I'm here and I'm around.
Overall I'm doing pretty well. I just tire so easily. And there are still a million doctors appointments to juggle.
Last week was another big appointment - I met with the oncologist. Not only was a big appointment but a long one - I was there for 2.5 hours and there was very little waiting time!
First let me tell you, my oncologist seriously is amazingly sweet and gentle and kind. He looks like a sweet grandfather (in fact he's retiring in 4 months).
We did a lot of talking. I'll spare you all the details and just give you the "good" stuff. (also, I was given a lot of info, so there's a chance I might amend some of this later)
So, there will be 16 weeks total of chemotherapy. It will happen it two 8 week phases. The first 8 weeks I will go every other week. Each treatment will be about 2 1/2 hours. During this time I will be receiving the 2 strongest chemotherapy drugs on the market. The doctor warned me that this will be rough. They can help with lots of side effects, but the fatigue I've been warned will be intense. Also hair loss will begin after the second treatment. (in preparation for that I'm thinking of dying my hair crazy cause why not?)
The second 8 weeks will consist of two other drugs that will apparently feel like a walk in the park compared to the first two! The second two can't be given at the same time so for that period I will go every week, but get the medicine alternating. The one medicine will take 5 1/2 hours! (why yes, you can come visit me, bring me food, etc!!) the second medicine is (thankfully) 30 minutes. This medicine - called herceptin - I'll continue to get every 3 weeks for 1 year after the 8 weeks is up.
Of course all of this is subject to change because this coming week I have 3 important tests I have te have performed: CT scan, bone scan, and a muga test (a heart test). I wish I could study for this to guarantee I could pass. I'm sure I will. But they mean lots of time at the hospital - 90 minutes one day, 5 hours for the other two tests.
Next week I also get my port put in Friday. Which will be another roughly 5 hours. And to top it off, it's my anniversary on Friday. So this year I guess my present to my husband will be to get cancer free! Poor guy. I mean really can he top that? Actually, not true. If you didn't already know, my husband rocks. And he is the most supportive, helpful, loving husband ever. Which is the best gift of all :)
Anyway, that's about all from here for now.
Brandie ,you are the greatest niece any body could ever have. I just wanted to tell you this
ReplyDeletePsalm 23
The Lord is Brandie's shepard, Brandie shall not want. He maketh Brandie to lie down in green pastures,He leadeth Brandie beside the still waters. He restoreth Brandie's soul, He leadeth Brandie in the path of righteousness for His name sake.
Yea though Brandie walks through the valley of the shadow of death, Brandie will fear no evil, for thou art with Brandie. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort Brandie.
Thou preparest a table before Brandie in the presence of Brandies enemies, thou anointest Brandies head with oil, Brandie's cup runnth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow Brandie all the days of Brandie's life, and Brandie will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Amen. I love you and your family so much and my prayers are with you. I have been dancing over that cancer and I know that my Jesus will take it all away and that His peace will be with you during this difficult time. With all My Love Aunt Pam
One day at a time, Darlin'. Just know that there's a multitude of us out here, wishing you well - waiting to see you well. HUGS.
ReplyDeleteHi Brandie,
ReplyDeleteI just caught up on your latest posts and will check on you next in theMotherhood, too. I wanted to tell you how very proud I am of you. You are one amazing lady, and the gift that you are giving us by sharing your Journey truly is just that...a gift. Your courage just oozes out of every word, and I can feel your strength expanding day by day. No doubt, your kids rock just like their mom. You guys are a precious family. Gentle cyber hugs today for all of you.
Love,
Robin
You sound like you are in good hands at home and with the doctors. I love the hair dye idea and can't wait to see what fab looks you come up with. Hugs my friend,
ReplyDeleteKim
i want to come to the 5-1/2 treatment. when is it and what kind of cookies should i bake?
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi there, I read through some of your entries and am really honored to be able to read these experiences. You seem like a wonderfully level person with a big heart and loving family, and I am saying a prayer for your full recovery! Cancer Definately picked the wrong bitch!! :) (like your shirt:)
ReplyDeleteHi Brandie, I came to your blog via Is There Any Mommy Out There. Love the shirt, and will most def be praying for you. You seem like an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteBe Well.
Holly Taylor
Hi Brandie, I came to your blog via Is There Any Mommy Out There. Love the shirt, and will most def be praying for you. You seem like an amazing woman.
ReplyDeleteBe Well.
Holly Taylor
Sending healing vibes your way and wishes for a Happy Anniversary.
ReplyDeleteMay you look back on this time from your rocking chairs on the porch, holding hands and admiring the twinkle in each other's eyes.
"For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live..."
Wishing you well. Hugs & strength to you!
ReplyDeleteI think he deserves that present, Brandie.
ReplyDeleteAnd so it begins, eh? My dad went through chemo and the whole shebang when I was in 4th grade. It sucked and was scary and still amazes me that we haven't figured out a cure, nearly 25 years later.
Sending you love, girly. Go for pink streaks and crazy earrings. Let people wonder at the weird, homeschooling mom...
Brandie - continued good thoughts to you and your family during this tough time. May the love you feel carry you through! xo Chris, San Diego
ReplyDeletePraying for you! It's amazing the meds they have that go with the chemo to take the edge off. I wrote a piece over at Mama Bird Diaries under Contributing Mamas in Jan 09 right after I lost all my hair to chemo. Hair Today Gone Tomorrow. I'm still looking for a web site that sells the best soft knit hats. Sounds like you have an amazing and loving support of family and friends. Let them help. They want to do what the can!
ReplyDeletesending lots of healing love your way. xo
ReplyDeleteWhy stop at pink steaks? I think you should go all out cotton candy pink! And take pictures! With your awesome "Bitch" shirt!
ReplyDeleteI know its going to be a long road, but you've got lots of friends walking with you- even if we are miles apart.
I hope you guys had an amazing anniversary. This will be the year that you can look back and say,"For your anniversary present, honey, I kicked cancer's @$$." He'll never be able to top that present. Ever.
Big hugs to you, my friend.
Brandi, you continue to be in the hearts and prayers of the Knudsen's.
ReplyDelete