Karen's Updates

My Beautiful Life, words and music by Carter Albrecht

2010-12-26T09:58:00.001-06:00

We chose this song to use during the slide show at the memorial.

Lyrics below:

My Beautiful Life by Carter Albrecht

Summer laid his head on his sister’s lap and closed his sunny eyes.

And off to sleep he went and when her stars were spent his face began to shine.

My Beautiful Life, too-rah too-ray

When the winter comes, that’s an odd machine,

It ticks and turns, as strong as people.

The worst is when the sane forget the part

That love is everything and nothing else will ever give enough.

Summer placed his hand on her frozen lips and whispered his own name.

And in her clenching fist and deep within her breast her love was hard again.

My Beautiful Life, Too-rah, too-ray

My Beautiful Life, Too-rah, too ray

My Beautiful Life.

Jenn's phone

2010-12-25T10:14:00.001-06:00

If you need to call Jenn please use her work phone number 972-207-2630. Here other phone is not working.

Memorial Service

2010-12-24T11:15:00.001-06:00

Memorial Service is going to be Tuesday, December 28th at 10am CST. Dugan Funeral Chapel 751 North Lincoln Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025. (402) 721-2880.

www.lattindugan.com

Private Family service will be held prior at 9:30AM

Gravesite Service at 2pm CST at Exeter Cemetary in Exeter, NE. Gathering after TBD.

Mom has passed...

2010-12-23T17:52:00.002-06:00

Mom ended a hard battle...surrounded by family. Thank you to all who came to see her today and show her love. We are sad...but relieved that she is finally at peace.

Mom has decided to end her fight....

2010-12-23T09:45:00.004-06:00

Mom's white blood cell counts doubled overnight, and she is retaining so much fluid that she is becoming increasingly uncomfortable even with a steady dose of morphine. The nursing staff, her surgeon, and hospice doctor believe that even in the best of scenarios she will likely not recover. As many of you know, mom is a fighter, but because of her advanced stage of cancer, the doctors believe she is suffering through a battle which will have only one outcome. Mom is aware, and able to talk, though it is a mumble, and has made a decision to end her fight with cancer. The medical staff are taking measures to increase her comfort levels...and she may finally get her milk that she has coveted since she came out of surgery. The doctor's believe she may only have hours to days left. We ask that anyone wishing to come visit please call ahead. Jenn's cell is 214.808.3592; Nicki's cell is 402.630.9341; Jason's cell is 402.630.5766.

Tonight pretty good

2010-12-22T19:54:00.004-06:00

Mom is resting comfortably right now. Jenn is on the night shift and hopefully we'll have more to tell in the am, but for tonight, check out little man asking Santa for some Choo choos...he wasn't fearful at all.

Today...so far so good

2010-12-22T11:44:00.002-06:00

After a wonderful night of sleep (hooray), mom had a PICC line placed. It will relieve her port from too many things going in. She was going to do a HIDA scan again, which she didn't tolerate well two days ago, but since we already know bile is leaking and going into her drain tube, no need for the scan or other procedures to shunt the bile. So now it is just wait and heal. She is sleeping now and needs to.
All for now, nick

Mom had a long day

2010-12-21T21:24:00.002-06:00

Mom has been very uncomfortable so she has been getting up and down as often as she can (just standing beside the bed, more or less). She is just so tired and in pain. We had the palliative care doctor come talk to us today about getting her comfortable. She has a couple things going on: post surgery pain and the cancer in her abdomen that has been growing aggressively, it seems, over the past couple months. It looks like white snot spread across her abdomen, so it is hard to pick up on CT scans. They call this condition peritoneal carcinomatosis. This is the end stages of GI cancer. Even without the gall bladder issues she was probably in a fair amount of pain. We are day to day at this point. Her bowels don't seem to be working and the fluid will keep accumulating in her abdomen causing pressure and pain as long as she has the cancer. They are trying to keep her comfortable with morphine, diuretics, nexium, zofran, steroids, and the list goes on. We are still hopeful that her fighting spirit will get her through this and to the clinical trial for one more shot, but right now we are just hoping for a restful night. Tomorrow the GI lab will come up and see if they think she can handle another procedure to keep the bile from leaking into her abdomen. They also want to place a picc line for her nutrition. We hope she has a good night and can get some rest for tomorrow. Keep those prayers and thoughts coming, we can feel them.
love, nicki

A bit of a scare

2010-12-21T08:37:00.002-06:00

Mom had a rough night last night (so did Jenn). They could not get her pain under control so they gave her dilaudid this AM (a very strong Morphine like drug). She went into a semi-comatose state, her breathing really slowed and she was very unresponsive. The surgeon came in and was moving around her and calling for orders. They ran lots of blood work and determined she wasn't as bad as they originally thought. They were thinking ICU and a breathing apparatus (not a ventilator). And they wanted us to find her advanced directives, that is how serious it had gotten. It is better now and all of her vitals (blood pressure, O2 saturation, etc) are looking good. They are not planning to move her to the ICU at this time. Wow what a scare. Jenn is heading home to sleep and family is coming up to help. My goodness, she had such a good day yesterday, let's hope the rest of today goes better. She is sleeping quite comfortably now and that should help.
love, nicki

