It's a TKO !!!!

If you're still reading this blog, I'd like to say THANK YOU!  It was a good way to keep everyone who cared informed of my status and progressand it was a good way for me to thank everyone that helped me in any way during my battle with cancer.  And now....I'm happy to report that I won!  Knocked that cancer out!  Last week I had my first "follow-up" scan and it was - in the words of my dr - perfect.  I'm feeling better all the time and getting some hair back and everything.  So I'm posting one last picture and one last entry on this blog and then putting this chapter behind me.  Thank you once again to everyone who helped me in any way, even if it was just a kind word, thought, or prayer. 

And if you just hate the thought of not reading my blog, I've got good news for you!  I've started a new one...for my photography business.  Feel free to check it out at http://www.savorphotography-se.blogspot.com/
Love, Susan

A time for everything

I'm finished with treatments - chemo and radiation.  I will start a new year with a focus on getting healthy and some form of normal.  2010 was a crazy year.  I have to accept that it was part of God's plan for me to get cancer.  I'm not sure why. I may never know.  But I know He also saw me through it.  When I think of this past year, I think of this passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.  It's one of my favorites.

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;








A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;








 


A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;





A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
















A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.



My sincere prayer is that 2011 is a wonderful year for every one of you, and that you are generously blessed with health, happiness, love, and peace.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Love, Susan

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a very merry Christmas, filled with family, friends,

 love, laughter, and peace.  Celebrate Jesus' birth!

And CELEBRATE we did!

Last night was girls' night out...to the Melting Pot!  Mmmmmm.  Besides the fact that we ate so much we were about to bust, it was a great time!

I've had 15 radiation treatments and have 10 more to go.  So I'm over the halfway point with those.  And they're not bad - just makes my belly hurt but doesn't make me feel bad anywhere else.  I had my port removed last week, and the onday after Christmas will be my last radiation treatment. Then I'm done with EVERYTHING!  I have to have a follow-up scan every 4 months next year, but that's it.

After eating so much, we had to go the mall and walk it off   :)

(This pic was taken with my cell phone so it's not very good quality - sorry)

Thanks ladies - it was lots of fun!



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I have so much to be thankful for but probably top of my list this year is the fact that I got a good report from my oncologist last week.  My CT scan was excellent - no sign of cancer. YAY!!!  And I'm done with chemo and feeling better all the time.  I have started my radiation treatments - 5 down, 20 more to go.  So far those are not making me feel bad - a little discomfort in my middle but nothing too bad...and I should be done by Christmas.  What a fabulous thing to celebrate!
My thankful list is long...for the many people who lifted me up in prayer; for my wonderful family who took such good care of me; for my amazing friends who supported and encouraged me, gave me gifts, made food, did jobs around my house that I couldn't do; for awesome nurses and doctors who were/are so caring and kind; for meds and health care professionals who have the ability to get rid of the cancer in me; and most of all to God for seeing me through this.
In this COLD weather, I'm also thankful for a warm house, warm clothes, electric blankets... and lets not forget the turkey, stuffing, pies, and other delicious food that I was able to enjoy yesterday.
I hope that I can remember to take time each day to think about my blessings and give thanks for them.
My sincere wish for everyone reading this is that you have a wonderful holiday season, that you are blessed with good health and are surrounded by love. 
Thanks for reading.  Love, Susan

Chemo is over!

Yay!  No more chemo!  Will probably start radiation in 2-3 weeks but everyone says that's no big deal.  Right now I'm all about getting back to feelin' good.
We had a little celebration Friday. 
My chemo nurses/angels (they're the best) Barb and Kara...

Toasting to my last treatment!

I'm trying to get my strength back... plan to go back to work tomorrow (Weds.).
Thanks for reading!
Love, Susan

Down the home stretch

Round 6 is under way.  Today I had blood tests done, got fluids, and saw 2 doctors - regular oncologist and radiation oncologist.  My hemoglobin was really good this time (10) so no need for blood transfusion.  There's still some debate about how soon I can start radiation...Dr. Gupta wants me to wait 3-4 weeks after chemo but Dr. Logan is okay with me starting sooner than that if I feel like I can.  The drs are going to talk to each other; in addition Dr. Logan wants to talk to the surgeons who took my tumor out.  She said she will give me about 25 low doses of radiation over a large area (front and back); then she may give me 5-8 higher doses that target a specific spot (what she calls "coning down"), if the surgeons can tell her specifically where the tumor was touching my back muscle and/or spine area.  So a lot is still up in the air, but my goal is to get it all done as soon as possible...within reason.
I just have to take a moment here to say that the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Center are wonderful!  I've liked Dr. Gupta all along and I just met Dr. Logan today and I really like her too.  She was very willing to answer questions and was very thorough and nice.  She has a southern accent which makes me grin.  And the chemo nurses, Barb and Kara, are just great.  They are always on top of things and do their best to get me done and out of there as quickly as possible.  They are always busy but still make sure that I'm comfortable.  Last round Barb even picked me up and gave me a ride in on Thurs and Fri morning because she doesn't live very far from me.  It's a full-service place, I'm tellin' ya.
From what I've heard, radiation is no big deal compared to chemo, so if I can get through the next week and a half, I think I'll be over the worst.  So pray me through this last round, please, friends.  Thank you again for all your kind thoughts, prayers, gifts, cards, help...everything.
Love, Susan

