2nd treatment

January 31, 2011

I'm not a very good blogger! I'm way behind in keeping everybody updated, of course if my parents stayed out of the hospital and the weather would cooperate, I might have more time to post on here. :-)

As most of you probably already know, Dad decided he needed to stay at the Capital Region Hotel for a couple of days last week. While there, they fed him, changed his sheets and even did a heart cath for good measure. All things checked out or are as well as can be. When he had his heart attack on July 31, 2009, the very tip of his heart, more or less died, and the function will never return. But his heart is still working good, they didn't find any blockages and his stent is still where it's suppose to be. Thinking his ulcers were acting up and causing him chest pain. So they added something to his medication to see if they can get him feeling better. Mom usually spends the nights in the hospital with Dad when he is in there but with her chemo, the hospital is not the kindest place for her to be so I stayed with him Sunday night and Dawn stayed with him Monday night and luckily, he went home on Tuesday. Mom did blood work last Monday and her WBC were great so the doctor let her come into the hospital. She postponed her next treatment to last Friday.

I talked to her today and she is tired and has the normal upset stomach but nothing she can't live with. It's good they have medicines to keep all the side effects at a minimum. Too bad they have to give you poison to help ensure all the bad cells are gone. Irony at it's best, don't you think?

Well, hoping mom WBC don't bottom out while we have our Winter Blizzard of 2011 so all the prayers you can send her way will be great! Take care and God Bless! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sis, Dawn!! I'd tell you how old she is but since I'm older, well you know......

Home....

I decided to wait and update the blog until mom was home....seemed like it kept getting put off but she did go home on Monday. I talked to her last night and she was feeling ok, just tired. She managed to have a UTI and 3 lovely fever blisters from her ordeal. When she went into the hospital on Thursday, her WBC was 98 and when she left on Monday, they were around 1,500. Doc said she almost made the "week" window when the Chemo destroys all the cells and has to make it's way back so the next treatment which is schedule for January 26th won't be as "strong". She may get lucky and bounce back faster this next time. Mom was suppose to have dr appt today but with all our lovely snow, (Thanks to all who love this stuff and prays for it...you know who you are!!!) I think she was going to have to cancel. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers! Friends and Family are the BEST!!

Almost home...

Sunday, January 16th
I went by the hospital to see Mom this morning...been staying away all weekend with the low WBC (below 500 is low)  but was hoping that they would be up where they were suppose to be this morning. Doc came in while I was there and she wasn't wearing the mask....doing the happy dance here :-)....anyway, counts were 411 yesterday and they were 834 today!! BUT the cultures on urine came back showing something. (What they seen  may have just been a contaminant and not anything wrong with Mom.) So we wait one more day on that. Blood cultures were fine, which is good! Doc is going to take her off the antibiotic, see if she runs a temp anymore today, and then possibly send her home tomorrow on an oral antibiotic if she has a UTI. Mom was complaining of 3 fever blisters starting around her mouth so they are going to give her something that will help shorten their life span.  Thanks everyone for being the best kind of friends for mom and dad....what's the old saying, Friends are the families we choose! Yeh....glad we have such a huge "family"!!! God bless and take care!

First bump in the road...

Mom is spending a couple of days inpatient due to a 104 temp on Thursday. She got IV antibiotics and they are culturing her blood to see if she has infection. Cultures won't be back until Sunday so she is stuck there. Friday morning the temp was gone and her white count was coming up but not good enough for her to go home. She feels fine which is good. I know people would probably like to visit but doctor would prefer we limit them and if you do go-mask is a must!!!! I didn't even hug her when I left because I have no idea what kind of germs I had lurking on me. Prayers PLEASE!!! God Bless!

First Chemo treatment- January 5, 2011

Mom had her first chemo treatment this week on Wednesday. Appointment was at 9:30 and I think she said they left the clinic at 2:30. She has been tired and a little nausea but doc gave her medicine to calm the stomach so it's been manageable. She had to go back in on Thursday and have a Neulasta shot which should help to boost her immune system. Hoping she doesn't have the side effects from that either...bone pain being the worst of it. She goes back in for f/u appt with nurse next week to check her blood count, more blood work on the 24th and then if all is well, her next treatment is the 26th.

She has to stay healthy to receive all these treatments......she has a grandson graduating from highschool and 2 other grandsons making their first communion....all in May. She has to be well and feeling like she can party! :-) Thank you to everyone for the calls, thoughts and prayers! All are appreciated!! Sincerely, the Rehagen Family

Happy New Year!!

Update for this week. Mom had the Smart port put in this week. She did great but it caused some discomfort for swallowing and her chest is still sore where they put it. Deann and Rob are coming home this weekend and we are going to celebrate Christmas and a start of a New Year. Chemo starts this week on the 5th. Just a reminder, Mom needs to try and stay as healthy as possible so some activities while going through chemo may be limited and even a cold may cause her problems. The Rehagen family wants to Thank everyone for all the prayers, support, and thoughts of kindness during Mom's fight! God Bless everyone and hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy New Year!!

