Category Archives: My journey

Both my optimism and my hair are growing

My journey, Uncategorized
My hair's coming back and I am getting fully back to normal as well. You all remember meeting my friend Betty in the fall, with me in the photo upper right? She joins me only occasionally now. Betty's been a dear but I look forward to the one day soon when I'll no longer need her help at all.

My hair’s coming back and I am getting fully back to normal as well. You all remember meeting my friend Betty in the fall, with me in the photo upper right? She joins me only occasionally now. Betty’s been a dear but I look forward to the one day soon when I’ll no longer need her help at all.

Hi, everyone. In some ways, not so much has changed since I posted last time. But some little things are improving, and those add up to outcomes that are really big to me.

I’m back to my 6-mile run on Saturdays and I’m doing a little cycling too. I’m back to a complete, full day at work. Going to Costco, running errands — all the little things I pushed aside or left to others — are now mine again to do. They add up and I am so pleased to be able to again enjoy life to its fullest!

I continue to do well in all regards. Not that there aren’t distractions, such as sorting out medical bills.

Also, my hair is coming back. I am still wearing “Betty” ( my wig) when I have meetings and other big events. My nails still look bad and I am hoping  they will come along soon.

And I continue to receive an infusion every three weeks. Once again, it is called Herceptin and women who have the HER2-positive type of cancer continue to receive this infusion for one complete year.

My reconstruction surgery is scheduled soon and I hope to be winding this up by end of April.

A rocky end to 2013, but I’m energized, focused on the new year

My journey
Christmas lights are a big deal at my house, as these photos show. The day after Thanksgiving, friends with access to a bucket truck helped boost the wattage this year with some additional bulbs. At bottom left, you can see the wreath on the door and the tree on the stair landing. But the main photo at right gives you the view as you turn onto my street. The camel is a staple of our circle.

Christmas lights are big at my house, as these photos show. The day after Thanksgiving, friends with access to a bucket truck helped boost the wattage this year with some additional strands. At bottom left, you can see the wreath on the door and a tree on the stair landing add to the effect. But the photo at right gives you the view as you turn onto my street. The camel has become a staple of our neighborhood display.

Happy new year, everyone.  Today marks two weeks and five days since my last chemotherapy treatment, not that I am counting.

I have lots of good news to report. I  have started to feel my energy level return. I am now helping around the house and gladly cleaning up the kitchen, taking down Christmas decorations; actually getting back to being me!

I really appreciate the little things. Who would think that I could get excited about cleaning up the kitchen or feeding the dogs and such?  But it is true.

Oh, by the way, I had a bout of the flu. Type A, and it is nasty stuff. Please be careful.

It really made me weak and I lost additional weight. Two weeks ago today was the worst of it. I actually had to use a wheelchair when I went to Kirklin for the lab work. But my doctor put me on Tamiflu and got it turned around. I did spend part of Christmas in my pajamas under a blanket, which I hated, but my strength is coming back!

I usually take the flu shot but could not this year because of the chemo. Next year I’ll be sure to do so.

Lately, I can not seem to get warm and am cold a lot. So my new saying is “get moving!” When I can do this, it makes me feel better and more productive.

Also, I have started slowly getting back to elements of my exercise routine, which is a great joy for me. For the past several mornings I’ve put on my running clothes and gotten out and walked and jogged a little.

More in the good news department:  I have found relief from my rash finally, after another dermatology appointment last Monday with another steroid shot. The stinging and misery are subsiding. It has not gone completely, but I hope it is on its way out.  I also was dealing with mouth sores that I am happy to say they also are gone.

I have to give out a shout out to my sister, Debbie, who got me to doctors’ appointments when I had the flu and cooked wonderful things like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes,  casseroles, etc. She has been so sweet. Wonderful, really.

I still was able work in visits to family and dear friends. I’ve enjoyed a day here and there in Meridian, MS; and Franklin, TN, for example. I’ll close out 2013 in south Florida. During one of these visits on Saturday, I had my first glass of wine in who knows when and it went fine.

My surgery is set for Jan. 14, so I’m focusing on success there. Thankfully, all signs are pointing to my strength being fully recovered for that next adventure.

As always, I close with a feeling of deep gratitude.

 

 

The source of my determination and strength is my team

My journey, Uncategorized
Well, Wednesday we wrapped up the chemotherapy at Kirklin. Final treatments are celebrated by ringing a bell, accompanied by a round of applause. The corkscrew at bottom right was a gift to mark the occasion and to help me look forward to the day when I can again enjoy a glass of vino.

Wednesday we wrapped up the chemotherapy at Kirklin. Final treatment visits are marked by the patient ringing a bell on the way out. The corkscrew at bottom right was a gift to mark the occasion and to help me look forward to the day when I can again enjoy a glass of good vino. (Photos: Belynda Adams)

I have to tell you about the big chapter that closed out Wednesday, as my final chemotherapy treatment went down as planned.  Join me in a virtual high five! Hurray!

It was a day of mixed feelings. Of course I was looking forward to wrapping up this phase of my care. But with two weeks between treatments, I was almost back to feeling normal. Even knowing it was the last time, it was hard to get back in that chair.