A comic relief

2010-12-20T20:35:00.002-06:00

Mom has been pretty out of it and not talking much, but today after OT and PT got her up and walking (which she did great at) she told them very loudly, "ADIOS", as almost to say, don't let the door hit ya on the way out! We all had a good chuckle. Then tonight she was concerned that Jenni and I had offended a person taking her blood, so I would say she is feeling a bit more like herself. Before I left tonight, they were trying to get an IV started so she could get some TPN, lipids, and vitamins (nutrition stuff), but were having trouble because she has so much fluid in her (20 extra pounds since she was admitted, all fluid), so they may have to start a picc line. Jenn and I have been taking turns spending the night, I think she likes us there. Still no word on when she might be able to come home, but it is looking more and more like after Christmas (poo!). We'll keep you updated.
love, nicki

Monday

2010-12-20T12:04:00.001-06:00

today we are taking next steps. we are starting some iv nutrition and going to start moving around more. until they start reducing the morphine mom will continue to be groggy.

drs also are going to bring in Physical Therapy to help mom start moving around. That will help mom "work out the kinks".

Kidney Function normal

2010-12-19T17:54:00.001-06:00

Good news. Mom's kidneys are back to normal. mom cant wait to be able to drink some milk. next goal is to get there

Sunday Evening

2010-12-19T16:32:00.001-06:00

Mom is recovering still. She is not critical, but "guarded" condition. All tests and readings are moving in the right direction. It just takes time. She is not out of the woods yet but we are encouraged and hopeful.

Jenni

Not feeling so hot

2010-12-18T22:34:00.002-06:00

Mom is very groggy and just trying to deal with the pain and uncomfortably. The doctors have changed her pain meds to try and increase her cognition since she is a bit out of it. She knows we are there, but isn't able to talk much. Her kidneys are not functioning as well as they would like right now, so more test are being done. This is not exactly where we wanted to be, but tomorrow is a new day. We will post more as we know more. She is up at Bergan so let us know if you would like to visit.
love, nick

Friday Post Op

2010-12-17T18:40:00.003-06:00

Jenni arrived at 10:30am and headed to the hospital. Mom's color looked good and she stood up, sat in a chair and took some steps which is great. She has some fluid in the lungs which is worrisome but she coughing when needed and doing her breathing contraption thingy (jenni is writing not Nicki).

Obviously she has lots of pain and good pain meds. She us very groggy on the medication and needs lots of rest.

Bergan staff is taking good care of her with Nicki and Jenni's help.

Friday Post Op

2010-12-17T18:40:00.001-06:00

Mom is through the surgery

2010-12-16T16:45:00.002-06:00

Mom came out of the surgery ok. The gallbladder had a lot of cancer in it and had gone gangrenous. They ended up having to make more cuts they they thought they would have to which will up her recovery time some.

The next week will be critical to keep her healing and healthy. more later.

Gallbladder

2010-12-15T21:05:00.001-06:00

Gallbladder is the culprit. Mom is having gallbladder surgery tomorrow at 1:30pm. more later.

Mayo Delay

2010-12-15T00:04:00.001-06:00

Mom didn't go to mayo today. She awoke with severe pain (as she has been dealing with for sometime) and headed to the doctor. They made some headway, but admitted mom for the night at Bergan. She recieved fluids, xrays, ultasounds and good drugs. She will have more testing Wednesday AM to assist in determining cause for the pain. As of 8:30pm tonight however, mom felt pain free.

Elevated liver enzymes are one symptom they are trying to figure out.

Mayo is tentatively delayed until monday. More later.....

Love, Jenni.

Preliminary Scheule

2010-12-05T08:01:00.002-06:00

Mom talked to the Mayo Nurse and has planned her first visit for December 14-17th. She will then go back up around the 30th. She will go up to Mayo every two weeks for the first 6 months of the trial, then once a month there after. Now we just have to hope for good weather for her travel. Jason (my wonderful husband) will plan to take her once a month, but she will need some help the other time each month. Here is a link and the name of her study. It is going on around the world and a some other places in the country. The fact that it is in phase three with so many testing sights is a good sign! Now if we can get the Regorafenib and not the placebo...

Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated With Regorafenib or Placebo After Failure of Standard Therapy
http://www.cancer.gov/search/ViewClinicalTrials.aspx?cdrid=671043&version=HealthProfessional&protocolsearchid=8519938

Not exactly the news we wanted...

