Hola,
I had a great time at Celebrate Spanaway last sat at the Curves booth. It was wonderful to see my friends from Curves. It was a blessing to see Jessie (thank you for all your help with setting up the booth), Kathy (thank you for staffing the booth), Theresa (arriving way to early to meet me, loading up the stuff, and setting it up), Rebecca (working double duty), Debbie, Riece, Mary (working out at Curves) Bertha, and Norma. Norma couldn't resist rubbing my bald head. Although, it's not so bald anymore, I do have some fuzz on it now! I enjoyed the hugs, smiles and conversation. I was totally exhausted later that day and most of sunday, but it was worth it. Kathy and I entered our dogs in th pet parade contest at the fair, but our dogs didn't win anything. I thought Guizmo would win the smallest pet (he weighs 2.2lbs) award, but some kid brought a guppy and a snail. That ain't right.
The pain in my muscles has begun to subside, yet I still have it in my joints. Dr. Standish, my ND, said that my joints were inflammed still from chemo; myalga (loss of muscle tissue) in my muscles and tendons was causing the pain. In the last two weeks, my eyebrows have begun to thin even more - it's no biggie though, I just pencil them in.
I have only 2.5 wks left of radiation. YES! My skin on my chest wall and underarm looks really good. The Redness, dryness and soreness is very minimal and I attribute that to the seeweed poultice that I'm using (prescribed by Dr. Standish). My radiaologist wasn't to sure about the benefits of the seaweed in my first few weeks of radiation and she insisted that I would turn red. Well, when I saw her last week, she was amazed by the condition of my skin. She and her nurse would like to know more about it and where to get it so they can tell their other patients. I think this is very cool. Dr. Standish will call Dr. Morris to tell her about the benefits of seaweed for radiation patients. Dr. Standish has been telling her patients about it for 1o years.
Enjoy your weekend.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
WK 4 of Radiation
Happy Tuesday fam and friends,
I am now in wk 4 of radiation (only 3 more wks left!). The only notable side effect thus far is fatigue, but it's not to bad. Each day, my body seems to allot me a certain amount of energy and when I consume most of it then its time to rest/nap. When I awake, I remarkably have more energy to expend. I am trying to learn how to conserve my energy rather than deplete my reserves, but that is not an easy task. My skin has not turned red yet from the radiation although that is likely to occur in the coming weeks. I have been using a seaweed poultice several times a day which has healing properties to help illeviate burns, eczemza, etc. that my ND prescribed. My radiologist said that my skin looked great and she was very curious about the seaweed and where to get it.
Last saturday, I went for a 3 mile walk with Theresa and on Sunday went for a 2 mile walk with Theresa and Meoka. That is the farthest I have walked in a very longtime (pre surgery). It felt good.
In the last 3 weeks, I 've been experiencing some side effects that I believe are left over from chemo or steroids. It started with muscle tension in my hamstrings, quadraceps, calves, neck, and bicep & triceps. Each time I would flex my leg whether laying down or stading up it was quite painful. I thought perhaps they were just tight and that I needed to stretch them, but that didn't help. In the last week, the tension has lessoned in those muscles, but now my joints (hip joints and sacral illiac joint-low back) are stiff. When I get out of a car or get up from the couch, I stagger like an elderly person. It lasts for just a few minutes then I resume standing erect and walk normally.
I am still having hot flashes, yet not as intense as they used to be. I experience them several times a day- usually in the morning and/or midafternoon. When I drink something warm, that can trigger a hot flash. Thank goodness I don't have night sweats. Some women have shared with me about this and that doesn't sound fun at all. Vaginal dryness is another side effect of menopause which I was kicked into early because of chemo; chemo shuts down the production of
estrogen (hormone) in my ovaries thereby decreasing the glands in my vaginal wall from secreting. This can result in (and it did for me) painful intercourse. I mentioned this concern to my oncologist, Dr. Rinn, and she said that one of her patients did a thorough research on trying to find the best lubricant on the market and she found one. It is called Pjur and can be purchased from Babeland. I bought some and it feels like silk-wonderful!
