Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Everyone loves the video that Jae made of Dylan! What a smile he has! Happy one-week old, JuHan-ee!
Work's been a bit crazy. Today I did a hybridoma screening, but I don't think that I got any of the clones I wanted. It was a good run. Everything's been running pretty smoothly so far.
I'm looking forward to flying out to see JuHan-ee this weekend with Mom. We'll fly out on Sat, and I'll return on Friday. It turns out I'll have to come into lab for a little bit that night before Sam and I drive up to Flushing, NY for Andrea's wedding.
Sam's got a cold, and today's lab meeting was cancelled because Sheng couldn't speak very well. His voice was hoarse. I had a runny nose last Sat so I'm hoping that I'll be OK by this Sat. to meet JuHan-ee.
Today was Dad's first day back to work since he fell. Dad and I saw Dr. Q and his assistants yesterday. They gave him the back-to-work letter. We also took a look at Dad's CT scan they did yesterday and compared it to when he was in the ICU. Dad didn't remember the CT scan from then. There was a big difference. The left front part was no longer white (indicating blood) and instead it was a bit darker gray than the rest of the brain, perhaps due to mild scarring. Dad will have to stay on the anti-seizure medication for another 3 months, but when we complained about his dizziness, the physician assistant lowered the dose by half. He can get an EEG in 3 months to see if he needs to continue with the medication. He will see Dr. Q and have another CT scan in 6 months. They did ask Dad to have another angiogram. This time with a CT scan and dye, but it's another appointment. I didn't think they saw anything significant last time so I don't really see the point. I think that Dad and I at this point really dislike procedures with needles.
Work's been a bit crazy. Today I did a hybridoma screening, but I don't think that I got any of the clones I wanted. It was a good run. Everything's been running pretty smoothly so far.
I'm looking forward to flying out to see JuHan-ee this weekend with Mom. We'll fly out on Sat, and I'll return on Friday. It turns out I'll have to come into lab for a little bit that night before Sam and I drive up to Flushing, NY for Andrea's wedding.
Sam's got a cold, and today's lab meeting was cancelled because Sheng couldn't speak very well. His voice was hoarse. I had a runny nose last Sat so I'm hoping that I'll be OK by this Sat. to meet JuHan-ee.
Today was Dad's first day back to work since he fell. Dad and I saw Dr. Q and his assistants yesterday. They gave him the back-to-work letter. We also took a look at Dad's CT scan they did yesterday and compared it to when he was in the ICU. Dad didn't remember the CT scan from then. There was a big difference. The left front part was no longer white (indicating blood) and instead it was a bit darker gray than the rest of the brain, perhaps due to mild scarring. Dad will have to stay on the anti-seizure medication for another 3 months, but when we complained about his dizziness, the physician assistant lowered the dose by half. He can get an EEG in 3 months to see if he needs to continue with the medication. He will see Dr. Q and have another CT scan in 6 months. They did ask Dad to have another angiogram. This time with a CT scan and dye, but it's another appointment. I didn't think they saw anything significant last time so I don't really see the point. I think that Dad and I at this point really dislike procedures with needles.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Good Mammo
I had my 6-month follow-up mammogram today to keep track of some calcifications seen in April. There were about 6 different positions, all on the left side, and only one really hurt. Next one's next April.
I also had yoga this morning--my third one. We worked our core so it was a hard class, especially on my quads. I can see how yoga can be so beneficial for your health. You just pay attention to your body more.
It seems so amazing that it was a year ago that I was just beginning chemo. Now I'm so glad the hard part is over, and I have more than 2 inches of hair. All my chemo buddies seem to be doing well, too. One though has lymph removal cellulitis, which actually seems more like an infection rather than fat deposits. Now that I think of it, there have been other cases of a depressed immune system (UTI and shingles even) in some of the other women, but fortunately, I haven't had anything like that. I got my flu shot yesterday and so far so good. Remember to do your self-exam, ladies!
I also had yoga this morning--my third one. We worked our core so it was a hard class, especially on my quads. I can see how yoga can be so beneficial for your health. You just pay attention to your body more.
It seems so amazing that it was a year ago that I was just beginning chemo. Now I'm so glad the hard part is over, and I have more than 2 inches of hair. All my chemo buddies seem to be doing well, too. One though has lymph removal cellulitis, which actually seems more like an infection rather than fat deposits. Now that I think of it, there have been other cases of a depressed immune system (UTI and shingles even) in some of the other women, but fortunately, I haven't had anything like that. I got my flu shot yesterday and so far so good. Remember to do your self-exam, ladies!
One-day-old JuHan-ee!
Meet little JuHan-ee! Linda sent JuHan's picture from her cell. Oh my goodness! He really does look like Jae! On my cell, I could only see him from his nose up, and I thought that Linda had cut him off. He really is cute! Linda's been staring at him the whole day. He's feeding very well and has been pretty active considering he's one day old. I heard him give a little shout out to his Emo today! Linda's planning on fattening him up. He's 19 inches long. Jae went to get some food for Linda
, but it's really feeding two for one. => Congratulations to the new mommy and daddy!
, but it's really feeding two for one. => Congratulations to the new mommy and daddy!Tuesday, October 6, 2009
JuHan-ee is here!
Linda and JuHan-ee are doing well! Jae called briefly to let me know that they are OK, but he said, "I don't want to stay away from my son too long." That's so sweet, and he sounded very excited and happy. Linda amazed the hospital staff by delivering in record time at 6:20 PM (their time). Once she started pushing, JuHan-ee was out within half an hour!
Linda and Jae went to the hospital today at 9 AM (their time) to induce labor since JuHan-ee passed his due date on Sept. 30. Now we want to see a picture to compare who JuHan-ee looks like more! Jae cut the umbilical cord. I imagine they are trying to feed JuHan now.
Name: Dylan Gabriel Park
Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.
Korean name: JuHan
Welcome to the world JuHan-ee!! Emo will see you soon!
Linda and Jae went to the hospital today at 9 AM (their time) to induce labor since JuHan-ee passed his due date on Sept. 30. Now we want to see a picture to compare who JuHan-ee looks like more! Jae cut the umbilical cord. I imagine they are trying to feed JuHan now.
Name: Dylan Gabriel Park
Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.
Korean name: JuHan
Welcome to the world JuHan-ee!! Emo will see you soon!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Miracles do happen! and Mercy Reunion
I have been waiting so long, seven years in fact, for this day come! Today my prayers were answered. My dad, Mom, William, Sam, and I had lunch today at Shin Chon restaurant. We were all in good spirits, and the food was delicious! We had lunch in celebration of all our health, in particular Dad's and mine, but most importantly, we celebrated the decision to start anew. Dad even offered Sam the last piece of meat. Need more be said?
Afterwards, I went to my 15-year high school reunion. I met up with my teachers that I have not seen since I graduated. Oddly, most looked exactly the same. Beth gave me and the 2 others from our class who came a tour of the new auditorium. Yes, there were 4 out of 94 from our class, but those who knew our class would not be surprised. While other classes (it was a joint reunion) needed chairs for their class pictures, the 4 of us just stood with Sr. Mary Anne.
Beth and I, once lab partners long ago, are in the chemistry lab. Mrs. Clugh, my former chem teacher and advisor, and Mrs. Ferraro, my Spanish teacher, were among the faculty who were present. I also spoke with Sr. Carol Wheeler, the principal, and Ms. Yanson, my English teacher.
Afterwards, I went to my 15-year high school reunion. I met up with my teachers that I have not seen since I graduated. Oddly, most looked exactly the same. Beth gave me and the 2 others from our class who came a tour of the new auditorium. Yes, there were 4 out of 94 from our class, but those who knew our class would not be surprised. While other classes (it was a joint reunion) needed chairs for their class pictures, the 4 of us just stood with Sr. Mary Anne.
Beth and I, once lab partners long ago, are in the chemistry lab. Mrs. Clugh, my former chem teacher and advisor, and Mrs. Ferraro, my Spanish teacher, were among the faculty who were present. I also spoke with Sr. Carol Wheeler, the principal, and Ms. Yanson, my English teacher.Beth, Katie, and I joined others from our class at Ryan's Daughter. I also hadn't seen Cassandra Green, Tristan Churney, Karen Talbot, Amy, and Beth since graduation.
A lot of memories!! Today's the first day I put gel in my hair. Like it?? =>
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Last Herceptin Done!
I'm actually a week behind! I finished my last Herceptin treatment last Wednesday. I brought in Ferrero Rocher chocolates for my oncology nurses, in particular Liam and Melissa who took care of me when Marybeth left. I also gave a gift box and a thank you note to Lakisha, my wonderful phlebotomist who has stuck me almost every time that I went in for chemo or Herceptin. Because of her, I didn't need to get a port, which would have stuck out from under my skin and left another scar. She's really great! The chemo went to where it was suppose to go and didn't leak out causing unnecessary damage. "Old Faithful" held out well.
Lakisha even asked about my dad, who went for his physical and speech evaluation this week. Basically, he passed all the tests and doesn't need to return to see them. Perhaps through repetition, some words he's having difficulty remembering will be easily recalled. Just the executive function test tomorrow with the occupational therapist, and then no more therapists!
Today was Linda's due date. Dylan's coming any moment now! When I talked to her tonight, Linda was having mild contractions every 9 min or so. She was walking around with Jae so she's doing very well!
Sam and I will be participating in the Komen walk this year. I still have to sign up, but it's decided. I should be able to go this time without any issues.
I scheduled my 6-month follow-up mammogram for Oct 8th. Everything looks OK so hopefully, there won't be any problems.
The pictures are from the hike this past Sat at The Great Falls in VA. Sam and I went with the Newlyweds Couples group from our church. Some of the guys couldn't make it because they were working. Sam actually carried a stroller as "practice" because the couple on the left had their hands full with Eli. Shannon is also 7-months pregnant with their second child,but still did the walk really well! It was spectacular there. You can see little kayakers at the bottom of the falls. That's how big the gorge area is. We went for soondooboo at Light House in Rockville afterwards.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Yoga today and Dad
Today I went to my first yoga class ever! It was free because I signed up for YogaBear, an organization that finds studios that will donate classes for cancer survivors. There were no established yoga studios affiliated with YogaBear in Baltimore, but Meredith, a summer volunteer for YogaBear, hooked me up with Regina, the instructor for Yoga on Wheels. The class took place at an old church on St. Paul St. with high ceilings and high windows. Even though it was my first class, I felt very comfortable with the poses and could kinda mostly grasp what I was to do. There were some words I didn't quite get like "kidney loop", but I'll get it in time. The stretches and positions felt really good, but I should increase my balance. I guess it's been too long since I've done tae kwon do. Regina is a great instructor and receives many compliments from her students. She's probably around my age and took on YogaBear when she saw that the yoga center in Columbia (my region) wasn't responsive. She's very positive, and I really liked meeting her.
After class, I went home to stay with Dad. He was resting, but got up to eat lunch even though he had a headache. He ate lunch without any problems and went to watch some TV. When I suggested we go for a walk, he put on his own socks and shoes and headed out the door. We walked around the neighborhood for 20 minutes. His right foot/leg did not have any noticeable weakness, and he made comments on his observations during the walk. I talked quite a bit, and he seemed to understand everything I was saying so I think that his communication has rapidly improved.
We worked on 3 Tangoes puzzles (the answer diagram for him), and he got each of them in about 3-5 min, progressively faster. He felt dizzy later and went back to bed. The anti-seizure medication has a warning label for dizziness so we may have to ask the doc if we can start decreasing the dose.
