Hi Everyone!
Happy New Year!!!
Two updates in one month....Wow. This one is hot off the press or right after the doctors office today and thought I would share right away.
I went to the doctor today and the news is the cancer is on the move, spreading to be exact. All the tests came back from the hospital stay last week and blood work and it appears, my cancer is getting more aggressive. Darn those cancer cells, but I am bigger and tougher and together with your love and support, I am going to stay strong and fight even harder.
We now have to be aggressive with the chemo again in order to keep it in check.
The name of the Chemo is Topotecan. My doctors wants everyone to know the effects and side effects of the drug. It will be much like the first round of chemo, tired, getting sick, losing all my hair, along with the possibilities of blood transfusions, as this drug will hit my blood count. We will try this for three months to see if it works.
Below are some of the side effects just for all of your awareness. It does not mean I will get all the side effects, my history does dictate some will be an issue. I want to try this one as this is the recommendation of my team of doctors and Don and I looked it over and are aware of the good and the bad.
No traveling for me for at least a month doctor's recommend, until we know how I will react. Especially after my allergic reaction last week.
I love each of you and wish all a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year!
This is the name of my next chemo drug. Looks like I am in for a ride...:)
TOPOTECAN
Side Effects:
Topotecan may cause very serious blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of blood cells such as white cells, red cells, and platelets). This effect can decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, cause your body to bruise or bleed easier, or cause anemia. Tell your doctor if you develop any of the following conditions: signs of an infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.
You will be closely monitored (e.g., with frequent blood tests) by your doctor while using this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Weakness, tiredness, headache, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and mouth sores may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/redness/bruising at injection site, numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, lung problems (such as cough, shortness of breath).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
I will keep in touch as I hope all of you do as well.
Sending Hugs,
Margie
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
December 14, 2011
Hi Everyone
Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year! I hope you and your families have a wonderful celebration of our Saviors Birth.
Family news first; Don is busy taking care of me and consulting. However, the consulting has been slow, a little bit busier than last year.
Meghann and Dave are busy with Donny (5) and Maureen (3). Donny started kindergarten and Maureen pre-school. If you are on Facebook, Meghann shares the family stories, they are hilarious. They also went on their first vacation with the kids, and drove to Florida for 10 days. They all had a wonderful time.
Maureen and John are busy with Marina (10) and Lilly (7). Marina is in 5th grade and Lilly started 1st grade. Marina is in Orchestra and plays the Violin, I might be bias but I think Marina is fantastic at playing the Violin. Lilly played soccer this year. The name of her team was the Angry Birds. They played well for all 1st time players. Maureen was able to attend a conference this year for vegans. We are so proud of her traveling and taking her health and her family’s health seriously.
Michelle and Mike are busy with Maeve (6), Fiona (4) and Kellen (3). Maeve is in 1st grade and doing very well. Maeve was chosen to be part of the Christmas Mass this year. Maeve also took Irish dance last year and Ballet this year. Fiona is in pre-school and is also in ballet. Fiona loves to sing to the radio. Kellen is our fast moving typical boy. In Sept. Kellen fell and had 6 inside stitches and 4 outside stitches on his forehead. Last year he also fell and received stitches on his forehead. Kellen takes after his Uncle Sean with falling and getting stitches before he was 5.
Sean married the love of his life, Lisa. We are blessed with another great daughter-in-law. They bought a house one mile from our house. Sean is a City of Chicago plumber and is a foreman. Lisa recently changed jobs and works in the neighborhood as an Office Manager and Graphic Designer.
Jonathan and Jessica are busy with Adrianna (3). Jon came back from Afghanistan in April and was able to attend Sean and Lisa wedding. We were blessed to see Jessie and Adrianna too. Don and I are hoping to go to visit them at Ft Campbell, Tennessee in Jan.
Jon is a full time mechanic with the Army and Jessie is in nursing school. Adriana is in pre-school/day care and doing very well.
Don and I are very proud of our entire family!
The year flew by pretty fast. I have been going through a battery of tests and biopsy and hospital stays.