I'm enjoying my classes this summer qtr. - learning good stuff. Don't be surprised if I ask to take your pulse or stick your tongue out. In Chinese medicine, they believe that information can be gained about what is systemically going on with a person through tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Acupuncture has helped me and I would recommend it.
I will be in Spanaway this Saturday at "Celebrate Spanaway." I will be at the Curves booth from 10-2pm so stop by and say hi.
I am now in wk 4 of radiation (only 3 more wks left!). The only notable side effect thus far is fatigue, but it's not to bad. Each day, my body seems to allot me a certain amount of energy and when I consume most of it then its time to rest/nap. When I awake, I remarkably have more energy to expend. I am trying to learn how to conserve my energy rather than deplete my reserves, but that is not an easy task. My skin has not turned red yet from the radiation although that is likely to occur in the coming weeks. I have been using a seaweed poultice several times a day which has healing properties to help illeviate burns, eczemza, etc. that my ND prescribed. My radiologist said that my skin looked great and she was very curious about the seaweed and where to get it.
Last saturday, I went for a 3 mile walk with Theresa and on Sunday went for a 2 mile walk with Theresa and Meoka. That is the farthest I have walked in a very longtime (pre surgery). It felt good.
In the last 3 weeks, I 've been experiencing some side effects that I believe are left over from chemo or steroids. It started with muscle tension in my hamstrings, quadraceps, calves, neck, and bicep & triceps. Each time I would flex my leg whether laying down or stading up it was quite painful. I thought perhaps they were just tight and that I needed to stretch them, but that didn't help. In the last week, the tension has lessoned in those muscles, but now my joints (hip joints and sacral illiac joint-low back) are stiff. When I get out of a car or get up from the couch, I stagger like an elderly person. It lasts for just a few minutes then I resume standing erect and walk normally.
I am still having hot flashes, yet not as intense as they used to be. I experience them several times a day- usually in the morning and/or midafternoon. When I drink something warm, that can trigger a hot flash. Thank goodness I don't have night sweats. Some women have shared with me about this and that doesn't sound fun at all. Vaginal dryness is another side effect of menopause which I was kicked into early because of chemo; chemo shuts down the production of
estrogen (hormone) in my ovaries thereby decreasing the glands in my vaginal wall from secreting. This can result in (and it did for me) painful intercourse. I mentioned this concern to my oncologist, Dr. Rinn, and she said that one of her patients did a thorough research on trying to find the best lubricant on the market and she found one. It is called Pjur and can be purchased from Babeland. I bought some and it feels like silk-wonderful!
I'm enjoying my classes this summer qtr. - learning good stuff. Don't be surprised if I ask to take your pulse or stick your tongue out. In Chinese medicine, they believe that information can be gained about what is systemically going on with a person through tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Acupuncture has helped me and I would recommend it.
I will be in Spanaway this Saturday at "Celebrate Spanaway." I will be at the Curves booth from 10-2pm so stop by and say hi.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Heading into WK 2 of radiation
Hello my lovely family and friends,
Thank you for your continous support and prayers. Your prayer is what sustained and continues to sustain me. Even for the period of time that I found it difficult to pray during the first several months of chemo. Your prayers and my frequent trips to the cabin and being out in nature made it possible for me to find my way back to the Great Spirit.
I am in my 2nd week of radiation and so far no major side effects. My energy has been pretty good, although I find myself needing to take a daily nap or two. The area that is being treated has not turned red yet, but I suspect it will happen in the coming weeks. I've noticed that following treatment I experience a headache, phlem in my throat, and fatigue. My friends, Donna, Michelle, and Kristin have been taking me to daily radiation appts. Next week, now that Tina and Linda have returned to town, each (of the 5) will take me one day/week. I realize how loved I am and it is the love of family and friends that is healing me - physically, emotionally and spriitually.
