The Waiting Room @ MD Anderson

Except for the bald heads, wheelchairs and medical ID bracelets, you would never know this was the waiting area for chemo treatments.

It's really more like social hour at the community center. And it's kinda noisy at that.

Three women over there are talking about where they want to go shopping now on their way back home. I think one of them is a bit hard of hearing, because they all are politely yelling at each other. And this group over here is waiting for Grandma to come out - it's Grandpa, the adult Daughter & her Husband and their college aged Granddaughter sitting on her boyfriend's lap. Someone in the group is doing some major DIY landscaping in their front yard. It's becoming frustrating and they are about to hire someone to finish the job. The couple over there in their running shoes are discussing an article in a Vanity fair magazine. She has a nice yellow Kate Spade bag, he has a backpack with his chemo pump in it - I'm guessing that means he has prostate cancer.

Those 2 guys just met. They both are wearing camo baseball caps - one in boots the other in UT Crocs. The Crocs guy has a bag, too - again, I'm guessing prostate cancer. They are talking hunting or sports or something. That guy over there has the TV remote; he's looking for a golf tournament.

Me? I'm online IM'ing Brian about returning a pair of sneakers we bought on RoadRunnerSports.com and making sure Abby gets a bath and in bed by 7:30 since it's a school night. And, I'm finishing up plans for our vacation - looking for discount lift tickets and car rentals.

Oh yeah, the elephant is standing over there.

I'm hungry. I hope they call me soon so I can order dinner in the room.

Just fine. Thank you.

It happened again - while I was talking with a woman who was telling me about a great salad that is part of her new weight loss & fitness plan. She wants to lose about 50 pounds. "Oh but you're so fit," she says, "you don't need to worry about this stuff." I just smiled and said "Thank you."

Should I have told her? That I lost 35 pounds the hard way. That I have cancer, started chemo and was so sick that I couldn't eat and when I did it just came right back up.

I've gained alot of it back. I am really conscious of what I eat and work hard at putting the weight back on with healthy calories.

At times, there's a brief moment there when I want to be offended. But then I realize how crazy that is and this person, bless her heart, is just trying to be nice and is really proud of being able to accomplish her weight loss goals and I don't need to bring her down by launching into my story.

So I just say "Thank you." It's kinda like when people ask how I'm doing and I say "Fine, thanks for asking."

A funny thing happened on the way to Chemo ...

Actually, funny stuff happens all the time. Well, maybe not so funny to anyone else - I suppose it's all in the way you look at it.

I'm at MD Anderson today. It's one of my long days. That means I will have a 4 hour chemotherapy treatment. Before my treatment I have to get my labs (blood test) then I go to my chemo. There are several chemo treatment areas throughout MD Anderson. I get my labs done in the Main building and today my chemo is in the Mays clinic.

I had been reading an article in Southern Living magazine and hadn't finished it before my blood test so I took it with me and headed over to the shuttle to ride over to the other building. Now, you have to imagine MD Anderson as a kind of city with hundreds of Doctors in lab coats and patients with their families and administrators and support staff all walking around. It's really amazing.

I was sitting on the shuttle, it's like a big golf cart, next to someone in a white lab coat and she noticed the cover of my magazine had a picture of a delicious chocolate cake with ganache filling. She said, "Oh my, that cake looks absolutely deadly." I couldn't help but giggle and she asked me why. "Deadly? That's just a funny word to be using around here, don't you think?"

Advocare & Hair Loss

You may see that I have a little tracker that let's me know about traffic to this blog. I've noticed that I get alot of search hits from folks using key words referring to hair loss. Well, I lost my hair due to chemotherapy. No big deal really, I knew it would grow back. The most annoying thing was losing my eyelashes and my eyebrows. But, I did get to go through the summer without having to shave my legs!

As far Advocare goes for those who are wondering about thinning hair and hair loss - I have heard that Anti Aging formula has been helpful due to the ingredient Reservatrol. Couple that with Amplify AT for even better results. And now Advocare's new product, BioTools has come out and it too contains Reservatrol.

I plan to attend the event in Houston Thursday Feb 24, to learn more about BioTools.

