tomorrow on Monday as her RBC count is low at 8.4. The white blood cell count is low also, but he didn't tell me the number. The fever can be of unknown origin or from the chest wound site so nurse Mary will take a look at it tomorrow. We already know the wound carries a staph bacteria.
Val plans to have chemo this Friday July 10 and Friday the 17 . Our whole family (Ryan from TX, myself from NJ and Baine from Morrisville Vt are all at Alison 's for the Fourth) is in town so someone will drive them to and from chemo on Friday and someone will visit with them during chemo as well.
This is suppose to be the "best week" in between chemo cycles so lets say some psoitive things. Val was in good spirits talking and laughing when we all stopped for a short 45 minute visit on Wednesday. That was the first time she has seen her grandchildren (with the exception of Reed and Jazanne) since last Aug 08. Almost a whole year has passed, as we have kept our young children away due to germ reasons and her risk of catching almost anything that comes to her new. She has had a couple of better nights enjoying some TV time with Dad at night. She even mentioned to Dad she wanted to take a walk on Foss Street in Barre when the rain stops. It is nice she has the desire to do some special things.
Love and Prayers to Val always......Salynn
Happy fourth of July to all the followers. Dad and Val spent the day fighting the fever that was present yesterday as well. She was running a 100.5 both days which lowers slightly with a vicoden. This is the fever temperature to call the MD, but since the nurse Mary is coming tomorrow there is no real urgency to call. Dad would like Mary to call the MD office and get orders to draw blood tomorrow on Monday as her RBC count is low at 8.4. The white blood cell count is low also, but he didn't tell me the number. The fever can be of unknown origin or from the chest wound site so nurse Mary will take a look at it tomorrow. We already know the wound carries a staph bacteria.
Val plans to have chemo this Friday July 10 and Friday the 17 . Our whole family (Ryan from TX, myself from NJ and Baine from Morrisville Vt are all at Alison 's for the Fourth) is in town so someone will drive them to and from chemo on Friday and someone will visit with them during chemo as well.
This is suppose to be the "best week" in between chemo cycles so lets say some psoitive things. Val was in good spirits talking and laughing when we all stopped for a short 45 minute visit on Wednesday. That was the first time she has seen her grandchildren (with the exception of Reed and Jazanne) since last Aug 08. Almost a whole year has passed, as we have kept our young children away due to germ reasons and her risk of catching almost anything that comes to her new. She has had a couple of better nights enjoying some TV time with Dad at night. She even mentioned to Dad she wanted to take a walk on Foss Street in Barre when the rain stops. It is nice she has the desire to do some special things.
Love and Prayers to Val always......Salynn
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday June 29, 09 eleven days past last chemo
Val continues to read her mail so if anyone wants to send her a note she loves to hear from you.
Baine helped Dad wash the windows by Val's hospital bed so her view of the outdoors is much clearer. She sees Fuller on the lawn and the humming birds at her feeder.
We were proud of Val as she was not in the hospital nor did she need a blood transfusion since the last two chemo's. (Yea!! That was actually great) She continues to run the low grade fever on and off, but until it reaches 100.5 they don't even count it as a fever. The fever is either unexplainable or the fact that she did come back positive for a staph infection at the chest tube wound site, but it was not MRSA.
It has been a rough eleven days with that gross feeling in her mouth returning and causing a lack of appetite along with more pain and more fatigue. This past week Dad brought her breakfast to her in the bedroom and sometimes lunch too. However, Val went downstairs every day to the hospital bed so her parents didn't have to climb the stairs to see her. I consider this a great feat also as she continues to do the stairs! That is good for her lung health and her overall strength. Dad stated today that she is a little stronger as she needs less help rising from the toilet.
Last week Thursday, Val made the decision to change her primary care physician to Dr. Nicole Belinger, a physician in Barre. Val had to get dressed and go out for an appointment which was exhausting in itself. However, to both her and Dad's surprise was an positive, compassionate, thorough physical. This doctor had definately read all of Val's reports and knew what she had been through thus far. This doctor will coordinate with Dr Eltabacht all the medicines and treatments. This way if Val needs or wants to see a doctor she can go in Barre instead of all the way to Burlington. We are happy for Val for standing up for herself and getting a new MD that she really liked and one whom she can gain new trust in.