Well, I must get ready to go to radiation this morning, so until next time. I hope all of you have a safe and fun 4th of July. I won't be going to the cabin as I rented it out, but Mark and I will be going to the Olympic Peninsula with some friends.
Oh, and I have some fabulous news! I'm going to be a grandma. Meoka is about 2.5 months pregnant. I am very excited about this.
Thank you for your continous support and prayers. Your prayer is what sustained and continues to sustain me. Even for the period of time that I found it difficult to pray during the first several months of chemo. Your prayers and my frequent trips to the cabin and being out in nature made it possible for me to find my way back to the Great Spirit.
I am in my 2nd week of radiation and so far no major side effects. My energy has been pretty good, although I find myself needing to take a daily nap or two. The area that is being treated has not turned red yet, but I suspect it will happen in the coming weeks. I've noticed that following treatment I experience a headache, phlem in my throat, and fatigue. My friends, Donna, Michelle, and Kristin have been taking me to daily radiation appts. Next week, now that Tina and Linda have returned to town, each (of the 5) will take me one day/week. I realize how loved I am and it is the love of family and friends that is healing me - physically, emotionally and spriitually.
Well, I must get ready to go to radiation this morning, so until next time. I hope all of you have a safe and fun 4th of July. I won't be going to the cabin as I rented it out, but Mark and I will be going to the Olympic Peninsula with some friends.
Oh, and I have some fabulous news! I'm going to be a grandma. Meoka is about 2.5 months pregnant. I am very excited about this.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Radiation to begin June 22, 2009
Hi gang,
I havn't yet begun into the upswing portion following chemo, that is still about four - five days away. The last three days, I have felt cruddy - my digestive track (mouth, esophogus and stomach) has been very upset ( i ran out of L Glutamine) and I have slept (Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat) a lot throughout the day. My fingers are puffy and itchy. My fingers appear to have heat bumps on them. I'm sleeping through the night with the exception of getting up to use the restroom. It is a GOOD feeling to know that this is the last effects that I will experience from chemo.
I am optimistic and my spirits are good. I'm feeling confident that radition won't get the best of me by causing great fatigue. My plan is to still try to do a little walking each day and maybe I can resume my workout at Curves.
I am enrolled for 2 summer courses: Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis, and Herbal Making. In mid- August when radiation is complete, I hope to visit my dad in Texas. Iam also eager to hike, bike, kayak and go camping. I plan to spend sometime working at Curves.
I havn't yet begun into the upswing portion following chemo, that is still about four - five days away. The last three days, I have felt cruddy - my digestive track (mouth, esophogus and stomach) has been very upset ( i ran out of L Glutamine) and I have slept (Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat) a lot throughout the day. My fingers are puffy and itchy. My fingers appear to have heat bumps on them. I'm sleeping through the night with the exception of getting up to use the restroom. It is a GOOD feeling to know that this is the last effects that I will experience from chemo.
I am optimistic and my spirits are good. I'm feeling confident that radition won't get the best of me by causing great fatigue. My plan is to still try to do a little walking each day and maybe I can resume my workout at Curves.
I am enrolled for 2 summer courses: Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis, and Herbal Making. In mid- August when radiation is complete, I hope to visit my dad in Texas. Iam also eager to hike, bike, kayak and go camping. I plan to spend sometime working at Curves.
Monday, June 1, 2009
5/27/09 Deb & Foxina @ the Cowlitz River
The weather was spectacular this Memorial Day weekend along the Cowlitz River.
This is the place that I've talked about many times in my blog; I visit this piece of paradise to renew my spirit.
The photo to the left is a shot of Lake Creek (on the right) flowing into the Cowlitz River.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 29, 2009 - Last Chemo Treatment
Dear Family & Friends,
I had my last chemo treatment 2 days ago, Yahoo!