A quick review, July, you may remember the CT scan blood, work and MRI showed a mass on my stomach and esophagus, and had not penetrated the stomach wall, the cancer is covering the outside of the stomach and esophagus area. That was unexpected to hear at the time, however, I was not feeling the greatest and I found out why; the cancer was spreading.
I was hospitalized for a week in September and I had enough tests and probing, including a biopsy of my liver. The esophagus came back abnormal and the spleen enlarged and the liver enzymes were high. After plenty of IV’s and medication, things were under control.
Two weeks ago, Don and I had a meeting with the doctors and the decision was made to do further testing, CT scan, MRI, etc. gather all the results and make the decision on what is next.
.
I had a biopsy on my liver and bone marrow and the tests results came back normal; thank goodness. However, my lab results for my CA 125 on the rise and other numbers are not at the normal range, either too high or too low. All of this means, my body is beginning to reject the Taxol as a effective chemo drug. Taxol is now working against my good cells and helping the cancer cells. In January, I have another team meeting with the Doctor’s to decide on the next route of treatment.
To throw a monkey wrench in this week, I had an allergic reaction to the Taxol. I am extremely red all over’ like a sunburn. I have a very bad headache, I can only guess what people with migraines go through, and this one is terrible. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. However, the doctor said today on the phone, the allergic reaction will have to take its normal course of healing. Healing can take a few days to a week to recover.
All in all, I am counting my Blessings and fighting strong against cancer, with the exception of a few hiccups along the way; nothing I can’t handle with the love and support of all of you. I love receiving e-mails and updates from friends and family. I am lucky to have wonderful friends that visit me at home. Many of you send me updates on your life and your family and I truly love reading each of the e-mails. It may take me awhile before I respond to e-mails, because I might be visiting and spending time with my family or friends or I may not be feeling well. Cancer has provided me with special time with family, my grandbabies and friends. If I did not have cancer, I would be working and not having the time I desire to spend with family and friends.
I have the most wonderful and exceptional husband and children with their spouses and the greatest grandchildren any wife, Mom and Nana could ask for. Each family member has a unique personality with a loving, humorous and supportive and extremely helpful spirit. I love each of you so very much.
Also, my brother, Larry; my sister-in-law, Donna; my sister, Carolyn; my sister JoAnne; and my Dad and his wife, Joan; each call me often, support and love me for who I am and pray for my healing every day. The Walsh Sisters, keep me laughing and love me unconditionally. I love you too!
In addition, I have a group of girlfriends from across the Country that come and visit me 3 to 4 times a year. We are forever friends and we have a blast when we are together. And, Ethel, my dearest friend for over 35 years, my life would not be the same without all of you. I love all of you more than I can express in words. Your love and support means the world to me.
I hope to have completed our Christmas cards by this weekend. For all those overseas, it is too late to mail a Christmas card, know we think of each of you often and remember our visits together.
It is my wish and prayers, each of you have a Blessed Christmas and safe, happy, healthy New Year.
I will try and be better with my updates and sending them more often, sorry this one took 6 months, I will make this my New Year’s resolution.
Love,
Margie
Hi Everyone
Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year! I hope you and your families have a wonderful celebration of our Saviors Birth.
Family news first; Don is busy taking care of me and consulting. However, the consulting has been slow, a little bit busier than last year.
Meghann and Dave are busy with Donny (5) and Maureen (3). Donny started kindergarten and Maureen pre-school. If you are on Facebook, Meghann shares the family stories, they are hilarious. They also went on their first vacation with the kids, and drove to Florida for 10 days. They all had a wonderful time.
Maureen and John are busy with Marina (10) and Lilly (7). Marina is in 5th grade and Lilly started 1st grade. Marina is in Orchestra and plays the Violin, I might be bias but I think Marina is fantastic at playing the Violin. Lilly played soccer this year. The name of her team was the Angry Birds. They played well for all 1st time players. Maureen was able to attend a conference this year for vegans. We are so proud of her traveling and taking her health and her family’s health seriously.
