One week down! It's been a tough one. Today Cindy had blood work done. Why is Cindy so tired? Well besides being "whacked up the side of the head" by Chemo, many of her blood work levels were low and some extremely low. Hematocrit or "HCT" is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells found in whole blood. This test is used to determine levels of things like anemia. Cindy traditionally has a very high HCT level. This week that count dropped 7-8 points and while she is just below the "average" levels and there is no alarm, it is a significant drop for her. Red blood carries the oxygen in our blood. Without it we have little energy. The next levels to look at in blood work is the White Blood Count. White blood cells are our bodies defense system. Within the white blood cells are cells called neutrophil. They are the "soldiers" that attack infection within our body first. Sort of like the Marines. Now Chemotherapy is designed to kill the cancer cells but it's not smart enough to kill only bad cells, it kills good cells too. Usually it doesn't kill all the good cells at once though. In Cindy's case the Chemo is working so well at killing cells - which is good, that it has knocked nearly all the white blood cells and neutrophil's out of her system - which is bad. What does this mean? It means that she is extremely susceptible to infections. She must avoid crowds. She must avoid anyone who is ill, even a tiny cough or cold to us could be a really big deal to her! She needs to keep her skin clean and dry. Reed has anti-bacterial gels all over the house now. Hydration is a must. 64 oz of water or fluids a day, minimum. And any sign of fever is reason to call the Doctor or head to the hospital. Thank goodness no fevers have appeared, except for those "hot flashes" she constantly experiences. (Women are not wusses is all I can say!!!!). In addition to low HCT, WBC and Neutrophil her Platelates are also low. Platelates are essential for blood clotting. It is best to avoid bruising and the use of a soft bristled tooth brush is good. It is also best to avoid shaving, so won't it be convenient when she looses the hair on her legs! All these conditions are to be expected with Chemotherapy but in Cindy these levels are unusually low which means just a little extra precaution needs to be taken.
This week is her "off" week, meaning she has no chemo treatment until the next Thursday, July 9th. They will have to check to see if her white cell count is higher than 1.5 in order to administer the chemo. She has a ways to go to get up to that level but last week she was given a shot that helps the white cells grow. We will keep our fingers crossed.
A couch potato she is not! Lying around is not one of Cindy's past times nor is it one she wants. (I told her she needs to take lessons from me :). I'm pretty good at lying around eating bonbon's.) Nonetheless she finds herself with little energy, a dizzy head and sensitive tummy. And for those of you who don't know, the Gardner home is also in the middle of a major remodel. (That alone could drive one nuts) So unfortunately instead of being able to rest up in her normally clean, well organized and serene home, she must put up with chaos, dust, construction sounds and can't even sleep in her own bed. At least we know that when this is all done, Cindy will be gorgeous and so will her home!
Please keep your prayers said, emails and card sent and blog comments posted! They mean so much to her and with visitors limited this next little while they will mean even more. Reed, Cindy and family send their thanks and love to you all.
Posted by Libby
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Chemo is yucky!
For those who have gone through this before you can attest to the fact that Chemotherapy treatment is yucky! Every body reacts differently and even though they tell you that "typically most people react" one way that often doesn't help because ... well ... every body is different. Our poor little Cindy was hit by a brick wall yesterday and then run over by a dump truck! (figuratively speaking. And I believe that truck was full of a lot of compost, if you get my drift!). Within 20 minutes of leaving UCS - the Cancer Center she began feeling woozy! She developed a major headache and was nauseated all day. It didn't help that she was unable to eat anything prior to her treatment, due to the fact that she had to go into surgery later in the day and could not eat from midnight on, the night before. She was weak and tired and sick! But bless her heart - she mustered up enough strength and went to the surgical center - white as a ghost mind you - but they put her under and inserted the port-a-cath without incident.
The Surgeon came out to talk to us, while Cindy was in recovery. He was positive and upbeat and said "this is going to work". He was sure the Chemo was going to kill the cancer and shrink the tumor! Earlier in the day, Cindy and I talked about the fact that she was so sick so soon and that maybe it was a "good thing" because we know that the Chemo is in her body and killing all those cancer cells.
