Hi Everyone
I hope everyone summer is going well.
My update is, I have to have a bone marrow bioscopy
on Tuesday morning and will be home Monday afternoon.
For three months, I have been struggling with platelets dropping from 90,000 to under 50,000. Not Good,
I am tired, bruise very easily and have bleeding issues
I have had increasingly difficulties withy walking and have a wheel chair as needed
Otherwise all is doing well. Sean and Lisa wedding was beautiful.
As soon as the pathology report came's back late next week I will let you know the outcome.
Take care for now and love each of you.
Margie
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Happy Easter
April 23, 2011
Hi Everyone
Time does fly when you are busy and having fun.
I have been asked to give an update since it has been almost 8 months from my last update. Hard to believe that time passes quickly.
First, my health issue, all winter long, I have been dealing with Herniated discs L4 and L5 and the narrowing of S1. What does all that translate to? Tests, MRI, CAT, EMG and others, seeing Orthopedic, Neurosurgeons and other doctors. It came down to I was badly needing back surgery as my right leg went numb. However, this would mean I would have to come off Chemo for 6 months and take the risk of the cancer going rapidly wild. My team, Don and I decided not that route. We are doing pain management and physical therapy at home. All seems slowly mending but not as fast as I would like it to go, I know patience is a virtue…I must have missed that class. Hahahahah
Currently, my body is beginning to reject the chemo, I have signs that my urine levels are high in protein and hemoglobin is dropping and my liver enzymes are rising (once again). I am being watched and the plan is to perhaps stop chemo for 30 days the clean my system and give it a rest, the down side is the cancer can rub wild and difficult to control. It is a wait and see process for now.
I have Home health care 4 days a week, which means, the nurse comes and takes vitals and starts an IV and then Don or I can start IV’s during the week and let them run 4 to 8 hours, depending. Don is trained to change my port if necessary and also provide me with IV fluids. I can do the IV fluids but I am not ready to change a port just yet. I use, press and seal to take showers or baths around the port and that seems to work very well.
Overall, I am feeling well, tired and fatigue are part of my day but not as bad as last year.
I wear a leg brace and use a cane to get around and do not drive very much anymore, as it has affected my right leg.
Second set of events, Jon comes home at 3:30am tonight from Afghanistan and will be in Chicago sometime mid May (13 or 14) for Sean and Lisa’s wedding. We can hardly wait to see him; he has been gone for over a year.
Third, the wedding plans are coming along very nice. I made the flower girl dresses for Fiona and Lilly. They turned out really cute and glad I was able to remember how to use a sewing machine after all these years,
The last fitting will take place on Easter Sunday and I think we are complete. We will have a house full of guests for the wedding, Jon, Jessie and Adrianna and our good friend Debbie from London is coming in all staying at our house. Others, like my Dad and other friends will be staying at the Oakbrook Marriott hotel.
Don and I are looking forward to spending some time with my Dad and Joan (step Mom) while they are here.
Instead of doing this years annual walk/run for Ovarian cancer. I instead reached out to many of you and asked to donate to a Chemo buddy of mine. In desperate need of clothing, groceries and gift cards for her family. Cancer patients do not receive assistance in this areas and we are expected to pay 20% of all medical costs. Chemo alone runs in the thousands of dollars. It is education people on these small facts.
A person (sibling) in my own family, last Dec bad mouthed me because this person said it was not true. The cost were not that high and of course Don and I made money to cover these outstanding costs.
It is terrible to be judge by others when they themselves have no idea what the costs are and what others are dealing with. The rest of my family, quickly came to my aid with open heart and listening. Something I will treasure my entire life.
Rebekah is going through something similar. I had her information checked and verified before I moved forward. Rebekah, and her family are so appreciative of the generosity of strangers. I was happy to pay it forward to another in need. It is the Christian thing to do; “do unto others as you would have done UN to you.”
God provides, it may take awhile and it may come from unexpected resources but he does provide. I am working on putting a book of resources together for cancer patients. My wish, is that the resource book helps those in need. Someday, people will stop judging others and start looking at ways to help one another instead of complaining about others out of pure jealousy.
