Monthly Archives: October 2013

A chemo holiday, a beach trip and meeting Adria

My journey
OK, the photo quality isn't great, but the expressions made me want to share this memory from my getaway weekend in Destin. Belynda Adams and Jan Troncale helped make sure it was a relaxing few days for me.

OK, the photo quality isn’t great, but the expressions made me want to share this memory from my beach getaway last weekend in Destin. Belynda Adams and Jan Troncale helped make sure it was a relaxing few days for me.

[Update Oct. 31: Since the posting of these piece last night, I realized I neglected to report to you a major piece of news: I had an MRI last week that showed resolution of the spot where my cancer resided. There are still details with the report we want to clarify, but what is clear is that the drugs are working. We do know that this finding won’t change my immediate treatment plan. Further chemo and surgery are still on the horizon.

But for now, we’ll take the positive report and run with it! And again, thank you for your prayers of support.]

Well, I met Adria today, short for Adriamycin, my new chemotherapy drug. The red stuff caused an unusual sensation, leaving me warm inside.
Kinda reminded me of the feeling one has after a glass of bourbon. So far, so good.

It was great to have a week off from chemotherapy last week. I took the occasion of my “chemo holiday” to make a short trip to the beach with friends.
The time away was awesome. Relaxation, feeling better and seeing the Gulf.

But as I’ve mentioned before, I was anxious about Adria, as I hear she can be “testy.” At the Hinton home, we will treat her with respect and follow the rules so as to not get sideways with her. I expect that there will be complete harmony.

[Update: More than 24 hours after the dosage, I’m feeling tired and my legs feel heavy. I’m taking special care with what I eat, too. Last night it was chicken noodle soup; today it was a little cereal and then rice for lunch. After Saturday, the potential for nausea should decrease. At that point we will back off the Zofran and steroids I’m taking to help manage any side effects. We will see.]

This year’s Komen event one I’ll never forget

My journey, Uncategorized
It was an amazing day last Saturday at Birmingham's Race for the Cure. I'm proud to have made it to the finish line with no walking.

It was an amazing day last Saturday at Birmingham’s Race for the Cure. I’m proud to have made it to the finish line with no walking.

Saturday’s Komen Race for the Cure event in Birmingham took on extra special meaning for me this year. So much so that I had to hop on here as soon as possible and share some very special photographs with you all.

To see a team fielded in my honor and in support of my journey left me feeling humbled and grateful all weekend. To everyone who took part, know that these are memories I will treasure always.

Click on any of the six photos in the gallery above to see a larger version.

This Halloween, I’ll face a ‘devil’ of another type

My journey

In years past, a favorite fall get-away weekend for me would entail hitching up the camper and heading to a state park.

In years past, a favorite fall get-away weekend for me would entail hitching up the camper, loading in the mountain bike and heading to a state park.

Treatment Number 11 is in my rear-view mirror. I did not post anything here last week, but before I get to catching you up on things, let me just address your comments on my last update: Thank you for everything. Your support and most particularly your prayers give me strength. I feel overwhelming gratitude for each one of you.

The idea of writing a blog came from a book that a friend gave me as a gift that is titled “The Dog Lived and So Will I.” Before treatment, I also spoke with several women about their personal experiences and I have found their advice useful through my process. Once again, I hope the blog is informative to friends and supporters as well for those who also are experiencing some form of breast cancer.

Next Wednesday, I’m scheduled for my 12th chemotherapy treatment. It will be the last in this series and I will have a week off. Then on Oct. 30, I start on Adriamycin and Cytoxen.”Happy Halloween!” As some of you know, I have been a bit apprehensive about starting on the new regimen. Adriamycin is such a powerful cancer-fighting drug, it is referred to as the “red devil.”

Yesterday, I sat down with my nurse and we talked a while about what is to come. It is important to understand and educate people to the fact things have changed in the way they give chemo. These days, they administers several “pre-meds” prior to the start of the A/C drug cocktail. I cannot remember the names of the anti-nausea meds I’ll be receiving intravenously, but the dosage is intended to cover you for 48 hours.

It is also recommended that I take Zofran daily for the first several days. For most people, this should resolve issues with nausea. If you fall into the category of the not-so-lucky, you simply call your nurse for bigger and better drugs.

As you already know, A/C is a little stronger so I will just pace myself and probably rest more. On a good note, this means only four more chemotherapy treatments to go.
There will be 2 weeks between each. Then surgery.

My routine these days consists of working Monday, Tuesday, a half day Wednesday, and maybe 5 hours on Friday. I rest a lot on weekends. I also work out twice a week and jog with my running group on Saturday. Of course my workouts have changed a bit. Let’s just say they are modified. You could say the same for my jogging sessions.

A new side effect is neuropathy in a couple of toes. Also, my nail beds are very sore. This doesn’t present much of a bother unless I have on closed-toe shoes. I may start parking in our visitors parking for a while at work. I do not like the idea of getting a handicap parking sticker.

The other side effects are still present and I accept each and every one.

How you care for yourself is just different. In the morning and at night, you simply allow for additional time. One good thing about getting ready for work or going out is I no longer have to spend time blow drying my hair. Guys have it made! No wonder they get ready so quickly.

Enough for now! Love to all.