2010-11-18T18:29:00.006-06:00

Mom had her CT scan today and the results were not exactly what we had wanted, however, they at least provide an explanation and a direction. Mom's tumors have grown a bit in the abdominal area, not by much, and there is a new lesion on her right adrenal gland. I'm not sure if you know, but mom has been feeling "crappy" the past several weeks and has tried almost everything to feel better. The tumor on her adrenal gland may be the cause. The adrenal gland produces a "steroid" hormone which does many things, but one thing it does do is to help with increasing energy levels through metabolism. Mom's blood work showed that this steroid, cortisol, was low and could be the reason for her low energy and overall yucky feeling. So Dr. Townley is going to increase her prednisone and try to mimic her body's steroid and it should make her feel better. The good new is that mom is eligible for a clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic. There have been some very promising results from this particular trial for late stage colon cancers, like mom's cancer. However, there is a very small chance that she will be on a placebo pill, but that is the risk you take on this phase of the clinical trial. We don't have all of the information, but she will more than likely start her treatments after Thanksgiving. She will need to go up to Rochester, MN every two weeks for the first couple months, then once a month there after. We are not sure how long the trial is set to run. This is all a bit overwhelming for all of us right now, but we will try and update you as we get the information. If anyone has ever wanted to vacation in sunny Rochester, just let us know, mom could use a companion or two. Given the "not so great" news we are very thankful to have some answers and other options for further treatment. So please send mom love and energy, as she will need it for this next step.
Love, nicki

NOVEMBER....4th....extra blood test, negative

2010-11-05T09:32:00.007-05:00

Though most my counts are normal a couple are low....both concerning the lymphocytes that produce antibodies. The baby lymphocytes that my body is making are way high so that makes me feel better. The sodium level is 130 when 136-145 is normal. Dr. Townley says 131 shouldn't cause me any symptoms.....but as it drops I get the terrible flu like symptoms. So that's what we are working on. With my stomach so touchy I am now doubled up on the stomach pills. Then I should be able to eat better.....salty of course. I know you are jealous....I even drink Gatorade now....ha.....weird how I keep having these extra strange things happen. Thinking the adrenal gland had something to do with the low sodium, a test was run that proved negative. Didn't need any other glands not working right.

Feeling not very well on Sunday I did make a trip to Omaha to see Finn and Nicki and got to see Jason and friend Curtis from CA. Jason used to work with him there. They all were the Star Wars friends....with Finn being Yoda. Go to their 'Poo Report' for more pictures. I am going to add a couple that I took of my Yoda. He was so funny but missed the 'say cheese' on the first picture. Yes he is a happy guy.

Chemo done, Counts Up, Feelin' Crappy

2010-10-23T10:32:00.002-05:00

Mom's sodium levels have been low. It's been making her feel crappy. She is back up to 130(normal is 136-140). While mom's tumor marker increased slightly from 6.3 to 7.4 (but THAT is nothing to worry about at this point according to Nicki).

Mom goes back on November 4th. It will be time to set up another CAT scan.

Finn is still cute as a button and PEED IN THE POTTY this week. Quite an accomplishment for a 21 month old.

I (Jenni) started back up with a trainer. He is going to do a video log on his website tracking my progress over the next 90 days. I will post a link after we do the first video log next Wednesday. I also started back at weight watchers in September and am doing great!

Mom is hoping she regulates her sodium levels this week, has more energy and feels stronger. She needs to keep up her strength to run around after speedy Finn gonzalez.

Amy Sue sent the "Thundercats Roll" text and had baby #3. Nicki, Finn and Jason drove up yesterday to Minn.

Texas Rangers won last night and are off to the WORLD SERIES! Go Rangers!

(Pictures include yesterdays Chemo and Finn's art from school)

Chemo delayed unti Friday the 22st

2010-10-16T06:12:00.005-05:00

Today the we play Texas......Nebraska will make sure Texas knows what it's like to be beaten by the Huskers and play at Memorial Stadium......GO BIG Red!
With that out of my system......I will tell you that Thurs. they found my sodium level was quite low. So I went back yesterday and the entire liter of saline was pumped into my body. I did feel pretty good after and into the evening, but seem to wake up early and not feeling the best but being up for a while should help.. I am at Finn's house ( I picked him up at 4pm yesterday at the daycare and with him being so very happy and always searching for buggies (bugs to you).....well, he always makes me feel better.
I didn't have chemo because of a crummy two weeks.....so another off should help....along with a new pill that should settle my digestive track down.
I also want to report that the street is now open and parking in my garage again is a wonderful thing. They have the mail boxes up and only need to lay some sod. With the hail damage in June allowing me to replace the roof, the gutters and downspouts, etc., I feel like I am in a new house.
So now a week to feel better and build up a bit......There is no fun in feeling oooky.....You all stay well and Go Big Red!

September ends with another good report

2010-10-01T13:11:00.017-05:00

My counts were up and my treatment the same so Sat. when the pump is taken off I will be free until Oct.14, my next appointment. The trial a Mayo's is on hold....like me....on hold. I need to be showing NO improvement or remaining the same before I can get into the trial. That's a good thing......all my records will be sent so when my holding pattern ends I will be ready to go on the trial with this new chemo drug.....which being phase III, is showing amazing improvements. Now besides the Camptosar I will have a second choice of Chemo drugs available.

My two weeks included a visit to my reg. doctor Misty who said my terrible pain in my side was from the flu and being so sick. A higher dose of prednisone fixed that problem and is allowing those muscles to heal. Just in time because Tues. I babysat Finn while his Aunt and Uncle were out of town.

We had a wonderful day and I DID IT.....all day. We found a monarch caterpillar and really observed it from alllllll angles. Finn had a lot of sidewalk chalk and wanted many, many buggies and butterflies draw. He would then color in, actually over, each and sometimes stomp on them.