Val is scheduled to have her next chemo on July 10 and July 17. If she delays this chemo, Dad and I could take her to Maine that weekend or the weekend of Aug 1. First and foremost, Val has to WANT to do this for herself, this is NOT for me, Dad or any of her friends. If she wants this, Dad and I will make it happen. There are so many factors, her strength, her need for oxygen, her medications, her need for a rental wheelchair, her infection, her visiting nurse schedule, etc., etc., a big list, but one that could definitely be accomplished. Val will make the decision herself.
Love and prayers to Val always.........Salynn
(apologies to all who follow the blog as I was not near a computer for a week. If anyone needs a phone update please feel free to call me on my cell phone at any time 908-337-2983)
Val continues to read her mail so if anyone wants to send her a note she loves to hear from you.
Baine helped Dad wash the windows by Val's hospital bed so her view of the outdoors is much clearer. She sees Fuller on the lawn and the humming birds at her feeder.
We were proud of Val as she was not in the hospital nor did she need a blood transfusion since the last two chemo's. (Yea!! That was actually great) She continues to run the low grade fever on and off, but until it reaches 100.5 they don't even count it as a fever. The fever is either unexplainable or the fact that she did come back positive for a staph infection at the chest tube wound site, but it was not MRSA.
It has been a rough eleven days with that gross feeling in her mouth returning and causing a lack of appetite along with more pain and more fatigue. This past week Dad brought her breakfast to her in the bedroom and sometimes lunch too. However, Val went downstairs every day to the hospital bed so her parents didn't have to climb the stairs to see her. I consider this a great feat also as she continues to do the stairs! That is good for her lung health and her overall strength. Dad stated today that she is a little stronger as she needs less help rising from the toilet.
Last week Thursday, Val made the decision to change her primary care physician to Dr. Nicole Belinger, a physician in Barre. Val had to get dressed and go out for an appointment which was exhausting in itself. However, to both her and Dad's surprise was an positive, compassionate, thorough physical. This doctor had definately read all of Val's reports and knew what she had been through thus far. This doctor will coordinate with Dr Eltabacht all the medicines and treatments. This way if Val needs or wants to see a doctor she can go in Barre instead of all the way to Burlington. We are happy for Val for standing up for herself and getting a new MD that she really liked and one whom she can gain new trust in.
Val is scheduled to have her next chemo on July 10 and July 17. If she delays this chemo, Dad and I could take her to Maine that weekend or the weekend of Aug 1. First and foremost, Val has to WANT to do this for herself, this is NOT for me, Dad or any of her friends. If she wants this, Dad and I will make it happen. There are so many factors, her strength, her need for oxygen, her medications, her need for a rental wheelchair, her infection, her visiting nurse schedule, etc., etc., a big list, but one that could definitely be accomplished. Val will make the decision herself.
Love and prayers to Val always.........Salynn
(apologies to all who follow the blog as I was not near a computer for a week. If anyone needs a phone update please feel free to call me on my cell phone at any time 908-337-2983)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday June 19, 09 Second cycle of Gemzar and Docetaxel
Val was feeling well last night and into today as she began the pre treatment steroids at dinner last night. I will attest for her that she is eating much better; french toast for breakfast, egg salad sandwich for lunch with a big peanut butter cookie, and pasta with sauce for dinner with garlic bread. As a treat, I made some chocolate chip cookies and bought some strawberry sorbet for dessert.
Val received both chemo drugs at 80% today. This is considered her second cycle. The treatments are every 21 days one Friday followed by the next Friday is considered one cycle. We asked if we delayed the next treatment by one or two weeks to get her to Maine (if she wants to go for a long weekend) how would that impact her treatment. He said that would be fine and wouldn't hurt Val. The doctor said a repeat CAT scan would be done after cycle number 3 or 4. He also said that he won't change her type of chemo after the Cat scan results. This is the chemo she will continue to receive.
The Doctor explained to Val, Dad and I that Val has a rare type of ovarian cancer that is resistant to chemo therapy. The chemo is not curative, but definitely slowing down the rate of cancer progression. The doctor said of course it is her choice to continue or not the chemo treatments. He instructed her to decide herself when the side effects of the chemo were too much. As of right, now she wants to continue.