I also am looking forward to seeing - and thanking - a couple of people who helped me out last year when I first received my cancer diagnosis. Dr Judith Smith, the gynocological oncologist from MD Anderson who sits on the Advocare Sci/Med board and Mike Wade, the Advocare Regional VP who both helped me during that frantic afternoon when I got the results of my CT scan and had no idea what to do next.

So, for those of you who come back looking for answers to your questions about hair loss, I hope this was helpful. To learn more, join me in Houston or one of our other events, or contact me.

Life is Good

I guess that's pretty much simplifying things, but really that's how I feel these days. But I have so much that I want to write about that I get stuck and end up just not writing about anything.

I have decided that something is better than nothing. I need to take a clue from one of my favorite bloggers MissNewOrleans - she is great at keeping up to date with just a few lines.

I am back on the air and having a great time! News/Talk radio tha is locally owned and live. Listen in online KSETlive.com.

And the cancer thing is under control. It's still serious, I am in clinical trials at MD Anderson and have to go to Houston for chemotherapy twice a week for six weeks, then I have another CT scan to see if I need to do it again. My CA 125 is down from around 300 to 34, and a tumor that appeared after my surgery has shrunk 50%. I guess all is good, the last time I was in to see my Drs, they all had big grins on their faces and were high fiving me.

That's the short of it.

Advocare still keeps me going. I really can feel the difference if I don't take my CorePlex or have a Spark. And the Meal Replacemet Shakes are always a perfect breakfast. Mornings also include OmegaPlex and Probiotic Restore. Then at lunch I take a couple more Calcium Plus - chemotherapy messes with calcium levels. I have been having some menopausal symptoms since my hysterectomy. Formula W is good for hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Rehydrate, Catalyst and Zzzs before bed for a good night's sleep and no puffiness or leg cramps.

The Latest on the cancer Saga

Again, I have not been a good Blogger, but I can cut & paste what others have written. Here is the latest email update from my Husband Brian:

Since I sent the picture, I thought I'd better bring you all up to speed on her prognosis.
Teresa had what hopefully will be her LAST chemo treatment last week.
She had an allergic reaction and had to deal with hives that day. And she was out of it all weekend.
But she's back to her old, energetic self, (I get tired watching her buzz around) and all is good.
We go to MD Anderson in two and a half weeks for a checkup to make sure the cancer cells are gone.
Then it's every six months.
With Abrianna finally starting real school, kindergarten, I need her at her top speed. ;-)
Hope all is well with all of you.
Thanks again for your good thoughts and prayers.
Brian

Post Surgery

I can hardly believe it has been so long since my last post.

I had another round of chemo, a couple of garage sales, and then my surgery on June 18. I spent a week in the hospital and then some rest and recovery. Dad came to MD Anderson for my surgery, then Mom came to Beaumont to spend time with Abby and help out during the first week home. I went back to Dallas with her and stayed at my Dad's where everyone entertained Abby and made sure that I took naps and didn't do any heavy lifting. Lately, I've just been busy celebrating my good news and living life.

Brian & I finally bought a new camera. Just an easy point & shoot that has a few features to help me out with out of focus faces and dark backgrounds. We have had some wonderful visits with Friends and Family and I want to be sure to capture the memories. I will post them soon.

For now, I'll just put up Brian's email update:
I wish I could say it was all over but we still have work to do.
Teresa had her hysterectomy today and it was a resounding success.
Her doctor says only 10 percent of ovarian cancer patients responded as well to chemo treatment as Teresa did.
She told me she saw tumors that had been melted away by the chemo that she's never seen melted away before.
All the small tumors outside the uterus are gone and the hysterectomy removed the few tumors that were left.
And that doubles the life expectancy that most such patients get.
I am thrilled and grateful but selfishly was hoping for more than a few more years to hope for a cure or better treatment.
The doctor did say that Teresa's spirit is amazing and she fully expects her to cheat her prognosis.
We can only hope.
All the folks at MDAnderson were wonderful and the level of service seems higher than any other medical institution I'm familiar with.
She begins another round of chemo in just a few short weeks even before she's completely recovered from this surgery.
The doctor is hoping to strike while the iron's hot and nail the cancer cells that remain.
That means chemo every three weeks for three treatments.
Then a bi annual or yearly checkup or treatment from now on.
Abby just knows her mommy was treated by the doctor and will be home soon to recover.
I wish I had time and memory to list all the things our wonderful friends have done for us and have offered to continue doing.
Keep us in your prayers as you are all in mine and ours.
Brian

Feeling Great!

