• From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Kathy,  I have seen parts of her documentary on lifetime before I was diagnosed and I think I will have to make a point of watching it. I have a very hard time reading at chemo. It seems to be too loud and distracting and with all of the fluid I get and the mannitol they give my with my Cisplatin I am up to the bathroom a lot. Movies have seem to be the best thing to do to occupy my time.
I feel so much more emotionally stable last week and this week so far. I think I figured out what it is I need in life to make my heart feel better. A good cry, good sex and a good drunk. In that order.  After that it seems that life is so much easier to deal with.
I sure can tell that I am getting further into my treatments. I feel much more tired today and I usually do after my day 1 treatment. I know the chemo is compounding and each cycle knocks me down a little more than the last one. At this point in my chemo if I have made it this far the last 2 cycles have nothing on me. On another good note I think spring is finally gonna come and give us some nice weather. Soon camping season will be upon us and I will have some fun in the sun with my family.
Till next time,
Shari

  • From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Registered: Wed, 01 Sep 2010
  • Posts: 136

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hang in there Shari!  Sounds like Ben is one cycle ahead of you and you can sure tell the difference on his energy level from when we started.  He just has one more cycle to go for now....but all in all he still feels pretty good considering what he's been through!  Think positive thoughts and think about all that camping and the sun!

tom

Biggest fan of my partner Ben (51) who was diagnosed in August 2010 non-resectable stage IV.   Our new motto:   "taking it one day at a time".
  • Registered: Sun, 14 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 295

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Shari - I love your posts!  What a great attitude you have.  Keep on, keepin on.....

Mother of John who lost his battle on Oct. 9, 2009 at age 30....
  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hi all,
It has been a long journey thus far, and an even longer weekend. I have spent the weekend at my dad's bedside saying goodbye. He has been sick for some time and made his final journey home this morning.  He was born and died on the family farm. I have my second dose of my 6th cycle tomorrow and will spend the day resting and preparing for the week to come. I am glad he is looking down on me and he will be there to help me through my final cycles of chemo.
Shari

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,216

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Dear Shari, please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad. Dad's are so special and I know he will not only be looking down you he will probably be right by your side.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Sun, 14 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 295

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Oh, Shari - I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad.  You appear to have an incredible attitude and that will help you.  My thoughts will be with you during your chemo week as well.  Take care and keep us posted.  Peace - Nancy

Mother of John who lost his battle on Oct. 9, 2009 at age 30....
  • From: Revelstoke BC
  • Registered: Sat, 01 Jan 2011
  • Posts: 552

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Dear Shari,  sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and to be having to go through that at this time in your life ( but there is never a good time I suppose). What a beautiful cycle of life being born and dying on the farm. I am so glad you were able to spend the weekend at his bedside.
Doug has his second dose of cycle 5 Wednesday so he is one step behind you. The fatigue is hitting him harder now and I find emotions come with that. We look forward to his week off.  Go kick some butt tomorrow! I'll be thinking of you. Hugs.
other Nancy

Loving my husband from afar.
  • Registered: Sun, 14 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 295

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

"Other" Nancy - Yes, with fatigue the emotions seem to run rampant.  It's a very difficult time when our loved ones are overwhelmed.  Be strong and take care of yourself as well - Nancy

Mother of John who lost his battle on Oct. 9, 2009 at age 30....

34 Reply by sharimay (edited by sharimay Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:38:59)

  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hi everybody,
Thank you for your kind words and prayers. I had my second dose of my cycle 6 today and am feeling good. I am going to get fluids and my neulasta shot tomorrow and then head back home (90 minutes away) and spend the rest of the week with my family. I was able to be there and take care of my dad (he was placed on hospice last wednesday) and then able to come back to where I live and have chemo and get things in order and then head back. I am very grateful he passed and I didn't have to leave him and come back for chemo. Being a nurse I have helped many families say goodbye to their loved ones and have to say that my dad had the most peaceful passing I have ever been a part of.  He was a wonderful man and he got what he wanted, to die at his home surrounded by his family. 11 of 14 of us kids were there with him on sunday and were able to say goodbye. I know he now will be able to be there with me during my final chemo cycles and give me the strength to finish them out.
"other" Nancy - I also noticed that with cycle 5 my emotions were in high gear, but I had a really good cry and have to say that now my emotions are back to where they had been, even with my dad's passing.
Marion - thank you for the e-mail and your kind words. It really does mean the world to me.
I want to share with you a poem I have heard and think it sums it up best.
Shari

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
"Come to Me"

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

  • Registered: Sun, 14 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 295

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Sharimay - So glad this cycle of chemo seems to be going ok for you and that you are able to be with your family for the rest of the week.  Wow, you are one of 14!  God bless you all.  You are a wonderful attitude and I know you will do well.  We're all with you 100% - Be well - Nancy

Mother of John who lost his battle on Oct. 9, 2009 at age 30....
  • From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Registered: Wed, 01 Sep 2010
  • Posts: 136

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Shari,

Sorry to hear of your dads passing.  You have a great attitude and perspective...keep up your positivity it only adds to your strength.  Good luck with round 7!