Val's hemoglobin went from 6.7 to 9.4 (normal is 11.8-15.8). Val's RBC went from 2.23 to 3.02 (normal is 3.8- 5.2). Her platelets remain on the low side at 102 (normal is 150-400). The WBC went from a 4.0 to 7.1 (normal is 4-10). Her neutraphil count is 3.19 ( normal is 1.8-7.8).
Val received a shot to day which will boost her RBC production over the next 2-3 weeks called Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa). The VNA nurse will come tomorrow on Saturday to give her the Neulasta shot which will boost her WBC count over the next week. The unexplainable low grade fever Val has been running remains unexplainable or could be just her body response to the fight between the cancer and chemo.
It has been a special weekend between Baine's oldest son Cote graduating High School on Thursday night to helping Val and Dad at chemo and at home.
Love and Prayers to Val always.....Salynn
Val was feeling well last night and into today as she began the pre treatment steroids at dinner last night. I will attest for her that she is eating much better; french toast for breakfast, egg salad sandwich for lunch with a big peanut butter cookie, and pasta with sauce for dinner with garlic bread. As a treat, I made some chocolate chip cookies and bought some strawberry sorbet for dessert.
Val received both chemo drugs at 80% today. This is considered her second cycle. The treatments are every 21 days one Friday followed by the next Friday is considered one cycle. We asked if we delayed the next treatment by one or two weeks to get her to Maine (if she wants to go for a long weekend) how would that impact her treatment. He said that would be fine and wouldn't hurt Val. The doctor said a repeat CAT scan would be done after cycle number 3 or 4. He also said that he won't change her type of chemo after the Cat scan results. This is the chemo she will continue to receive.
The Doctor explained to Val, Dad and I that Val has a rare type of ovarian cancer that is resistant to chemo therapy. The chemo is not curative, but definitely slowing down the rate of cancer progression. The doctor said of course it is her choice to continue or not the chemo treatments. He instructed her to decide herself when the side effects of the chemo were too much. As of right, now she wants to continue.
Val's hemoglobin went from 6.7 to 9.4 (normal is 11.8-15.8). Val's RBC went from 2.23 to 3.02 (normal is 3.8- 5.2). Her platelets remain on the low side at 102 (normal is 150-400). The WBC went from a 4.0 to 7.1 (normal is 4-10). Her neutraphil count is 3.19 ( normal is 1.8-7.8).
Val received a shot to day which will boost her RBC production over the next 2-3 weeks called Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa). The VNA nurse will come tomorrow on Saturday to give her the Neulasta shot which will boost her WBC count over the next week. The unexplainable low grade fever Val has been running remains unexplainable or could be just her body response to the fight between the cancer and chemo.
It has been a special weekend between Baine's oldest son Cote graduating High School on Thursday night to helping Val and Dad at chemo and at home.
Love and Prayers to Val always.....Salynn
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday June 18th
I spoke with Dad this morning. The visiting nurse was at the house yesterday to take blood and the red blood cell count was down to 6.8. Val had to go to the hospital and received 2 pints of blood. They were released and back home by around 7:30 or so last night. Val slept pretty well and felt pretty good today. I did not get an update on the fever she had been having the last couple of days so hopefully that was gone as well. Dad was helping her get a shower this morning so that is a good sign that her energy was ok. Val has been eating small meals and since her energy is good hopefully that will continue. Salynn is flying up today to help with the planned trip to Burlington tomorrow for chemo. We are all praying it goes well as it is a large dose that is planned.
Love and Prayers for VAl !!!
Ryan
Love and Prayers for VAl !!!
Ryan
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday June 14, 09 Two days past chemo #??10 ( I actually forget)
Val did not receive RBC on Friday as her count went from 8 to 8.8 (normal is 12-14). She did receive the gemzar chemo at 20% less than the 100% she got last time because she is soooo weak. She was the weakest ever at chemo and basically slept through the chemo. She didn't really remember the event at all that much the next morning on Saturday. Her next chemo is scheduled for this coming Friday, June 19 where she will receive the Gemzar and the Docetaxol chemo. She will receive a special shot Saturday after this chemo which will help to maintain her WBC (white blood cell) count high. We hope to keep her out of the hospital free from infections which comes from the low WBC.
