The last week we has been fun and trying.
My skin is getting redder and the lotion is being applied more frequently.
I spent the last week dog and house sitting. It was nice to have a reason to walk every day. Our days consisted of working (Anna not the dog), sleeping, eating, playing outside, radiation (only Anna), and eating. Thanks to the girls at the pool and Amie for applying the lotion twice daily since I wasn't at home.
I developed a sore throat about a week and a half ago. Not sure if it was really a sore throat from radiation or if it was a true sore throat. By Tuesday of last week it was painful swallowing. I haven't had strep throat but they tell me this is strep throat times 3. On Wednesday during my doctors visit they gave me the "Magic Wash" to use before and after meals. It only works about 1/2 the time. So I'm working on changing what I eat. Mac and cheese and mash potatoes are the best along with Giant Cheetos. It's amazing how painful it can be to swallow something. Hopefully this will help me lose some weight.
Over the weekend it was the annual Tennant camp out at Baker Park Reserve. I went out to the campground on Saturday evening for the potluck of all potlucks. It seems like the food gets better and more of it every year. We also had the parents vs kids volleyball game. And yes, I did play.
Sunday evening I went for my first run since the beginning of March. My dad went with me and we did a run a block and walk a block run. I did come home tired and out of breath but you have to start some where. It's amazing how good it feels to be in running clothes and tennis shoes. Hopefully I will find time to run again later this week.
Have a wonderful week
Anna
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Radiation 7 days down
So far radiation has gone as planned. It's every day (Monday-Friday) at 3:20. I'm still working on finding my favorite lotion (aloe is the winner as of right now). My parents will tell you my skin looks sunburned all the time where I'm getting radiation.
Over all besides working out, I'm doing almost everything I normally do. I still like to take naps and spend most of the weekend sleeping or going out in the evening. I find it amazing that people are surprised that I'm going out. You know, you can only sit at home so long. I told my parents at the beginning that I wanted to live my life as normal as possible as long as possible and over all I think I have done that.
It's a small world. I was at radiation on Friday talking to my nurse and she said, Anna I know you from some where. I told her she looked familiar but we couldn't really place where we know each other from. Then on my way home I called back to the clinic because I figured out where I know her from. It was Leah from Best Buy, we worked together in sales audit. I guess you never know who will be taking care of you.
This week I'm dog sitting for the week. It's nice that I'm doing something I normally like to do.
Have a great week!
Anna
Over all besides working out, I'm doing almost everything I normally do. I still like to take naps and spend most of the weekend sleeping or going out in the evening. I find it amazing that people are surprised that I'm going out. You know, you can only sit at home so long. I told my parents at the beginning that I wanted to live my life as normal as possible as long as possible and over all I think I have done that.
It's a small world. I was at radiation on Friday talking to my nurse and she said, Anna I know you from some where. I told her she looked familiar but we couldn't really place where we know each other from. Then on my way home I called back to the clinic because I figured out where I know her from. It was Leah from Best Buy, we worked together in sales audit. I guess you never know who will be taking care of you.
This week I'm dog sitting for the week. It's nice that I'm doing something I normally like to do.
Have a great week!
Anna
Sunday, July 12, 2009
2 days of Radiation
I started radiation last Thursday, July 9th. I go every day Monday-Friday at 3:20 pm, it's about a 10 minute appointment, then I'm done. It beats sitting in chemo for 4-6 hours. Radiation is much like laying on a backboard with your head in the rescue breathing position and laying there for about 3 minutes, then I'm done. So far I haven't had much for side effects besides itchy skin. Right now I'm trying different lotions. I can eat almost anything, it's just a little science experiment when I'm done, sometimes I get a metal taste in my mouth, other than that it's not to bad. I have figured out I can't eat anything overly cold, like ice cream or my other favorite icees.
This weekend Dena and I hosted a bridal shower for Jessica, Bryan's fiance. It was the first time most of the family on my mom's side has met her. She got a lot of nice gifts. It was also Chris (Dena's husband) birthday this weekend, so as a family we went out to Punch Pizza for dinner tonight. On the other exciting note, I went for a walk this afternoon only to come home and sleep for a few hours. I had to remind my parents that I haven't been getting my afternoon nap for the last three days and it really doesn't help with the fatigue.
