Like every week, since I'm working full time, I hardly have time to write or update my blog on a more routine basis since when I get home, I'm busy with the kids. But, here is a recap of what's been going on with me this past week. With a week off from chemo last week, I was back to my Gemzar chemo infusion this past Wednesday. I worked a half day and then drove with my good friend Ramona to my chemo appointment. It was really nice to catch up with Ramona again as it's been awhile since we caught up. She told me about all the things she's been involved with and her exciting New York trip. For me, having her friendship and support has mean the world to me. I'm so grateful for our friendship.
With labs good, I did qualify to get my chemo treatment. This time though, I did get more tired on the second day after treatment. It could be that lately with the kids sleeping alot later then normal, I haven't had enough sleep and with last weekend, being out late from attending 2 back to back Birthday parties, this added more to my exhaustion.
Novocure
Before I head off to chemo this Wednesday, I did print out some reading material from http://www.novocure.com/ for my Dr, Dr. Neal to read. For those of you with Lung Cancer and or brain cancer, check out the http://www.novocure.com/ site and read about its amazing cancer treatment using development of tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy. Its site talks about its unqiue TTF therapy as a "new weapon for patients and physicians in the battle against cancer. "TTF therapy is a novel anti-mitotic treatment that has been shown to slow or reverse tumor progression by inducing cell death in certain solid tumors." I discovered it while listening to a podcast on itunes called TedTalks. You can see the video or listen to it at http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_doyle_treating_cancer_with_electric_fields.html. With his company Novocure, Bill Doyle works to bring breakthrough medical technologies to doctors and patients treating cancer. Its a novel, effective approach with minimal side effects in giving cancer patients quality of life and remission. Novocure already completed phase 2 controlled study on Non Small Cell Lung Cancer which it publishes on its site and is currently prepping a phase 3 trial in the US to run concurrently with chemo. So keep an eye out for it as I am. Like my doctor, I'm try always to be on guard to read and educate myself on the latest non small cell lung cancer treatments.
I'll be back to chemo infusion again this coming Wednesday, April 4. Then, since my veins are harder and harder to find, I'll be scheduled to get a port in the following week after. Some of the infusion nurses have been suggesting me to get it to prevent me from the needless agony of being poked every week.
Worry thoughts
Lately, it's been harder and harder to not worry and think about my illness. Since having lost 1 of our cats, Hope so suddenly, the subject of dead, dying and uncertainty looms like a dark cloud over me. The sudden loss hits close to home and I try as much as I can to live as normal and be grateful for everyday. I know it was probably the hardest recommended decision for me to make and probably best for the cat, it still hurts that I couldn't give it life. Grief, now I know, takes lots of time to help cope and overcome.
Other than keeping busy with work and getting treatment at Stanford, the kids keep us busy. And thanks to my sweet hubby, with alot of hard work and sweat, our front and back yard garden is coming along beautifully! He's already planted bulbs, flowers and vegetables in both our front and back yard garden. I can't wait to see everything in full bloom. Lots of Love.
With labs good, I did qualify to get my chemo treatment. This time though, I did get more tired on the second day after treatment. It could be that lately with the kids sleeping alot later then normal, I haven't had enough sleep and with last weekend, being out late from attending 2 back to back Birthday parties, this added more to my exhaustion.
Novocure
Before I head off to chemo this Wednesday, I did print out some reading material from http://www.novocure.com/ for my Dr, Dr. Neal to read. For those of you with Lung Cancer and or brain cancer, check out the http://www.novocure.com/ site and read about its amazing cancer treatment using development of tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy. Its site talks about its unqiue TTF therapy as a "new weapon for patients and physicians in the battle against cancer. "TTF therapy is a novel anti-mitotic treatment that has been shown to slow or reverse tumor progression by inducing cell death in certain solid tumors." I discovered it while listening to a podcast on itunes called TedTalks. You can see the video or listen to it at http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_doyle_treating_cancer_with_electric_fields.html. With his company Novocure, Bill Doyle works to bring breakthrough medical technologies to doctors and patients treating cancer. Its a novel, effective approach with minimal side effects in giving cancer patients quality of life and remission. Novocure already completed phase 2 controlled study on Non Small Cell Lung Cancer which it publishes on its site and is currently prepping a phase 3 trial in the US to run concurrently with chemo. So keep an eye out for it as I am. Like my doctor, I'm try always to be on guard to read and educate myself on the latest non small cell lung cancer treatments.
I'll be back to chemo infusion again this coming Wednesday, April 4. Then, since my veins are harder and harder to find, I'll be scheduled to get a port in the following week after. Some of the infusion nurses have been suggesting me to get it to prevent me from the needless agony of being poked every week.
Worry thoughts
Lately, it's been harder and harder to not worry and think about my illness. Since having lost 1 of our cats, Hope so suddenly, the subject of dead, dying and uncertainty looms like a dark cloud over me. The sudden loss hits close to home and I try as much as I can to live as normal and be grateful for everyday. I know it was probably the hardest recommended decision for me to make and probably best for the cat, it still hurts that I couldn't give it life. Grief, now I know, takes lots of time to help cope and overcome.
Other than keeping busy with work and getting treatment at Stanford, the kids keep us busy. And thanks to my sweet hubby, with alot of hard work and sweat, our front and back yard garden is coming along beautifully! He's already planted bulbs, flowers and vegetables in both our front and back yard garden. I can't wait to see everything in full bloom. Lots of Love.
Have heard good feedback about Novocure and so far it was good reviews I am hearing! So far, so good. And I think they are doing a great job! My cancer treatment centers are certain that they can also do it to our patients.
ReplyDeleteI've been more worried about my cat's health recently, so I know how you feel about Hope. When a pet dies, it's just like when a family member passes away. At least that's how I feel.
ReplyDeleteSouth Florida Radiation Oncology has locations in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Wellington—so you never have to travel far for the most extensive radiation oncology and advanced cancer treatment options in Florida.
ReplyDeleteCancer Care