Sunday the 26th I had a visit from my CA niece Kim and husband Chris and my Omaha nephew Jeremy, coming home from their cousin's wedding in Exeter...a town celebration.

Then while babysitting Finn, my grand-daughter Riley showed up for a visit and surprised us. She and Finn got reacquainted and I found out more about her and that baby boy she will have the first part of February. Excited and Happy to report all is going very well. A busy time and I love it. My side of the street

was poured this morning so that means they will just pour the driveways and finish up. It's been a month and will be ?longer? but getting done soon. Walking to Howard street where the car and the temporary mailboxes are is ok while the weather is good but now it's October and could get down in the mid 30's in the

next 2 nights. Brrrr......but good sleeping....ONCE I GET THIS PUMP OFF......my love to you all. Karen

Counts down but the Tumor Marker is too!

2010-09-17T08:00:00.009-05:00

I am borderline NOT being in the normal range but still am. I was glad to find out the tumor marker was down from 6.7 to 6.3 which is good........it's not much and on another day, without just getting over the flu it could be different. LOWER of course! ( 0-5 is normal ) Well, the pump will come off tomorrow in time to watch the Huskers beat Washington. No more news about the trial at Mayo's with Dr. Grothey. Too bad the Mayo Clinic is at least 7 hours away. Dr. Grothey would become my primary doctor through out the trial and Dr. Townley at Methodist Hospital in Omaha would stay my secondary and then back to him after the trial. I still have times when I think I won't do it......and haven't really even been accepted but really want to. Just need to find someone to go with me, stay over, and come back the next day. There is a 'Hope Lodge' that is free to stay in but is usually full...I would have to have my name on a waiting list when the time comes. Also all the travel and lodging is my expense. Danielle, my nurse practitioner, says that both she and Dr. Townley think I should do the trial. It could lead to all my lymph node cancers to go away. That would be wonderful....plus taking pills instead of having IV's all the time would be something.

Have a good couple of weeks and maybe the street will be done.....yes it is loud and what a mess.....they do have the entire South 1/2 of the street ready to pave......then they will start on MY side......
I am including a photo of the Cancer treatment center from where I was sitting last time. It has been a big part of my life for 3 1/2 years. There is a little kitchenette and lots of tea, instant soups, and hot coffee and chocolate. I have even had to drink a little 'Ensure'. So love to you all. Karen
PS....Nicki is doing great in PA school....very tired and stressed but passing all the tests and feeling part of a 44 member family. Finn is getting use to UNO Day Care.....but that flu he caught and gave us all shouldn't be allowed. Jason has had to work from home for his USGS job in Lincoln until Finn goes to daycare, which he is now back to. By the way, Finn loves to watch "Shrek 2" on Gramma's TV and is always comfortable, of course. Here's a photo of my lovely street right now.

With Counts About the Same...The 5-FU Pump pumps

2010-09-03T07:30:00.011-05:00

Finn is so proud of his Mama!

I am happy to say I am still holding well. My biggest side effects are being sooooo tired.....I slept almost 3 hours Thurs. afternoon after returning home and my mouth has suffered with the mouth sores that I try to keep ahead as best I can. I will have a tumor marker test on the16th. That might tell something. The Mayo's Trial is still not ready.....and I still will have the 50/50 chance of a placebo. I will be calling the research nurse at Mayo's who will give me more information.

The BAD news is my street will close on Tues. to be completely taken out and put back in. They say it will take a month, but I would assume weather will play a part in that. It sounds like a big problem to me.....I don't have an alley with the school behind my house and so will have to park on a street next to this block some place. Having to walk to the car when I have the 'exhaustion from the chemo will be the worse part......not to mention the mail? and the garbage? So

who knows....I looked at the calendar and I will have 3 chemos

during this time.

The Official White Coat Ceremony which is the beginning of Nicki's PA program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. There are 44 in the 2012 class and she is already overwhelmed. Besides Finn and I, friend Petey (the girls always called her Auntie Petey), cousin TaLisa, Cousin Dr. Jason and his bride to be Renee, Aunt Chris and Uncle Ray were all there to hear her take the Oath and receive her white coat. It was very nice and impressive.Talk to you all soon and keep the weather nice for that 'STREET WORK'!

Love, Karen

Still on hold with all blood work looking much the same

2010-08-20T08:01:00.003-05:00

After a quick check up and nothing new coming up, Dr. Townley and mom talked about the possible Mayo Clinic trial. The trial wouldn't start until next month or later. 50% of the people will get the placebo. But, mom's brother Bill AND Dr. T both said with mom's luck she will get the pill.

(Finn and Nicki ride the Kitty on the Merry Go Round at the Omaha Children's Museum)

Mom came home yesterday and slept 2 1/2 hours. The day before was Nicki's first day of PA school at the U of N Medical Center and Finn's first day at 'school'....UNO's curriculum based day care. Now only 2 1/2 years to go for her. I (Jenni) am in her third week at her wonderful new job with BT Global Services ( British Telecom ) I love it!