It has been a while since I updated this, so here is a quick post.

I had my 3rd chemo treatment Wed and things went smoothly, kinda becoming a routine now. I am feeling fine, no nausea. Went to Abby's Field Day today and am finishing up getting things together for my garage sale this weekend.

I have been planning this garage sale for probably a year now. I can't belive how much stuff we have in boxes that we had forgotten about. Baby girl to 4 toddler all going to a new home for someone else to love on.

Good news from my Doctors last week. I was having one of my "Oh, woe is me" days. I told Dr Schmeler at MD Anderson that I wanted to teach my daughter to ski and take her on a cruise on the Big Red Boat and I was worried I was not to going to be around to do either. She told me to go ahead and plan on going skiing next Spring but I should wait until next Summer to take the cruise. And to quit reading the magazines in the waiting room.

Dr Lavalais at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Center here in Beaumont told me that my blood tests were looking good. Especially the CA 125, which is a tumor marker. Normal people who do not have cancer will have a test number of about 30. When I started chemo, my number was 365, now it is 81. That means that the cancer cells are not reproducing as rapidly and are not producing the fluid that was causing problems before. Also, my cysts and other stuff (tech term) are shrinking. Mostly it means that I am having a positive response to the chemo therapy.

Other things keeping me busy - Abby's end of the year school programs and rehearsals for her upcoming dance recital. And we are getting a ton of mail. The bills are coming in and I have to be sure that we keep it straight. I am filling out aps for financial assistance and arranging payment plans.

Keeping my calendar is really important now. Drs appts, rehearsal schedule, payment deadlines, playdates and family visits ...

To add to it, there is a condition called "chemo brain" where you tend to lose focus and forget things. Yes, even more than usual!

That's the quickie version. Thanks again to everyone who has been checking in and keeping in touch. Give me a few days after the garage sale and I will try to have more and include some pics.

First Friday in Groves

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again during First Friday in Groves. Be sure to stop by under the blue tent to sample some Spark and find out more about Advocare nutritional products and the financial opportunity.

Advocare helped me get back into shape after my pregnancy and has since kept me and my Family fit and healthy. The additional income that I have earned each month has made it possible for me to be a work from home Mom and enjoy more time with my Family.

My cancer is inherited from my Mom's side of the family. We have cancer back through at least 5 generations of Women. There probably is nothing I could have done to prevent it. But, the excellent nutrition that I get from Advocare supplements has helped keep my body and my immune system strong through this recent health crisis. And the income each month has helped keep our bank account strong, especially during these times of economic uncertainty.

I'm feeling especially good today, and the weather is perfect for some outdoor family fun. So come on out and join us.

First Friday in Groves is three full hours of non-stop family friendly enjoyment. The monthly celebration along Lincoln Avenue offers free entertainment on Friday, May 1, from 6 to 9 pm. Highlights include door prizes in honor of Mother’s Day, a Cake Walk, the Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, and a Community Blood Drive.

There will be door prize drawings throughout the event. Door prizes include gift baskets, gift certificates, plants, and flowers. Entry forms available at participating shops along the avenue. Entrants must be female, 18 years or older, and present at the time of the drawing.

Val Verde will host the Cake Walk and bake sale. Beginning at 6:30 with the first cakewalk at entertainment center.

The Mexican Heritage Folkloric Dancers, group of girls and young women, will begin the Cinco de Mayo celebration by performing several symbolic dances beginning at 7.

The LifeShare bloodmobile will be parked at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson from 6:30 – 8:30. Blood donors may credit the community, their church, place of employment, or a family blood plan with their donation.

Healthy donors weighing at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate blood every eight weeks. Diabetes and hypertension under control will not prevent blood donation. Potential donors must have photo identification and should know what medications they are taking.

First Friday, a merchant sponsored event, is celebrated the first Friday of every month and provides free family entertainment, special sales, food and door prizes. Most stores along Lincoln Avenue will remain open until 9 and The Courtyard Café buffet line is open from 5:30 to 8.

Cutting my hair!

Cutting off my hair!