After class, I went home to stay with Dad. He was resting, but got up to eat lunch even though he had a headache. He ate lunch without any problems and went to watch some TV. When I suggested we go for a walk, he put on his own socks and shoes and headed out the door. We walked around the neighborhood for 20 minutes. His right foot/leg did not have any noticeable weakness, and he made comments on his observations during the walk. I talked quite a bit, and he seemed to understand everything I was saying so I think that his communication has rapidly improved.
We worked on 3 Tangoes puzzles (the answer diagram for him), and he got each of them in about 3-5 min, progressively faster. He felt dizzy later and went back to bed. The anti-seizure medication has a warning label for dizziness so we may have to ask the doc if we can start decreasing the dose.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Who got surprised more? baby shower
In the lab, we planned today to have a surprise baby shower for Daphne, a grad student who was due on Sept. 21. When she didn't arrive by 11:30, we called her with some excuse, but found out that she had already delivered this morning around 6! We took this pic to celebrate and visited her this afternoon. Laura Ann is a truly beautiful baby girl.Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dad is back home
Dad stayed at Kernan for 11 days. Mom and I picked him up around 5:00pm today. He was all ready to go, but he had dinner first at Kernan since I arrived a bit late. Evening traffic. Mom drove Dad back, and by the time I arrived at the house, Dad had already brushed his teeth and gone to bed.
Dad has to continue taking his anti-seizure medication (Keppra) and steroid (Florinef/fludrocortisone acetate), but no more salt tablets and apparently no anti-clotting medication. It's been recommended by his current therapists that Dad have 2-3 times per week of speech and occupational therapy, and 5 times per week of physical therapy. In terms of priority, Mom, William, and I agree that it's speech therapy because it includes memory and communicating. On Sat, Mom and William watched Dad do a group exercise, and Dad moved the best out of everyone there, bouncing a ball while walking around the gym. Although the therapists recommended 24-hour supervision, it seems that Dad can do most activities independently (eating, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom). He can tell time and move around pretty well. He's gained strength in the right leg/foot. What he needs to work on is comprehending multi-step instructions and expressing himself through words more easily. He cannot drive now and may still need at least 2 weeks before going back to work. Every day Dad speaks more and gets stronger. We're still trying to determine where Dad will get his outpatient therapy, but will know soon.
Dad was in a very good mood yesterday, probably because he could finally leave the hospital. It's hard to get very good rest while in the hospital. I brought some KFC so that we could have a picnic outside for Labor Day. OK, I tried to get some of the grilled chicken, but they ran out so I got the original recipe. Dad had 3 pieces of chicken and then had some of the dinner at 5pm. There's definitely no problem with his appetite. He does tend to eat a bit fast though since the head injury. We just remind him to slow down because it may have caused some of the stomach aches he's been having lately.
William will stay home with Dad tomorrow and walk with him for some exercise.
Dad has to continue taking his anti-seizure medication (Keppra) and steroid (Florinef/fludrocortisone acetate), but no more salt tablets and apparently no anti-clotting medication. It's been recommended by his current therapists that Dad have 2-3 times per week of speech and occupational therapy, and 5 times per week of physical therapy. In terms of priority, Mom, William, and I agree that it's speech therapy because it includes memory and communicating. On Sat, Mom and William watched Dad do a group exercise, and Dad moved the best out of everyone there, bouncing a ball while walking around the gym. Although the therapists recommended 24-hour supervision, it seems that Dad can do most activities independently (eating, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom). He can tell time and move around pretty well. He's gained strength in the right leg/foot. What he needs to work on is comprehending multi-step instructions and expressing himself through words more easily. He cannot drive now and may still need at least 2 weeks before going back to work. Every day Dad speaks more and gets stronger. We're still trying to determine where Dad will get his outpatient therapy, but will know soon.
Dad was in a very good mood yesterday, probably because he could finally leave the hospital. It's hard to get very good rest while in the hospital. I brought some KFC so that we could have a picnic outside for Labor Day. OK, I tried to get some of the grilled chicken, but they ran out so I got the original recipe. Dad had 3 pieces of chicken and then had some of the dinner at 5pm. There's definitely no problem with his appetite. He does tend to eat a bit fast though since the head injury. We just remind him to slow down because it may have caused some of the stomach aches he's been having lately.
William will stay home with Dad tomorrow and walk with him for some exercise.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
16th Herceptin today
Wow, I'm finally on my second to last Herceptin. I thought in the beginning I was to have 18 Herceptins, but it seems that now it's 17. I just went back through my blog to count all the infusions, and I'm really on 16.
10/08/08
10/29/08
11/19/08
12/17/08
01/07/09
01/28/09
02/18/09--7th
03/11/09--8th
04/01/09--9th
04/22/09--10th
05/13/09--11th
06/03/09--12th
06/24/09--13th
07/22/09--14th
08/12/09--15th
09/2/09--16th
09/21/09--17th The last one!
Keisha was my phlebotomist again. She tried Old Faithful, but she said the needle was too small. It wasn't flushing properly. I wasn't very upset since the needle actually didn't hurt that much, but then she tried a vein in my hand. It hurt going in, but she got it in right away. There was some confusion that this was my last Herceptin, but Malissa the nurse figured out why. Carol had counted my last echo as an infusion. During the infusion, I talked to Grandma and updated her on Dad. I also tried calling Dad's case manager, but we just played phone tag. Dr. Q's assistant called me about Dad's disability form. Then I felt sleepy and rested for the rest of the infusion, maybe 15 minutes.
While I was leaving the cancer center, it was the weirdest thing. I ran into Dr. Slingerland and waved hi, but it didn't register that I knew her from Miami. I think I was still sleepy so I turned around, and she shook my hand, which was bandaged up from the infusion. I wasn't sure if she knew I had breast cancer although I told people in her lab. Last time I saw her, Dr. Slingerland was giving a talk as a possible candidate for the director of breast cancer research at Hopkins. So I told her I just had my Herceptin and asked if she was giving another talk, but she said she was just visiting. Just an odd coincidence!
I saw Dad tonight. Mom had already brought chinese food for us. We thought that he would have already eaten, but he said that he hadn't. One of the techs said that he had eaten 20% of his food (dessert and soup) so Mom fed him some rice and meat with veggies. He said his stomach hurt so we thought he was hungry. Oddly, I talked to nurse Elaine, and she showed me his menu, which indicated that he had eaten 98% of his food except the mashed potatoes. Dad had a smile on his face when she said that, but I have no idea if it's because she said he was trying to get better food or he couldn't believe he couldn't remember. It seems he may be having some memory problems still, but he's making a lot of progress in his walking.
Dad has gotten his iv line removed today. It just didn't need to be there anymore, but it's been in there since he came from Hopkins on Fri. He's still taking the anti-seizure meds and salt. Nurse didn't know about the steroid off-hand. A tech scanned his bladder for urine to make sure he's not retaining. He had 241ml, but they'll be more invasive if it goes above 250ml. I warned Dad. His hands were a bit cold tonight so a heat bag and extra blankets took care of that. He said he had a headache tonight so I asked the nurse to give him some Tylenol. We watched America's Funniest Home Videos, a show I know he likes. I saw him smile. I just wished he smiled more when interacting with me and Mom.
Dad told me that his right leg is still weaker, but his hands are OK.
The woman in my lab has 3 more weeks before she's due. That means that Linda's got 4 weeks! Hard to believe! Grandma wants you to be careful out there with all those fires going on, Linda!
10/08/08
10/29/08
11/19/08
12/17/08
01/07/09
01/28/09
02/18/09--7th
03/11/09--8th
04/01/09--9th
04/22/09--10th
05/13/09--11th
06/03/09--12th
06/24/09--13th
07/22/09--14th
08/12/09--15th
09/2/09--16th
09/21/09--17th The last one!
Keisha was my phlebotomist again. She tried Old Faithful, but she said the needle was too small. It wasn't flushing properly. I wasn't very upset since the needle actually didn't hurt that much, but then she tried a vein in my hand. It hurt going in, but she got it in right away. There was some confusion that this was my last Herceptin, but Malissa the nurse figured out why. Carol had counted my last echo as an infusion. During the infusion, I talked to Grandma and updated her on Dad. I also tried calling Dad's case manager, but we just played phone tag. Dr. Q's assistant called me about Dad's disability form. Then I felt sleepy and rested for the rest of the infusion, maybe 15 minutes.
While I was leaving the cancer center, it was the weirdest thing. I ran into Dr. Slingerland and waved hi, but it didn't register that I knew her from Miami. I think I was still sleepy so I turned around, and she shook my hand, which was bandaged up from the infusion. I wasn't sure if she knew I had breast cancer although I told people in her lab. Last time I saw her, Dr. Slingerland was giving a talk as a possible candidate for the director of breast cancer research at Hopkins. So I told her I just had my Herceptin and asked if she was giving another talk, but she said she was just visiting. Just an odd coincidence!
I saw Dad tonight. Mom had already brought chinese food for us. We thought that he would have already eaten, but he said that he hadn't. One of the techs said that he had eaten 20% of his food (dessert and soup) so Mom fed him some rice and meat with veggies. He said his stomach hurt so we thought he was hungry. Oddly, I talked to nurse Elaine, and she showed me his menu, which indicated that he had eaten 98% of his food except the mashed potatoes. Dad had a smile on his face when she said that, but I have no idea if it's because she said he was trying to get better food or he couldn't believe he couldn't remember. It seems he may be having some memory problems still, but he's making a lot of progress in his walking.
Dad has gotten his iv line removed today. It just didn't need to be there anymore, but it's been in there since he came from Hopkins on Fri. He's still taking the anti-seizure meds and salt. Nurse didn't know about the steroid off-hand. A tech scanned his bladder for urine to make sure he's not retaining. He had 241ml, but they'll be more invasive if it goes above 250ml. I warned Dad. His hands were a bit cold tonight so a heat bag and extra blankets took care of that. He said he had a headache tonight so I asked the nurse to give him some Tylenol. We watched America's Funniest Home Videos, a show I know he likes. I saw him smile. I just wished he smiled more when interacting with me and Mom.
Dad told me that his right leg is still weaker, but his hands are OK.
The woman in my lab has 3 more weeks before she's due. That means that Linda's got 4 weeks! Hard to believe! Grandma wants you to be careful out there with all those fires going on, Linda!
More Dad news
So, there's been considerable progress with Dad. He got the foot rest for his right leg. Yesterday, Dad met with the speech therapist at 7:30am and 1:00pm, the occupational therapist at 8:00 am and 10:30 am, and the physical therapist (PT) from 2:30-3:00. I talked with the PT yesterday, and he said that Dad walked on Sat with him by his side, without the walker. Today, Dad was able to get up from the wheelchair by himself and turn himself around to sit on the bed. He's definitely getting stronger. Earlier today, it seemed that he had use the bathroom, but he's not allowed to get off the bed or chair by himself so they put a seat belt on him in the wheelchair. The attendant also put a belt around him in bed, although I really don't think that it was necessary. At least it was loose.
I washed Dad's hair tonight with the shampoo I brought in. I think he slept through most of it. I must say it took me a while to get all the shampoo in and then out, but at least, he seemed to enjoy himself. Then, for the first time, he brushed his teeth himself, using his left hand. It's a good thing Dad is ambidextrous. I saw some paperwork today left by the case worker that he may be discharged next week on Sept 9th. I'll call tomorrow to see if he needs to go to another place before going home since there were some lists of places stapled to the papers.
There was a basket of plants and flowers from Dad's co-workers with a balloon. That was very considerate of them to send. Dad's phone number at Kernan is: 410-448-6949. Dad speaks more each day, but still seems to prefer to nod sometimes rather than talk.