(Finn with Gramma at chemo on Aug 5th)

New Trial Opportunities, New Careers, New Schools and New Jobs.

Yeah!

Lookin' for some help...

2010-08-05T15:33:00.005-05:00

Mom had chemo today and everything went smooth and relatively quick. Since her last scan was so good she is just going to be taking the easy stuff, the Avastin and 5-FU, for awhile. Because this chemo does not cause too many side effects, she has been driving herself to chemo and Finn and I have just met her at the hospital, very nice for us (since mom has chemo every two weeks). However, if mom goes on her clinical trial (possibly in a month) or if she has to go back on the hard stuff (CPT-11) she is going to need some help getting to the hospital. As many of you know, I am starting Physician Assistant school at UNMC. My classes start on the 18th of this month, which means today was my last chemo attendance for awhile. So, if she does go on the hard stuff or clinical trial we will need some drivers on Thursdays. Please let us know if you might be available even if it is just one time. It is going to be quite a transition for our entire family when I start school... Hope you all enjoy the last couple weeks of summer.
love, nicki

CAT scan gets a B+ and Jenni came in town for Chemo

2010-07-22T14:53:00.004-05:00

Jenni writes: Long day today for mom but ultimately a good day. Mom had her CAT scan this morning (had to be there at 7:30). They had trouble drawing blood and mom ended up with more than a couple band-aids. We then left the Legacy office and went into Methodist for blood work again (after all that at legacy they ruined the red blood cells and she had to be poked again!).

We met with Townley around 11:30AM and found out the Chest Scan was great with the few spots showing no change and the abdomen scan was pretty good. There were a few spots that had changed by millimeters and one by a centimeter. All in all, Dr. Townley felt the changes were minimal and recommend mom not start back on the hard stuff. Mom has been fighting a little infection and a cough, but was recovering enough that Dr. T felt she could still have Chemo as her blood work looked good.

We also got some information about a possible clinical trial. It would be coming down the pipeline from the Mayo clinic. When we get the drug information, as we are evaluating options, we will keep you posted.

( Karen adds....) The picture from Sunday July 18 includes Nicki, Jason, Finn, sister Pat, sister-in-law Dixie, Jenni, me, sister Sherry, Renee ( will marry Sherry's son Jason ), Dr. Jason and Jeannine. (Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma). We brunched at the new Woodcliff Restaurant. Good time....and great food.

Tumor marker down

2010-07-08T16:25:00.007-05:00

Great news, the tumor marker blood work that had been at 9 is down to 6 (normal is 0-5)! Mom is thrilled! She had chemo today (the easy stuff) and feels pretty good. Mom will have a CT scan in two weeks, so we'll know more then. For now, Finn and I plan to stay the weekend and try and give her living room a make over and do some John C. Fremont Days fun stuff. Last weekend, we had a great time at the Lake of the Ozarks with the Alexanders. Even Jenn drove up to be with us. Here are some pics from our fun.

Nothing new

2010-06-24T21:41:00.003-05:00

Mom didn't learn anything new at her chemo appt today. She had the regular stuff, Avastin and 5FU. She did have to wait and wait and wait today. Dr. Townley was out of town and so was the nurse practitioner. So she saw another doc, Dr. Langdon, he is great too. All that waiting, however, got Finn a little stir crazy and we had to leave early. He promptly fell asleep in the car (that explains the crazies!). Mom feels pretty good tonight and Jason, Finn and I topped off the evening with some Shakespeare in the Park. It was great and Finn danced to the musical version of the Shakespeare play. Next weekend we will be off to the Ozarks, mom included. Enjoy the beautiful Nebraska summer tonight, nice and cool...
Love, nicki
(a picture of happy Finn in his muscle shirt)

June 10, 2010 Looking Good!

2010-06-10T19:27:00.008-05:00

My white counts have gone from 3.8 to 8.1 in a month and the baby white cells that I am making from 2.4 to 6.5. That's why I have finally planted my flowers, herbs, two green peppers and one tomato plant. I also did some pruning and transplanted some. My energy was there for 2 days. Now I am back on the chemo pump which comes off on Sat. and with counts so high should pop back sooner. My friend Petey went with me and when we finally got back to Fremont I found 1.3 in. of rain in the gauge. It was very black in the North when we left town at 8:30. I heard later hail was included....but not here in Fremont.

The wedding of Kayleigh and Trent was incredible. Jenni and Nicki sang and Finn made the congregation laugh as he swung that ring bearers pillow back and forth as he ran down the isle. He is 16 1/2 months old and , of course, the smartest little guy there is. He and I do have some fun.

Pictures include 1. Aunt Jenni TRYING to hold Finn 2. Nicki, Finn and Jason 3. my step-daughter Melinda and husband Bill (parents of the bride), and step-daughter Tracy 4. my beautiful step-daughter Riley, me and the beautiful bride Kayleigh 5. Sister Pat holding Finn and his black olives on fingers trick and sister Sherry 6. Kayleigh and Trent feeding each other cake......it didn't end pretty.

I thank you for continuing helping me and send you love, Karen

May 27 brought higher counts and more energy!