I went to the cabin for Memorial Day weekend and had a glorious 5 days before my last treatment. Some friends (John & Jean w/kids Tyler and Kyle), Vicki & Anthony (kids Sophia n Isaih) spent the night and others (Meoka & Chris, Mike & Annette and Mikes brother, Greg) came up for the Saturday night bbq. We bbq'd at the cabana along the river. It was a wonderful relaxing time! After the bbq we sat around the campfire at the cabin and ate smores. Everyone was gone by Monday, except Mark and I. We took morning and evening walks to the river hoping to see the elk and eagles. I think the wildlife fleed town due to the large influx of humans that attended the flea market. The small town of Packwood was packed.
I have been sleeping pretty well throughout the night since Friday,May 21st. Prior to that, I had been experiencing insomnia since the beginning of chemo treatment - I would wake up 3-4 times between the hours of 12-3am, 7 days a week. I finally told my ND and MD that my back was up against the wall and I needed sleep. I thought the lack of sleep could have contributed to my fatigue, lack of concentration, memory loss, depression, etc. Of course, chemo and steroids causes these effects, but I finally realized that sleep is so crucial to my healing. I called my ND first because I wanted to try naturopathic remedies first; Dr. Standish recommended that I take GABA (up to 2000mg) for two nights along with the melatonin which I have been taking since chemo began; if by the 2nd night, sleep still eluded me, then she strongly suggested that I take the Ambian that my oncologist prescribed. I tried the GABA for 3 nights which didn't solve the insomnia problem. I've never taken sleeping pills before, but I desperately needed to sleep, so I begin taking and sleep followed. In the next 2 wks, I will see if sleep helps with the side effects I have had for the last 4 months. I found that at the cabin I was had more energy (took some naps and rested if needed), and my spirits were good.
The next step for me is 6 weeks of radiation (5 days/week) which will begin in approx. 3 wks.
Again, the journey that I have made thus far could not have been possible, it is the love and support of my family and friends that has made this possible. The integration clinic at Bastyr has been HUGE for my healing process as well. I was listening to my favorite Chrisitan station (105.3) and a song came on that had encourgage words, "greater things are to come and greater things are to be done in the city." I am finally beginning to believe that God will use my situation to help others. I have been told this by my Dr's and friends, but I haven't felt it deep within my being until now. My days are filled with more hope than fear (which I experienced in the earlier days of chemo). My faith has been renewed - thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers.
Don't get me wrong fear is still present, because I still have 25% of reoccurance, but my friend Tina (3 out of 4 year ND student) reminds me that that percentage does not include naturopathic medicine and Dr. Standish will use all naturopathic modalities to make sure that I don't get cancer again. Dr. Standish is an expert in this field and I trust her.
Mark took a picture of me at the river - bald head and all.
I had my last chemo treatment 2 days ago, Yahoo!
I went to the cabin for Memorial Day weekend and had a glorious 5 days before my last treatment. Some friends (John & Jean w/kids Tyler and Kyle), Vicki & Anthony (kids Sophia n Isaih) spent the night and others (Meoka & Chris, Mike & Annette and Mikes brother, Greg) came up for the Saturday night bbq. We bbq'd at the cabana along the river. It was a wonderful relaxing time! After the bbq we sat around the campfire at the cabin and ate smores. Everyone was gone by Monday, except Mark and I. We took morning and evening walks to the river hoping to see the elk and eagles. I think the wildlife fleed town due to the large influx of humans that attended the flea market. The small town of Packwood was packed.
