I have been back to work all week, but today was the first day with kids. I know some folks will say I'm crazy, but it was great to get back to work. I like the kids, I like the routine and so far my classes seem really pleasant (although that could change at anytime!). I'm feeling lucky to be one of those people who likes going to work.
I added a new thing to my anti-nausea arsenal and it seems to provide some real relief. I had a pretty good round really. Sunday was rough, but otherwise I've been feeling pretty good. So good that I considered taking all my pills today, but I was terrified of getting sick on the first day of school so I was an "noncompliant patient" today. My doctor is on board with my noncompliance, so I don't feel too guilty.
My doctor developed a plan for me at my last appointment. I'm going to do this current round and one more. Then I am scheduled to get scanned on 9/9. If the scans still look good, she will take my case to the tumor board. She thinks I might be a good candidate for a lumpectomy. If I get approved for surgery by the tumor board, I'd have a lumpectomy and then I'd go back on Herceptin. As much as I like a plan, I'm well aware that the plan may well change.
Hi, Keith here with a quick update on my mom; She continues to work with speech/swallow therapy in Duluth. My mom and dad are living in a hotel up there and motoring over to the rehab facility daily. She's improving but it's a real slow process. Long grind. There's talk that they might be able to get an acceptably qualified speech therapist in Ashland Wisconsin, which would allow them to get back home to Wakefield and then "commute" up to Ashland (about 50 miles away). My mom is on a particular drug that is supposed to kick-in at some point here....but it can take months to start working. That drug (imuran) would sort of knock some sense into her immune system so it returns to normal. We continue to keep our fingers crossed!
Oh, and we gave Red a bath recently. P-U he needed it!!
What a great picture of Red! He seems to be enjoying his spa treatment. It's wonderful to have a job that you really enjoy and that, I'm sure, you're really good at. I always loved that a special energy at the beginnng of an academic year. So glad that the additional anti-nausea med worked quite well and that your doc's got a good plan. Fingers crossed for a good scan and approval from the tumor board. Golly, Keith, your parents must be tired with this 'long grind'! We're hoping that the physio therapy and the new drug start working well for your Mom. love, Sheila
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you, Eileen, for going back to school while doing your chemo. That took courage!! I'm glad it worked out pretty well. Sounds like you and your doc have a good plan. I'll be thinking of you on the 9th.... hoping for a unremarkable scan!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Keith! I sure hope your Mom get some significant relief really soon! Fingers and toes crossed for all.
Love,
ann
Thanks for the update! Yes, great photo Red! Does Deisel like to be hosed down, as well??
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you are not only surviving, but enjoying your first week in school. It is nice to have a routine and a job that you enjoy. Hope your initial take on your classes turns out to be on the money!
I know that you cannot get too excited, but that sounds like very promising news. I hope that you have excellent scans (read: unremarkable!) and the tumor board (great name!) approves your lumpectomy.
And, thanks for the update on your mom, Keith! Wow, what a long haul, indeed! Life is not easy. I hope that you are able to find a good speech therapist closer to home.
Take care.
Love, Jane
Eileen, So glad to hear you're back at school and able to enjoy it even while taking med's. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteWe'll be sending you good thoughts on Sept 9th. Here's hoping that your scan is unremarkable and you're approved by the tumor board for the lumpectomy. Would be wonderful if you conld get on an easier treatment routine.
Thanks for the update on your Mom, Keith. What a strain to be both sick and away from home. I hope her medicine kicks in soon and that she and your Dad can move back home to Wakefield.
Great photo of Red. He looks so obedient! Hope he enjoys being washed.
Love,
Kate and Doug
Eileen & Keith,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that you are enjoying getting back to school Eileen - even with chemo! You are a real trooper! I find myself wishing for a few more weeks of summer to get that list of 'summer jobs' done before the semester begins. But, it is fun to meet a new crowd of even younger freshmen each year.
Glad to hear you and your doc have a plan; hope the news on 9-9 is excellent.
Good to hear from you, Keith; hope your Mom and Dad can come home soon. That 50 mile commute sounds good compared to living away from home.
Red is a handsome fella. love, Ellen