2010-05-29T06:30:00.003-05:00

Not only did the white and red cell counts go up but my energy too. I am sure I will remain tired from the new 5-FU pump, which comes off this morning after 48 ( really 46 ) hours. Following chemo Thurs. came a treat getting to spend time with my niece, here from CA for her class reunion in Exeter NE. We had lunch at Nicki's and they then went to the zoo making it a totally good day for everyone. ( I went back to Fremont and slept for a couple of hours. )

Yesterday Nicki came and put the cabinet for the new BioCube 14 gal. aquarium together. Finn, of course helped too. Then we put the aquarium together and after they left I put in the water and what I chose for the plants, etc. Watching the temp. and maybe later today add a couple of the many fish I have in the 29 gal. tank downstairs.......it's been set up for 27 years....many of the swordtails are very old....so are the 2 plecostomus's. Sadly they are both too big for the tank (Locky is probably 15 years old and 12 in. long ). The fish are mainly going to the Pet Stop in downtown Fremont.

Dr. Townley assured me the lymph nodes that showed some growth in the last CAT scan were not the reason for the tightness in my chest. Allergies were probably the main reason. Also feeling better does count for a lot including more exercise. I am look forward to a better summer and lots of fun with Finn who is starting to talk more and more. June 2nd is still the big basement clean out day and June 5th the wedding of my grand-daughter Kayleigh to Trent, a most wonderful guy. I am indeed blessed. Cancer will always be with me but with all the help I get I will live with it for a long, long time. Have a very special Memorial Day. Love, Karen

Counts Down and Tumor Marker up a little.......

2010-05-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

I am very glad to only have the Avastin and the 5-FU chemo pump, but the tumor marker going up .3 to 9.3 isn't the greatest. It hasn't been long and .3 isn't much but I wish it would be going down. The pictures are a rainbow in Dallas that Jenni took and Nicki, Finn and I at my birthday dinner. Nephew Jeremy and nephew Dr. Jason and his girlfriend Renee were there too. Very good food at a restaurant I had never been to and we even ate outside. Unlike the pouring rain I drove through to get to chemo in Omaha today......when I got home found we had only about .15 of an inch......could use a little more rain here. Jason brought Finn to the Cancer center and he entertained a lot of people who were more than glad to have a little guy smiling at them and laughing. That was very nice and is all for now. I will get the pump off on Wed. when I go in but will be back on the thurs. chemo on the 27th with the nurse coming to me on Sat. on May 29th to take the pump off.

CT Scan

2010-04-29T15:59:00.002-05:00

Mom had her scan today. She only had 5 rounds of the CPT-11 and usually the Doc likes to wait until she has had 8 rounds before a scan, but she wanted to take a break from the tough stuff, so she did the scan. The scan showed that some of the tumors in the lymphnodes of her chest have increased slightly. One under her clavicle is almost an inch in size. Other lymphnodes in her abdomen have decreased by millimeters. He is unsure why some spots have increased while others have decreased, but overall she is still maintaining and he is not too worried. If there were cancer spots on her organs he would be worried, but her tumors are only in her lymphnodes, so he is not too concerned. She will take a break from the hard stuff and just do the 5-FU and Avastin for a while. Mom had a good birthday yesterday and is very excited to be taking a break from the CPT-11, so now she can focus on feeling better and finding that energy.
love, nicki

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-04-28T12:22:00.002-05:00

Today is Mom's birthday. She is planning to come to Omaha for a nice dinner and to spend the night. Tomorrow is the CT scan and discussion with the doctor. Wish us luck and wish mom a happy birthday!
love, nicki

In search of energy...

2010-04-22T18:11:00.005-05:00

We went to the doctor today in search of some energy, or maybe I went to the doctor today in search of energy for mom. We had a fabulous time in Florida (thank you Peggy and Terry!) and now we are back to the 'ol grind of chemo. We asked the doctor many questions in search of a cure for fatigue, but alas it turns out to be 3 years of chemo kickin' mom in the BEEhind, however, I'm not giving up. She had the tough stuff today (without me and Finn, little man got a fever). So she is feeling just "okay" right now. We did get some tough news. Mom's CEA (tumor marker blood work) was the highest it's been in two years. It was 9 and the last time it was in the 5's. So, next week's scan will tell us if the blood work is wrong or right (there is a margin of error). So until then, mom will be accepting any extra energy that you all may have.
love, nicki

Longboat Key, Floria

chemo chemo chemo chemo

2010-04-09T15:00:00.003-05:00

Another day of chemo done, check (yesterday that is). Mom just got the easy stuff so she could rest up and get ready for our trip to Florida next week. So excited to play on the beach and listen to waves...we'll soak it up for everyone! We had a great time last weekend too viewing the sandhill cranes, even two whooping cranes, and visiting with family in Exeter for Easter. Happy Spring!
love, nicki

Time marches on.....lower counts and 5th time for Camptosar

2010-03-26T14:50:00.015-05:00

My counts were low but just under the normal so my body must have had a lot of good built up cells. Next time will be just the Avastin and 5 -FU.......the 8th of April then on the 15th we fly out to Florida. I am writing today because of Nicki and Finn in Colorado with Jason's folks and family to ski while poor (poor Jason because he loves to ski ) Jason is in Oregon for a conference. Jenni just returned from Accenture's new offices in Houston.....treadmill workstations....can you imagine. What a way to work!