SCANS COME BACK CLEAN!!!

Mom had her PET and CT scans last week and she got the results back today. They were clean so we can hope that means they got it all and it hasn't spread. We had a bit of fun yesterday, the American Cancer Society provides wigs and all kinds of other support for people who are fighting the fight. We got to help mom pick out a wig, hats, turbons, etc....helps to keep things on the fun side.

Also, Mom starts chemo on 01/05/11 and gets the port put in on 12/28/10....told her she will have both arms sore and dad will really have to help her get dressed, maybe even do her hair. She said it might be easier to just wear the wig. :-)

IT WILL BE A GOOD CHRISTMAS!!!! Many things to celebrate! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers! Power of prayer! Everyone have a safe and happy holiday! And remember we are celebrating the birthday of Jesus and having a great family!! Many blessings!!!

December 1, 2010...oncology visit

Mom had her first appointment since the surgery with her oncologist today. Lots of information. First, she has Stage IIB ductal carcinoma. Not the best but it could be a lot worse. She may only have to do chemotherapy but the doctor is going to check with the radiologist to be sure he doesn't have any new tricks up his sleeve. She is going to still have a CT and PET scan to be sure the cancer isn't hiding in numerous other spots but the doctor is hopeful that it was only contained in the one area. So right now, the plan is for Mom to have FEC (acronym) chemotherapy. It is usually given for breast cancer and is a combination of three chemotherapy drugs called 5Fluorouracil (5-FU for short...nothing like cussing the cancer...LOL), Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide.  These are usually given once every three weeks as slow injections into a vein, as an outpatient.  She will have 6 cycles of this treatment so Mother's Day 2011 will be a true day of celebrating....we hope.

The plan is for Mom to have a port-a-catheter put in which eliminates her getting stuck in the vein numerous times. Surgeon will probably do this right after Christmas and the chemotherapy will start then. Doctor says it's OK to wait for treatment, studies prove that if treatment is started within the 12 weeks after surgery, outcomes are about the same. This will let mom have a good Christmas without the side effects of Chemo dragging her down. One side effect of the Chemo is her white counts may go down, so as a GREAT favor to us Rehagens, please try not to visit Mom and Dad if you are feeling ill in any way....her low counts will make her more susceptible to infections of any kind. So we will be celebrating Christmas with the gift of Mom.

Mom's right hand is getting better and Dad says she is getting back to her grumpy self :-) ....he loves her that way so all is well. She seems to be back to bossing Dad around because as soon as her appt was done today, Dad had doctor's appt she made for him because he is getting hoarse again. I think it's because he has been bossing her around too much but they were going to have it checked to be sure it's nothing else. I think that's all the news from the Mimosa Lane area so everyone take care and Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

I posted on Facebook...Life seems to have it's cycle...your parents take care of you when you are young so when you become an adult, you can return the favor tenfold. But what happens when you become that adult and don't know how to make it better? Hold on tight and pray for the best!!! Seems to be working so far.....Hope everyone has a great Holiday season!

Learning to Dance in the Rain Movie | Learning to Dance In The Rain

Learning to Dance in the Rain Movie Learning to Dance In The Rain

Update....

November 23
Mom is now drain free...LOL! She went back to the surgeon on Monday and they removed the last drain and she said it wasn't painful at all...of course I didn't ask how many vicodain she took before she went, but she said it didn't hurt as bad as  the last one. Next week, she has one more appt with her surgeon and then back to the oncologist. That's when we will probably find out what the treatment plans are.

And to make matters a little more complicated, my brother decided he needed a hospital stay for a couple of days last week. He was having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic they have him on. Guess when it rains, it pours :-). Still thinking we just need to reserve that room at Cap Region....

Hope everyone has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving! Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers!

News of Relief...

Mom had her follow up visit with the surgeon today...they removed one of the drains and the surgery site is healing well. The biopsy on the 16 axillary lymph nodes were clear of cancer!!! Blessings with prayers have been answered!! Mom has to go back to the surgeon again next week to see if the last drain is ready to come out but otherwise she is doing great. Some numbness in the shoulder area and the hand isn't quite right as far as small movements but hopefully that will get better with her PT exercises. Want to Thank everyone for all the prayers!! We couldn't have asked for better news!!

"When we reach out to celebrate and appreciate others, we will always receive more than we give."

Day after surgery

November 10, 2010
Mom went home about noon today. She didn't get any sleep last night....just couldn't sleep. She hasn't been in too much pain but things are still pretty sore. PT came in to show her the exercises she will need to do and gave her a whole list of dos and don'ts that she will have to follow for the rest of her life. Missing those axillary lymph nodes will cause you to change a lot of things in your life---no shots in that arm, no repetitive motions like painting, has to wear thick gloves when she gardens, and to be careful not to cause any kind of trauma to that arm because the infection won't drain away as fast. Who knew???? BUT, if that's the worst she has to deal with, then it will be a blessing. And small compared to other things. I talked to Dad later this evening and he said she had taken a good nap and she is enjoying her two youngest grand babies...what a blessing they are....Delaney with her big beautiful blue eyes and "yep" to everything and Cooper who is quiet and very polite. So good to have them home!! Best medicine in the world right now! Take Care and God Bless!

