Hi everyone... I feel good right now and I'm going to take advantage of it and do some typing. Hubby is out getting some dinner and my fabby young sister is taking care of the boys again. I'm truly blessed with a wonderful family, and friends that are both near and far. I am happy right now!
I met a wonderful nurse today who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and who got me going this afternoon with my chemo. It was a neat experience to talk with someone at the same time that they were taking care of me here in the hospital. I will continue to be here for a couple of days just to make sure that this first chemo treatment goes ok. So far so good... no immediate ill effects. All the literature though says that it can take hours to a day or so before some effects can be seen so I will wait patiently. My one saving grace is that I've essentially been suffering the same side effcts of chemo prior to this anyway... it won't be anything new. I really feel like my pains have been pretty harsh here the last week or so. I say bring it on... but please don't ask me to say that when and if I'm nauseous tomorrow... did you know that I'm a chronic liar (lol).
Treatment will be 8 hours every two weeks of infusion with a take home pump that will be continuous flow for 2 days which equals 3 drugs. I'm waiting for a DNA result on a specific type of protein that (I think) is secreted/emitted from cancer cells. If I test positive for this then I can take an additional drug that should be beneficial for my type of cancer... its new to the line up of stomach cancer treatments, but only about 30% of cancer cells emit this type of protein. Remember these are my layman's interpretations of what is going on. My hope is that there will be newer and better drugs in the future.
I feel good that we have finally started down this path.
Until next time friends...
-Katie
35 comments:
It seems weird to say but...congratulations Katie! It is wonderful to take that first step towards your goal. I hope you never tire of hearing it...you are so strong and you'll do great during this whole thing. More HUGS your way!
You are such an inspiration. Literally, my hero. Keeping my thoughts with you and praying for the best outcome possible.
What a blessing to have a nurse that knows what it's like and how you feel. She must be extra special like you!
:-)
Katie, I'm so glad you got started today & that you have a cancer survivor for a nurse! My friend who just finished chemo also had some cancer survivor nurses & found it's so nice b/c they REALLY "get it." Hope they can give you some anti-nausea meds if you need them, but like you said, the tummy issues aren't new. Big hugs & prayers!
Hang in there Katie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie,
It looks like you will have lots of time to enjoy blogs, cards that I'm sure will be flying your way soon, a little reading and listening to your fave music during your treatments. And what a blessing your sister is. I pray that your family & friends will continue to surround you...except, of course, those times when you need to be alone. God Be With You.
Erica (cyber hugs)
Katie,
I cannot imagine how you are keeping so calm you must be a very special lady - my Prayers and Good Vibes are with you
God Bless Barbara
Good morning, Katie! It's so good to hear you smile. And what a precious gift you've been given in your nurse!! We'll be praying that your side effects will be little to none and that you'll see improvement right away!!
Katie, I feel happy you are starting the treatment this soon. My prayers for a speedy side-effect recovery!!
God bless you and your family!!
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. From your blog you seem like a really strong and positive person, hang in there.
Katie,
You do not know me but I know you through my daughter, Nancy (Inkcycles). I wanted you to know I am praying for you daily. You have demonsrated great strength of character in this difficult time. We are thankful your family has stepped up to give your physical help and encouragement. What a blessing to have a nurse who has experienced personally what she practices.
Remember, your community includes many of us behind the scenes who pray for you regularly.
Connie B.
You don't know me...I'm a stamper/store owner and found my way to your blog through Dear Paperlicious. I just wanted to send good thoughts your way and let you know there are a lot of people thinking about you, wishing only good things for you and praying for you.
Katie, I've been sitting here for some time reading through your blog posts and pondering on what to say. I've "worked" with you in the past, we've shared cards and emails, comments on each other's blogs- and all I can think to say is that my heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and hope that chemo is a success and shrinks that tumor.
A story to share- my husband's uncle who is in his 70s was diagnosed with rectal cancer some time last year. It was really beyond surgery, they would only do chemo. It seemed like he had lost the will to live, didn't care what happened to him and didn't even want the chemo. And with much convincing from my husband and I, his own sisters, and his wife- finally agreed to go to chemo. The chemo was a complete shocking success to everyone at the hospital he was treated at. And almost a year later he continues to fight and has regained that "will" to live.
I know that same spirit lives in you! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
My prayers and blessings to you. Stay strong!
I admire your attitude....you are an amazing woman....my prayers are with you. Keep strong.
HI Tracy ((BIG HUGS))! I am a cyber linked friend. Sent from I heart papers. I read your blog and am encouraged by your story. We gain strength from those around us. Strangers included. I pray for your recovery and comfort and peace through all the days, hours and minutes ahead of you. I pray that you will be granted those things that are necessary for you right at the moment you need them. That loved ones will always be close by to help you in your time of need. Your strength gives me strength.
Bless you!
