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Determined

The scan that was performed earlier this month revealed a small tumor in the hip joint, so daily radiation treatment to that area began last week and will end in two days.  In the meantime, chemotherapy has continued. 

Sherryl has been very tired the past few weeks and has spent much of the time in bed sleeping.  She continues to use a walker and, overall, she's feeling very weak.  Her radiation oncologist validated today that her body is exhausted, probably due to cumulative chemotherapy treatments.  Sherryl's oncologist is on vacation, so she'll see another oncologist this week.  It is not yet determined if she will be administered chemotherapy this week. 

Sherryl has sorely missed being at day care and has missed spending the holiday season with the children.  But the perkiness in Sherryl's voice is beginning to return, and she's determined to regain her strength.  Determined.  Resilience.

To join the little elf above in cheering her on, here is one of RaRa's favorite Christmas songs.   

~xoxo~ 

Chemotherapy #6: Docetaxel

Sherryl saw her oncologist on Monday and began a new chemotherapy today.  Docetaxel will be administered intravenously once a week for three weeks, then there will be no chemo on the fourth week.  The other news Sherryl received is that her tumor marker is 553.  This high number does not come as a surprise because chemotherapy is suspended during radiation treatment, so Sherryl has had no chemotherapy since before she was in the hospital.  Once radiation was completed, Sherryl's oncologist needed to determine if Gemzar should be resumed or not; the decision was to try another therapy. 

Sherryl's oncologist explained that, although there is "a lot of disease in the bone," it is not overtaking her the body and it has not spread to any organs.  He explained some of the side effects of the new drug, many of which are similar to side effects Sherryl experienced on the first chemotherapy.

After her first dose today, Sherryl says she feels tired, but it's a good tired.  She has returned to day care and continues to slowly but surely push herself in order to optimize her strength.

Special thanks to those who continue to send to RaRa prayers, good thoughts, and hopes for good health.  We so appreciate every thought and every gesture you express for our sister.

~xoxo~

Radiation Treatments Completed

The most recent round of 10 radiation treatments has ended and has left Sherryl feeling pretty tired. The silver lining is that she does not feel as much pain as she felt prior to radiation treatment. In addition to radiation appointments, Sherryl has headed out of the house twice to do errands, and she plans to ease back into work this week.

 

The return of energy is a slow this time, but she seems a bit better as of Sunday night. We're all hoping Monday will be a good day, followed by a week of good days.

~xoxo~

Home Sweet Home

Sherryl arrived home from the hospital Monday evening and is enjoying the comfort of her own bed.  She is cautiously moving about without her walker, and Richard took her out today for radiation treatment as planned.  She also spoke briefly with her radiology oncologist; radiation will continue daily for a couple of weeks.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 being high, Sherryl describes her level of pain today at a 2, which is a tremendous relief from the intensity of pain she felt just a couple of days ago. 

She's already making plans for how she'll spend her time at home until she can return to work.  There won't be any painting projects, but there will be much thinking and planning. 

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes for RaRa.  We may use the same words to say it each time, but we can never thank you enough for your love and support of our sister.

~xoxo~   

Scheduled to Come Home Monday

Sherryl is feeling better today, much better.  In order to restore a low cell count, a blood transfusion was ordered by Sherryl's doctor.  The transfusion of 2 units of blood occurred over a span of 4 hours today.  Radiation to the ilium is scheduled for later Monday afternoon and then she's expected to be discharged to home.  Radiation will continue 5 days per week for 2 to 3 weeks.  The type(s) of and schedule for chemotherapy is pending at this time.   

As always, Sherryl's fight against cancer is strong and quiet.  When she's not sleeping, she's chatting and her conversations are about people who mean the world to her.  If you know her, you are one of those people.

~xoxo~   

Hospitalization Continues, Radiation Begins

Sherryl is still in the hospital and is still experiencing pain in her left hip and leg.  The MRI taken this week of the pelvic area is currently being compared by Sherryl's radiology oncologist to the previous MRI of the same area.  As of today, radiation to the ilium is scheduled for Monday.