This morning, Karen brought over a bowl of fresh fruit. Cindy was on the back porch, taking in some cool morning air and getting just a bit of nutrition! Here's hoping the worst for this week is over!
posted by Libby
The Surgeon came out to talk to us, while Cindy was in recovery. He was positive and upbeat and said "this is going to work". He was sure the Chemo was going to kill the cancer and shrink the tumor! Earlier in the day, Cindy and I talked about the fact that she was so sick so soon and that maybe it was a "good thing" because we know that the Chemo is in her body and killing all those cancer cells.
This morning, Karen brought over a bowl of fresh fruit. Cindy was on the back porch, taking in some cool morning air and getting just a bit of nutrition! Here's hoping the worst for this week is over!
posted by Libby
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
And so it begins....
Here we are at the UCS - Utah Cancer Specialists. Cindy is receiving her first Chemo treatment! They have given her anti nausea medicine by the arm load! And then she will take Emend capsules for the next three days to help with the nausea as well. She is on a regiment of DD-AC-T 4 times with treatment every two weeks for 8 weeks. These treatments will take just about an hour each. Once this is done she will take Taxol for another 4 treatments every two weeks. These sessions will be a bit longer because it is a slow drip - about 4 hours at the center. In four short months she will be done. Yippee! We have decided not to spell out every drug but just know that for now she is getting two Chemotherapy Drugs as well as a drug to stimulate the type of white blood cells which helps to fight infection.
The chairs are very comfy and Reed wants one for his new office. She enjoys a great view of Mt. Olympus but she does wish Reed would bring his chain saw next time to cut down the telephone poll that is right in the middle of her view! There are plenty of warm blankets in the oven (We want one of those at home for her!) and a stock pile of snacks and drinks and treats and movies. So far - so good!
Later this afternoon Cindy will have a port-a-cath put in so that they will not have to poke her veins so much. It will be about a 45 minute surgery, but she should be home tonight in her own bed, resting well!
Thanks to all for the love and support and prayers. We shall overcome!
posted by Libby
The chairs are very comfy and Reed wants one for his new office. She enjoys a great view of Mt. Olympus but she does wish Reed would bring his chain saw next time to cut down the telephone poll that is right in the middle of her view! There are plenty of warm blankets in the oven (We want one of those at home for her!) and a stock pile of snacks and drinks and treats and movies. So far - so good!
Later this afternoon Cindy will have a port-a-cath put in so that they will not have to poke her veins so much. It will be about a 45 minute surgery, but she should be home tonight in her own bed, resting well!
Thanks to all for the love and support and prayers. We shall overcome!
posted by Libby
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Compost Tip #2 - Let someone else do the grunt work
Usually when I get ready to plant my garden I enlist the help of someone bigger, stronger and more qualified to handle the dirty work (i.e. Reed). He's always there in the trenches with me, digging and humbly following my commands. He does the grunt work and I get all the glory for growing a beautiful garden. We all know the secret is in the dirt.
Well, in this case as you can all tell, Libby has been enlisted to handle the grunt work....not only is she a willing and devoted friend, but she is by far stronger, and more qualified to handle the job. She is doing the job I dread to do....just like Reed does when he so effortlessly puts his big strong body behind the shovel and turns the dirt. It's so much easier for him. I am always so grateful for his help because he does the part I do not want to do. And Libby, I am so grateful for you because not only are you doing what is hard for me, but it lightens my load and you are also so good at it! Thank you my friend!
Libby has given you a very accurate update and I am anxious and ready to begin taking care of this disease. I am so grateful for qualified doctors who are kind and sensitive and intuitive and doctors who have devoted their lives to improving and even saving ours. Every doctor, every step of the way, has been an important step in this process and has been instrumental in getting us to where we are. Reed and I feel very good about the upcoming treatment and also very blessed. In gardening, pruning encourages growth. I expect to have a very thick head of hair when this is over!
I love reading every one's comments - it buoys me up. I'm feeling very loved and supported and most of all grateful. There is something so humbling about feeling so loved...each one of you, and each expression of support touches my heart, makes me cry and then I am in awe of all the wonderful people we are so fortunate to have in our lives. The word "thank you" doesn't seem like it is adequate in comparison to the depth of gratitude I feel in my heart, but simply and sincerely.....Thank you so much! Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for us this week that the cancer will be receptive to the chemotherapy. I love you all.