I'm a breast cancer survivor & I know how hard the treatments can be. God will get you thru - just like putting people in your path to boost you for the moment. Praying that you will be 100% healed & cancer free. Your spirit is such a blessing to those who read this (this is my first time here as I saw a post on facebook today about your blog and had to stop by) - stay strong
i {heart} papers sent me over.
I'd have come anyway had I found you!
Keep your chin up!
Cancer survivor here!
It is possible!
I'm keeping you in mind- SO impressed with how positive you sound. I'm sure you're having dark moments but your writing is so light- keep it up!!
Sending you prayers for comfort and strength and strength for your family. Retired from nursing and know that a positive attitude can really help your recovery.
it's good the nurse can relate to what is going on...tho each illness is different...good vibes and prayers for you and your family...so happy for you having a sister to help out...best to you
Katie~
I too don't know you but saw I Heart Papers post on facebook.
It is my prayer for you to be healed from this cancer! You sound like an amazing lady! So strong~Keep fighting against this cancer~ God continue to bless you with good friends and family all around you.
Good thoughts your way~My mother has been fighting this battle now 4 cancers later for 13 yrs. I know God can & does do miracles!!
Marcy ~ Mi
Hi, Katie...you don't know me. I chanced upon your blog through someone else sharing it on facebook. I went back and read your previous post too. My heart aches for you and your family and I will keep you all in my prayers. I'm humbled by your stength of character and I admire your positive attitude during this trying time. God bless you and carry you through.
So glad you are feeling not to bad at the moment. How beautiful to have a nurse that has empathy....who knows how it feels. Sending hugs continuously!!!
I've just read your story and you seem to be such a strong woman. If anyone can overcome this you can.
I will keep you and your familyin my thoughts.
JM
Continuing to pray for you!!
I'm glad that your are so strong Katie. My thougts are with you.
(sorry for my bad english)
Big hugs Jacqueline
You amaze me Katie!
Your attitude and Grace are extraordinary. I want to be like you when I grow up! ;)
Hope you are having a good day today.
Big Hugs,
True :D
Hello Katiebug! Thanks so much for the update today. I am glad the process is starting up and hope you get some relief right away. When my Mom took chemo, she had very few side effects-even farther down the road. All my best Sweetie.
Hi Katie :)
You don't know me, but when I heard that another stamper was in distress, I wanted to lend my superior praying skills :). It looks like you have a ton of people praying for you (whenever two or more are gathered in His name....), so that is an excellent thing!
I encourage you to keep your attitude positive (as it is now). I am currently a caregiver for my mom's sister who has been battling breast cancer for 9 years. Two years ago she had her adrenal glands removed and was told that was pretty much it, but she is doing fantastic. My cousin is a cancer research fellow at Colorado State University. He was just telling me at Christmas that the strides in new medicines are exploding.
I was so touched by this post when I read the last sentence and you began with "My hope...". Where there is hope, there is a future.
God bless you and we will be praying!
Hugs,
Holly McMillen (aka Toy)
Thinking of you, Katie and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! I am a cancer survivor and know about beginning chemo. Make sure they give you meds to prevent nausea; I actually had to go to "chemo class" at my treatment center and that is what they said is the key. I never experienced nausea as a result of that approach. You have a wonderful attitude and fighting
spirit!
I am happy if you are happy! lol
Seriously - you sound great and upbeat and I hope the love and prayers so many people have/are doing for you are felt by you and your family(major run-on sentence I know)!
I hope and pray it will not be hard on you. Looking forward to more updates.
Thankful that you have a great family!
Big Texas Hugs from Ft. Worth EM!
Katie
I do not know you but we share a love of paper so that is good enough for me. I found you through the PTI MB...... I am day number 7 Yankeefan :)
I read your post to my husband and we just sat there with nothing to say. I have no words for the courage and strength that you have shown to your children, husband, family and yourself. You are an amazing woman. I thought about you before I went to sleep last night and then again this morning and all day. I am praying for you and your family.
I also wanted to say that I watch a friend suffer with ovarian cancer. I am a massage therapist and we had to study Chinese medicine in school. If you can find someone who presses wheat grass juice locally that would be an ideal thing for you to do everyday to help your immune system. And if there are any Chinese doctors in your neck of the woods maybe go see one when you get out with all your meds and let them give you some herbs. I know with everything else going on this is more on your plate but it truly can help.
I will say my prayer again tonight when I get into bed. " Please let Katie be healthy again. Her husband, family and children need her. Amen!"
Sending tons of hugs your way and positive vibes!!!
Kick some cancer booty girl....... you show it who is boss!!!!
I'm another one who just heard of your story as a fellow paper crafter/stamper. I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you during this trial!
Hi Katie,
You dont know me but I feel compelled to help someone in need.
I too am a cancer fighter....this is my daily affirmation and I share it with you.
I am strong, I am calm and I am confident I will be a cancer survivor because I have my God, my husband and son, and family and friends all praying for me as I fight this battle.
I am praying for you too.!
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