It wasn't as traumatic as I thought.

Having Brian and Abby cut it, and having cousin Kimmee and Sarah there actually made it fun.

My Second Cycle of Chemotherapy

Dad came in from Dallas last night. Just in case you are looking, we found that the new Ramada Inn at I10 & College is clean, safe, quiet, has a pool, a gym, FREE breakfast & WiFi, and is convenient to our Home and the Hospital, and they gave us a great rate. Oh and here's a bonus, it's right next door to the Harley Davidson store.

He came to spend a few days with us and to sit with me today at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute while I had my chemotherapy. It was a long day, but I am glad he's here.

I wasn't sure if I would be. I mean, it's not going to be a fun weekend. I'm losing my hair, I've lost alot of weight, we spent all day sitting in a room full off sick people and IV's, and it is possible that I will be throwing up all day Friday. We did get to watch some interesting videos about chemotherapy and cancer. And they fed us lunch.

Abby was in school for most of the day and my dear friend Whitney brought Abby home to play with her son till Brian could pick her up. She also fixed up some homemade chicken soup to send home with Brian.

I'm a little tired.

Dad was OK during the chemo. He got to see why I think that my oncology Nurse, Pam, is just the best. She totally knows what she's doing and explains everything as it is happening and the sticks hardly hurt. (I am fortunate that I have not had to have a medi port, today they just stuck it in the other arm) Since his heart attack and quintuple bypass, rotator cuff surgery, skin cancer and hip replacement, I think Dad has become pretty familiar with hospital stuff. And I think that if you talk about it all in technical terms, it's almost like it's not really happening right there in front of you - or to you.

Dad had his Iphone and a USA Today, I had my cel phone, my calendar & my List and a magazine. We talked in between. Anyone else notice the big elephant in the room? Dad had loaded up some special tunes for me on the Iphone and I listened to ABBA through his very cool Bose headphones.

Dr Lavalais changed my before & after meds to help control my nausea. Last time I didn't get sick until the next day, so she prescribed something that has a longer half life.

Have I mentioned how wonderful the people at the Cancer Institute are? Dr Lavalais is brilliant, and Pam is way more than capable and calm and friendly. Everyone - the RN's, the LVN's, the Aides, the Receptionist even the billing office when they call are very considerate and helpful.

Afterwards, we went to the drug store to pick up my Zofran ODT, picked out a gift for the Birthday party that Abby has been invited to and showed Dad where the Bounce Zone is so that he can take her to the party. Now we're ready for a big high calorie, high protein no sugar added Smoothie King. Then we went home for a rest before Brian's fantastic dinner.

Today was fine afterall, considering. Dad told me not to worry, he came here for just one reason - to give me a big hug and make sure that I am doing OK.

Tomorrow morning I go back to get the infamous $9000 shot! Neulasta helps my bone marrow stimulate white blood cells. Sure, why not? What's another $9000?

Then Abby will get to spend the rest of the day with Granpa.

Integrating Nutritional Supplements into Cancer Treatment Plans

Dr Judith Smith of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the Advocare Sci/Med Board sent me this article that she had written about nutrition. I am going to share it with you here.

Remember that I mentioned that my blood tests were good this week, I just need to be sure to keep eating and get enough good calories everyday.

Well, I'm not a doctor and I cannot make medical claims, but for me personally, this is what I am doing. In addition to Dr Smith's recommendations, I have been trying real hard to stay away from refined white sugar and red meat. Lots of fish, chicken, raw veggies, fruit, good fats and whole grains. I also have been using Rehydrate to keep my electrolytes balanced. I have been thinking that I will try Excel Gel for my electrolytes after this next round of chemo. Keeping fluids down while I was nauseous was a problem this last time, and maybe the gel will be easier. For good easily digestible protein, I drink a Muscle Gain shake for a snack. Sometime I mix a Peaches & Cream Fiber Drink with Vanilla Muscle gain for added calories and to help keep me regular (still not pooping everyday). The branch chain amino acids in Catalyst feed my lean muscle and keep them tight so I don't get flabby. And this week, I have started adding Post Workout Recovery to my shakes because they are higher in good calories.

My Hair Has Started to Fall Out

I was wondering when this would happen.