The 5-FU pump is now off and today (Sat.) has been a MUCH better feeling day than yesterday. I never know from one day to the next. The being very tired never changes however. Lots of naps while those little chemo pac men are getting rid of those little cancer cells. They must work very hard......because these next few days I will sleep a LOT.

Finn's picture shows he was not only ready for St. Patrick's Day but proud. He is also such a messy eater that he thought my taking his

picture was amusing. The other picture is at my surprise 3 years of living with cancer brunch on the 7th. Bill, myself, Sherry and Bill....my sisters and brother.

Happy Easter to you all. Love, Karen

Mom's a celebrity

2010-03-11T17:58:00.002-06:00

It was quite appropriate that an article about mom's cancer was published on the day she had chemo. Even more appropriate that it came out the week Mom celebrates her 3rd anniversary as a Cancer Survivor. The Fremont Tribune wrote an amazing article about mom and even had two nice pictures, one with Finn. Here is a link to the article. Today mom got the CPT-11, Avastin, and 5-FU. She is feeling pretty good, just a little tired. She'll have chemo again in a couple weeks, so until then...Happy 3rd Anniversary Momma, we're so proud of you!
love, nicki

Camptosar brings tumor markers down from 6.4 to 5.9!

2010-02-26T06:28:00.005-06:00

Nicki came to Fremont to pick me up for chemo ( not knowing how the chemo would affect me driving myself) and then her getting a terrible headache making Jason take family time off from work, at home, yesterday to bring me home. Finn slept the entire time home...he loves the nurses there at the Estabrook Cancer Center at Methodist in Omaha....and some of the patients families too, that he really pooped himself out.

It's hard to believe that besides bringing down the blood counts, still pretty good according to Dr. Townley, that the tumor markers would go down so much after just one session. I am hoping not to feel too badly this time....cramps and mouth sores lasted about 4 days last time....along with the exhaustion. The 5-FU pump will come off around 11am Sat. the 27th. Then I will have a tired Sunday followed by the ooooky days.

It was decided that my regular appt. ( chemo every 2 weeks ) On the 8th of April I will just get the Avastin and the 5-FU pump, not doing the Camptosar so when we leave for Florida the 15th I will hopefully feel good enough to enjoy my vacation with Nicki, Finn, Jenni and my sister Pat. Her daughter Kim might be able to join us also....I hope so. Nicki's husbands folks, Peggy and Terry are letting us stay in the beach house right on the shore of the island where there is also a house. We will be on the Gulf side. Having only been to Epcot..years ago with World Book and through briefly on the way to see Jenni when she worked for Price Waterhouse in the Dominican Republic, it will be lovely to be in Florida. Even if the sun doesn't like me any more, hat and long sleeves will help.....SO.....thanks for the help with all the prayers and thoughts. I now hope to get to go on a vacation with my wonderful family. Love, Karen

Finn's picture shows how he is so looking forward to SPRING....happy Nebraska Statehood Day on March 1st.

Back to the Hard stuff for a while.....it's Camptosar for me

2010-02-11T16:13:00.004-06:00

Mom had her CAT scan yesterday. Today the results were not what we wanted, but not TERRIBLE news. She has a few lymph nodes that have increased in size by a mm here and there. There is also a spot on one of her kidneys that we will need to watch. As a result, Dr. Townley started her back up on the Camptosar (hard chemo) along with the usual Avastin and 5-FU today. Her tumor marker went up from 6.1 to 6.5. Again, not awesome, but not a huge jump. It is time to go after the cancer again and change the direction the lymph nodes are headed. Mom hasn’t had the Camptosar since July. Mom is also taking an increased dose of the Prednisone for the unresolved muscle pain. This seems to be working ok not completely.........

Mom is home and out of the cold and plans to spend the weekend recovering (and waiting for the pump to be taken off on Sat.). Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. Don’t forget to call your mother’s!

Jenni in snowy Dallas ( that would be Feb. 11, 2010!)

P.S. from Karen..Her friend and roommate for a while made the snow guy while she was at Accenture working today.

Chemo today

2010-01-28T16:50:00.003-06:00

Mom had chemo today as scheduled. Her counts were great! Nothing really new, but Dr. Townley and Misty (appt earlier this week) are not totally sure that Mom has Polymyalgia rheumatica, but they don't have a better prognosis at this time. So they will keep thinking and running some tests to determine the underlying issue, but the steroid seems to be keeping everything at bay so that is good. Mom has a scan in two weeks, so until then, we'll just keep thinking warm thoughts...

love, nicki

Mom requested this picture. This is from Finn's first birthday on Tuesday.

Nothing like chocolate cake at 7am!

Polymyalgia rheumatica

2010-01-14T16:41:00.002-06:00

Mom had chemo today, Avastin and 5FU. Her counts were really good, considering she's had a rough go of things lately. Dr. Townley agreed with Misty's diagnoses as to Mom's illness, Polymyalgia rheumatica. It is an autoimmune disease that has these symptoms:

Overview: Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder involving pain and stiffness in the hip or shoulder area.