I talked to my boss today, and he suspects that Dad may have had a mini-stroke. Perhaps he'll be on medication to prevent clotting, but no medications have been suggested so far by his doctors. He'll get the MRI in a few weeks, but if a clot was really small, the MRI wouldn't be able to pick it up. I'm just thankful to God that it looks like Dad will have a full recovery fairly soon, especially considering how much bleeding in the brain he had. Not many people can say that they cracked their skull.
I washed Dad's hair tonight with the shampoo I brought in. I think he slept through most of it. I must say it took me a while to get all the shampoo in and then out, but at least, he seemed to enjoy himself. Then, for the first time, he brushed his teeth himself, using his left hand. It's a good thing Dad is ambidextrous. I saw some paperwork today left by the case worker that he may be discharged next week on Sept 9th. I'll call tomorrow to see if he needs to go to another place before going home since there were some lists of places stapled to the papers.
There was a basket of plants and flowers from Dad's co-workers with a balloon. That was very considerate of them to send. Dad's phone number at Kernan is: 410-448-6949. Dad speaks more each day, but still seems to prefer to nod sometimes rather than talk.
I talked to my boss today, and he suspects that Dad may have had a mini-stroke. Perhaps he'll be on medication to prevent clotting, but no medications have been suggested so far by his doctors. He'll get the MRI in a few weeks, but if a clot was really small, the MRI wouldn't be able to pick it up. I'm just thankful to God that it looks like Dad will have a full recovery fairly soon, especially considering how much bleeding in the brain he had. Not many people can say that they cracked their skull.
Monday, August 31, 2009
weekend update
Dad settled into Kernan this weekend. The therapists didn't seem to be around so Dad was able to relax for the upcoming week of therapy. Yesterday, I brought Dad some Gatorade since his salt level still seems to be low. He's not hooked to an iv anymore. I arrived when Dad was having dinner in the kitchen area with other patients. They gave him his steroid, salt, and anti-seizure medication. Afterwards, I was able to take Dad to the Healing Garden and the entrance of the hospital in a wheelchair. Since the wheelchair didn't have any foot rests, Dad crossed his weak right leg over his left leg and lifted his left as I pushed him. Dad seemed to enjoy watching the ants and berries on the bushes. I asked him if he remembers anything about the fall, but still nothing. I told him that some are suspecting that he was attacked, but it didn't bring back any memories.
Today Mom was with Dad since 2:30pm to 8:30pm. We tried to take Dad around the Garden again, but this time we put on these athletic shorts that seems slippery with the cover for the wheelchair seat. Dad kept on slipping down the chair when he crossed his legs. Finally, we took off the seat cover, but he still slipped a little in the shorts. We had to keep stopping to slide Dad back up again. I also found out that Dad has a UTI. Ouch. He's on antibiotics that were started today. Darn catheters. He was given Tylenol for pain.
I tried to wash Dad's hair yesterday, and one of the nurses gave me this odd invention. It was a shower cap with a damp cloth lined inside. You heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, put on the head, massage it, and you don't need to rinse the shampoo/conditioner. Well, Mom called when I slipped it on Dad's head, and I tried massaging with one hand. I realized later that water had dripped down the back of Dad's neck, and his hair wasn't cleaner than with regular way so I brought in shampoo today.
Dad talked a little more since we had to take care of his rent and lease today. He was able to sign his name. In the wheelchair, he tried stepping with both feet and moving the chair forward himself. The right leg is still weak. I'll be calling the therapist tomorrow about his treatment plan.
Poor William had some bleeding today from his wisdom teeth extractions, and Mom said that his face was swollen. He used some black tea bags to try to stop the bleeding. The dentist will look at the stitched tomorrow morning.
Linda and Jae have moved into their new condo. They painted the baby room the lightest blue with white crown molding. Remember no lifting, Linda! Only directing!
With the summer nearing the end, Sam decided to grill some steaks today on the community's gas grill. It was tasty, but I don't think that it helped with lowering his cholesterol levels.
My hair's becoming a bit wild, especially when I wake up in the morning. I'm constantly watering it down. I'll have my Herceptin this Wed. Still no sign of my period since May. My toes are good, no tingling anymore. My thumb joints have been a bit achy lately, but it may be the tubes I have to close and this tough multi-channel pipettor I was using.
Today Mom was with Dad since 2:30pm to 8:30pm. We tried to take Dad around the Garden again, but this time we put on these athletic shorts that seems slippery with the cover for the wheelchair seat. Dad kept on slipping down the chair when he crossed his legs. Finally, we took off the seat cover, but he still slipped a little in the shorts. We had to keep stopping to slide Dad back up again. I also found out that Dad has a UTI. Ouch. He's on antibiotics that were started today. Darn catheters. He was given Tylenol for pain.
I tried to wash Dad's hair yesterday, and one of the nurses gave me this odd invention. It was a shower cap with a damp cloth lined inside. You heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, put on the head, massage it, and you don't need to rinse the shampoo/conditioner. Well, Mom called when I slipped it on Dad's head, and I tried massaging with one hand. I realized later that water had dripped down the back of Dad's neck, and his hair wasn't cleaner than with regular way so I brought in shampoo today.
Dad talked a little more since we had to take care of his rent and lease today. He was able to sign his name. In the wheelchair, he tried stepping with both feet and moving the chair forward himself. The right leg is still weak. I'll be calling the therapist tomorrow about his treatment plan.
Poor William had some bleeding today from his wisdom teeth extractions, and Mom said that his face was swollen. He used some black tea bags to try to stop the bleeding. The dentist will look at the stitched tomorrow morning.
Linda and Jae have moved into their new condo. They painted the baby room the lightest blue with white crown molding. Remember no lifting, Linda! Only directing!
With the summer nearing the end, Sam decided to grill some steaks today on the community's gas grill. It was tasty, but I don't think that it helped with lowering his cholesterol levels.
My hair's becoming a bit wild, especially when I wake up in the morning. I'm constantly watering it down. I'll have my Herceptin this Wed. Still no sign of my period since May. My toes are good, no tingling anymore. My thumb joints have been a bit achy lately, but it may be the tubes I have to close and this tough multi-channel pipettor I was using.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dad at Kernan
Dad was moved to Kernan today at 5pm. Mom and I went to visit around 7pm. We found his dinner (fish, potatoes, broccoli) and helped him eat it. He didn't seem to want to move his arms. The engineers at his work signed a card for him. Dad took the time to read all the notes and signatures. The staff was very helpful in getting us oriented, and Dr. Harrison came by to check on him. Tomorrow, Dad will be meeting with various team members (occupational therapy for his upper body, physical therapy, speech/swallowing therapy), and they will assess how long he will need to be at Kernan.
There is still in iv line in Dad's right bicep that flushes well. He is still on his anti-seizure medication. Dad was watching a wrestling match when we left, although I turned on the TV and chose the channel for him.
William wasn't able to come today because this morning he had all his wisdom teeth extracted. I made an ice pack holder for his head with a sun visor, Mom's socks, safety pins, and a scarf. Maybe I should patent it. Honestly, as I was tying the scarf, I couldn't keep a straight face, but it worked really well.
As I was waiting for William in the dentist's office, I read Rolling Stone's article on Adam Lambert from American Idol and Secretary of Energy and Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu. I have a lot more respect for Rolling Stone for its diverse coverage. It also makes me wonder if Dr. Chu really thinks that the human race is in peril.
There is still in iv line in Dad's right bicep that flushes well. He is still on his anti-seizure medication. Dad was watching a wrestling match when we left, although I turned on the TV and chose the channel for him.
William wasn't able to come today because this morning he had all his wisdom teeth extracted. I made an ice pack holder for his head with a sun visor, Mom's socks, safety pins, and a scarf. Maybe I should patent it. Honestly, as I was tying the scarf, I couldn't keep a straight face, but it worked really well.
As I was waiting for William in the dentist's office, I read Rolling Stone's article on Adam Lambert from American Idol and Secretary of Energy and Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu. I have a lot more respect for Rolling Stone for its diverse coverage. It also makes me wonder if Dr. Chu really thinks that the human race is in peril.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Dad's busting out of the hospital tomorrow
Dad's strength seems to have returned today. We asked the nurse in the evening to bring a walker with wheels on the front legs. Amazingly, Dad walked all the way down the hall, maybe 10 yards, and then all the way back to his room. Towards the end, he did start to get tired, and the right foot dragged a little. At the beginning though, there was no lag! Really awesome!
Dad will be moved to Kernan, which is affiliated with the University of Maryland. I went to visit Kernan today before going to work. It is a much bigger facility than Mount Sinai with even a pool for therapy, a larger gym with more equipment, and nicer rooms. The beds actually face each other to promote communication and can be separated by a curtain. Each patient has their own window and shares a bathroom. I think this setup is more comfortable. After Dad's walk down the hall, he probably won't have to stay long at Kernan.
William and I were debating for a while whether to go with Kernan or Mount Sinai. William and I like the pets at Sinai, the step-down program, and the proximity to Mom. I felt good about deciding to go with Kernan when I mentioned to Jennifer, the lab coordinator, that my dad needed rehab, she asked if we were going to Kernan. It seems a friend of hers who had MS learned to walk there, and she thought it was a phenomenal place. =>
Dad took a look at the brochure so he knows where he'll be going. He also was able to give me his ss# and sign his short-term disability form. Great progress. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth for his little trip tomorrow. Dad must be feeling better because he was giving her a little attitude.
Kernan is at 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207. www.Kernan.org
Dad will be moved to Kernan, which is affiliated with the University of Maryland. I went to visit Kernan today before going to work. It is a much bigger facility than Mount Sinai with even a pool for therapy, a larger gym with more equipment, and nicer rooms. The beds actually face each other to promote communication and can be separated by a curtain. Each patient has their own window and shares a bathroom. I think this setup is more comfortable. After Dad's walk down the hall, he probably won't have to stay long at Kernan.
William and I were debating for a while whether to go with Kernan or Mount Sinai. William and I like the pets at Sinai, the step-down program, and the proximity to Mom. I felt good about deciding to go with Kernan when I mentioned to Jennifer, the lab coordinator, that my dad needed rehab, she asked if we were going to Kernan. It seems a friend of hers who had MS learned to walk there, and she thought it was a phenomenal place. =>
Dad took a look at the brochure so he knows where he'll be going. He also was able to give me his ss# and sign his short-term disability form. Great progress. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth for his little trip tomorrow. Dad must be feeling better because he was giving her a little attitude.
Kernan is at 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207. www.Kernan.org
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Dad--Regular patient room Day 4
Dad made great progress today with the physical therapist. He used a walker and was able to walk a few steps out of his room. He took a little break in the hallway. They brought a chair out. On the way back to bed, he was able to walk a bit more quickly. His right foot/leg is responding a bit slow still. They took an x-ray today of his right leg, but there were no injuries seen. Interestingly, when Dad was asked to take a step backwards with his right leg, it was even harder for him to do than walk forward. The therapist said that it was because the muscle in the back of the leg is usually weaker than in the front. Dad was exhausted after the walk and fell asleep immediately.
Dad's sodium levels are right around 135, and he took more salt tablets today. He ate all his meals. The social worker recommended 2 rehab sites, where Dad would stay for perhaps a few weeks, to get his strength back. William, Mom, and I went to one of the sites tonight at Mount Sinai. It's Jewish facility with 3 gyms and lots of pets and a focus on "fun"/recreation. We'll probably check out the other facility tomorrow.
Before lunch, Dad had to use the bathroom. It was the first time I had seem him not in the bed or chair by the bed in a week. He also leans forward in the chair to stretch out his back. He was able to open his eyes more and is aware of his surroundings like on Sunday. You know that he's inspecting himself when he looks down, especially his arms, and is saying Jeez at the needle marks. they take his blood every 6 hours. He even took off one of the cottonballs/tape by himself today. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth so Dad was resting comfortably when we left. He should have gotten a laxative at 10pm tonight and his anti-seizure meds and steroids are gradually being decreased.