The view

First - I'm back at work and feeling pretty well.  Still low on vim and vigor, but you know...that's the norm for now. 
So, last Friday I had to get 3 more units of blood because my hemoglobin was low.  I was up on the 3rd floor of the hospital all afternoon and all evening - it was a very LONG day.  BUT, before you go feeling too sorry for me...

apparently the windows needed re-caulking or something, so for a while, this was the view from my window!  :)

Hey, if you have to lay in the hospital, this is the way to do it.

Update and sharing some pics from the weekend - World Equestrian Games!!

This is Thurs. of round 5 - not feeling that great right now, but that's the norm for this point in time....trying to just keep my mind off of it.  My hemoglobin was low again on Mon. so I'm getting more blood infused tomorrow.  So it will be a long day (chemo in the AM and blood after that) but I now know from last time that I will most likely feel better afterward, so that makes it easier to handle.  PLUS, after tomorrow I only have 1 more round!!  Woo hoo!  Say it with me - Woo hoo!! :)

Lindsey and I had a very fun day at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington on Sat.  Just wanted to share some photos...
The greeter at our very nice hotel - compliments of Sara & Matt.

and the complimentary Bourbon Balls. mmmmmm


The view as we entered the park
 

There were people there from all over the world speaking different languages, but it's obvious who this fan was cheering for.   The picture on the right is Lindsey's reaction to the "Restricted Area" sign and ropes keeping us a distance from the vet-check area.  She SO wanted to get down there to see what they were doing. 

At the first water complex on the cross-country course (I think this was obstacle #5),  the horse & rider have to first jump over this log into the water...

then jump this big fish in the water...

then this big, um, duck - I forget what it's called - after coming out of the water.

I just like this picture - after jumping an obstacle, they always kick it into high gear in order to try and make the ideal course time and not incur time penalties.

 
Thanks for looking - hope I didn't get carried away with the pictures. 
Thanks also for the continued cards, thoughts, and prayers.
Love, Susan

Headed to KY

Round 5 starts on Monday.  BUT FIRST....
Lindsey and I are headed to Lexington to see Cross Country day at the World Equestrian Games!!!!

I know some of you thought this was me on my horse, but it's not.

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Love, Susan

Good Luck Tyler!

Wanna wish Tyler good luck in tennis sectionals - and all the Northwestern Tigers

The good things

There are some brights spots to going through chemo:

• No need for shaving legs or underarms
• No money is spent on hair products
• Getting ready in the morning takes less time because I don't have to wash & dry hair
• If I have a hot flash I can yank off the cap or scarf I'm wearing and my head cools off fast     (don't worry - I don't do this in public)
• Friends give you beautiful little rose plants like this one

Round 4 is done!!

Yes, now I am MORE than 1/2 way done.  Woo!!  And this one wasn't too bad at all.  I'll be happy if the last 2 go this smoothly.  My white cell count was pretty low this time so I'm mostly staying in - actually I've been in all weekend. :)  Hope to be back at work by Weds, though. 
And because a blog post is much more fun with a picture...
This was a Labor Day party - the 3-legged challenge is about to begin - and this is serious business in my family!

Thanks for reading.  Love, Susan

Sweet Jorga - and round 4 is underway

Lindsey is dog-sharing with 2 other vet students and Sat. was her turn to take care of Jorga.  We did a lot of walking around campus and with every step Jorga worked her way into our hearts.  She's very sweet and smart too. 

Round 4 is underway - I just got fluids today, so it was an easy day.  I talked to the Dr today about radiation, but don't really know much more than I did before...except that if I have it, we will wait a month or 2 after chemo is done...and I will talk to a radiation Dr when I'm closer to being done with chemo.

A message for my sistas:  Thank you so much for the sunshine basket!  I opened my first gift today and it was an adorable prayer pillow. :)

Thanks for reading!  Love, Susan

My amazing co-workers

So, Tom (at work) has been nagging at me leaning on me to start exercise-walking again...which is good - I need it, and I agreed to stay after work on Friday and do a lap around the parking lot perimeter.  It's 1 mile around, by the way.  Unbeknownst to me, he spread the word that this walk was going to take place - and that I was starting a new round of chemo on Monday, so all these people showed up outside my office to walk in support of me.  How awesome is that?!  I'm telling you - I have good people.  Thanks so much everyone.  It is really a boost to know all of you are "in my corner".  Love you guys!!