Other all I'm doing pretty good, I'm just working on trying to figure out what lotion will do the trick.
Have a good week
Anna
This weekend Dena and I hosted a bridal shower for Jessica, Bryan's fiance. It was the first time most of the family on my mom's side has met her. She got a lot of nice gifts. It was also Chris (Dena's husband) birthday this weekend, so as a family we went out to Punch Pizza for dinner tonight. On the other exciting note, I went for a walk this afternoon only to come home and sleep for a few hours. I had to remind my parents that I haven't been getting my afternoon nap for the last three days and it really doesn't help with the fatigue.
Other all I'm doing pretty good, I'm just working on trying to figure out what lotion will do the trick.
Have a good week
Anna
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday
I hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July
Today was another day at the doctors office. I finally have some good news and things are starting to roll along. Dena tried to meet me at the Radiation office but made it after I already got in to the simulation room. Today I met with Dr. Kosiak and he explained that I was on the lung cancer (No I don't have lung cancer) case study last week. And the doctors and specialist decided it was best for me to start radiation and not to have any more chemo. The discusion was basically because they can't come up with any reason why I have a cough besides the chemo. Let's just say I have been almost celebrating that I won't have any more chemo. Two more months of chemo wasn't in my plans.
I got my permanent markings (tattoos) today and schedule for my radiation. I also had another CT Scan, this time to check out my markings. I will start radiation on Thursday July 9th at 3:20. I will go every day (Monday-Friday) at the same time for 20 days, meeting with Dr. Kosiak on Wednesdays before radiation.
Have a great week
Anna
Today was another day at the doctors office. I finally have some good news and things are starting to roll along. Dena tried to meet me at the Radiation office but made it after I already got in to the simulation room. Today I met with Dr. Kosiak and he explained that I was on the lung cancer (No I don't have lung cancer) case study last week. And the doctors and specialist decided it was best for me to start radiation and not to have any more chemo. The discusion was basically because they can't come up with any reason why I have a cough besides the chemo. Let's just say I have been almost celebrating that I won't have any more chemo. Two more months of chemo wasn't in my plans.
I got my permanent markings (tattoos) today and schedule for my radiation. I also had another CT Scan, this time to check out my markings. I will start radiation on Thursday July 9th at 3:20. I will go every day (Monday-Friday) at the same time for 20 days, meeting with Dr. Kosiak on Wednesdays before radiation.
Have a great week
Anna
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Radiation
On Monday I had my second PET Scan. As of right now everything is going as planned my cancer is either gone or shirking.
Today I met with Dr. John Kosiak at North Radiation Therapy Center for my consultation. Their is some debate over me having an additional 2 cycles of chemo. Dr. Kosiak explained in detail why he would like this. My mass in my chest was bigger then .33 cm and according to the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) practice guidelines they recommend more chemo. I have Stage 2A Hodgkins Lynmphoma. He is going to call my oncologist Dr. Larson to discuss this. I should know on Monday if more chemo is in my future or we will move on with about 20 days of radiation.
On Monday, July 6th I have my Simulation and CT planning appointment. At this appointment they will take x-rays of the treated area. I will also get my permanent tattoo marking on Monday. The CT is used to further outline the treatment area.
As for my cough and shortness of breath, it's better this week. I'm still working with the respiratory doctor. All my test last week came back negative, so that's a good thing. As of right now she hasn't scheduled me any new tests.
Have a great 4th of July!
Anna
Today I met with Dr. John Kosiak at North Radiation Therapy Center for my consultation. Their is some debate over me having an additional 2 cycles of chemo. Dr. Kosiak explained in detail why he would like this. My mass in my chest was bigger then .33 cm and according to the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) practice guidelines they recommend more chemo. I have Stage 2A Hodgkins Lynmphoma. He is going to call my oncologist Dr. Larson to discuss this. I should know on Monday if more chemo is in my future or we will move on with about 20 days of radiation.
On Monday, July 6th I have my Simulation and CT planning appointment. At this appointment they will take x-rays of the treated area. I will also get my permanent tattoo marking on Monday. The CT is used to further outline the treatment area.
As for my cough and shortness of breath, it's better this week. I'm still working with the respiratory doctor. All my test last week came back negative, so that's a good thing. As of right now she hasn't scheduled me any new tests.
Have a great 4th of July!
Anna
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