It was such a huge improvement today that Dad really may be able to be moved to the rehab facility tomorrow. Cognitively, Dad seems fine, but if you ask him a ques when he's drowsy, he may repeat the answer that he said previously.
I haven't seen Dr. Q in person in a few days, but it was funny that when I was watching Nova Science NOW tonight, he was on it. The show was covering scientists that came from humble backgrounds, ie Einstein and Mendeleev. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa illegally immigrated from Mexico, but now runs his own lab and is a brain surgeon. Sam found this site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/dome/0609/top_story.cfm
I worked in the lab for about 3.5 hours today since I was watching Dad do his physical therapy, but I still got some good results at work. Even with me seeing the rehab center, Sam came back later than I did. I'm glad that Linda and little JH are doing OK after their bit of alarm this past weekend. It was a good day. =>
Dad's sodium levels are right around 135, and he took more salt tablets today. He ate all his meals. The social worker recommended 2 rehab sites, where Dad would stay for perhaps a few weeks, to get his strength back. William, Mom, and I went to one of the sites tonight at Mount Sinai. It's Jewish facility with 3 gyms and lots of pets and a focus on "fun"/recreation. We'll probably check out the other facility tomorrow.
Before lunch, Dad had to use the bathroom. It was the first time I had seem him not in the bed or chair by the bed in a week. He also leans forward in the chair to stretch out his back. He was able to open his eyes more and is aware of his surroundings like on Sunday. You know that he's inspecting himself when he looks down, especially his arms, and is saying Jeez at the needle marks. they take his blood every 6 hours. He even took off one of the cottonballs/tape by himself today. Mom washed his hair and brushed his teeth so Dad was resting comfortably when we left. He should have gotten a laxative at 10pm tonight and his anti-seizure meds and steroids are gradually being decreased.
It was such a huge improvement today that Dad really may be able to be moved to the rehab facility tomorrow. Cognitively, Dad seems fine, but if you ask him a ques when he's drowsy, he may repeat the answer that he said previously.
I haven't seen Dr. Q in person in a few days, but it was funny that when I was watching Nova Science NOW tonight, he was on it. The show was covering scientists that came from humble backgrounds, ie Einstein and Mendeleev. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa illegally immigrated from Mexico, but now runs his own lab and is a brain surgeon. Sam found this site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/dome/0609/top_story.cfm
I worked in the lab for about 3.5 hours today since I was watching Dad do his physical therapy, but I still got some good results at work. Even with me seeing the rehab center, Sam came back later than I did. I'm glad that Linda and little JH are doing OK after their bit of alarm this past weekend. It was a good day. =>
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dad--Patient room Day3
Yesterday, Dad had low sodium levels that seemed to make him very sleepy. He was given actual salt tablets, and his water intake was restricted. He was also put back on the catheter because they gave him something that sounds like Lasix that made him pee a lot to get the fluids out of his system.
He could hardly keep his eyes open. Even though he ate a full lunch and dinner, he didn't try to eat by himself. Dad and I almost had synchronized echocardiograms. I had mine to check on any effects of Herceptin on my heart, and Dad had his to check on a possible heart attack that would make him pass out. Dad's echo as well as EKG came back great. The cardiologist stopped by when we were washing Dad's hair and said he didn't see any heart damage. =>
Today, Dad seemed a bit more responsive, but still not as good as Sunday. He still couldn't keep his eyes open for long. He did eat dinner by himself though. A CT was done that showed no change in his brain, no more bleeding. Oddly, Dad's right foot hurt when I moved it to massage it. It was right up at bottom of his foot by his toes. We changed his "stockings" that are suppose to put pressure on his calves/foot and prevent clots with the air massage cuffs.
I forgot to ask why they changed Dad's anti-seizure medications tonight. The nurse told us. Also, we were told that possibly Dad may be able to be moved to a rehab facility on Thurs. The speech/eating therapist and occupational/physical therapist came by today to work with Dad. Dad's still on a soft food diet. Dad hopefully got at least 1.5 hours of undisturbed sleep this afternoon. Mr. Andrew left yesterday, and now a new roomie, who unfortunately is hard of hearing, had moved in today. We left Dad with earplugs in.
We're getting a bit concerned by his slower progress. He just feels so tired, and his brain needs to heal. His right foot is still weak, but his muscle strength, especially on his upper body, is very good. His sodium is around 130 today, but yesterday, it was about 126. Normally, it's suppose to be 136 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Hopefully, tomorrow his sodium levels will be up, and he'll feel more energetic. I'm gonna stuff some salt packets into my purse now.
He could hardly keep his eyes open. Even though he ate a full lunch and dinner, he didn't try to eat by himself. Dad and I almost had synchronized echocardiograms. I had mine to check on any effects of Herceptin on my heart, and Dad had his to check on a possible heart attack that would make him pass out. Dad's echo as well as EKG came back great. The cardiologist stopped by when we were washing Dad's hair and said he didn't see any heart damage. =>
Today, Dad seemed a bit more responsive, but still not as good as Sunday. He still couldn't keep his eyes open for long. He did eat dinner by himself though. A CT was done that showed no change in his brain, no more bleeding. Oddly, Dad's right foot hurt when I moved it to massage it. It was right up at bottom of his foot by his toes. We changed his "stockings" that are suppose to put pressure on his calves/foot and prevent clots with the air massage cuffs.
I forgot to ask why they changed Dad's anti-seizure medications tonight. The nurse told us. Also, we were told that possibly Dad may be able to be moved to a rehab facility on Thurs. The speech/eating therapist and occupational/physical therapist came by today to work with Dad. Dad's still on a soft food diet. Dad hopefully got at least 1.5 hours of undisturbed sleep this afternoon. Mr. Andrew left yesterday, and now a new roomie, who unfortunately is hard of hearing, had moved in today. We left Dad with earplugs in.
We're getting a bit concerned by his slower progress. He just feels so tired, and his brain needs to heal. His right foot is still weak, but his muscle strength, especially on his upper body, is very good. His sodium is around 130 today, but yesterday, it was about 126. Normally, it's suppose to be 136 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Hopefully, tomorrow his sodium levels will be up, and he'll feel more energetic. I'm gonna stuff some salt packets into my purse now.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dad in regular room
Well, Dad was finally moved to a regular patient room today. He has a roommate, Mr. Andrew, that he shares the bathroom, but they have their own TVs and curtained areas. Dad is not on a constant heart monitor anymore, but earlier in the day when he was still at NCCU, I didn't see any dips. Dad ate both his lunch and dinner, although dinner was not as appealing to him it seems. Everything's chopped up so we put on salt and butter and hoped for the best. He's still downing the cranberry juice.
Dad has his own phone (410-502-4222). He passed the neurological test very well, especially with the date and place questions. His right foot is still a bit weak so he didn't walk today. Tomorrow he will meet with the physical therapists.
He's still not talking much, but I think that it has to do mostly with his energy levels and not confusion. He's off the catheter.
I saw Dr. Quinones (Dad's main doc) on TV last night. He was helping with a biking fundraiser for brain tumor patients. Kinda funny to see your doc on the news channel.
Dad has his own phone (410-502-4222). He passed the neurological test very well, especially with the date and place questions. His right foot is still a bit weak so he didn't walk today. Tomorrow he will meet with the physical therapists.
He's still not talking much, but I think that it has to do mostly with his energy levels and not confusion. He's off the catheter.
I saw Dr. Quinones (Dad's main doc) on TV last night. He was helping with a biking fundraiser for brain tumor patients. Kinda funny to see your doc on the news channel.
Dad--Day 6 in NCCU
Dad was able to sit in a chair and eat his dinner tonight. Dr. Duckworth agrees that he is doing very well and can be moved to a regular patient room within a day or two. The overnight EEG, that was done last night, didn't show any epileptic episodes. The two anti-seizure medications seem to be working well.
Last night Dad was able to move his right toes again during his exam, a very good sign. He could move them tonight, too, although they're not as strong as the left toes. He will try walking tomorrow.
Since Dad hasn't eaten anything since Tues. (only soup), he's on a soft food diet. He drank about 3 cups of cranberry juice and ate lemon pudding, potato soup, mashed potatoes with butter, and finely chopped green beans and turkey with gravy. He was really full afterwards!
Last night, Dr. Xiong informed us that Dad has a skull fracture of the left side of his head and showed us the CT scan. Dad must have fallen and cracked his skull from his forehead straight back to the back of his head. It will heal on its own. As for the blood in the left frontal lobe of his brain, there will always be traces of blood in the area, if he should have another CT scan in the future, but the pain should go away.
Dad watched the Discovery channel tonight, which showed this guy working at a garbage site in CA. Some really gross stuff, especially after dinner. Dad read the card from his co-workers tonight, using Mom's glasses. He was looking for the signature of one guy, which he found. Dr. Duckworth walked in at that time. When I pointed out that Dad was wearing my mom's reading glasses (had rhinestones on the sides), it was the first time that I saw him really smile the whole time in the hospital.
Dad's heart monitor showed some couplets for the first time tonight. Usually, we saw an occasional dip on the monitor, but there were two dips tonight before it went back to normal. Dad's echocardiogram will need to be done. Dr. Duckworth mentioned that he will probably need a stress test, where he runs on a treadmill while being monitored.
When we left tonight after 8 pm, Dad still wanted to sit up and watch TV. He would call Nurse Crystal whenever he wanted to go back to bed. He's much more like himself, even asking where Dr. Duckworth came from, but with time, he should become much more talkative. His arm/hand motor skills are excellent since he ate with a utensil and held the cup by himself. He'll just need some physical therapy to strengthen his muscles to walk since he's been in bed for 6 days. He's still sensitive to light and sound, but he only indicated that he was in pain a few times during the visit.
William took me and Mom to Mughal garden, an Indian restaurant on Charles St., between visits (12-2pm, 5-8pm) since we didn't have much time to go home to eat. Apparently, Indian food makes William very, very sleepy.
Last night Dad was able to move his right toes again during his exam, a very good sign. He could move them tonight, too, although they're not as strong as the left toes. He will try walking tomorrow.
Since Dad hasn't eaten anything since Tues. (only soup), he's on a soft food diet. He drank about 3 cups of cranberry juice and ate lemon pudding, potato soup, mashed potatoes with butter, and finely chopped green beans and turkey with gravy. He was really full afterwards!
Last night, Dr. Xiong informed us that Dad has a skull fracture of the left side of his head and showed us the CT scan. Dad must have fallen and cracked his skull from his forehead straight back to the back of his head. It will heal on its own. As for the blood in the left frontal lobe of his brain, there will always be traces of blood in the area, if he should have another CT scan in the future, but the pain should go away.
Dad watched the Discovery channel tonight, which showed this guy working at a garbage site in CA. Some really gross stuff, especially after dinner. Dad read the card from his co-workers tonight, using Mom's glasses. He was looking for the signature of one guy, which he found. Dr. Duckworth walked in at that time. When I pointed out that Dad was wearing my mom's reading glasses (had rhinestones on the sides), it was the first time that I saw him really smile the whole time in the hospital.
Dad's heart monitor showed some couplets for the first time tonight. Usually, we saw an occasional dip on the monitor, but there were two dips tonight before it went back to normal. Dad's echocardiogram will need to be done. Dr. Duckworth mentioned that he will probably need a stress test, where he runs on a treadmill while being monitored.
When we left tonight after 8 pm, Dad still wanted to sit up and watch TV. He would call Nurse Crystal whenever he wanted to go back to bed. He's much more like himself, even asking where Dr. Duckworth came from, but with time, he should become much more talkative. His arm/hand motor skills are excellent since he ate with a utensil and held the cup by himself. He'll just need some physical therapy to strengthen his muscles to walk since he's been in bed for 6 days. He's still sensitive to light and sound, but he only indicated that he was in pain a few times during the visit.