It's not that bad really, just annoying. I thought it might come out in big chunky patches. But today it's more like you know when you brush your hair for the first time in the morning? Or when you you take your hair down from a ponytail and you just get an extra bunch of hair in your hand?

It's annoying because I was trying to rinse and get out all the loose hair, but it just kept coming.

I was shaving my legs and thought about what other hair I was going to be losing - my eyebrows and eyelashes, legs and underarms, and yes even down there. Losing my eyebrows and eyelashes will be odd, but I sure won't mind not having to shave this summer!

Abby was taking a shower with me. She already knows that I am taking really strong medicne to get rid of the big ball of skin in my tummy. And I have told her that the medicine will make my hair fall out. Really, through this whole orderal, as long as we let her know some of what is going on and don't get too weird and freak out, she just figures it's another event in life.

Abby said it was OK about my hair. It'll grow back and in the meantime, I can borrow her Hannah Montana wig.

Such a Good Day

The weather is fabulous and that certainly helps. I am feeling better than I felt before I started my chemo. I still have to take my painkillers, but the swelling from the excess fluid in my abdomen has gone down, feels like my cyst and enlarged uterus & ovaries are down, I don't have the shortness of breath from having fluid in my lungs, and I'm hungry and eating and have so much more energy.

It has been such a good day that I didn't even mind getting pulled over by the Policeman this morning. It was a goober thing to get pulled over for. He was on a motorcycle and when I turned past him, I could tell he was taking a good long look. I thought maybe it was because I was drinking and driving. I had a Shake and was turning the steering wheel with just one hand. NOOOO, it was my inspection sticker! Hmm so that's 09/08, not 08/09? And of course I had cleaned out my purse so that I could carry Easter eggs this weekend, which means that I had taken out my BIG wallet, the one that has the proof of insurance... At least I wasn't speeding!

Not a problem, it still is a fabulous day!

Continuing on to the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute to get some blood drawn. This is what I now know to be called my "labs". I will be getting them every week while I am having my chemotherapy. It doesn't take long. Parking is easy (it's Beaumont) I check in, they draw 2 vials... "Hello Mrs Burns" "Hi Mrs Burns" "How're you doing today Mrs Burns?" "Right this way Mrs Burns" "Your haircut is really cute Mrs Burns".

I don't want to be part of this club, but they sure are friendly.

"Don't worry this won't a bit" "Make a fist and squeeze".

Quick and easy. Now I need to go get my car inspected. I also need an oil change and a car wash so I can just get it all done in one place. Cross a few more things off my List, pick Abby up from school, have a snack, throw in some laundry, Brian's home.

"How was your day?" "What did you do in school?"

Today was Abby's day for Show & Tell, and the letter of the week is "W". We had gathered up a bunch of things that start with "W" and put them in the big Show & Tell container for her to take this morning. Sometimes you have to be creative - wig, a tiny wagon, a piece of watermelon in a zip loc, wood, wool scarf, t-shirt with a picture of a witch, whale, a picture of a web, wallet, Ariel in a wedding dress, watch, gummy worms, etc.

And, Abby is the leader this week. Which mean that she gets to be in the front of the line and lead the class whenever they go to a new activity.

Time for bed. Flossing, brushing, flouride rinsing, potty, 2 stories, prayers.

This was such a good day!

My Neighbors

Have been wonderful. They have kept my garden lovely. Actually, it looks better than ever. They bring me homemade soups and casseroles and watch Abby when I have to run a quick errand. One woman even cut my hair so that it will not be so weird when it starts to fall out.

Today, a couple of them showed up with a fabulous card that had been signed by just about everyone in our complex. In the envelope with the card was an incredible amount of cash.

Where will I ever find the words to say "Thank You" or express how that makes me feel. Brian & I are just blown away by the genuine good spirit and generosity of the people around us.

Almost normal, and HUNGRY again

The next round of chemo will be easier because now I know that it does get better. That was seriously 4 days of the worst flu type symptoms ever. Now, I am just kinda feeling funky because I haven't eaten much for 4 days. I have kept up with my CorePlex with Iron and OmegaPlex. The Meal Replacement Shakes and Muscle Gain for protein and nutrition have been very easy to keep down as well as the Rehydrate for keeping my electrolytes balanced. I'm drinking Spark again. And even taking Catalyst, because I am losing weight, mostly muscle, pretty quickly. I will have some blood work next week and I will learn more how I am doing then.