That’s all from my soap box…hahahahaha I want to personally thank each of you who helped Rebekah, she is most gracious in your generosity and kind and supportive words.
Other than that cleaning and getting ready for this years garage sale in June is keeping me very busy.
Hope all is well with each of you, love and miss you.
Love,
Margie
Hi Everyone
Time does fly when you are busy and having fun.
I have been asked to give an update since it has been almost 8 months from my last update. Hard to believe that time passes quickly.
First, my health issue, all winter long, I have been dealing with Herniated discs L4 and L5 and the narrowing of S1. What does all that translate to? Tests, MRI, CAT, EMG and others, seeing Orthopedic, Neurosurgeons and other doctors. It came down to I was badly needing back surgery as my right leg went numb. However, this would mean I would have to come off Chemo for 6 months and take the risk of the cancer going rapidly wild. My team, Don and I decided not that route. We are doing pain management and physical therapy at home. All seems slowly mending but not as fast as I would like it to go, I know patience is a virtue…I must have missed that class. Hahahahah
Currently, my body is beginning to reject the chemo, I have signs that my urine levels are high in protein and hemoglobin is dropping and my liver enzymes are rising (once again). I am being watched and the plan is to perhaps stop chemo for 30 days the clean my system and give it a rest, the down side is the cancer can rub wild and difficult to control. It is a wait and see process for now.
I have Home health care 4 days a week, which means, the nurse comes and takes vitals and starts an IV and then Don or I can start IV’s during the week and let them run 4 to 8 hours, depending. Don is trained to change my port if necessary and also provide me with IV fluids. I can do the IV fluids but I am not ready to change a port just yet. I use, press and seal to take showers or baths around the port and that seems to work very well.
Overall, I am feeling well, tired and fatigue are part of my day but not as bad as last year.
I wear a leg brace and use a cane to get around and do not drive very much anymore, as it has affected my right leg.
Second set of events, Jon comes home at 3:30am tonight from Afghanistan and will be in Chicago sometime mid May (13 or 14) for Sean and Lisa’s wedding. We can hardly wait to see him; he has been gone for over a year.
Third, the wedding plans are coming along very nice. I made the flower girl dresses for Fiona and Lilly. They turned out really cute and glad I was able to remember how to use a sewing machine after all these years,
The last fitting will take place on Easter Sunday and I think we are complete. We will have a house full of guests for the wedding, Jon, Jessie and Adrianna and our good friend Debbie from London is coming in all staying at our house. Others, like my Dad and other friends will be staying at the Oakbrook Marriott hotel.
Don and I are looking forward to spending some time with my Dad and Joan (step Mom) while they are here.
Instead of doing this years annual walk/run for Ovarian cancer. I instead reached out to many of you and asked to donate to a Chemo buddy of mine. In desperate need of clothing, groceries and gift cards for her family. Cancer patients do not receive assistance in this areas and we are expected to pay 20% of all medical costs. Chemo alone runs in the thousands of dollars. It is education people on these small facts.
A person (sibling) in my own family, last Dec bad mouthed me because this person said it was not true. The cost were not that high and of course Don and I made money to cover these outstanding costs.
It is terrible to be judge by others when they themselves have no idea what the costs are and what others are dealing with. The rest of my family, quickly came to my aid with open heart and listening. Something I will treasure my entire life.
Rebekah is going through something similar. I had her information checked and verified before I moved forward. Rebekah, and her family are so appreciative of the generosity of strangers. I was happy to pay it forward to another in need. It is the Christian thing to do; “do unto others as you would have done UN to you.”
God provides, it may take awhile and it may come from unexpected resources but he does provide. I am working on putting a book of resources together for cancer patients. My wish, is that the resource book helps those in need. Someday, people will stop judging others and start looking at ways to help one another instead of complaining about others out of pure jealousy.
That’s all from my soap box…hahahahaha I want to personally thank each of you who helped Rebekah, she is most gracious in your generosity and kind and supportive words.
Other than that cleaning and getting ready for this years garage sale in June is keeping me very busy.
