Faith makes things possible---not easy
Well, I'm getting my 3rd infusion of Ipilumamab. I feel lucky they are giving it to me. There are some blood test results that are concerning Dr. Linette. I'm anemic now, but, the thing that's concerning the doctor most is my pancreas. There are some counts that indicate it is not working as well as it should. He claims though, that there is no connection to the ipi, so he really doesn't know what to think. I'll just continue on with what I'm doing. Maybe bulk up on some red meat!
Had a great time with our family this past weekend at Lost Valley. All 5 kids, spouses (and Kelley's boyfriend) and all 10 grandkids were able to be there.....and I was right about the wonderful chaos we had!! Was great spending so much time together.
Tomorrow is Eddie's and my 9th anniversary so we are leaving town for a short trip....looking forward to some alone time together!
Eddie & I
The Love of My Life
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Making Memories
God is good...all the time!!
We have had so many good days! We had our 26th annual Lake Weekend that we get to share with six other couples from high school. We had a great time in the water and had a ton of awesome food! It is so good to share our lives with each other...even if it's only a few times a year. They are such special people to us, these 'friends that are family'. We rejoice with each other over the good things in life and are there to help carry the load of the bad times. We can depend on each other all the time. That's friendship!
This Wednesday, Kaden starts Kindergarten and I get to 'help' take him to his classroom. (Then I get to dry his Mommy's tears!!) That's ok, though. I cried my eyes out when my own 'babies' started school....it's a rite of passage!
This coming weekend our family is going to Lost Valley. We've rented 3 condos and are ready for fun! All of our kids and grandkids will be there....what wonderful chaos awaits!!
So far so good with the ipilumamab. No side effects from my second infusion...how wonderful it makes the quality of our days! (Not thrilled with this summer cold I've gotten...hoping it is on the way out!)
Physical Therapy going ok....they're trying to strengthen me. I am apparently not as strong as I used to be!!
We have had so many good days! We had our 26th annual Lake Weekend that we get to share with six other couples from high school. We had a great time in the water and had a ton of awesome food! It is so good to share our lives with each other...even if it's only a few times a year. They are such special people to us, these 'friends that are family'. We rejoice with each other over the good things in life and are there to help carry the load of the bad times. We can depend on each other all the time. That's friendship!
This Wednesday, Kaden starts Kindergarten and I get to 'help' take him to his classroom. (Then I get to dry his Mommy's tears!!) That's ok, though. I cried my eyes out when my own 'babies' started school....it's a rite of passage!
This coming weekend our family is going to Lost Valley. We've rented 3 condos and are ready for fun! All of our kids and grandkids will be there....what wonderful chaos awaits!!
So far so good with the ipilumamab. No side effects from my second infusion...how wonderful it makes the quality of our days! (Not thrilled with this summer cold I've gotten...hoping it is on the way out!)
Physical Therapy going ok....they're trying to strengthen me. I am apparently not as strong as I used to be!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
2nd Infusion
"This is my command; be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9
I am receiving my 2nd infusion of Ipi. They are really running behind today which makes for an even longer day than Mom and I had anticipated, but as Mom said, we've put the day aside for it anyway. Oh, well. The whole procedure is already starting to become routine which surprises me. Siteman is finally starting to 'feel' better because everyone I come in contact with is incredibly kind. Kindness goes a long way in helping people. It may just be their job but you'd never know it.
Dr. Linette reminded me (as if I needed THIS reminder!) that after this infusion is where I may start having side effects. I'm praying I'm in the majority that don't suffer any of the 'wonderful' things he described!
Keeping God as my constant companion and comforter as we travel this road.
I am receiving my 2nd infusion of Ipi. They are really running behind today which makes for an even longer day than Mom and I had anticipated, but as Mom said, we've put the day aside for it anyway. Oh, well. The whole procedure is already starting to become routine which surprises me. Siteman is finally starting to 'feel' better because everyone I come in contact with is incredibly kind. Kindness goes a long way in helping people. It may just be their job but you'd never know it.
Dr. Linette reminded me (as if I needed THIS reminder!) that after this infusion is where I may start having side effects. I'm praying I'm in the majority that don't suffer any of the 'wonderful' things he described!
Keeping God as my constant companion and comforter as we travel this road.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Good Days
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." --Phillippians 4:6-7
It's been difficult with no major symptoms from the infusion to feel it is actually doing something! Mind you...I'm not complaining!! This is so different from the last battle. The toxicity was so intense last time. Now, being more tired and somewhat weaker are the only symptoms I'm having. Actually, I don't know if that's from the ipilumumab or the cancer...kind of scary.
We are all trying to live one day at a time...enjoying each one for it's simple pleasures and trusting God with the rest.
I've had some incredible days since I posted last. We spent last weekend with my sister and her family at the lake and enjoyed it so much! Her friend generously allowed her to use their house for our enjoyment. We had so much fun in the water, on the jet skis (Amy and Kel, you have too much of your mother's blood in you!) and enjoying good food! It was sure a full house!!! There were many memories re-visited and many new ones made.