Here’s how it goes: I get in the chair and receive my pre-meds that help me fight nausea. Then my nurse rolls over and begins with the Adriamycin, pushing the red fluid in with a big, round syringe very slowly over 15 minutes.

To be honest, it always freaked me out a little. I never looked down to watch. So I’d ask her, “How are we doing now?”  Afterward came the Cytoxan, which by comparison was a breeze.

This week, going up the escalator in Kirklin for my pre-treatment labs, I had a moment of realization, “This is the last time! Wonderful!”

Because it was my last treatment, on Wednesday I was allowed to ring a brass bell by the door. A plaque alongside it says this:

“Ring this bell, Three times well, Its toll to clearly say;

This treatment’s done, My course is run, And I am on my way. – Irve Le Moyne.”

A footnote on plaque says “Soli deo gloria,” Latin for “Glory to God alone.”
Perfect.

People say to me, “How’re you doing this?” or “You seem so strong.”
To that I would say, it’s really a team that makes it work.

It has always been hard for me to receive. And early on in this journey, somebody told me “you need to allow that because people want to do it and it is a blessing to them.”

So I have done just that.  In doing so, I’ve opened myself up to a love so selfless, it takes my breath away. Thank you!

If you’ve kept up with my posts here, you know my sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving and I’ll be at her home again on Christmas afternoon. Another family member is hosting Christmas Eve.

Also in the category of those who I hope are receiving blessings of their own in return: My priest, who helped me begin this journey with the sacrament of healing, and other clergy friends Charles and Christine;  my therapist, Vicki Addaway; my trainer, Susan, who I’ve mentioned here before; at work, my Bridgeworth Financial family; and so very many dear friends.

So when I’m asked those questions, I think to myself, “That’s how I do it. All that.”
You give me courage. I am determined.

 

Thankful? You betcha.

My journey
My sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving this year and as you might expect, it was even more special than usual. A lovely table, a perfect bird, joking in the kitchen with family as we piled plates high with favorite foods; there were plenty of "Hallmark moments" in a day made all the more meaningful by my beloved aunt and uncle being there to share it. That day and every day I give thanks for the family, friends coworkers and caregivers in my life whose support on this journey has meant so much to me.

My sister, Deb, hosted Thanksgiving this year and as you might expect, it was even more special than usual. A lovely table, a perfect bird, joking in the kitchen with family as we piled plates high with favorite foods; there were plenty of “Hallmark moments” in a day made all the more meaningful by my beloved aunt and uncle being there to share it. That day and every day I give thanks for the family, friends, colleagues and caregivers in my life whose support on this journey continue to mean so much to me. I hope your holiday was filled with  the joy of the season as well.

Thanksgiving takes on a new meaning this year

My journey
If you were to commit to writing all you were thankful for, where would you begin? (Photo by Valerie Kamikubo/Flickr. Used under a Creative Commons )

If you were to commit to writing all you were thankful for, where would you begin? (Photo by Valerie Kamikubo/Flickr. Used under a Creative Commons license. )

Well here it is again, the day before treatment. The timing is unfortunate but if it means getting past it, then I will joyfully walk in tomorrow for the third in what we  hope will be my final series of four chemotherapy sessions. Just one more remaining: Scheduled for Dec 11.

I feel great and last week I worked a normal week. It feels good to almost be myself again, and in a routine.

The only side effects to report from recent days would be the rash raising its ugly head again. It really never left but remained at bay until Friday. I had a mouth sore and was itching all over.

When you have irritations like this occur, you tend to get down to business in finding a solution. I have a special mouth wash that I started using three times a day. Then I began taking steroids to beat back the itching.  At night, it was Benadryl to help with sleep and  itching. Oh, and oatmeal baths.

So here it is Tuesday night and I think  I can report  the mouth sore is gone and the itching has diminished to a minimum.

My goal for Thursday, “turkey day” and the day after treatment, is to lay low until late afternoon. My aunt and uncle will be here to visit and we will go over to my sister’s house.

With Zofran  and steroids on board I should be OK if  a little weak. Friday is always better and in fact, I go to work on Fridays and work most of day. This Friday I will simply be with my family.

I feel truly blessed and thankful! This Thanksgiving takes on a new meaning.

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.

In the low times, all I have to do is remember

My journey

These days, I'm filled with gratitude for so many members of my support team. No. 1 among them is Belynda Adams, shown at right after paintball outing in April. Her brother, Kyle, and his daughter shared in the fun that day.

These days, I’m filled with gratitude for so many members of my support team. No. 1 among them is Belynda Adams, shown at right after a paintball outing in April. Her brother, Kyle, and his daughter, Madison, shared in the fun that day.

Not a lot to report on this Thursday, the day after my ninth treatment, except that I am still having some of the same side effects that we have already covered. My issue with
blisters on my lips remains, as does the rash. However, the rash is tons better.