P.S.  Thanks to Mike for taking the picture - he walked too. :)

She's a pearl!

This is the view out of my front window last Sat.  Notice how bright it looks?  That's because my friend, Pearl, came out and washed all my windows!!!  I know, I am so spoiled.  Pearl, your name fits you - you are a rare find and one sweet lady.  Thanks so much!
And thanks to Sara for helping re-plant the flower basket. :)

Evening in small town USA :)

Well I DID get out and play around with my camera, so I'm sharing a few.  Love my f1.4 lens because I can shoot in low light...and I love the evening light.  These pictures were taken between 8 and 8:30 PM.  Seriously.

Oh...and my cat is certifiably crazy.  He got inside my car today when it was parked in the driveway - through the window that was down only 2 1/2 inches!  No lie - I measured.  I should have taken a picture of him sitting in there crying but I was too panicked to get him out.  Then you should have seen the interior (black/charcoal cloth)... covered with hair.  Oh Alfred, you're just a mess.
Thanks for reading (and looking)!  Love, Susan

Taking a chemo break :)

Hi all,
So I'm sort of on a little "chemo vacation"...that is, a vacation from chemo.  Because my next round was due to start on Sept 6th, but that's Labor Day, so Barb (nurse) said "we'll just wait another week".  That was good news to me.  Though I want to get it all over with, after last week I needed a break - mentally at least.  I pulled away from the hospital on Monday relishing the idea that I had nearly 3 full weeks before another round starts - and I should feel pretty good for most of that time.  
The blood transfusion was good for me - I was able to go back to work on Wednesday of this week and I worked the remainder of the week...and I plan to work full-time for the next 2 weeks as well.  I'm also hoping that this will give my middle some time to heal...because I still have a lot of discomfort in my incision/surgery area.  You would think that it's been long enough, but I can only guess that the chemo is preventing the normal amount of healing to happen. 
I'm also happy to say that my interest in life is returning.  :)  I'm thinking about going out with my camera tomorrow and playing around.  Just a warning...that means you'll probably have to endure some photos in my next post!
Thanks for all the cards and well-wishes that keep on coming.  Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.
Love, Susan

Round 3 done!

Well I have been woefully out of touch...I'm sorry.  Last week was kinda rough for me, but a lot of that was my fault I'm afraid.  The effects of the chemo were building up toward the end of the week and then I had the blood transfusion looming ahead, which I should have seen as a GOOD thing, but for some reason I got kind of freaked out by it and that made the emotional and physical symptoms worse (nervousness, jitters, upset stomach, etc).  Anyway, suffice it to say that I'm VERY glad to have last week behind me.  The transfusion was originally going to happen on Saturday; then we discussed doing it on Monday so I didn't have to spend a weekend day in the hospital; then the nurse suggested I get an early start on my chemo Friday and just go straight up to get blood after that.  That's what I did and - now that it's over - it was a good decision, it's just that it was a very long day and...well...I didn't start it in a very good frame of mind.  Poor Ginny drove me that morning and she had to help me pull it together.  I got chemo from 7:30 AM to about 12:30 PM, then went upstairs to "short stay" for the blood transfusion.  They infused 3 units at a rate of 2 1/2 hours per unit - so I was there until probably 8:30 or 9:00 PM.  They gave me Adavan (sp?) twice on Friday to help me relax, so I slept through parts of the day.
I DO think the blood was helpful - I feel pretty good today - I don't have so much of that wiped out feeling. Have to go the hospital in a little bit to get a shot of Neulasta.  
I gotta be honest, I'm a little worried about the fact that I lack any interest or excitement about anything.  I just feel so blah all the time...which isn't normal for me.  I know it's a beautiful day and I should probably go out for a short walk but I just have no motivation. Ah well, hopefully this will also pass.
Larry just pulled in to mow my yard...bless him.  Marjie please tell him THANK YOU once again.  I'm so grateful (still) for everything everyone has done and still does for me.
Thanks for reading.  Love, Susan 

Round 3, here we go

Today begins round 3.  I had blood drawn first this morning and it was analyzed quickly.  So when the dr came in to see me the results were back. My white cell count was good but the red cell count was low.  It was not low enough to postpone my treatments this week, but he wants me to have a blood transfusion.  It looks like that might happen on Saturday - I have to go to the hospital for that...in what they call "short stay". Yippee.
Anyway, today was fine - just got 3 liters of fluids after seeing the dr., so other than my belly feeling bloated, I'm okay.  I shouldn't wish time away...especially with the beautiful weather we're having, but I just want this week to go by quickly.
We got Lindsey moved into her apt over the weekend.  I'll try to post a couple pictures tomorrow.
Thanks for reading.
Love, Susan