Michelle and Mike are busy with Maeve (6), Fiona (4) and Kellen (3). Maeve is in 1st grade and doing very well. Maeve was chosen to be part of the Christmas Mass this year. Maeve also took Irish dance last year and Ballet this year. Fiona is in pre-school and is also in ballet. Fiona loves to sing to the radio. Kellen is our fast moving typical boy. In Sept. Kellen fell and had 6 inside stitches and 4 outside stitches on his forehead. Last year he also fell and received stitches on his forehead. Kellen takes after his Uncle Sean with falling and getting stitches before he was 5.
Sean married the love of his life, Lisa. We are blessed with another great daughter-in-law. They bought a house one mile from our house. Sean is a City of Chicago plumber and is a foreman. Lisa recently changed jobs and works in the neighborhood as an Office Manager and Graphic Designer.
Jonathan and Jessica are busy with Adrianna (3). Jon came back from Afghanistan in April and was able to attend Sean and Lisa wedding. We were blessed to see Jessie and Adrianna too. Don and I are hoping to go to visit them at Ft Campbell, Tennessee in Jan.
Jon is a full time mechanic with the Army and Jessie is in nursing school. Adriana is in pre-school/day care and doing very well.
Don and I are very proud of our entire family!
The year flew by pretty fast. I have been going through a battery of tests and biopsy and hospital stays.
A quick review, July, you may remember the CT scan blood, work and MRI showed a mass on my stomach and esophagus, and had not penetrated the stomach wall, the cancer is covering the outside of the stomach and esophagus area. That was unexpected to hear at the time, however, I was not feeling the greatest and I found out why; the cancer was spreading.
I was hospitalized for a week in September and I had enough tests and probing, including a biopsy of my liver. The esophagus came back abnormal and the spleen enlarged and the liver enzymes were high. After plenty of IV’s and medication, things were under control.
Two weeks ago, Don and I had a meeting with the doctors and the decision was made to do further testing, CT scan, MRI, etc. gather all the results and make the decision on what is next.
.
I had a biopsy on my liver and bone marrow and the tests results came back normal; thank goodness. However, my lab results for my CA 125 on the rise and other numbers are not at the normal range, either too high or too low. All of this means, my body is beginning to reject the Taxol as a effective chemo drug. Taxol is now working against my good cells and helping the cancer cells. In January, I have another team meeting with the Doctor’s to decide on the next route of treatment.
To throw a monkey wrench in this week, I had an allergic reaction to the Taxol. I am extremely red all over’ like a sunburn. I have a very bad headache, I can only guess what people with migraines go through, and this one is terrible. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. However, the doctor said today on the phone, the allergic reaction will have to take its normal course of healing. Healing can take a few days to a week to recover.
All in all, I am counting my Blessings and fighting strong against cancer, with the exception of a few hiccups along the way; nothing I can’t handle with the love and support of all of you. I love receiving e-mails and updates from friends and family. I am lucky to have wonderful friends that visit me at home. Many of you send me updates on your life and your family and I truly love reading each of the e-mails. It may take me awhile before I respond to e-mails, because I might be visiting and spending time with my family or friends or I may not be feeling well. Cancer has provided me with special time with family, my grandbabies and friends. If I did not have cancer, I would be working and not having the time I desire to spend with family and friends.
I have the most wonderful and exceptional husband and children with their spouses and the greatest grandchildren any wife, Mom and Nana could ask for. Each family member has a unique personality with a loving, humorous and supportive and extremely helpful spirit. I love each of you so very much.
Also, my brother, Larry; my sister-in-law, Donna; my sister, Carolyn; my sister JoAnne; and my Dad and his wife, Joan; each call me often, support and love me for who I am and pray for my healing every day. The Walsh Sisters, keep me laughing and love me unconditionally. I love you too!
In addition, I have a group of girlfriends from across the Country that come and visit me 3 to 4 times a year. We are forever friends and we have a blast when we are together. And, Ethel, my dearest friend for over 35 years, my life would not be the same without all of you. I love all of you more than I can express in words. Your love and support means the world to me.
I hope to have completed our Christmas cards by this weekend. For all those overseas, it is too late to mail a Christmas card, know we think of each of you often and remember our visits together.
It is my wish and prayers, each of you have a Blessed Christmas and safe, happy, healthy New Year.
I will try and be better with my updates and sending them more often, sorry this one took 6 months, I will make this my New Year’s resolution.
Love,
Margie
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