Wednesday, February 27, 2013

How Am I Doing?

I just realized that I haven't written an update about myself since the end of January so shame on me! It's been awhile since I started with my Chemo so you must be wondering how I'm doing and what I've been doing with my time. At least I think you must be wondering ;o) LOL!

As of last Thursday, I've made it through my third Chemo treatment. It comes once every three weeks and I get my Pamidronate while I'm there so there's no extra travelling. We didn't go to Halifax this time but we were there on January 30 to see the Oncologist. This appointment was MUCH more positive than the last and it was nice to see a smile on my doctor's face again. I knew when we went in on January 9 that things were not good and it showed in his face.

DH and I are being 'cautiously optimistic' because the inflammation on my left breast has gone down significantly :o) The swelling in my groin remains but the swelling in my right leg is much better. Just last week, some of the numbers from my blood work came back with positive results. All this combined; it has raised my spirits but my guard is still up as well.

We do have one thing that is worrying us at the moment and that's why I'm still hesitant about the good outlook. I have developed a number of bumps around my left breast and on my sternum. They are just under the skin and very hard. And they hurt :o( There is no doubt in my mind that it's cancer but I'm waiting for a biopsy. Why they have developed and why they aren't getting better with the Chemo, we don't know.

I have to say that I'm doing fairly well with the Chemo. I've gotten nauseated but haven't thrown up. My appetite has been affected somewhat but at least my weight is remaining steady. I am TIRED but I've got help and thank goodness because I'd never be able to do this on my own! My parents have moved down here for a few months :o) They have a place of their own and they come over three days a week to look after Junior. On the other two days, I have a friend who helps out. So far this system works wonderfully and it allows me to put my feet up and rest but still be around for Junior if he needs me.

If I'm not looking after Junior or sleeping, I'm probably doing a bit of stitching and keeping up to date on The Walking Dead series :o) O-M-G! I'm sad to say but Prison Break has lost its role in first place for favorite television series! Okay, put aside the zombies...it really is an excellent show. Really! Trust me ;o)

Other than that, I don't have time for much else (as you can see by my Blog and my emails!). I'm getting cabin fever but I'd rather be squirreled away than risk getting that awful bug that's going around :o( That's the last thing I need. People have been so good too about not coming around if they think they are getting sick.

Finally, I am embracing my bald head :o) Two very thoughtful Blogging friends sent me pumpkin hats so I'm good to go. LOL! I even have a wig! I haven't worn it out in public yet. Do you know what my darling son did the other day? He took off my hat that I was wearing and kissed my bald head :o) How can I not feel confident when I have such a special supporter on my side?

38 comments:

Vickie said...

Aww, sweet Junior. I am praying for you Cathey. You are sooo brave. You keep up the good work.♥

♥ Nia said...

Ohhh sweet Júnior! The cutest =) hehehehehe
I can see things are not easy but you have some good news in the middle :) it's positive! More positive things will come soon!!
I understand so well that you don't have time or even mood to write emails! That's why I don't write more often, I don't want to overload you... Soon you will get better and we will exchange loads of emails again ;) hehehe
I'm always happy to know that you've been stitching :D hope to see pictures soon! :))))
Hugs to you and little peanut! Xoxo

Denise said...

Baby boy loves you no matter with or without hair!

Glad to hear your numbers are coming around to the positive side and your parents are in town to help. You need the time to rest and recover.

Thank you for the update!

Annie said...

Glad to hear there is some cautiously positive news. Such an ordeal and so hard to keep your spirits up I'm sure. But sounds like Jr. has the magic touch to cheer up Mommy... what a blessing!

Cath said...

Ahh , bless that boy of yours.
So pleased you have some positive things happening at last. Still thinking of you all.
Take care .XXX

Alberta said...

Thanks for finding the strength to update us. I for one was getting worried.

Sounds like you are doing everything you can to fight. I'm sending some of my positive thoughts and prayers your way and a Big Hello to Mumzy!!!!

{{{Hugs}}}

Birdie said...

What a wonderful support system you have. I love that your your son kissed your head. Kids see through us not at us. I pray for you everyday. Please STAY STRONG.

* The Walking Dead is a great show.....very addicting.

Melanie said...

Thank you for the update. I know I'm not alone in worrying about you but I'm also sure it's not easy to put it all out there on the internet so I do appreciate it when you do. I'm glad you had some good news and made your doctor smile. :) It's awesome that you have a great support network too so you can rest as needed and leave more time for snuggling that little cuddle-bunny of yours. :)

Christina said...

Cathey - I had a huge smile on my face throughout your post - I LOVE positive news! BUT, then I almost burst into tears when you mentioned junior taking off your hat and kissing your head! That's the cutest thing I've ever heard. What a special guy. I'm hoping that the nasty lumps turn out to be nothing more than a side effect of the chemo.
Will you think less of me if I say I've never seen an episode of Prison Break?! We nearly named our son 'Wentworth' as he was born in the car about 100 metres from the very famous Wentworth Golf Course, but I was put off because no doubt people would have assumed he was named after Wentworth Miller!

Maggee said...

Thank you for the update! So glad to hear there are positive things coming along, tho the bumps ARE a worry that I will pray away! Glad you have help! I wondered! Love the hat with Junior story!!!! Hugs!

Parsley said...

Glad for a report from you. I would love to see you in a pumpkin hat!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

AWW, Junior is such a sweetie. Love and prayers for you still hon.

Carol said...