Dad thinks Val received some steroids on Friday at chemo because she seemed to bounce back by Saturday afternoon and have almost a complete 360 turn around. By dinner she was feeling much better, more alert and asking to see the chinese menu for take out. They sat at the dinner table for dinner together which hasn't happened in a long time. Val continues to come downstairs daily and use her hospital bed. She is able to see Fuller outside, see Dad getting the mail, watch humming birds at the feeder at her window and watch Dad in the kitchen. Some vantage point!! Val's oxygen was increased from 1.5 to 2% oxygen as of Friday also. This she uses constantly.
Val's fentanly pain patch was increased from 75 to 100 as of last Friday. Val was able to go 24 hours before needing one Vicoden pain pill. Mary the VNA (visiting nurse association) nurse recommended changing this patch every two days instead of every three days for better pain control.
Love and Prayers to Val always....Salynn
Val did not receive RBC on Friday as her count went from 8 to 8.8 (normal is 12-14). She did receive the gemzar chemo at 20% less than the 100% she got last time because she is soooo weak. She was the weakest ever at chemo and basically slept through the chemo. She didn't really remember the event at all that much the next morning on Saturday. Her next chemo is scheduled for this coming Friday, June 19 where she will receive the Gemzar and the Docetaxol chemo. She will receive a special shot Saturday after this chemo which will help to maintain her WBC (white blood cell) count high. We hope to keep her out of the hospital free from infections which comes from the low WBC.
Dad thinks Val received some steroids on Friday at chemo because she seemed to bounce back by Saturday afternoon and have almost a complete 360 turn around. By dinner she was feeling much better, more alert and asking to see the chinese menu for take out. They sat at the dinner table for dinner together which hasn't happened in a long time. Val continues to come downstairs daily and use her hospital bed. She is able to see Fuller outside, see Dad getting the mail, watch humming birds at the feeder at her window and watch Dad in the kitchen. Some vantage point!! Val's oxygen was increased from 1.5 to 2% oxygen as of Friday also. This she uses constantly.
Val's fentanly pain patch was increased from 75 to 100 as of last Friday. Val was able to go 24 hours before needing one Vicoden pain pill. Mary the VNA (visiting nurse association) nurse recommended changing this patch every two days instead of every three days for better pain control.
Love and Prayers to Val always....Salynn
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11, 09 Thursday
Val had enough energy for Cindy Cato to come up with a woman to give Val a manicure and pedicure today! Cindy says Val is in good positive spirits and is mentally ready for chemo tomorrow on Friday. Dad went to the medicine shop to get some medications and to the grocery store while Cindy was there.
Val's VNA Mary has been incontact with Tony the chemo nurse. Tony and Eltaback are aware of Val's weakness and lack of strength at this time. Her RBC remains at 8 which it was when she was in the hospital . Normal is 14. (if a 7 she would be a candidate for a transfusion). Tony has Val scheduled for a transfusion first tomorrow, before receiving the Genzar chemo drug. This will be a long day at the MD office as the transfusion takes several hours itself. Dad won't leave for lunch as he used to because Val is too fragile medically and he is fearful of an adverse negative reaction to occur to Val while receiving the chemo drugs.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
Val had enough energy for Cindy Cato to come up with a woman to give Val a manicure and pedicure today! Cindy says Val is in good positive spirits and is mentally ready for chemo tomorrow on Friday. Dad went to the medicine shop to get some medications and to the grocery store while Cindy was there.
Val's VNA Mary has been incontact with Tony the chemo nurse. Tony and Eltaback are aware of Val's weakness and lack of strength at this time. Her RBC remains at 8 which it was when she was in the hospital . Normal is 14. (if a 7 she would be a candidate for a transfusion). Tony has Val scheduled for a transfusion first tomorrow, before receiving the Genzar chemo drug. This will be a long day at the MD office as the transfusion takes several hours itself. Dad won't leave for lunch as he used to because Val is too fragile medically and he is fearful of an adverse negative reaction to occur to Val while receiving the chemo drugs.
Love and prayers to Val always....Salynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)