I would like to use this update to share my overwhelming gratitude toward those who have supported me in so many ways. Especially, I give gratitude to Belynda Adams. As I mentioned in my last entry here, she is my caregiver. Belynda worked some years ago at St. Jude’s administering chemo therapy to children. It was a special time in her life because each child and his or her parents brought many blessings to her life. She would be the first to say that at times, it was a tough job.

So here we are many years later and I thank God that she is part of my health care team. As you know from previous posts here, the first month after getting the news was so
stressful and alarming. Belynda attended every doctor meeting. You can only imagine the number of questions we asked. I recently received my medical records from my oncologist
(it is still weird to say that I have one of these), Dr. Andres Forero. In his notes he said, “After spending over 60 minutes and answering over 100 questions ….”

At first, I was angry about the comment but later realized that my health care is sufficiently important that, if I asked 200 questions, that was just fine. Still, I have to note that I am very pleased with Dr. Forero. He is so kind and is an incredible doctor.

Belynda’s help at that meeting – and all of them since – was beyond value. She is a blessing. I would not have known most of the technical questions to ask. She is also my transportation to and from therapy. She takes me to each infusion, on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. We usually get done there around 5:30 or 6. She cooks dinner on chemo night and it has become our habit to usually make that meal breakfast. I have a big appetite and it has not diminished through my treatment.

Other key members of my core support team: My sister, Deb; nephew, John Paul; and Sue Rubiee.

Other key members of my core support team: My sister, Deb; nephew, John Paul; and Sue Rubiee.

It is difficult to put into words the selfless support Belynda has shown throughout this process. My sister Deb is also in the medical field and has brought additional smarts and strength to helping me tackle this challenge.

Yes, I am surely blessed to have the people I have cited here in my corner. But I must also acknowledge those of you kindly following along here. Each comment, each prayer, thought, is so loving and kind. It has been incredible.

In the low times, all I need to do is remember. Thank you.

I’ve come to accept that my Thursdays are strange

My journey

Events of this summer have made me introspective. This collage of photos captures just a few of the meaningful people and events in my life.

This week I completed my eighth session of chemotherapy. This collage of photos captures just a few of the meaningful people and events in my life.

So last time I posted I had completed my 6th treatment and now I have just completed my 8th.

This is the day after, which is Thursday, Sept. 19. I am writing this in the morning because by the afternoon, my head feels strange. By this I mean I am only good at focusing
on things for short periods of time. So, I hit my work calendar through the morning hours and then try to sleep but due to steroids that is impossible.

I have come to accept that Thursdays are my weird day. Fridays are much better. I usually go for a short jog and go into the office. Saturday mornings, I meet my running group
for what used to be a 6-mile run. If you read last week’s post, you saw that has been reduced to 4 miles. We will see what this Saturday holds. I can tell that my jogging pace
has slowed a bit.

My hemoglobin is still a little low, therefore my oxygen level is not what it has been. (I believe I have this right.) So, I will run as far as my body will allow and feel
blessed that I am able to participate!

As far as other things I’ve noticed that are different, take last week as an example. Over the weekend I was with old friends on Lake Martin and enjoyed sunset boat rides and
incredible wine and soft music. For those who might not be aware, I love wine and especially good wine. I know some of you may be wondering about how the chemotherapy has
affected taste and whether I can still enjoy a glass of wine. More on that later.

Well, I started with a large glass and continued to accept a few “top offs.” Lesson for the evening: I do not think the chemo likes wine much! Imagine that! There were no real
negative impacts other than just not feeling well during the night. So going forward, note to self: Stop at one glass.

Another difference I noticed is an acne-like rash on my face. Yes, this is another interesting addition. I have little spots above my lip and on my checks and nose. Makeup
helps, so a shout out to my friend Estee Lauder. At some point, I will share with you the process of caring for your skin and face while managing through cancer treatment.

So the overall impact of my journey to date has simply been a little slowing down of my routine. That means I have begun to rest more and stopped exercising as much. During
the week as I mentioned before, I work on Fridays some, then Mondays are better, Tuesday is a lot better and I can still manage a good half day on Wednesday since my infusion
takes place on Wednesday afternoon.

A photo from a biking vacation last year.

A photo from a biking vacation last year.

I am not complaining. Thankfully, I am still able to work out with my awesome trainer Susan Finley twice a week. Running — such as it is — is still doable two times a week.

As those of you who know me best will understand, continuing with a regimen somewhat close to normal means a great deal to me. So I feel very blessed. I have another coach in
this journey in the person of Belynda Adams, who is really my awesome caregiver. We joke abut being in training. She is right, I am training for the upcoming stages of my
treatment: a new stage of chemotherapy and then finally the surgery (see last week’s post).

More on Belynda later, as there is not enough time in my morning today to expand on the blessings she has brought to my life. I will have to devote a post to telling that story.

OK, so back to the wine. So far, I can still taste food fairly well. Coffee tastes a little different. When it comes to wine and certain foods, some flavors seem to have been
altered somewhat. I still enjoy them all but I can tell slight differences. Once again, not bad! As for appetite, it has not changed at all.

Enough for now. Please continue your prayers for recovery and strength. Your support and our Heavenly Father are the reasons I am doing so well.

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