Got to eat lunch with Heather and the kiddos today....always special to spend time with them....we sure all love Olive Garden! Eddie would call it the Guccioni in us!
Looking toward spending a little time at the Gasconade County Fair next week...seeing people, watching Mason and the kids on the rides, and watching Blake and Brett show their pigs!
A down note has been becoming aware that I can no longer watch Mason and Ava for long by myself. My 'stroke' (right) leg has been weaker lately and I don't trust myself very much. I don't know if anyone can understand how hard it is to come to this realization, but there would be nothing worse than one of the grandkids getting hurt because of me. They are all (all 10 of them!) infinitley precious to me. Fortunately, I've had offers of help from several people so that I can still be with the kids. For these offers.....thank you.
It's been difficult with no major symptoms from the infusion to feel it is actually doing something! Mind you...I'm not complaining!! This is so different from the last battle. The toxicity was so intense last time. Now, being more tired and somewhat weaker are the only symptoms I'm having. Actually, I don't know if that's from the ipilumumab or the cancer...kind of scary.
We are all trying to live one day at a time...enjoying each one for it's simple pleasures and trusting God with the rest.
I've had some incredible days since I posted last. We spent last weekend with my sister and her family at the lake and enjoyed it so much! Her friend generously allowed her to use their house for our enjoyment. We had so much fun in the water, on the jet skis (Amy and Kel, you have too much of your mother's blood in you!) and enjoying good food! It was sure a full house!!! There were many memories re-visited and many new ones made.
Got to eat lunch with Heather and the kiddos today....always special to spend time with them....we sure all love Olive Garden! Eddie would call it the Guccioni in us!
Looking toward spending a little time at the Gasconade County Fair next week...seeing people, watching Mason and the kids on the rides, and watching Blake and Brett show their pigs!
A down note has been becoming aware that I can no longer watch Mason and Ava for long by myself. My 'stroke' (right) leg has been weaker lately and I don't trust myself very much. I don't know if anyone can understand how hard it is to come to this realization, but there would be nothing worse than one of the grandkids getting hurt because of me. They are all (all 10 of them!) infinitley precious to me. Fortunately, I've had offers of help from several people so that I can still be with the kids. For these offers.....thank you.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Got Started Today!
"C ommit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
I'm actually sitting and getting my 1st infusion of ipilimumab....at least I feel I'm being proactive. I have not gotten any of the immediate side effects you can get so that's a plus! Praying this is the path God's led me down and that He will bless the journey.
I'm actually sitting and getting my 1st infusion of ipilimumab....at least I feel I'm being proactive. I have not gotten any of the immediate side effects you can get so that's a plus! Praying this is the path God's led me down and that He will bless the journey.
Friday, July 9, 2010
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears."---Psalm 34:4
With the help of friends and family, I am trying to patiently (lol) wait for next Tues. to get here so I can finally get started on the ipi...I feel so frantic that there is nothing inside me fighting this cancer.
I have actually had a great week filled with visits:
*Mon. evening, Amy and the kids came over and Amy fixed Eddie and I dinner!
*Tues. was filled with tests and scans, but it didn't stop Mom from taking us out to dinner after... (yes..it's true...there is a theme here!)
*Wed., Denise Jennings and her son, Matthew came and spent time. We were able to catch up...it was great.
*Thurs. my niece, Jen and her daughter, Finley came up...it's always fun to spend time with them!
*Fri. Eddie and I got to keep Ava while Amy and Mason went to the Fair
*Sat. we get to keep Kurt's kids overnight and take them to church Sun. morning
Then on Mon. I get to go spend time with my college roommate who I haven't seen in TOO many years! Being busy definitely helps pass the time!!!!!
With the help of friends and family, I am trying to patiently (lol) wait for next Tues. to get here so I can finally get started on the ipi...I feel so frantic that there is nothing inside me fighting this cancer.
I have actually had a great week filled with visits:
*Mon. evening, Amy and the kids came over and Amy fixed Eddie and I dinner!
*Tues. was filled with tests and scans, but it didn't stop Mom from taking us out to dinner after... (yes..it's true...there is a theme here!)
*Wed., Denise Jennings and her son, Matthew came and spent time. We were able to catch up...it was great.
*Thurs. my niece, Jen and her daughter, Finley came up...it's always fun to spend time with them!
*Fri. Eddie and I got to keep Ava while Amy and Mason went to the Fair
*Sat. we get to keep Kurt's kids overnight and take them to church Sun. morning
Then on Mon. I get to go spend time with my college roommate who I haven't seen in TOO many years! Being busy definitely helps pass the time!!!!!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
another step closer
His Grace is sufficient for me
Went to Siteman today for labs, tests and scans. They are required before I will be officially accepted into the study we're trying for. They're 99% sure I will so we'll go with that until we find out differently.
Went to Siteman today for labs, tests and scans. They are required before I will be officially accepted into the study we're trying for. They're 99% sure I will so we'll go with that until we find out differently.
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