William took me and Mom to Mughal garden, an Indian restaurant on Charles St., between visits (12-2pm, 5-8pm) since we didn't have much time to go home to eat. Apparently, Indian food makes William very, very sleepy.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dad--Day 4 in NCCU
Dad looked much better today. When I went to see him from noon to 2 with my aunt and uncle, he would moan every now and then, but not constantly like yesterday. I was surprised to find that he was only given Tylenol at the time. Other pain killers were not given because they made him drowsy.
In the evening, the neurological test was done by Nurse Crystal. Dad did very well in his responses, such as moving his arms and answering questions about where he was, but he still can't wiggle his right toes. He can lift his right leg though. He indicated that his upper abdomen and head hurt.
Dr. Thomas showed us the results of the CT scan of his head and spine. It seems that there's a mass of blood inside his left front part of Dad's brain. It's bigger and more internal than I had thought. The area is a bit swollen and is pushing the left side a bit into the right side of the skull. It also turns out that the blood in the back area is actually on the right side and is near the top of the head (superficial).
Dad was able to say some sentences today (Thank you, sir./I'm fine.) and was lucid enough to say bye to my uncle by name when he left. One funny incident was when Crystal was doing the neurological exam, she asked Dad to stick out his tongue and move it left to right. Then, she asked him to move his eyes upward, but Dad still had his tongue sticking out. He ended up moving both his eyes and tongue upwards.
Dad's hands were nice and warm at the noon visit, but were cold again in the evening. Mom and I gave Dad a foot massage since those were cold, too. His angiogram is set for tomorrow, and we signed the consent forms. Dad was suppose to have it today, but there weren't any openings. Charles from the Neurology Intervention Unit came by to have the forms signed and nicely explained what will be done tomorrow. In the angiogram, a small tube about the size of the end of a pen will be inserted into the artery in the groin and threaded up toward the brain to release the dye. They will get a clearer picture of the blood vessels in his brain. Dad is second in line tomorrow morning for the procedure, and I will go with him for it, which should start at 9am and end around 10 am.
Of concern, we don't know what the blood is masking in the brain. Dr. Thomas (young woman) mentioned that there could have been a small stroke in the left front area that lead to the bleeding. Tumor has not totally been ruled out because they can't see anything with the blood. It's just all white in the CT scan.
Instead of overnight EEG, Dad had a 45-min one this morning, which did not show seizure activity. The anti-seizure medicine seems to be working, but he may be having small seizures intermittently. Dr. Thomas said that some activity that looked like the start of a seizure was seen, but it didn't progress.
Although Dad has bruises and scrapes on his right knee (the most), right elbow (3 spots), and slight surface scratches on his forehead (2 on either side of his hairline, the middle, 2 above either eyebrow), the only thing that indicates a major injury is his bruised right eye. He doesn't remember the fall at all (where or what happened). Mom said that Dad told her he went to sleep at 6pm the night before, which is really early even for Dad. It makes us wonder if he had an "incident" the night before, but how he drove to work is beyond us. He did arrive later than usual, which is 5:30am, and came past 5:50am.
Hopefully, the blood will reabsorbed on its own, but there's a lot more there than we initially thought. More answers should come tomorrow with the angiogram.
In the evening, the neurological test was done by Nurse Crystal. Dad did very well in his responses, such as moving his arms and answering questions about where he was, but he still can't wiggle his right toes. He can lift his right leg though. He indicated that his upper abdomen and head hurt.
Dr. Thomas showed us the results of the CT scan of his head and spine. It seems that there's a mass of blood inside his left front part of Dad's brain. It's bigger and more internal than I had thought. The area is a bit swollen and is pushing the left side a bit into the right side of the skull. It also turns out that the blood in the back area is actually on the right side and is near the top of the head (superficial).
Dad was able to say some sentences today (Thank you, sir./I'm fine.) and was lucid enough to say bye to my uncle by name when he left. One funny incident was when Crystal was doing the neurological exam, she asked Dad to stick out his tongue and move it left to right. Then, she asked him to move his eyes upward, but Dad still had his tongue sticking out. He ended up moving both his eyes and tongue upwards.
Dad's hands were nice and warm at the noon visit, but were cold again in the evening. Mom and I gave Dad a foot massage since those were cold, too. His angiogram is set for tomorrow, and we signed the consent forms. Dad was suppose to have it today, but there weren't any openings. Charles from the Neurology Intervention Unit came by to have the forms signed and nicely explained what will be done tomorrow. In the angiogram, a small tube about the size of the end of a pen will be inserted into the artery in the groin and threaded up toward the brain to release the dye. They will get a clearer picture of the blood vessels in his brain. Dad is second in line tomorrow morning for the procedure, and I will go with him for it, which should start at 9am and end around 10 am.
Of concern, we don't know what the blood is masking in the brain. Dr. Thomas (young woman) mentioned that there could have been a small stroke in the left front area that lead to the bleeding. Tumor has not totally been ruled out because they can't see anything with the blood. It's just all white in the CT scan.
Instead of overnight EEG, Dad had a 45-min one this morning, which did not show seizure activity. The anti-seizure medicine seems to be working, but he may be having small seizures intermittently. Dr. Thomas said that some activity that looked like the start of a seizure was seen, but it didn't progress.
Although Dad has bruises and scrapes on his right knee (the most), right elbow (3 spots), and slight surface scratches on his forehead (2 on either side of his hairline, the middle, 2 above either eyebrow), the only thing that indicates a major injury is his bruised right eye. He doesn't remember the fall at all (where or what happened). Mom said that Dad told her he went to sleep at 6pm the night before, which is really early even for Dad. It makes us wonder if he had an "incident" the night before, but how he drove to work is beyond us. He did arrive later than usual, which is 5:30am, and came past 5:50am.
Hopefully, the blood will reabsorbed on its own, but there's a lot more there than we initially thought. More answers should come tomorrow with the angiogram.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Dad in hospital
This entry is mostly for myself since it's been really crazy for the last few weeks.
I had Herceptin last Wednesday without any complications. That's the good news.
The bad news is that I've been in the ER once a week for the last 3 weeks. At first, Jun, a post-doc in the lab, got attacked while riding his bike to work. He just needed a tetanus shot and a fresh bandage. That was on William's birthday, Aug 2.
Then, the following weekend, Sam hit his head on the rotating ceiling fan. Because of the bleeding and dizziness, we spent about 8 hours in ER so that Sam could get 2 stitches, a tetanus shot, and CT scan. He got out the stitches a week later at the Howard County General Hospital ER.
This Monday Dad had a CT scan done at St. Joseph's hospital and was found to have bleeding the the brain. He was taken by ambulance to Hopkins Neurology Critical Care Unit, along with Mom. Dad had fallen earlier in the day and was walking erratically. Since Dad refused to call 911, the supervisor sent him home. Mom attended him, but he had a horrible migraine and threw up.
Dad arrived at Hopkins around 4:30 PM on Monday and has had a splitting headache since then. Another CT scan was done when he arrived, but the MRI was not completed until the next morning at 8AM. They showed that he had 3 areas that had bled-- 2 on the forehead and one in the back left. The CT yesterday did not show an increase in blood, good. The MRI did not show any tumors, although the MRI could not clearly show the brain behind the blood. Dad will need an MRI in about a month when the blood should have cleared on its own.
At this time he does not need surgery. He had an EEG done today which shows that he is having seizures, although we cannot see them visually. The seizures are most likely due to the blood irritating the brain. Tonight he will have an EEG along with a video camera to monitor him and the seizures. He's been given a new anti-seizure medication--fospheyntoin, which is given 2x daily.
I was able to observe Dad directly today when my aunt and uncle came to visit at noon. He responded very well to commands even though he was in severe pain. No pain meds were given to him at that time because they wanted to monitor his seizure activity without the meds. His head was burning up so we put cold compresses on his head, which made him feel better.
Tonight, Dad's response to commands were not as good. He has trouble wiggling his right toes, although he can still feel. There was a slight trembling in his right arm. The blood pool on the left side of the brain is bigger, and therefore more irritating on the left side. After a new doc checked him out, another CT without contrast was ordered for tonight to include Dad's spine. When either of his feet are pushed back, there's some trembling.
I met Dr. Quinones this afternoon. His lab is on the same floor as mine in CRB II. He took a look at the results on the test with basically CT and a dye. This was to determine any weak vessels in his brain. There seemed to be some slight leaking centrally, but it may have been "background". An angiogram, where a dye is administered in the artery in your groin, will be done tomorrow to see if there really is any leakage. A catheter was inserted today to better observe urine output.
I'll meet up with my aunt and uncle again tomorrow at noon and Mom and William at around 5pm. Dad's in the Meyer building, 7th floor.
I had Herceptin last Wednesday without any complications. That's the good news.
The bad news is that I've been in the ER once a week for the last 3 weeks. At first, Jun, a post-doc in the lab, got attacked while riding his bike to work. He just needed a tetanus shot and a fresh bandage. That was on William's birthday, Aug 2.
Then, the following weekend, Sam hit his head on the rotating ceiling fan. Because of the bleeding and dizziness, we spent about 8 hours in ER so that Sam could get 2 stitches, a tetanus shot, and CT scan. He got out the stitches a week later at the Howard County General Hospital ER.
This Monday Dad had a CT scan done at St. Joseph's hospital and was found to have bleeding the the brain. He was taken by ambulance to Hopkins Neurology Critical Care Unit, along with Mom. Dad had fallen earlier in the day and was walking erratically. Since Dad refused to call 911, the supervisor sent him home. Mom attended him, but he had a horrible migraine and threw up.
Dad arrived at Hopkins around 4:30 PM on Monday and has had a splitting headache since then. Another CT scan was done when he arrived, but the MRI was not completed until the next morning at 8AM. They showed that he had 3 areas that had bled-- 2 on the forehead and one in the back left. The CT yesterday did not show an increase in blood, good. The MRI did not show any tumors, although the MRI could not clearly show the brain behind the blood. Dad will need an MRI in about a month when the blood should have cleared on its own.
At this time he does not need surgery. He had an EEG done today which shows that he is having seizures, although we cannot see them visually. The seizures are most likely due to the blood irritating the brain. Tonight he will have an EEG along with a video camera to monitor him and the seizures. He's been given a new anti-seizure medication--fospheyntoin, which is given 2x daily.
I was able to observe Dad directly today when my aunt and uncle came to visit at noon. He responded very well to commands even though he was in severe pain. No pain meds were given to him at that time because they wanted to monitor his seizure activity without the meds. His head was burning up so we put cold compresses on his head, which made him feel better.
Tonight, Dad's response to commands were not as good. He has trouble wiggling his right toes, although he can still feel. There was a slight trembling in his right arm. The blood pool on the left side of the brain is bigger, and therefore more irritating on the left side. After a new doc checked him out, another CT without contrast was ordered for tonight to include Dad's spine. When either of his feet are pushed back, there's some trembling.
I met Dr. Quinones this afternoon. His lab is on the same floor as mine in CRB II. He took a look at the results on the test with basically CT and a dye. This was to determine any weak vessels in his brain. There seemed to be some slight leaking centrally, but it may have been "background". An angiogram, where a dye is administered in the artery in your groin, will be done tomorrow to see if there really is any leakage. A catheter was inserted today to better observe urine output.