I am getting lots of advice about nutrition. Much of it similar - stay away from red meat, dairy & sugar. Raw is best. Stay hydrated. Most appealing to me now is comfort food - homemade soups, pasta, casseroles. Vegetables are good, as well as apples, grapes & watermelon. But sweet is just TOO sweet. I think the Hydrocodone is affecting my sweet taste buds.

Dr Judith Smith at MD Anderson Cancer Center has written an article about Cancer and Nutrition. And this article about integrating nutrional supplements into cancer treatment plans. This is what Dr Smith has to say about the after effects of chemotherapy.

The Updates

Keeping this blog updated is not easy for me. I love to write, but it comes in spurts. My wonderful husband on the other hand is a fabulous writer - everyday. I have gotten replies to some of the email updates that he has sent out. Interesting to see what he has sent. It's his perspective on this whole thing. He's a journalist, so the facts are of course accurate, but at the same time personal.

This is the email he sent out after my chemo:
Teresa went to the Ben & Julie Rogers Cancer Center in Beaumont on Thursday. Our doctor told us some disturbing news. Teresa has Stage 4 advanced ovarian cancer. He told us the cancer has spread beyond the uterus and is serious. However, it is treatable and the prognosis is still positive. To underscore the diagnosis, they started her on chemo immediately after the consultation so we spent the day with Teresa undergoing an IV drip. We return tomorrow for a bone marrow injection to stimulate good cell production. She will undergo two more 6 - 8 hour IV drips, one every 21 days and then the doctors here and at MD Anderson in Houston will consider doing her hysterectomy. They may decide to further delay it depending on her response to the chemo treatment. Please feel free to call Teresa. Your prayers and stories have done her attitude wonders and we both appreciate you all more than we can say. Abby is fine and just knows mommie is sick but the doctor will make her better. I was doing fine until trying to tell this to family members on the phone but other than that, I'm ok.
I hope to talk to you all soon. Brian

Here's the lastest:
Thanks for all your phone calls and emails... and don't stop... I think messages from all of you have meant the world to her. After her chemo treatment on Thursday, she went through everything we were warned of... Vomiting every waking moment, and horrible weakness and exhaustion. Teresa did have a friend cut her hair on Sunday. She didn't want to go through watching it fall out. And we didn't want Abby to watch that either. Many of you have asked... and yes Abby knows Teresa is sick and that she's going to the doctor to get better. A couple of our good friends here in Beaumont have included Abby in their family for a day or two at a time and it's been very much appreciated. But we're keeping her close most of the time and she's a trooper... just like her mom. I'm fine... just tired... She has answered the phone a couple of times... Our home number is at the bottom of this email. And she does check her email several times a day... I have forwarded all you have sent. It's teresa@getadvocareonline.com That's Get Advocare Online . com For those of you who don't know, she's a distribtor for that line of vitamins and supplements. Her next chemo is scheduled for Thursday, April 23. And then again 3 weeks later. That is when her doctors will decide if it's time for her hysterectomy.
Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers, Brian

See what I mean.

Meeting my Chemo Doctors

Thursday morning I meet Dr Kong and Dr Lavalais at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute.

Briefly, here is what I understand about what is going on :
I have a cyst about the size of a large orange near my right ovary, both of my ovaries are enlarged, my uterus is enlarged due to fibroids, and my colon and small bowel also may be involved. This is making things kinda crowded and uncomfortable in my belly. It's also crowding my lungs so i can't get a deep breath, so my lungs have fluid in them. At MD Anderson, they drained off just over 2 liters of fluid from my right lung. The pathology on the fluid showed malignant cancer cells, so I do have cancer. The cells are gyncological in origin and my CT scan did not show any nodules in my lungs, so most likely I do not have lung cancer.
I was told that cancer cells produce a fluid. The fluid along with the cyst and enlarged ovaries and uterus is adding to the distention and is why I look like I am about 3 months pregnant. It's also why I ache and can't stand up straight and have to take painkillers all day long.

I am told that the chemo will shrink my cyst and dry up the fluid so I should begin to feel better within a couple of days of my first treatment.