Tom

Biggest fan of my partner Ben (51) who was diagnosed in August 2010 non-resectable stage IV.   Our new motto:   "taking it one day at a time".
  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Well I don't have much of an off week this week. Since I was so busy last week with my dad's funeral I wasn't able to have my hemoglobin checked when I started feeling tired and short of breath. So yesterday I had my hemoglobin checked and of course I was low at 8.9 and my platelets were 43. So here I sit getting 2 units of blood this week. I am looking forward to feeling better after the blood. I finally feel caught up on my sleep and rest after last week. Oh to feel normal again. My only wish is that I feel back to 100 percent by my birthday in July. I turn 30 and want to be able to celebrate properly.  I am hoping that my platelets bounce back next week so I don't have any delays with chemo. Till next week . . . .
Shari

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,216

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Dear Shari, I think a week of being involved with a funeral would bring anyone down. I am wishing for a rousing 30th for you as well.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,170

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Till next week, Shari.  The rest will do you good and may the units of blood give you back your energy.
All my best wishes,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hello,
I am happy to say that my platelets bounced back to 133, so no delays in chemo, YEAH!, so I am starting cycle 7.  I have been feeling really good after my blood, almost back to normal. Life has settled down since my dad's funeral and it feels good to get back on a "normal" schedule. I really have nothing else crazy to report, so till next time.
Shari

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,216

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hi Shari, not much to report is as good as it gets!  Keep up the good work! smile:)

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,170

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Great news, Shari.   Enjoy your normal life.
All my best wishes,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Registered: Wed, 01 Sep 2010
  • Posts: 136

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Thanks for all the updates Shari, glad things are getting back to "normal" for you.  Hang in there - your almost done!!! 

tom

Biggest fan of my partner Ben (51) who was diagnosed in August 2010 non-resectable stage IV.   Our new motto:   "taking it one day at a time".
  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hello all,
I am proud to say that I am finishing up cycle 7 today. My labwork has been looking good and I have been feeling good. I have 1 cycle left and cannot wait to be finished and for my body to recover from the beating it has took over the past 6 months. I am looking forward to getting back to the gym and hopefully I can lose the weight I have gained with chemo. I have also used chemo as an excuse to pretty much eat whatever I wanted, so I probably need to get back into eating a bit healthier. I think spring has finally sprung here for us so short and tanktop weather is in the near future, so I better get on the ball and get back into shape. Till next status report . . . . . Shari

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,216

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Good, good, good, Shari. And after your last session you should have an enjoyable summer! You have sailed through this beautifully and are an inspiration to those who follow you. You go girl!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,170

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Shari....great news.  You did it.  I would assume for the steroids to have added to your appetite and you might find that within a few weeks things will be back to normal.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
All my best wishes,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Gavin
  • Gavin
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Scotland - Dundee
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 4,832

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hi Sharimay,

Thank you for your status report, and what a good report it was too!! Hopefully your last cycle will fly by then onto the summer and the better weather! I am sure that you will enjoy it.

Best wishes,

Gavin

  • From: Bismarck, ND
  • Registered: Tue, 16 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 76

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Hello all,

So I am getting Day 1 of cycle 8, my last cycle. I have been feeling a bit more fatigued as chemo wears on, but now that I am almost done I'm sure that will be getting better. I will be done just in time to move into our new house. We close on May 27th! This is our first house. After the year we have had it is nice to be able to look forward to something. Other that things seem to be status quo. I am ready to celebrate.

Shari

49 Reply by marions (edited by marions Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:20:54)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,170

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Shari....a new house?  How exciting is that?  Before you know your energy will be back just in time for the move.
Good luck on becoming the energized, new, you.
All my best wishes,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,216

Re: My Chemo Journey . . .

Shari, congratulations on your last cycle and may your next cycle be a Bicycle!
Also congratulations on the new house. A new house and new beginnings!!!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.