I have been sleeping pretty well throughout the night since Friday,May 21st. Prior to that, I had been experiencing insomnia since the beginning of chemo treatment - I would wake up 3-4 times between the hours of 12-3am, 7 days a week. I finally told my ND and MD that my back was up against the wall and I needed sleep. I thought the lack of sleep could have contributed to my fatigue, lack of concentration, memory loss, depression, etc. Of course, chemo and steroids causes these effects, but I finally realized that sleep is so crucial to my healing. I called my ND first because I wanted to try naturopathic remedies first; Dr. Standish recommended that I take GABA (up to 2000mg) for two nights along with the melatonin which I have been taking since chemo began; if by the 2nd night, sleep still eluded me, then she strongly suggested that I take the Ambian that my oncologist prescribed. I tried the GABA for 3 nights which didn't solve the insomnia problem. I've never taken sleeping pills before, but I desperately needed to sleep, so I begin taking and sleep followed. In the next 2 wks, I will see if sleep helps with the side effects I have had for the last 4 months. I found that at the cabin I was had more energy (took some naps and rested if needed), and my spirits were good.
The next step for me is 6 weeks of radiation (5 days/week) which will begin in approx. 3 wks.
Again, the journey that I have made thus far could not have been possible, it is the love and support of my family and friends that has made this possible. The integration clinic at Bastyr has been HUGE for my healing process as well. I was listening to my favorite Chrisitan station (105.3) and a song came on that had encourgage words, "greater things are to come and greater things are to be done in the city." I am finally beginning to believe that God will use my situation to help others. I have been told this by my Dr's and friends, but I haven't felt it deep within my being until now. My days are filled with more hope than fear (which I experienced in the earlier days of chemo). My faith has been renewed - thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers.
Don't get me wrong fear is still present, because I still have 25% of reoccurance, but my friend Tina (3 out of 4 year ND student) reminds me that that percentage does not include naturopathic medicine and Dr. Standish will use all naturopathic modalities to make sure that I don't get cancer again. Dr. Standish is an expert in this field and I trust her.
Mark took a picture of me at the river - bald head and all.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Today - Chemo treatment # 5
Dear family and extended family,
My good days seem to be getting shorter and my chemo crummy days seem to be lasting longer longer. OUt of a three week period of time, I have 5 feel good days and 16 not so good. I expressed my concern to my oncologist and ND and they confirmed that chemo treatment is cummulative.
Chemo crummies physically leave me short of breath - so my daily walking has been reduced greatly, decreased energy (giving me 1-3 hours/day to be somewhat productive), lack of sleep do to hot flashes, during the day I emit heat from my head and the palm of my hands, its a challenge to take the pets out to go potty, my stomach and esophogus hurt, my nail beds are turning brown, the skin around my nails are dry and peeling, and I ache all over; on a mental note, I am beginning to exhibit short term memory loss and a foggy brain. My Dr's call this chemo brain which can last 6-9 months or longer. With that being said, my cognitive skills just arn't as sharp as I'd like them to be, so my writing skills may also suffer considerably. So, I'll do my best in speaking and writing and hope that I make sense. When I talk, my sentence structure and words are scrammbled, so I repeat myself with the way it's supposed to be said. My friend Mark said, " you don't need to repeat yourself. Your not being graded." I love that. Mark was my husband for 21 years and it is very nice to have his support and friendship during this time.
In addition to chemo brain, when the steroids ware off, I experierence irriatability, extreme sensitivity to sounds (brings about anxiety especially if in a public place), and depression. Last Wed, was very difficult for. I finally hit a wall and decided that I no longer wanted to continue with chemotherapy- I really was tired of being in pain, suffering and not not feeling like me. I actually thought dying from cancer looked like a better alternative. After a good cry, and sharing my thoughts with a few friends, I began to feel emotionally a little better on Thursday. Mark was one of the persons that I spoke with on Wed. and he wanted to come visit me on Thursday. He did and that distracted me and cheered me up. My girlfriend Tina, whose aunt has just recently finished her treatment with colon cancer, told me that my thoughts were pretty normal and that was a relief to hear this.
I will show up for chemo today. My friend Janelle will be driving me. If I didn't go, I think she and a few friends would carry me to treatment - what a sight that would be (LOL). Deep down inside, I do want to live, but I don't exactly know how to live at peace with the pain. I wish I was there, but I haven't figured it out yet. I am working with Dr. Brad on the emotional, spiritual and mental component of my illness. If it wasn't for that, I believe I would be more hopeless.