I'll meet up with my aunt and uncle again tomorrow at noon and Mom and William at around 5pm. Dad's in the Meyer building, 7th floor.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
B9 for Steph
The youngest in our chemo group got back her biopsy results today of benign! She had the biopsy last week because some slight clustering was seen in her check-up mammo. We're all so relieved! Thank God! =>
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Herceptin and A Puzzle
I'm so confused right now. I know that it's been a busy month, but I didn't realize that I was so busy that I forgot about my Herceptin infusion until today. I went in thinking that my appointment was today when it really was last week. No one said anything about me missing an appointment. I even met up with my med onc Dr. Wolff, Shirl who took a picture today for the study, AND Liam who gave me the Herceptin infusion. No one asked why I missed last week. I didn't realize until I looked on my calendar just now that it was suppose to be then. I have a headache today, and this isn't helping!
Otherwise, the infusion went smoothly. I talked with Dr. Wolff about setting up an MRI for Oct. as well as a follow-up mammo since the last one showed some seemingly benign calcifications. He wasn't too sure if both were needed so he e-mailed my surgeon and radiologist to figure it out.
Work has really picked up, and I'm really enjoying being back in the lab full-time. Also, at the beginning of July, we had a baby shower for Linda, who looked absolutely wonderful. Baby JuHan (Korean name picked out by her father-in-law) was pretty active, and we enjoyed seeing the sonogram pics, especially of his smile! I haven't had a chance to upload the pictures, but I will.
The following week Sam and I went tubing down Antietam Creek with a few of my co-workers, and this past weekend, we were at Artscape, a free arts festival in Baltimore with films, music, and art on display and on sale. Lots more pics. This may well explain why I mistook the week for my treatment. Too many things going on. At least I feel good enough that everything is flying by fast and that I feel like I don't need treatment! Now I'll have to figure out when my next infusion will be since the schedule is off. Good grief! I thought I was going insane there for a minute.
Otherwise, the infusion went smoothly. I talked with Dr. Wolff about setting up an MRI for Oct. as well as a follow-up mammo since the last one showed some seemingly benign calcifications. He wasn't too sure if both were needed so he e-mailed my surgeon and radiologist to figure it out.
Work has really picked up, and I'm really enjoying being back in the lab full-time. Also, at the beginning of July, we had a baby shower for Linda, who looked absolutely wonderful. Baby JuHan (Korean name picked out by her father-in-law) was pretty active, and we enjoyed seeing the sonogram pics, especially of his smile! I haven't had a chance to upload the pictures, but I will.
The following week Sam and I went tubing down Antietam Creek with a few of my co-workers, and this past weekend, we were at Artscape, a free arts festival in Baltimore with films, music, and art on display and on sale. Lots more pics. This may well explain why I mistook the week for my treatment. Too many things going on. At least I feel good enough that everything is flying by fast and that I feel like I don't need treatment! Now I'll have to figure out when my next infusion will be since the schedule is off. Good grief! I thought I was going insane there for a minute.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pictures from Thai Restaurant with Grant Review Group
Marc Mendonca in green was the panel chair. He moved the reviews along at a good pace and in a jovial manner. He had the difficult task of summarizing the reviews for each grant. Diane Bender (sleeveless pink) was my mentor as a consumer reviewer. It was fun to hang out with them after dinner, talking about natural disasters and their family origins.
Nina Burford(next to me) is a retired school teacher from Canada who was diganosed with breast cancer many, many years ago. I forgot when, but I'll always remember the story of her surgeon. She had the awful experience of going into surgery expecting a biopsy and came out with mastectomy. I had only heard of such things, but never met anyone who went through it. The surgeon didn't contact her until a week later and released her from the hospital earlier than expected. She made a complaint against the surgeon with the medical review board. She didn't want his license taken away, but wanted the board to review all his surgeries for a year. This was done, and in the end, the surgeon thanked her for allowing him to keep his license.
Carole in white was the other consumer reviewer and is a pediatric oncology nurse. Barbara DeVinney was the scientific review officer, who asked scientists to be on the panel and noted budget issues with the grants.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
pics of me in the lab
I was helping out Beth's relative on her high school AP bio homework, and she wanted a pic of me so here it is. It's a good way to show you on my hair growth, too!
Monday, June 29, 2009
No Wig Day!
I finally went into work without my wig. I spent some time trying on scarves and clips this morning, but decided to go in without any additional covering. I even bought cloth napkins from Pier 1 yesterday to tie as a scarf around my head. Oddly, they're just the right size. Anyway, I didn't want to be mistaken at any point as a guy so I wore a pink shirt, long earrings, mascara, and a bracelet. The first people to see me was Helen, who has been away in China for a month, and Jennifer, who was gone for a week, so they didn't realize this was my first day without my wig. The new post-docs in the lab thought I cut my hair. Megan was the only one that touched my hair after I told her that it was baby soft.
I did get some stares from other people on my floor who are not part of the lab. I came in without my wig today, a full week ahead of when I thought I was going to, in honor of Kat, who had to wait the entire weekend for the results of her bone scan. The scan was all clear to everyone's relief! That wait in itself can kill you though. You try to stay busy and forget about waiting, but it's really impossible.
All in all, a good beginning to no wigs!
I did get some stares from other people on my floor who are not part of the lab. I came in without my wig today, a full week ahead of when I thought I was going to, in honor of Kat, who had to wait the entire weekend for the results of her bone scan. The scan was all clear to everyone's relief! That wait in itself can kill you though. You try to stay busy and forget about waiting, but it's really impossible.
All in all, a good beginning to no wigs!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bad News Day for other people
When I was coming into work, the radio had mentioned that the last rites were being given to Farrah Fawcett. Well, she passed away after battling metastatic anal cancer for 3 years today. News, especially bad news, goes around fast.
Then I was on my YSC site when I learned that ChicagoJen has had a recurrence of breast cancer. This is really the first time that I knew someone that was NED (no evidence of disease) and had a recurrence of her breast cancer. I feel awful for her, especially since I met her while I was in Texas.
Then, there's Michael Jackson, who just passed away. He's only 50. Who knows what lead to his death. People in my lab suspect it was drugs since he had a heart attack.
Also, one of my proteins I was generating in the lab didn't get produced/purified very well. I would call it a day, but I must now do a ligation.
Consumer reviewer experience
I finished the breast cancer grant reviewing on June 9th in Reston, VA. I was part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for Breast Cancer Research, which received $150 million from Congress this year. I got to meet 30 other breast cancer survivors who were also serving as consumer reviewers, 4 in total were affilitated with YSC. It was really wonderful to see several survivors 15 years out and very active in their communities. There were quite a number of organizations that I wasn't familiar with.
I enjoyed the process immensely even though they put you in a research area you are not familiar with so that you can "wear the consumer hat". So a lot of background reading involved. It was fun asking the scientific reviewers what kind of immediate impact the proposed research would have on breast cancer patients. They have several reviews a year so if anyone who is a survivor is interested in meeting scientists and seeing what the latest research idea is, check out the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil. The food, hotel, and travel were all paid for, and of course, there's a stipend! There will be some pictures sent to me by one of the other survivors that I'll pass along. There was one consumer from Canada as well as grant applications from Canada so you don't have to be an American to participate!
I enjoyed the process immensely even though they put you in a research area you are not familiar with so that you can "wear the consumer hat". So a lot of background reading involved. It was fun asking the scientific reviewers what kind of immediate impact the proposed research would have on breast cancer patients. They have several reviews a year so if anyone who is a survivor is interested in meeting scientists and seeing what the latest research idea is, check out the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil. The food, hotel, and travel were all paid for, and of course, there's a stipend! There will be some pictures sent to me by one of the other survivors that I'll pass along. There was one consumer from Canada as well as grant applications from Canada so you don't have to be an American to participate!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
453 mg Herceptin
I had my Herceptin infusion today over 40 min as usual. The phlebotomist was not Keisha, but the woman who had blown out my vein before. I was not happy when I saw her, but she actually did it fine. It wasn't until another nurse commented that I had a bigger needle than usual that I realized that was the case. I did see the needle today and mentally said oh boy, but I never usually look when I'm about to be poked. I brought in some wedding magazines for my nurse MaryBeth, who will be getting married in July in PA. The funny thing is that another nurse, Liam, is an associate pastor, and he will be officiating the wedding.
My latest hair pic taken June 14th. Sam drives me to work while I put on my makeup and the wig. I put the wig on when the car is moving so that people aren't staring into the car. My hair is now long enough that it stays wet from the shower, and I have to towel it off.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Don't have surgery over the summer, if possible!
Well, it's been a year since I've my first lumpectomy. It was on the 16th! Today, Matt the new surgical resident was saying that July is when the new surgical residents come on board and when there will probably be more mistakes! He said there was a study done on it, and I think that I've heard of that, too. Now you know! I want to add that this is really for a teaching hospital.
This week in pics
Matt's farewell: Matt's starting his surgery residency and will be leaving the lab after 4 years. We went to Szechuan House for lunch and marbled cake. I put Jennifer's hair in chopsticks. Watch out, Matt! You're going to need that eye for surgery!
Melissa's back from CA! We had dinner this weekend in Vienna, VA at Ega. Look at Morgan's lovely hair!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Richard and Jen's wedding
Sam and I went to the wedding of a fellow Men's group member, Richard Yang, who married Jen Yoon. Jen's got a green thumb and grew the ivy for the party favors! Their wedding colors were turquoise blue and orange, very springy! Jen made a gorgeous bride.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Herceptin today--6 more to go!
Today I first met with Carol Riley to go over how I've been. She said I looked really well. I mentioned the slightly tingling toes and the achy lower ribs, but she only wrote down my eye twitching and the start of my period, which only lasted 2 days. I asked her about the nutritionist at Hopkins, but she said that the ones at Hopkins really deal with those in chemo having problem eating, not for eating well afterwards. She said my echo was fine. I wanted to know more about my mammogram results. She said that there were some calcifications in the mammogram, but most likely they were benign since they looked scattered and not clustered together. The followup mammo is in 6 months, but I have to check with her next week in making the appointment. She wanted to talk to Dr. Eisner, the radiologist, first. Calcifications make me uneasy since I don't have any on my normal side. They may have cropped up due to the surgery. I should try to get a copy of my mammo. Carol checked me out and felt the scar tissue behind the incision. She also scheduled me for the 6 Herceptins until Oct. and another echo.
I then went upstairs to get my Herceptin. Marybeth was there, and my Herceptin bag was already there so no wait. Apparently, there was a lot of commotion earlier in the day, and Marybeth said she would keel over if the bag was mine. Anyway, I found out that she got engaged 2.5 weeks ago, and she's having her wedding on July 11th! She'll be moving to San Diego for 3 years. I guess her new husband will be there. She was so great during the chemo treatments. I'm going to miss her.
Keshia was telling me about this great crab place she knows when she was putting in the iv. She put it in a new place, right on top of the bend in the right arm, but she didn't get it in correctly. Unfortunately, the saline went in the wrong place and formed a hard lump. It's a good thing that I told her it hurts a little before she connected me to the saline bag. In the end, she put the iv in "Old Faithful", the vein that has lasted throughout chemo until now. I'm very grateful for this vein because it means I usually only have 1 stick to get in the iv. Next time I'm not going to distract her with talk of crabs until AFTER she puts in the iv.
Yesterday I finished critiquing the 8 grants in cell biology that I was assigned with 1.5 hours to spare. That's not bad for those who know me. => I have 3 more to review as a reader. I'm just suppose to read the summaries, but I'll probably end up going through the whole thing. I haven't typed so much in such a long time. I realized that my spelling is going downhill. It takes me just a little bit longer to spell some words. I blame it on chemobrain. This Sunday I'll be heading to DC to meet the other reviewers and start going over the grants.