Hope all is well with each of you, love and miss you.
Love,
Margie
Thursday, May 20, 2010
May 2010
May 2010
Hi Everyone;
I had treatment today and doing well. As you may know from my last update, my CA 125 level jumped from 10 to 178; it has gone down to 39. YEAH! The Doxol (new Chemo) is working. The drop came faster than we expected but much wanted. This chemo is a bit different than the previous chemo. The side effects are swelling and burning and blisters on the hands and feet and mouth sores (blisters), much like canker sores. I have to have bags of peas placed on my hands and feet every day for an hour on a couple hours off to control the blisters. I have had blisters in my mouth, down my throat, my elbows and other unwanted areas. The blisters are uncomfortable and irritating. I have some medications and lotions to deal with the discomfort. Treatment with this chemo is every other week.
As many of you know the Ovarian Cancer walk was on May 1st and it was a huge success. Over 3,000 walkers came out in support. I had Team Margie and family and friends joined me in the walk. I did not walk but they all walked for me. I had two of my sister-in-laws keep me company on the park bench as we cheered on the walkers. I have attached a picture. In the picture you can see my hair is really dark and curly and growing back (I am holding the sign with my sun glasses on). It was a great time with everyone. I want to thank everyone for the support. You may have walked, donated, or sent kind words of support and love; I want to thank each of you for being there for me.
I also was fortunate to have had visitors this month also. My Dad has been living in Montana for 20 years and we had not spoken in more than 25 years. Too much to go into but he reached out to me this month and at the age of 88, traveled by train to Chicago to see me and reconcile. It was wonderful visit. I am thankful for his determination and reaching out to me. In addition, I had three of my dearest friends come to Chicago to visit me. We had a blast together and drove to see two more friends; we affectionately refer to each other as ‘sisters’. They look out after me and care for me and love me. It is wonderful to be cared about so much. This month brought so much outpouring of love; I am humbled by the support.
Everyone in the family is doing well. Jonathan is now in Afghanistan; he is there for the next year. Please keep him in your prayers. Sean bought a house near us. He is renting his condo and moved in with us until he closes in June. That’s all the news for now.
I hope all is going well with each of you and I will send another update next month.
Love,
Margie
Hi Everyone;
I had treatment today and doing well. As you may know from my last update, my CA 125 level jumped from 10 to 178; it has gone down to 39. YEAH! The Doxol (new Chemo) is working. The drop came faster than we expected but much wanted. This chemo is a bit different than the previous chemo. The side effects are swelling and burning and blisters on the hands and feet and mouth sores (blisters), much like canker sores. I have to have bags of peas placed on my hands and feet every day for an hour on a couple hours off to control the blisters. I have had blisters in my mouth, down my throat, my elbows and other unwanted areas. The blisters are uncomfortable and irritating. I have some medications and lotions to deal with the discomfort. Treatment with this chemo is every other week.
As many of you know the Ovarian Cancer walk was on May 1st and it was a huge success. Over 3,000 walkers came out in support. I had Team Margie and family and friends joined me in the walk. I did not walk but they all walked for me. I had two of my sister-in-laws keep me company on the park bench as we cheered on the walkers. I have attached a picture. In the picture you can see my hair is really dark and curly and growing back (I am holding the sign with my sun glasses on). It was a great time with everyone. I want to thank everyone for the support. You may have walked, donated, or sent kind words of support and love; I want to thank each of you for being there for me.
I also was fortunate to have had visitors this month also. My Dad has been living in Montana for 20 years and we had not spoken in more than 25 years. Too much to go into but he reached out to me this month and at the age of 88, traveled by train to Chicago to see me and reconcile. It was wonderful visit. I am thankful for his determination and reaching out to me. In addition, I had three of my dearest friends come to Chicago to visit me. We had a blast together and drove to see two more friends; we affectionately refer to each other as ‘sisters’. They look out after me and care for me and love me. It is wonderful to be cared about so much. This month brought so much outpouring of love; I am humbled by the support.