Well, in this case as you can all tell, Libby has been enlisted to handle the grunt work....not only is she a willing and devoted friend, but she is by far stronger, and more qualified to handle the job. She is doing the job I dread to do....just like Reed does when he so effortlessly puts his big strong body behind the shovel and turns the dirt. It's so much easier for him. I am always so grateful for his help because he does the part I do not want to do. And Libby, I am so grateful for you because not only are you doing what is hard for me, but it lightens my load and you are also so good at it! Thank you my friend!
Libby has given you a very accurate update and I am anxious and ready to begin taking care of this disease. I am so grateful for qualified doctors who are kind and sensitive and intuitive and doctors who have devoted their lives to improving and even saving ours. Every doctor, every step of the way, has been an important step in this process and has been instrumental in getting us to where we are. Reed and I feel very good about the upcoming treatment and also very blessed. In gardening, pruning encourages growth. I expect to have a very thick head of hair when this is over!
I love reading every one's comments - it buoys me up. I'm feeling very loved and supported and most of all grateful. There is something so humbling about feeling so loved...each one of you, and each expression of support touches my heart, makes me cry and then I am in awe of all the wonderful people we are so fortunate to have in our lives. The word "thank you" doesn't seem like it is adequate in comparison to the depth of gratitude I feel in my heart, but simply and sincerely.....Thank you so much! Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for us this week that the cancer will be receptive to the chemotherapy. I love you all.
What we know
This week has been enlightening. After numerous appointments with radiation specialists, surgeons and oncologist we are a little better informed. Cindy's cancer is an invasive ductile carcinoma with triple negative receptors. If a woman develops breast cancer, the cancer cells are tested for the presence of three receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). Oncologists generally use these receptors or markers to guide their treatment decisions.
In Cindy's case , there are two lesions. One relatively large lump in the left breast and a second in the lymph nodes, most likely the sentinel node. Ductile carcinoma is a fairly common form of breast cancer, however the triple negative receptor factor, or T3 is a bit more rare and presents an added challenge in treatment. It is a good thing the HER2 is negative but the fact that the estrogen and progesterone receptors are negative means that the type of chemotherapy given is unable to be specifically targeted towards an individual form of cancer. Triple negative tends to be a bit more aggressive thus resulting in the larger tumor in a short amount of time. The good news is that statistical results show T3 tends to respond well to chemotherapy.
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the chemotherapy on the tumor it is highly recommended that pre-operative chemotherapy be given, especially to those with T3. This will allow the Doctors to monitor the effectiveness of the chemo to kill the cancer cells and also shrink the tumor. So....
On Tuesday - June 23 Cindy will begin chemotherapy treatment. This will last for four months. Once completed surgery will follow approximately 2-3 weeks later in order to remove the remaining tumor and lymph nodes. This will then be followed by approximately 6 weeks of radiation.
Yes Cindy will lose her hair. (But her good friend Karen has already taken her to have her portrait taken!) She will be extremely fatigued and will need naps and early to bed. She remains positive, faithful and humble in her attitude. Cindy is a fighter and does not allow difficult challenges to get in her way. (Even trees stripped of their bark. More on this in a later blog!)
Cindy is grateful for the support and love of family and friends. She LOVES reading your comments on her blog and getting your emails. Visits are important and needed, we simply ask that you keep them somewhat brief. Thank you all for your care. Cindy may be in the ring doing the main fighting but all of us surround her with love and support. You go girl!
Posted by Libby
In Cindy's case , there are two lesions. One relatively large lump in the left breast and a second in the lymph nodes, most likely the sentinel node. Ductile carcinoma is a fairly common form of breast cancer, however the triple negative receptor factor, or T3 is a bit more rare and presents an added challenge in treatment. It is a good thing the HER2 is negative but the fact that the estrogen and progesterone receptors are negative means that the type of chemotherapy given is unable to be specifically targeted towards an individual form of cancer. Triple negative tends to be a bit more aggressive thus resulting in the larger tumor in a short amount of time. The good news is that statistical results show T3 tends to respond well to chemotherapy.
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the chemotherapy on the tumor it is highly recommended that pre-operative chemotherapy be given, especially to those with T3. This will allow the Doctors to monitor the effectiveness of the chemo to kill the cancer cells and also shrink the tumor. So....