On a positive note, some of my friends came over and held a second healing circle for me a couple of weeks ago. It was very calming and healing for me. I had too much heat inside (from chemo) and the touch of their hands were cool and refreshing. It was as though they removed heat. My intention this time was to have courage to proceed. I recieved a card from a friend that described beautifully what courage means to me at this moment - take in one day at a time and remember that God is in the present moment:
"Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the little voice
at the end of the day that says I"ll try
again tomorrow"
-Mary Anne Radmacher
I truly believe that God is watching out for me. He is doing that through the blessing of friends/family. Thank you for following my journey and sharing your lives with me. I never really knew until I got cancer of how truly that I am loved.
Again, wishing you health from your cells to your spirit.
Love Debbie
My good days seem to be getting shorter and my chemo crummy days seem to be lasting longer longer. OUt of a three week period of time, I have 5 feel good days and 16 not so good. I expressed my concern to my oncologist and ND and they confirmed that chemo treatment is cummulative.
Chemo crummies physically leave me short of breath - so my daily walking has been reduced greatly, decreased energy (giving me 1-3 hours/day to be somewhat productive), lack of sleep do to hot flashes, during the day I emit heat from my head and the palm of my hands, its a challenge to take the pets out to go potty, my stomach and esophogus hurt, my nail beds are turning brown, the skin around my nails are dry and peeling, and I ache all over; on a mental note, I am beginning to exhibit short term memory loss and a foggy brain. My Dr's call this chemo brain which can last 6-9 months or longer. With that being said, my cognitive skills just arn't as sharp as I'd like them to be, so my writing skills may also suffer considerably. So, I'll do my best in speaking and writing and hope that I make sense. When I talk, my sentence structure and words are scrammbled, so I repeat myself with the way it's supposed to be said. My friend Mark said, " you don't need to repeat yourself. Your not being graded." I love that. Mark was my husband for 21 years and it is very nice to have his support and friendship during this time.
In addition to chemo brain, when the steroids ware off, I experierence irriatability, extreme sensitivity to sounds (brings about anxiety especially if in a public place), and depression. Last Wed, was very difficult for. I finally hit a wall and decided that I no longer wanted to continue with chemotherapy- I really was tired of being in pain, suffering and not not feeling like me. I actually thought dying from cancer looked like a better alternative. After a good cry, and sharing my thoughts with a few friends, I began to feel emotionally a little better on Thursday. Mark was one of the persons that I spoke with on Wed. and he wanted to come visit me on Thursday. He did and that distracted me and cheered me up. My girlfriend Tina, whose aunt has just recently finished her treatment with colon cancer, told me that my thoughts were pretty normal and that was a relief to hear this.
I will show up for chemo today. My friend Janelle will be driving me. If I didn't go, I think she and a few friends would carry me to treatment - what a sight that would be (LOL). Deep down inside, I do want to live, but I don't exactly know how to live at peace with the pain. I wish I was there, but I haven't figured it out yet. I am working with Dr. Brad on the emotional, spiritual and mental component of my illness. If it wasn't for that, I believe I would be more hopeless.
On a positive note, some of my friends came over and held a second healing circle for me a couple of weeks ago. It was very calming and healing for me. I had too much heat inside (from chemo) and the touch of their hands were cool and refreshing. It was as though they removed heat. My intention this time was to have courage to proceed. I recieved a card from a friend that described beautifully what courage means to me at this moment - take in one day at a time and remember that God is in the present moment:
"Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the little voice
at the end of the day that says I"ll try
again tomorrow"
-Mary Anne Radmacher
I truly believe that God is watching out for me. He is doing that through the blessing of friends/family. Thank you for following my journey and sharing your lives with me. I never really knew until I got cancer of how truly that I am loved.
Again, wishing you health from your cells to your spirit.
Love Debbie
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