Everyone in the family is doing well. Jonathan is now in Afghanistan; he is there for the next year. Please keep him in your prayers. Sean bought a house near us. He is renting his condo and moved in with us until he closes in June. That’s all the news for now.
I hope all is going well with each of you and I will send another update next month.
Love,
Margie
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April 2010
Hi Everyone;
It has been a couple of months since my last update and people have e-mailed and wanted to know how I was doing. Thank you all for caring about me.
The cancer returned in January 2010. My CA 125 level jumped from 10 to 178. After several tests, it was clear, the cancer had returned. We had a meeting with my team that includes the Oncologist, GYN surgeon, nurses; the conclusion was to start me again on chemo therapy. This chemo is a bit different than the previous chemo. The side effects are swelling and burning and blisters on the hands and feet and mouth sores (blisters), much like canker sores. I have experienced the mouth sores so far and swelling. I have to have bags of peas placed on my hands and feet every day for an hour on a couple hours off to control the blisters. Because of the mouth sores, I lost 6 pounds in less than a month. The doctors placed me on’ ensure’ a protein drink to help with energy and make sure I have enough protein to heal the mouth sores.
One of my questions to the team was; when do we know the chemo working? Generally after the 4th treatment, tests will be performed and CA 125 level should go down. If not, other chemo treatments will be administered after the team meets and discusses the alternatives. I also asked, how long will I be on chemo? The answer is; for the rest of my life. Even if I go into remission again, I will need chemo for maintenance to keep the cancer under control. As you might remember from earlier updates, there is no cure for this cancer. Generally, when cancer returns, the cancer is more aggressive and becomes harder to treat. Cancer is sneaky and learns to adapt in many ways to the treatments. Right now, all is going as expected.
On the family side; Jonathan, Jessie and grand baby Adrianna were able to be here in Chicago with us for Easter. It was the first time in years that we were all together for Easter. Don took pictures of all 8 grandchildren, then a picture of all the kids, then with everyone. How awesome was that! Maureen had all of us at her house Easter morning for breakfast and an Easter egg hunt for all the little ones. I had a great time. Don cooked Easter dinner which was delicious. It was great to have all the kids together. Jonathan will be deploying to Afghanistan at the end of the month. Please remember him in your prayers for safe return.
I hope all is going well with each of you and I will send another update next month.
Love,
Margie
Hi Everyone;
It has been a couple of months since my last update and people have e-mailed and wanted to know how I was doing. Thank you all for caring about me.
The cancer returned in January 2010. My CA 125 level jumped from 10 to 178. After several tests, it was clear, the cancer had returned. We had a meeting with my team that includes the Oncologist, GYN surgeon, nurses; the conclusion was to start me again on chemo therapy. This chemo is a bit different than the previous chemo. The side effects are swelling and burning and blisters on the hands and feet and mouth sores (blisters), much like canker sores. I have experienced the mouth sores so far and swelling. I have to have bags of peas placed on my hands and feet every day for an hour on a couple hours off to control the blisters. Because of the mouth sores, I lost 6 pounds in less than a month. The doctors placed me on’ ensure’ a protein drink to help with energy and make sure I have enough protein to heal the mouth sores.
One of my questions to the team was; when do we know the chemo working? Generally after the 4th treatment, tests will be performed and CA 125 level should go down. If not, other chemo treatments will be administered after the team meets and discusses the alternatives. I also asked, how long will I be on chemo? The answer is; for the rest of my life. Even if I go into remission again, I will need chemo for maintenance to keep the cancer under control. As you might remember from earlier updates, there is no cure for this cancer. Generally, when cancer returns, the cancer is more aggressive and becomes harder to treat. Cancer is sneaky and learns to adapt in many ways to the treatments. Right now, all is going as expected.
On the family side; Jonathan, Jessie and grand baby Adrianna were able to be here in Chicago with us for Easter. It was the first time in years that we were all together for Easter. Don took pictures of all 8 grandchildren, then a picture of all the kids, then with everyone. How awesome was that! Maureen had all of us at her house Easter morning for breakfast and an Easter egg hunt for all the little ones. I had a great time. Don cooked Easter dinner which was delicious. It was great to have all the kids together. Jonathan will be deploying to Afghanistan at the end of the month. Please remember him in your prayers for safe return.