I then went upstairs to get my Herceptin. Marybeth was there, and my Herceptin bag was already there so no wait. Apparently, there was a lot of commotion earlier in the day, and Marybeth said she would keel over if the bag was mine. Anyway, I found out that she got engaged 2.5 weeks ago, and she's having her wedding on July 11th! She'll be moving to San Diego for 3 years. I guess her new husband will be there. She was so great during the chemo treatments. I'm going to miss her.
Keshia was telling me about this great crab place she knows when she was putting in the iv. She put it in a new place, right on top of the bend in the right arm, but she didn't get it in correctly. Unfortunately, the saline went in the wrong place and formed a hard lump. It's a good thing that I told her it hurts a little before she connected me to the saline bag. In the end, she put the iv in "Old Faithful", the vein that has lasted throughout chemo until now. I'm very grateful for this vein because it means I usually only have 1 stick to get in the iv. Next time I'm not going to distract her with talk of crabs until AFTER she puts in the iv.
Yesterday I finished critiquing the 8 grants in cell biology that I was assigned with 1.5 hours to spare. That's not bad for those who know me. => I have 3 more to review as a reader. I'm just suppose to read the summaries, but I'll probably end up going through the whole thing. I haven't typed so much in such a long time. I realized that my spelling is going downhill. It takes me just a little bit longer to spell some words. I blame it on chemobrain. This Sunday I'll be heading to DC to meet the other reviewers and start going over the grants.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
vibrating eye
During chemo my eyeballs would occasionally vibrate back and forth really fast, probably due to a muscle that was twitching. It hasn't happened in a long while, but the past 2 weeks, it's been happening again. I thought that it was because my eyes were dry from the contacts, but today my left eye has been "vibrating" frequently enough that it's getting annoying. I'm trying to read through the grants I've been assigned, but it's distracting when the words are bouncing around.
The brown spots on my fingers are gone except for one on my left thumb. It's light brown. My finger nails are chipping oddly, but nothing hurts! =>
The brown spots on my fingers are gone except for one on my left thumb. It's light brown. My finger nails are chipping oddly, but nothing hurts! =>
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A gift for my cancerversary!
Well, it's been 1 year since that fateful day I went for a mammogram and found out I most likely had breast cancer. It's strange that since the middle of this month so many significant events have occurred that I remember them a year later. That's the way it'll be for the rest of the year.
My gift is my period! It came back today just a few moments ago! I'm very excited, especially since for a second I thought that maybe peeing on yourself was another side effect of chemo. It's taken three months since the end of chemo and 8 months since it's stopped to come back.
My gift is my period! It came back today just a few moments ago! I'm very excited, especially since for a second I thought that maybe peeing on yourself was another side effect of chemo. It's taken three months since the end of chemo and 8 months since it's stopped to come back.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hair pictures!
The back of my head looks like William's. I've got 2 whorls, too! hee hee My bottom lashes have even grown in. This week I didn't draw in my brows with the pencil. I just added some eyeshadow to fill in a bit.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
My YSC siggy
I'm about to change my signature on the YSC site, but it gives good info on the dates for my treatment. I'm just copying them here for my records.
32 years old, married l ER-/PR-, HER2+++ l BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Found lump in left breast during self breast exam in Mid-May 2008, Age 31
Mammo/US, needle core biopsy--05/28/08
1st lumpectomy: 0/2 node involvement and 0.7cm mutifocal IDC, Stage 1B--06/16/08
2nd lumpectomy: more DCIS--08/19/08PET/CT scan is normal--09/10/08
Chemo: taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin (TCH) 6 rounds, every 3 wks; Herceptin for 1 yr, every 3 wks
ROUND 1--10/08/08 DONE!
ROUND 2--10/29/08 DONE!
ROUND 3--11/19/08 Got just CH due to liver enz DONE!
ROUND 4--12/10/08 got postponed due to platelets; 12/17/08 TCH with lowered C DONE!ROUND 5--1/7/09 lowered C DONE!
ROUND 6--1/28/09 DONE!
Additional taxotere (Final chemo!)--2/18/09 DONE!!!
Radiation: partial breast, 15 days, every day except Sat/Sun, with ABS breathing apparatus 10/08/08 to 10/28/08 DONE!!
32 years old, married l ER-/PR-, HER2+++ l BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Found lump in left breast during self breast exam in Mid-May 2008, Age 31
Mammo/US, needle core biopsy--05/28/08
1st lumpectomy: 0/2 node involvement and 0.7cm mutifocal IDC, Stage 1B--06/16/08
2nd lumpectomy: more DCIS--08/19/08PET/CT scan is normal--09/10/08
Chemo: taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin (TCH) 6 rounds, every 3 wks; Herceptin for 1 yr, every 3 wks
ROUND 1--10/08/08 DONE!
ROUND 2--10/29/08 DONE!
ROUND 3--11/19/08 Got just CH due to liver enz DONE!
ROUND 4--12/10/08 got postponed due to platelets; 12/17/08 TCH with lowered C DONE!ROUND 5--1/7/09 lowered C DONE!
ROUND 6--1/28/09 DONE!
Additional taxotere (Final chemo!)--2/18/09 DONE!!!
Radiation: partial breast, 15 days, every day except Sat/Sun, with ABS breathing apparatus 10/08/08 to 10/28/08 DONE!!
Excerpt from YSC post
I spent about 2 hours posting this, and it gives an idea of what I've been up to. These women in my chemo group have been a truly great source of support during my treatment. I "talked" to them just about every day on how I was feeling. Isa and I are really done except monitoring. Heather and Cori will undergo reconstruction in a few months. Karen, who was pregnant when she was diagnosed, already had her healthy baby and is doing chemo. Although Kat is done with chemo, she's having pain from her expanders (reconstruction).
Hi ladies,
I've got no real plans for this weekend so I'm hanging out at lab trying to keep cool. Dh wanted some MD crabs so we may pick some up later. I'm reviewing those grants for the Dept. of Defense so that's keeping me busy.
Jen and Stephen--Great to know that Jen's surgery went fine! Hope you're getting some good rest and healing right along!
Heather--We will definitely be meeting up in Atlanta since you're not coming to Baltimore for reconstruction! Are you still having the numb arm sensation? I wonder if it's neuropathy from the chemo. About a month after I finshed chemo, I would wake up with numb toes, 2 or 3 on each side, but it would get better as I walked around during the day. It didn't hurt though like your arm seems to have been. It's gotten a lot better in the last few weeks. I hope that yours does, too. Has your arm swelled? Someone mentioned that you can check by looking at your elbows. My toes were fine during chemo so it seemed to be a delayed reaction.
On the Farrah show, I cried when the son came to visit, too. I only saw the last bit so I missed the cooking of the liver in chemo juice. yikes! Hope you're having a blast at Busch Gardens!
I checked out the Dr. Junghans article. His work is definitely what I'm interested in: cancer immunotherapy, using your own immune system to fight cancer! I think that there's a long way to go before it's used regularly, but it's great that he's got the funding to go into clinical trial for this. http://pbn.new.adqic.com/detail/41645.html
Cori--Hope your second round of antibiotics does the trick! You will conquer the paper cut! One of my co-workers told me that I should try prenatal vitamins to get my hair growing and lush. Sure enough, my pregnant labmate has fabulous hair. I'm tempted to try...
Isa--My white counts haven't been checked since my last chemo in Feb. They don't check for Herceptin so I have no idea what they are, but I'm feeling pretty good that I think it's OK.
Oh Kat--I'm sorry to hear about your depression and your stubborn clot. There was an article posted on the general board about taxanes increasing clinical depression up to 2 years post treatment. I kept that article in case I had any signs later on. Being in pain certainly doesn't help things any. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way, especially with the correlation between taxanes and depression.
Yes, chemo does affect your vision, but afterwards it should go back. I'm not sure how long that takes though.
Isa--I hope your dh is doing better now. Is he stressed about the classes that he's taking now?...
Steph--Boo to vaginal atrophy! You should definitely combat that while you are in CA.
Karen--Great pics! Happy birthday to Andrew! We will count down your chemo weeks with you. We want to kick cancer's butt so far off that it can never, ever, return. This is annihilation, and you CAN do it! An hour and a half drive is really far off for rads. There isn't another trusted center close by? Rads will be 30 min max per day. You should talk to your surgeon and med onc more about the prophylactic mastectomy vs. your family doc. Don't feel pressured to have the mast right away. You can have it at a later time, if you wish.
Hi to Wendy! Have a fun holiday!
Kyung
Hi ladies,
I've got no real plans for this weekend so I'm hanging out at lab trying to keep cool. Dh wanted some MD crabs so we may pick some up later. I'm reviewing those grants for the Dept. of Defense so that's keeping me busy.
Jen and Stephen--Great to know that Jen's surgery went fine! Hope you're getting some good rest and healing right along!
Heather--We will definitely be meeting up in Atlanta since you're not coming to Baltimore for reconstruction! Are you still having the numb arm sensation? I wonder if it's neuropathy from the chemo. About a month after I finshed chemo, I would wake up with numb toes, 2 or 3 on each side, but it would get better as I walked around during the day. It didn't hurt though like your arm seems to have been. It's gotten a lot better in the last few weeks. I hope that yours does, too. Has your arm swelled? Someone mentioned that you can check by looking at your elbows. My toes were fine during chemo so it seemed to be a delayed reaction.
On the Farrah show, I cried when the son came to visit, too. I only saw the last bit so I missed the cooking of the liver in chemo juice. yikes! Hope you're having a blast at Busch Gardens!
I checked out the Dr. Junghans article. His work is definitely what I'm interested in: cancer immunotherapy, using your own immune system to fight cancer! I think that there's a long way to go before it's used regularly, but it's great that he's got the funding to go into clinical trial for this. http://pbn.new.adqic.com/detail/41645.html
Cori--Hope your second round of antibiotics does the trick! You will conquer the paper cut! One of my co-workers told me that I should try prenatal vitamins to get my hair growing and lush. Sure enough, my pregnant labmate has fabulous hair. I'm tempted to try...
Isa--My white counts haven't been checked since my last chemo in Feb. They don't check for Herceptin so I have no idea what they are, but I'm feeling pretty good that I think it's OK.
Oh Kat--I'm sorry to hear about your depression and your stubborn clot. There was an article posted on the general board about taxanes increasing clinical depression up to 2 years post treatment. I kept that article in case I had any signs later on. Being in pain certainly doesn't help things any. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way, especially with the correlation between taxanes and depression.
Yes, chemo does affect your vision, but afterwards it should go back. I'm not sure how long that takes though.
Isa--I hope your dh is doing better now. Is he stressed about the classes that he's taking now?...
Steph--Boo to vaginal atrophy! You should definitely combat that while you are in CA.
Karen--Great pics! Happy birthday to Andrew! We will count down your chemo weeks with you. We want to kick cancer's butt so far off that it can never, ever, return. This is annihilation, and you CAN do it! An hour and a half drive is really far off for rads. There isn't another trusted center close by? Rads will be 30 min max per day. You should talk to your surgeon and med onc more about the prophylactic mastectomy vs. your family doc. Don't feel pressured to have the mast right away. You can have it at a later time, if you wish.
Hi to Wendy! Have a fun holiday!
Kyung
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Echoooooooooooo
I had my echo done today by a student. It seems everything went well. Only took an hour or less. The bed/chair was so comfy this time I almost fell asleep.
I think I caught something. I woke up with a sore throat yesterday that irritated when I swallowed. It's a bit better today except that I can hear little ticking sounds in my ear when I swallow. Nose definitely dripping, probably from Herceptin. The sore throat may or may not be Herceptin related since Sam has a cold, and we ate at a party this weekend.
Last night we had a girls' night out with the women in the lab at Pazo's. Beautiful restaurant, good food except my grilled tuna tapas, but pricey. I liked the pork tenderloin pintos and cajeta mousse cake.