As a result of the pain, Sherryl is having some difficulty moving but did  move around her room a bit today.  On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 being high, Sherryl described to her nurse today the level of her pain as a 6.  She has been given some pain medication and hopes to have a good night's sleep.  She also hopes to feel better tomorrow. 

We are not yet certain when Sherryl will be discharged from the hospital.  When she's not sleeping and not in too much pain, she is chatting.  And her chatting is always, always about the people in her life who mean the world to her. 

~xoxo~

Radiation Treatments Underway

Daily radiation treatment began for Sherryl last Monday and will continue through next Friday.  Sherryl has also resumed taking oral chemotherapy medication.  She has been tired this week, but is tolerating the radiation treatments well, and she continues to work at day care. 

Vacation season has arrived and Sherryl is planning to join most of us in Tahoe in a couple of weeks.  In the meantime, our summer concert series for RaRa continues.  Here's another one of her favorite songs: "Breathe" by Faith Hill.

Appointment with Radiology Oncologist

Sherryl had an MRI today and, this evening, met with her radiology oncologist, whom she adores.  Sherryl learned more good news today:  the L2 region of her back is the only place where there is active cancer right now, and, as for bone strength, it looks stronger than the doctor had anticipated. 

Sherryl will return to the radiology oncologist's office on Friday to get "lined up" for radiation treatments; treatments will begin next week.  The doctor said to Sherryl, "Hopefully, this will be our last dance."  He was surprised and pleased to learn Sherryl has returned to work full time, and said to her, "Boy, there is no slowing you down, is there?!" 

So, all is well these days for RaRa.  We especially like the doctor's suggestion of a dance.  No wonder Sherryl adores him!

And speaking of dancing, as the heat wave subsides in Northern California, we'd thought we'd have a virtual summer concert series of Sherryl's favorite artists and songs -- beginning right now! 

First up, Rod Stewart, who has the same birthday as Sherryl: January 10.  Here is her favorite song by Rod, "Sailing."  Hey, is RaRa rocking that little baby to the beat of this song -- over there? ------>--------->----------->-------->--------->----------> ? 

She sure is!  Grab a loved one and rock them, too.  And stay cool, everyone!

So Far, So Good

As the sunny days of spring hint their way to Northern California, Sherryl is tolerating well the first few rounds of oral chemotherapy treatment.  Not a breakfast eater by practice, she is diligently making a habit of ensuring a few crackers are in her stomach before she takes her early morning pills.  Similarly, she wards off nausea at the other end of the day by having a small meal late at night. 

As side effects from previous chemotherapy and radiation treatments continue to dissipate, no negative reactions have surfaced to date as a result of oral chemotherapy.  Sherryl's next appointment with her oncology team is Tuesday, March 4.  Since Hand-Foot Syndrome is an unwanted reaction, they'll pay particular attention to the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet.

Sherryl's spirits are high as her energy slowly but surely returns.  Her mind is filled with plans for spring, and she's ambulating and talking almost as quickly as new ideas arrive in her thoughts.  It is so great to watch the delightful spirit of RaRa emerge again from the sleepy blanket of cancer treatment.  While out and about today, we superstitiously ceremoniously knocked wood obliging Promise to hold high her spirits and her energy.       

Radiation Treatment Begins (Again)

Sherryl had an active day today.  She worked at day care, undecorated the Christmas tree there, and had her first radiation treatment.  The medical staff, who she met last winter, greeted her warmly and were impressed by how well she is doing.

Following the lumpectomy, radiation treatment to the breast is scheduled every weekday for the next six weeks.  Side affects, which will be cumulative, may include sunburn and tenderness to the chest, and general sleepiness.  For now, Sherryl is still energized from the holiday season and is fully engaged in day care activity, including baking a birthday cake for a child who is celebrating a birthday on Thursday.  Go RaRa!