I hope all is going well with each of you and I will send another update next month.
Love,
Margie
Happy New Year
January 2010
Happy New Year!
Hi Everyone:
I hope you enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. I am only sending this update to the McDermott and Walsh families. I tried calling everyone on the McDermott side and left messages when they could not be reached. I don’t want to wait any longer with the information. It is imperative that the McDermott’s are well informed on the genetic gene process.
The New Year has brought more news. I was tested for BRCA 1 and 2. This is the gene testing to see if I carry the gene mutation for Breast/Ovarian/ stomach/ and a few of other possible cancers. When Don and I went to the Genetic counseling, we were well informed of the risk is for a positive result, as my family is loaded with different cancers. We were right, I came back positive for the mutation BRCA 2 the one that carries multiple mutations.
The BRCA 2 carries the highest risk for multiple cancers and this gene test is something each McDermott should consider having for their children’s sake.
The hard part for me was telling my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle and Sean, and Jonathan; however, Jonathan is adopted and not in our gene pool. What it means for me: the cancer I have is what the gene mutation said I would get. Therefore, not much the doctors can do except what we are doing, fighting it. I can stay in remission but more than likely not as long as I hoped and dreamed for but we know it is in God’s hands.
What it means for my children, decisions and choices; to get genetic testing or not. And many other decisions need to be made as well.
What it means to my siblings, greater chances they have the mutation as well.
All this explains why majority of the McDermott family does not live past the age of 60.
Please pray for everyone involved that they make the best decision for themselves and their families. This is an unbelievably difficult time for all of us. Thank you for your continued Love and support as we go into the New Year with more decisions and with the help of God he will lead us to the best paths to choose from.
I will be writing again next month to keep you updated.
Love, Margie
Happy New Year!
Hi Everyone:
I hope you enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. I am only sending this update to the McDermott and Walsh families. I tried calling everyone on the McDermott side and left messages when they could not be reached. I don’t want to wait any longer with the information. It is imperative that the McDermott’s are well informed on the genetic gene process.
The New Year has brought more news. I was tested for BRCA 1 and 2. This is the gene testing to see if I carry the gene mutation for Breast/Ovarian/ stomach/ and a few of other possible cancers. When Don and I went to the Genetic counseling, we were well informed of the risk is for a positive result, as my family is loaded with different cancers. We were right, I came back positive for the mutation BRCA 2 the one that carries multiple mutations.
The BRCA 2 carries the highest risk for multiple cancers and this gene test is something each McDermott should consider having for their children’s sake.
The hard part for me was telling my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle and Sean, and Jonathan; however, Jonathan is adopted and not in our gene pool. What it means for me: the cancer I have is what the gene mutation said I would get. Therefore, not much the doctors can do except what we are doing, fighting it. I can stay in remission but more than likely not as long as I hoped and dreamed for but we know it is in God’s hands.
What it means for my children, decisions and choices; to get genetic testing or not. And many other decisions need to be made as well.
What it means to my siblings, greater chances they have the mutation as well.
All this explains why majority of the McDermott family does not live past the age of 60.
Please pray for everyone involved that they make the best decision for themselves and their families. This is an unbelievably difficult time for all of us. Thank you for your continued Love and support as we go into the New Year with more decisions and with the help of God he will lead us to the best paths to choose from.
I will be writing again next month to keep you updated.
Love, Margie
Sunday, December 20, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
First, I am doing well. I had to have a surgical procedure on my back this week. All in all everything is going well. I have a CT scan and another round of major testing over the next couple of weeks, as I know the results, I will update in one e-mail and on the blog in January.
As we approach this holiest time of year, and reflect on the meaning of Jesus birth.
For me, it is the sometimes overlooked meaning to his life is he was a teacher. He was a teacher of life, a teacher of good, a teacher of love, to oneself and others, a teacher of many things.
Remember your teacher, Mother, Father, husband, wife, educator, friend, mentor, brother, sister, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, boss, co-workers, sons and daughters; whoever taught you your greatest gifts.