I think I caught something. I woke up with a sore throat yesterday that irritated when I swallowed. It's a bit better today except that I can hear little ticking sounds in my ear when I swallow. Nose definitely dripping, probably from Herceptin. The sore throat may or may not be Herceptin related since Sam has a cold, and we ate at a party this weekend.
Last night we had a girls' night out with the women in the lab at Pazo's. Beautiful restaurant, good food except my grilled tuna tapas, but pricey. I liked the pork tenderloin pintos and cajeta mousse cake.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Linda and Jae are having a boy!
It was confirmed a few weeks back, but I've been behind on my posts. I'm so excited! Yay!
license plates and update
This is probably the longest I haven't written since chemo started. It's already time this week for my Herceptin treatment. The following week I'll have my echo again to check Herceptin's effect on my heart.
My hair's definitely growing in. Last week I didn't wear the stocking thing under my wig, just too itchy! It's actually pretty comfortable without it. This weekend my wig passed a true test for holding on. It was so windy outside, and Sam and I were by the water. The wig stayed on although the photos showed some hairs sticking straight up.
Thanks to my chemo angels, Deb and Karen, for thinking of me and praying for me throughout chemo! They actually continued to correspond for longer than the end of chemo. Thank you, Deb, for what I call the grand finale package! => And, Karen, I continue to get the guideposts that have such encouraging stories. Thank you so much!
Oh, my eyelashes are growing back in! Although they are short, they line my eyes! I actually plucked some eyebrows this weekend. The hairs on my fingers, near the knuckles, kinda look odd since they were absent before.
The referral to the license plates has to do with seeing my initials on TWO license plates this week. I don't think that I've seen one before. I always thought that my license plate starting with FHY was cool because since it was close to my initals of KHY. The plates I saw were KHY 397 and KHY 255. I thought it was a weird coincidence.
Most of the ladies in my chemo group are about finished their radiation treatment. I think that they really did have a tougher time doing rads after chemo. Also, one said that her skin peeled off with the sticker that they put on her. yikes! My skin never got that bad since I did the partial radiation clinical trial.
I'm still waiting for my period to return, but about 2 weeks ago I got a good sign that it may return as soon as this week. No way to really tell though.
My hair's definitely growing in. Last week I didn't wear the stocking thing under my wig, just too itchy! It's actually pretty comfortable without it. This weekend my wig passed a true test for holding on. It was so windy outside, and Sam and I were by the water. The wig stayed on although the photos showed some hairs sticking straight up.
Thanks to my chemo angels, Deb and Karen, for thinking of me and praying for me throughout chemo! They actually continued to correspond for longer than the end of chemo. Thank you, Deb, for what I call the grand finale package! => And, Karen, I continue to get the guideposts that have such encouraging stories. Thank you so much!
Oh, my eyelashes are growing back in! Although they are short, they line my eyes! I actually plucked some eyebrows this weekend. The hairs on my fingers, near the knuckles, kinda look odd since they were absent before.
The referral to the license plates has to do with seeing my initials on TWO license plates this week. I don't think that I've seen one before. I always thought that my license plate starting with FHY was cool because since it was close to my initals of KHY. The plates I saw were KHY 397 and KHY 255. I thought it was a weird coincidence.
Most of the ladies in my chemo group are about finished their radiation treatment. I think that they really did have a tougher time doing rads after chemo. Also, one said that her skin peeled off with the sticker that they put on her. yikes! My skin never got that bad since I did the partial radiation clinical trial.
I'm still waiting for my period to return, but about 2 weeks ago I got a good sign that it may return as soon as this week. No way to really tell though.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Taxanes and psychological health/immune system
I saw this article on the YSC site. This is a note to self. You can read if for some mysterious reason my personality/mood changes in 2 years.
1) Taxanes May Increase Risk for Significant Psychologic Symptoms up to 2 years post treatment.
The researchers observed high rates of probable clinical depression among patients who received taxane therapy.Currently, the underlying reasons for these effects remain largely speculative, according to lead author Lisa Thornton, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow involved in the Stress and Immunity Cancer Project at Ohio State University, in Columbus. "Patients who receive taxanes do tend to have more of some types of symptoms, such as peripheral neuropathy, than patients on other chemotherapy medications, and those symptoms can be upsetting," she told Medscape Oncology."However, our data suggest that such symptoms cannot account for the delays in emotional recovery we saw with this group of patients," she added. "Patients were distressed beyond what would be expected based on their treatment side effects."
2) Another possibility is an underlying immunologic mechanism; cancer treatments, including chemotherapies, can trigger inflammatory reactions. Inflammation is known to produce depression-like symptoms, including low mood, fatigue, irritability, and sleeplessness. "It may be that taxanes trigger this response more strongly and for a longer period of time than other drugs do," said Dr. Thornton. "Other data from our lab suggest that taxanes do stimulate the immune system, so it's possible we may be seeing the after effects of that."
Cancer. 2008;113:638-647. Abstract
1) Taxanes May Increase Risk for Significant Psychologic Symptoms up to 2 years post treatment.
The researchers observed high rates of probable clinical depression among patients who received taxane therapy.Currently, the underlying reasons for these effects remain largely speculative, according to lead author Lisa Thornton, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow involved in the Stress and Immunity Cancer Project at Ohio State University, in Columbus. "Patients who receive taxanes do tend to have more of some types of symptoms, such as peripheral neuropathy, than patients on other chemotherapy medications, and those symptoms can be upsetting," she told Medscape Oncology."However, our data suggest that such symptoms cannot account for the delays in emotional recovery we saw with this group of patients," she added. "Patients were distressed beyond what would be expected based on their treatment side effects."
2) Another possibility is an underlying immunologic mechanism; cancer treatments, including chemotherapies, can trigger inflammatory reactions. Inflammation is known to produce depression-like symptoms, including low mood, fatigue, irritability, and sleeplessness. "It may be that taxanes trigger this response more strongly and for a longer period of time than other drugs do," said Dr. Thornton. "Other data from our lab suggest that taxanes do stimulate the immune system, so it's possible we may be seeing the after effects of that."
Cancer. 2008;113:638-647. Abstract
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mammo and Dr. Z!
I had my mammogram today, and it looks clear! There is an area that they want to check up on in 6 months, but it doesn't look suspicious to warrant a biopsy. I'll have an MRI in 3 months anyway. I was getting worried when they took me in for more x-rays because that's what happened the first time I had a mammogram. Although I thought that they would only take the left side, they did mammos of both. The right one hurt more. Surprisingly, the left mammo hurt less than before the surgery.
I also saw Dr. Zellars today after an almost two hour wait. The reading of the mammo had taken too long and ran into my appointment with Dr. Z. I was eating a broccoli when his resident, Dr. Matthews, came in. I talked to him about the neuropathy, partial tingling in my toes, which was probably due to the carboplatin. He said that it may or may not ever go away, but it's not overly bothersome. I also mentioned the stys on my eyelids. He said that one was a classic sty and the others are just really small. I could see a specialist if it bothers me, but I decided to wait. He told me that people get them when they don't sleep enough. It's hard to believe that I'm not sleeping enough, but that is when I see them.
Dr. Z had been in the hospital since 7 am yesterday! Too swamped to sleep. I felt sorry for him, but he gave me a check-up, in addition to Dr. Matthews. I'll be seeing either my surgeon, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist every 3-4 months for the next 4 years! That gives me some peace of mind.
I also saw Dr. Zellars today after an almost two hour wait. The reading of the mammo had taken too long and ran into my appointment with Dr. Z. I was eating a broccoli when his resident, Dr. Matthews, came in. I talked to him about the neuropathy, partial tingling in my toes, which was probably due to the carboplatin. He said that it may or may not ever go away, but it's not overly bothersome. I also mentioned the stys on my eyelids. He said that one was a classic sty and the others are just really small. I could see a specialist if it bothers me, but I decided to wait. He told me that people get them when they don't sleep enough. It's hard to believe that I'm not sleeping enough, but that is when I see them.
Dr. Z had been in the hospital since 7 am yesterday! Too swamped to sleep. I felt sorry for him, but he gave me a check-up, in addition to Dr. Matthews. I'll be seeing either my surgeon, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist every 3-4 months for the next 4 years! That gives me some peace of mind.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Another Herceptin down
The Herceptin infusion went smoothly today. I asked that the infusion be over 40 min again so that was good. Liam took care of me. The only things that I mentioned were the toe tingling and the little sty-like things on the rims of the eyelids. Liam felt the pulse on my ankles, but said things looked fine. I think the sty stuff is because I was a little stressed this week with the grant deadlines, and I slept less. Maybe less than 8 hours. I'm averaging about 9-10 hours though. I couldn't call myself sleep deprived.
All the hairs are growing in! I almost feel like I'm going through puberty again! => Also, my skin is not as clear as it was during chemo. I still got a compliment on it this weekend. My eyebrows are making good headway, but the lashes are still out.
Tomorrow I get my check up mammogram. The last one was in August before the second lumpectomy and the chemo/radiation. I can still feel the scar tissue lump, but no other odd lumps so hopefully, I'll have nothing new of concern. I'll meet with my radiation oncologist after the mammo.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Orioles pics
Yankees and Orioles lineupEvery time Teixeira was up to bat the Orioles fans boo-ed loudly for signing up with the Yankees.
What can you do you say? Stop BPA!
After going to the Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer conference, I stopped microwaving plastics because of possible leakage of Bisphenol A (BPA) into the food. BPA in our food and water can be harmful to us and needs to be banned from food packaging, like lining canned foods and water bottles. The following link will allow you to easily let your representatives know that you would like them to vote for legistation that bans BPA from food products. It took 5 min! Do your part!
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=4330245
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/pp.asp?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=4330245
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Orioles vs. NY Yankees
Sam and I went to our first baseball game together at Camden Yards courtesy of Mom's work place. We had a great time and witnessed Koji Uehara pitch for the Orioles for the first time! Orioles won 7 to 5 with a couple of home runs. It got kinda chilly later in the night, but it was fun to see THREE bats break on impact with the baseball.
Having problems posting pics. Will try later.
Having problems posting pics. Will try later.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Yay, I'm a consumer reviewer!
I just spoke with the recruiter, and she invited me to be a grant reviewer for the breast cancer research proposals submitted to the Dept. of Defense. This is a great opportunity to learn about the current ideas in breast cancer research as well as meeting some excellent scientists. It'll be for 3 days in June, and I get nice compensation. How awesome!
Sam and I went to DC yesterday by Metro to walk around the Basin and take in the cherry blossoms. I have some great pics that I'll upload later today.
Deb, if you're reading this, thank you for the latest Sarah Brightman CD! The music is so lovely! Perfect soothing and inspiring music! Sy-y-ym-pho-yyyyyyyyyyy =>
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Herceptin on April Fool's Day
I got my Herceptin treatment without too much of a problem. At first, when my temperature was taken, the thermometer read 38 degrees Celsius, making my temp a bit high. I have a cough, but in the end, I thought maybe I had a hot flash. => The nurse took my temp 2 more times, and it was normal. I asked about the tingling/slight numbness in my second and third toes on both feet, but there wasn't much of an explanation. It kinda feels like when my toes fell asleep during my wedding reception, but why would it come back 8 months later?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
warning!
Uh, I just double-clicked on my pics and saw a really large picture of my head. You can see my contacts and my pores!! Warning, double-click at your own risk!
Eyebrow pics
These are the before and after pics in the morning. Sam is driving me to work, and I'm drawing in my eyebrows. Look into my eyes...I know, so hypnotic even with less eyelashes. => Although my skin cleared up with the chemo, I got some more freckles.
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