I was so happy to read this update, Cathey... really good to hear that some things are looking up for you. How wonderful to have your parents nearby and the help of your friends. I sure wish I lived up that way--I'd love to care for Junior!! He sounds like the sweetest little guy--love the picture in my head of him giving your bald head a big smooch :)

Keep on taking such good care of yourself and know I'm sending all positive thoughts your way...

Linda said...

So glad to hear from you Cathey. That little one loves you no matter what. I still know in my heart, that everything is going to work out and be okay. Sending hugs and happy thoughts your way.

Linda

Christina said...

Glad things are starting to look better for you. Prayers still going your way. What a sweet boy you are raising.

Cole said...

Oh Junior! What a blessing those little ones are!!! I'm so happy to hear you've had positive news ~ you're never far from a lot of people's thoughts, hearts & prayers :)

The Walking Dead is a favorite in our house too, we cannot wait for Sunday evenings! And the preview for next week? I just about jumped out of my skin, yikes! LOL

Mouse said...

way to go on the pumpkin hats ;) and awwww Junior that was sooo sweet ...
(((HUGE HUGS))) with the positive bits and bobs and paws crossed that the hurty lumps are just that nothing more ....
glad you have got a wonderful supporting nextwork there too :)
and keep up the good work :) love mouse xxxxx

Gabi said...

Ooooh, sweet Junior! What a wonderful boy!
Glad to hear the positive news.
Please stay strong and take care.
Big hugs from Germany

Veronica said...

Hang in there, Cathey and stay strong. Thanks for the update. Happy to hear that things are looking positive. That pumpkin hat sounds cute. Junior is such a sweetheart. Take good care!

Lotsa love and hugs,
Veronica.

WendyCarole said...

Glad to hear you have had some positive news. Will keep on thinking about you. xx

Valma said...

Awww sweet little guy =)
I told you once that with or without hair for him you're the prettier Mum on earth =D
Enjoy Prison Break , it was one of my favourite shows at a time but then...Lost arrived on TV =D
I keep continue sending you positive waves, it seems that all our prayers and thoughts gathered are working a bit...
cautiously optimistic...but optimistic anyway
big big hugs
xxx

Julie said...

That unconditional love from a little one just melts your heart away, he's such a special little man. I do feel that he was meant to come into your life and give you lots of positive things to look forward too and on a daily basis give you the cuddles and love only a child can.
Its so wonderful that your folks are there with you to help and offer you the support thats needed, nothing beats a 'mum hug' sometimes, she just knows that you need it. Take care, thinking of you. xxx

Siobhán said...

Junior is such a sweetie. I'm so glad that you have people there for you to give you some help and let you get some rest. Prayers continue!

Teresa said...

Lots and lots of prayers coming your way.
What a sweet boy you have.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Rita said...

I'm glad you've had some positive news. You're in my prayers.

Catherine said...

So good to read your update! Continued thoughts and prayers your way ~
I'm glad to hear you are getting support ~ there are many of us who would be on your doorstep if we were closer.
Your Junior is really something special ~ still smiling at the image of him kissing your head.

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Awww The sweetest little boy! So glad to hear from you. Prayers still being said.

Annette said...

Ow the last words you wrote!!
I love your cute little boy..
He really is mommy's sunshine..
What a cutie pie!!
How sweet you got pumpkin hats..
You have friends all over the world who treasure you so much.
I'm so happy you got some 'good' news, only to bad another thing went not that positieve!!
I'm thinking off you so often..
I admire you so much!!
Your a real rolmodel for the whole world..
You got so many setbacks.. and still so positieve...
Your really a big inspiration for me!!!
Such sweet parents and friend sthat they take care of Junior.. How great!!
Enjoy that love and your family!!

Hugsss

stitchersanon said...

I am so glad you have posted. I was considering emailing but didnt like to. Breast cancer is a bitch and will have swings and roundabouts, ups and downs...you make the most of ups and may they continue for a long, long time. The problem with chemo is it can be responsible for lumps and bumps and the fact they hurt could mean it is something completely different. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. You have made footsteps on a lot of people's hearts: we are all praying for you and holding your hand over the internet. Your little boy is amazing...I wore my wig with a hat at first...and then got more confident with it. Sometimes it is nice to look like 'you' if that makes sense xxx ((((hugs))))

Zurainny Ismail said...

Family is precious. You are so blessed to have such loving & supportive family & friends. And Junior is so cute - I would really love to hug him! :D

Keep your spirit up, have a good rest and have fun ya! :D

Stitchabilities said...

Hugs xxxxxxxx

TammyK said...

Aww... Jr. Is a special pumpkin just like his mom. Good to hear from you. Walking Dead is a big hit here at my house too. Keeps you guessing :-)

Sharon said...

Always praying Cathey, so glad to hear that some things are looking up! Your Jr. is a little rock star-so sweet!

MaryO said...

Praying hard for you! I'm so impressed with your attitude. Luv from MaryO San Pedro, CA

Unknown said...

So glad to hear you;ve had some positive news Cathey. Junior is such a little darling. Continued thoughts and prayers for you and your wonderful family. Hugs!

Anne said...

It's good to hear that you are remaining positive and that although the Chemo is making you tired, you are doing "ok" with it. My mom did not do okay with it at all, so I always get worried when people take chemo and think they will have the same adverse affects on them as it did on her. I'm also glad to hear that your parents are nearby to help you. Support is key to get you and your husband through this treatment. I really hope those bumps are not more tumors. I pray for you. The Walking Dead is a show my husband looooves. I haven't got into it but I may just give it a try because I do hear good things about it. So cute that your son kissed you on your head. Big hugs to you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update.

Chris said...

So glad that things are improving. I have been keeping you in my thoughts.
Your stitching is beautiful.