I would have to thank everyone above; especially this past year. The lessons learned of those who truly listen or did some of you pull words from my updates and chose to look at the negative instead of the positive message it was meant to bring or did you sit back and read my message and see the strength you provided me to endure and to reach out. In some respect we all saw both sides. It did for me, even as I wrote the words.
This past year brought out the best and worst in my Faith. One of the most profound differences in my life were the positive changes in relationships with Don’s sisters; my sisters-in-law that have become my ‘sisters’ (Monkey – no need to elaborate). My good buddies; the ‘Circle of Trust’ of women that I can relate to the sister hood with the Army contract we all shared. My best friend, Ethel, we became even closer, as if that were possible. And they are others that played a significant role of making my caps to wear, or making soaps, or taking Don and I to a movie to get away from reality. Others sent e-mails of support from far away or close by of support. Or perhaps a lunch meeting with a very good friend from whom I met in Graduate school and can’t help but think we are kindred spirits of sorts. Or perhaps, a phone call, cards, weekly envelopes, flowers, or PJ grams were sent, oh how I love those as well. Please know however you reached out to me, I shall never forget. Your love is truly remembered in my heart.
Other relationships changed to, some did not know what to do, not a visit, not even a call, not a note, not a…I know it was there way of dealing with what life was throwing at them and that is Okay.
My Faith challenged me to be upbeat on days I could not get up to be upbeat. And on those days, my love, my husband, Don, and my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan and my sons –in law and of course my grandchildren, were there to help me through it all. They were my Faith, when I needed it most, providing me with love, patience, compassion and support. Most of all, they were my teachers.
You don’t have to look far for Jesus gifts, it is right here in front of all of us.
With Love,
Margie
First, I am doing well. I had to have a surgical procedure on my back this week. All in all everything is going well. I have a CT scan and another round of major testing over the next couple of weeks, as I know the results, I will update in one e-mail and on the blog in January.
As we approach this holiest time of year, and reflect on the meaning of Jesus birth.
For me, it is the sometimes overlooked meaning to his life is he was a teacher. He was a teacher of life, a teacher of good, a teacher of love, to oneself and others, a teacher of many things.
Remember your teacher, Mother, Father, husband, wife, educator, friend, mentor, brother, sister, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, boss, co-workers, sons and daughters; whoever taught you your greatest gifts.
I would have to thank everyone above; especially this past year. The lessons learned of those who truly listen or did some of you pull words from my updates and chose to look at the negative instead of the positive message it was meant to bring or did you sit back and read my message and see the strength you provided me to endure and to reach out. In some respect we all saw both sides. It did for me, even as I wrote the words.
This past year brought out the best and worst in my Faith. One of the most profound differences in my life were the positive changes in relationships with Don’s sisters; my sisters-in-law that have become my ‘sisters’ (Monkey – no need to elaborate). My good buddies; the ‘Circle of Trust’ of women that I can relate to the sister hood with the Army contract we all shared. My best friend, Ethel, we became even closer, as if that were possible. And they are others that played a significant role of making my caps to wear, or making soaps, or taking Don and I to a movie to get away from reality. Others sent e-mails of support from far away or close by of support. Or perhaps a lunch meeting with a very good friend from whom I met in Graduate school and can’t help but think we are kindred spirits of sorts. Or perhaps, a phone call, cards, weekly envelopes, flowers, or PJ grams were sent, oh how I love those as well. Please know however you reached out to me, I shall never forget. Your love is truly remembered in my heart.
Other relationships changed to, some did not know what to do, not a visit, not even a call, not a note, not a…I know it was there way of dealing with what life was throwing at them and that is Okay.
My Faith challenged me to be upbeat on days I could not get up to be upbeat. And on those days, my love, my husband, Don, and my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan and my sons –in law and of course my grandchildren, were there to help me through it all. They were my Faith, when I needed it most, providing me with love, patience, compassion and support. Most of all, they were my teachers.
You don’t have to look far for Jesus gifts, it is right here in front of all of us.
With Love,
Margie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)