The Messenger

My Friend Kevin called me today. Kevin was on the way to the Fair and he just had to call to let me know that He is going to make sure that I get through this. Kevin told me that he's been praying for me, and this is the Message that he was supposed to deliver.

I've said it before and I'll say it over and over again, I am so thankful to have people around me who are not afraid to pray OUT LOUD.

Here's What Happened

If your looking for facts from the experts, here's some good reading about Ovarian Cancer

If you'd like to come along with me on my journey, I'll write you a little story.

I am having a tough time with this because if I take enough pain killers to sit for a while to post, I start to get sleepy - vicious cycle, but here goes.

I figured my first appointment at MD Anderson mostly would be full of paperwork, questions and moving from one diagnostic test to another. So I convinced everyone that I would be just fine going by myself. Brian and Abby need to keep home life as normal as possible, my cousins Kimmy and Jenny have told me over & over again that they are on stand by anytime I need them, Dad says he'll be on the next flight - just call, and so many other dear Friends and Family have told me that they will drop everything to be with me even if all I need is someone to hold my hand. But really, I can do this.

My appointment with Dr Kathleen Schmeler is at 830AM Mon, need to get there by 730AM to start the paperwork. A few days prior, I received my "Welcome Packet" in the mail. Kinda feels like what you get for Summer Camp - a map, driving directions, what to bring, important phone numbers, 8 pages of medical history to fill out. Seems that the women on Mom's side of the Family have some history of Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer.

Brian already had made plans for us to see Elmo & his Sesame Street friends Sunday afternoon, so we kept that date and took one of Abby's little friends along with us. Afterward I packed enough for a couple of days and headed to Kemah to stay with my good friend Brenda.

Monday morning she asked me again if I wanted her come along with me, but I assured her that "No, I'll be fine." Brenda's made this trip with friends a couple of times before, and helped me pack for the day - my paperwork, some snacks, water, cel phone, my laptop, the new MajikJak and phone that Brian got for me, a blanket and Brenda tossed in a pair of warm comfy socks for me, the ones with the rubber ridges on the bottom.

Traffic into Houston that early in the morning was easy, driving directions were excellent, I found entrance 7 and Valet parking is free on your first visit - convenient!

I have a little cart that I got from Office Depot, I just threw everything in there and followed my directions to the Laura Lee-Blanton Gynecologic Oncoloogy Center on the 6th floor.

So far so good. I'm pretty calm, just pulling along my little cart. Everyone from the Valet to Security and Informtion to Reception at the Gynecologic Oncology Center is smiling and friendly and helpful. I'm actually early, and for those of you who know me, that's pretty amazing.

I step up to the counter and turn in my paperwork, Kegan lets me know my Medical Record Number and hands me a clipboard with my Oncology team's names and important contact info, and a couple more pages to fill out.

The waiting room is very comfortable. Glider rockers, Recliners, Sofas, Club chairs - something for everyone. 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles laid out on the coffee tables, magazines, paperbacks, coping with cancer brochures, fliers on upcoming seminars for Patients and their Families, a huge aquarium, a bubbly waterfall sculpture, coffee, ice water, little cross stitch kits.

As I'm looking around I can't help but wonder why each of them is here. I overhear some conversations. One Family is from Cinncinnati, another from Witchita Falls. "This is your 2nd visit?" "We've been making the trip for just over a year now". I see a couple of Translators helping to fill out the clipboard pages.

Some Women already are wearing cute little hats and scarves ... and now it starts to feel surreal. It's like I'm in some kind of weird dream. Everyone is oddly cheerful. Talking about their trip, their hotel, some are just looking around at each other

My friend Sally found out a couple of months ago that she has Breast Cancer. She already has been doing her chemo. She said this would happen - the odd moment that I realize that I'm not the only one, poor little me is not so unique, there are at least 20 other Women just like me here, in this one waitng area - and it's just Monday morning - it's just one day, on one floor - tomorrow there will be more.

But they made me feel like I was the only one that mattered.

Wow, this is more than I had planned to write.

Later this weekend I'll post some more. I'll finish up Monday's visit, then do a quick run through of what happened when Brian came with me on Wednesday's visit. Time to take a couple more Hydrocodone and get some sleep. The next post, I'll explain why I need the pain killers.