After surgery

11/9/10....3:30 pm
The surgeon brought us news-mom did well through surgery and we will get to see her soon. The sentinel node was positive for cancer so they took the axillary lymph nodes out which will have to be biopsied. They should know by next week's post op office visit, what those results will be. Please continue to keep mom in your prayers. Take care and God bless and I will post more after we get to see her.

11/9/10....9:00 pm
A long day....everyone got to see mom, she is in good spirits and only has a little pain...she says morphine is a good drug :-). They only gave her a little while she was in recovery but by the time I left the hospital, it was wearing off. She has 2 drains on the right side and the nurses were teaching us all how to take care of them so between all of us kids, in-laws, and grandkids, we should get  her taken care of. Dad was going to stay with her tonight and she should be able to go home tomorrow. So, we are once again in the waiting stage. Again, Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers! I'll post again tomorrow. Take care and God Bless!

Important day...

Please Please Please...keep my mom and dad in your prayers today! I will post more later after surgery is done. Take care and God Bless....and if you get a minute or two, watch the clip I attached to a previous post....to my Mom's Interdependence!!!

Oh Thank Goodness, It's Not Just Me!

Oh Thank Goodness, It's Not Just Me! Movie Oh Thank Goodness, It's Not Just Me!

Oncology Radiologist appt

11/04/10
Mom and Dad had appt with the Oncology Radiologist...hoping they won't have to see him again. But if they do, he took a lot of time explaining things to them. Surgery is still scheduled for next week and mom will probably have to stay overnight. Deann and kids are planning to visit all week so Dad will have extra help while Mom is recouping. Thanks for keeping Mom and Dad in your prayers and thoughts! God Bless!

 I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you.
       - Matthew 17:20

Surgeon's appointment

10/28/10
I know everyone was waiting for an update after the surgeon's appt but we had to wait for them to set up appointment with radiology oncologist and the hospital. Mom has chosen an amazing doctor to be her surgeon. She took an hour to explain every option and talked to mom like she was the only patient she had. Mom has to see the radiology oncologist next week and the surgery is scheduled for the week after. Dad is apprehensive about me putting too many details on here before things happen so I'll try to update after each appt. PLEASE keep all the good juju vibes and prayers going mom and dad's direction! They are truly blessed to have sooooo many people who care about them. Mom has the attitude of "git her done!" which is good! Do what we have to do and live life while we are at it! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Hallow eve and keep St Agatha (patron saint of Breast Cancer) in your thoughts on All Saints day-not just for mom but all the women who are fighting the fight, ones that have survived the fight, and the ones who have lost the battle! Take care and God Bless!!

Appt with the surgeon is next Wednesday on the 27th. We will gather more information and find out the surgery date.

Isn't it ironic that this is breast cancer awareness month?!? Makes me grateful they dedicate a whole month and not just one day to this worthy cause. Save the Ta-Tas, Fight Like a Girl, wear pink proudly and all that other Jazz!!!-makes me glad I've supported the breast cancer research with all my "pink" purchases!

Finding out that a 6 letter word can change your world

10/20/10
This blog will be dedicated to my mom, Phyllis. No last names because only the people who really matter will be reading this so it's not needed.  As all of you know, this last year has not been the easiest on many in this family. Health issues seemed to dominate every crack and crevice. But we prevailed only to get to another bump in the road. My mom, who may be small but mighty decided that she needed to do what her daughters, daughter-in-law, and husband was asking her to do....take the time to care for herself and get a clean bill of health. As we all know, we sit on pins and needles waiting for the results that never seem to come and then when you do get them, wish you could go back to waiting for the results. The mammogram came back with abnormal results, she needed to go back for another. She did and then they did an ultrasound and found 2 small lumps. Time for a biopsy...this all in one day. Results come back with that ominous 6 lettered word that strikes fear in anyone who has had to deal with it.

So we come to today, Wed, October 20. We all troop into the oncologist office to hear what life will be like for a while. We are told that it is Ductal Carcinoma, most common type of breast cancer. This is good because they know the most about it. Also good because it's not very big. Doc says the next step is to see the surgeon and for mom to decide if it's just the two lumps that will disappear or her whole breast.  Decisions will need to be made. When they do the surgery, they will inject radioactive dye into the area and see where it drains...most people, this would be into the lymph nodes under the arm. She will have different options for treatment, just depends on if it has spread and which surgery she decides to have. Doctor appts will be many for the next couple of weeks. And how do you absorb all that needs to be heard, said or asked and not miss anything important?

How can one word change a life? If it has the ability to change the direction of so many lives, shouldn't it be the longest word in the dictionary? I know so many people are praying for my mom, just as they did for my dad....and look at him now! So hopefully, I can keep this blog updated with all the current information so my Mom doesn't have to repeat it 2000 times :-). Everyone take care and thanks for reading...God Bless!