On Tuesday - June 23 Cindy will begin chemotherapy treatment. This will last for four months. Once completed surgery will follow approximately 2-3 weeks later in order to remove the remaining tumor and lymph nodes. This will then be followed by approximately 6 weeks of radiation.
Yes Cindy will lose her hair. (But her good friend Karen has already taken her to have her portrait taken!) She will be extremely fatigued and will need naps and early to bed. She remains positive, faithful and humble in her attitude. Cindy is a fighter and does not allow difficult challenges to get in her way. (Even trees stripped of their bark. More on this in a later blog!)
Cindy is grateful for the support and love of family and friends. She LOVES reading your comments on her blog and getting your emails. Visits are important and needed, we simply ask that you keep them somewhat brief. Thank you all for your care. Cindy may be in the ring doing the main fighting but all of us surround her with love and support. You go girl!
Posted by Libby
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Compost Tip #1 - It's a delicate balance
So they say it's not rocket science, but making good compost is a delicate balance of food, water, air and TLC. Oh, and it needs a home (preferably out of sight and down wind). However, if you do it right, it doesn't matter if it's down wind because it's really not supposed to be smelly. It only turns smelly if it has too much moisture and maybe some of the wrong ingredients. We seem to make a lot of compost at our house - not always with the right balance, but on occasion we have had some success and at times we have added to our garden that dark brown, moist, earthy smelling amendment called compost that makes our garden beautiful.....but we are still working on that perfect balance. As Libby said, the storm cloud may be hovering over our house, but we see a break in the clouds and the sun in beginning to shine through!
We have had some wonderful appointments this week with very skilled and knowledgeable doctors. No final decisions for treatment have been made yet, but each step of the way takes us further into that sunlight and the skies are looking more clear. I've been so uplifted by all of you, our dear family and friends. You are truly the best in the world and the flowers in my garden. You all know how much I love flowers - especially the ones that grow in that dark rich composted soil! Thank you for your love and support and encouraging words - I know it will keep me going. So many have been on this road before me and that also gives me strength. I am so thankful for your amazing examples. In actuality, I want everyone to know that the storm may seem like a big one from the outside looking in, but inside, I am blessed with peace and calm. I only know of One who has the power to calm storms and I am so grateful.
We have had some wonderful appointments this week with very skilled and knowledgeable doctors. No final decisions for treatment have been made yet, but each step of the way takes us further into that sunlight and the skies are looking more clear. I've been so uplifted by all of you, our dear family and friends. You are truly the best in the world and the flowers in my garden. You all know how much I love flowers - especially the ones that grow in that dark rich composted soil! Thank you for your love and support and encouraging words - I know it will keep me going. So many have been on this road before me and that also gives me strength. I am so thankful for your amazing examples. In actuality, I want everyone to know that the storm may seem like a big one from the outside looking in, but inside, I am blessed with peace and calm. I only know of One who has the power to calm storms and I am so grateful.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Storms
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. Winston Churchill
A storm is brewing. It is directly over the Gardner house. How I wish it were merely a blustery day that would last a few hours but I believe we may be facing a full blown hurricane. But instead of letting the current force her down and "pull her under" Cindy has chosen to once again resist. And in doing so, she soars.
Last week Cindy was confirmed with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Surgery will be required, along with radiation and chemotherapy. Tests after tests have been and will continue to be performed. Numerous appointments with numerous doctors have been scheduled. It is all still very new and we are hoping that by tomorrow we will have a clear picture of exactly what we are facing. (I say we because although Cindy is the one physically and emotionally going through all of this, the rest of us as her family and friends are in the storm as well. She is not alone!)
We are researching and attempting to become better educated in this disease. We are grateful for brilliant minds and skilled hands and modern medicine and technology. But most of all we are grateful for faith. It might be a bumpy ride. Rougher times are ahead. I personally plan on following Cindy's example to resist all that is bad. To fight for the good. And in doing so rise above all these trials.
Cindy will be posting her journey on this blog, along with updates from me as her designated scribe! It will be our way of keeping everyone informed without having to make countless calls, for she has countless loved ones who care! This way you can follow the technical progress and such, leaving you the ability to talk about other things with Cindy when you see her. Love to Reed and the kids as well. We encourage communication!
Comments on this blog are welcomed and encouraged! We will all get through this - together!
(posted by designated scribe - auntie libby )
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