Symptoms

Anemia (low number of red blood cells in the blood)
Face pain
Fatigue (excessive tiredness)
Fever
Hip pain and stiffness
Malaise (general ill feeling)
Muscle pain (minimal, less common than aching)
Neck pain and stiffness
Other joint pain
Shoulder pain and stiffness
Unintentional weight loss

This fit her to a T, except for face pain and anemia. She may be more prone to this because she already has an autoimmune disease, Sjogrens. It almost always occurs in people over the age of 50. It is confirmed by doing a doing a blood test to see if the sedimentation rate is elevated (which confirms inflammation). Mom's was elevated. The only real treatment is steroids, which Mom has been on for the past week and feeling better. So at least we know what is going on. Mom is feeling pretty good tonight, she is hanging out with Finn right now reading books.

love, nicki

Two docs later

2010-01-07T22:10:00.003-06:00

Mom is still sick. It is going on three weeks (and 10 fewer pounds), so it is time to nip it in the butt! Mom made appointments with Townley and Misty (her primary care doc) to try and figure this thing out. And the results...still inconclusive. They are running a panel of tests and the only thing that is for sure is that she has "inflammation". This illness started out with severe muscle pain, then after a VERY scary fall in the snow last week, mom had more muscle pain. So the "inflammation" was a no brainer for us. The thoughts are that it was a virus that led to myalgia, which is a fancy medical term for muscle pain. Again, we knew that. So it goes sometimes in medicine, we may never fully understand what is going on in Mom's body, but we do know that since starting on the steroids yesterday she is feeling better. She even ate her entire meal tonight. Could be the steroids or could be the R&R and Finn-time she is getting over at our house. If we find anything else out, we'll let you all know...
Brrrrrrr and love, nicki

Ho Ho Ho!!

2009-12-24T17:25:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...as I write this on Christmas Eve. Mom wanted to let everyone know she was sending good wishes to all since she didn't get a holiday card out. She has had a virus for close to two weeks now. She was completely incapacitated about a week ago with terrible muscle pain and a fever. After going in for tests last week and finding nothing, the best diagnosis for her symptoms was a virus. Needless to say, she has been under the weather for some time and didn't have the energy to get cards out. She still lacks much of her energy and will talk to the Doc again next week. Yesterday Jason went to pick her up so we could spend Christmas together at my house. It was very sad that we decided not to brave the storm and go to Exeter. I know Mom is disappointed, but little man Finn is making her smile plenty. So Happy Holidays!

much love, nicki

Christmas Break for Chemo

2009-12-11T20:16:00.003-06:00

The next chemo will not happen until about the 3rd week in January. This will give my mouth a chance to heal and give me a huge break. I am hoping that it doesn't take too long to start clearing up. I wish you all love and a wonderful holiday season. Karen.....smiling

PS.....notice one of my cats looking out my front window.

December 3 Avastin and 5-FU and good bloodwork!

2009-12-10T15:29:00.008-06:00

My counts after 3 weeks were normal and only one a little low. My trip to Dallas over Thanksgiving with Jenni was wonderful. We went to her very good friend Bunni and her family's about an hour from Jenni's. What a wonderful LARGE family and we couldn't have felt more welcomed. A ton of food and Jenni made her first ever apple and pumpkin pies to add to the dinner. After returning to Fremont on the 30th, and not seeing Finn for almost 2 weeks....he was glad to come visit Grandma and get a little MORE spoiled. His mama could study and finally receive that A from her Immunology class. (today Dec. 10th) Yea.....for her!

I have had a lot of trouble with the chemo and mouth sores and am hoping that the increase of the l-Lysine will help. The next chemo session is on Dec. 21, a few days late, because of my nephew Jason Dumpert getting his Doctorate on the 18th from UNL. Congratulations to him and I am looking forward to the PARTY. Happy Holidays

Chemo Day

2009-11-12T20:14:00.002-06:00

Mom had chemo today, just the Avastin and 5FU. It went smoothly and Finn made the entire chemo center smile (maybe my homemade cookies helped too!). Mom will have the next three weeks off, including a trip to Dallas over Thanksgiving. She is very excited about that! Jason, Finn and I are off to Colorado next week, so we will all be celebrating out of state. I'm sure mom will post pictures of her trip. Until then, happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?
love, nicki

Scan Results

2009-11-05T12:43:00.003-06:00

Mom and I went to her scan this morning and just got back from talking to the doc about the results. They are good, just a slight increase in the same lymph nodes that have caused us grief in the past, but good. Dr. Townley considered her condition, "Stable". In looking back a year ago, her tumor marker results are slightly lower. So stable she is and her chemo regime will remain the same (5Fu and Avastin) until the next scan in a few months, YIPEEE! I'm sure mom would have been jumping up and down, except her low white blood cell count just made her want to go home and lay down (sigh of relief...). A sign of a good doctor is one that, when asking important questions concerning your mom's life threatening illness, makes Ga Ga faces at your baby, then smiles and answers. Ha, he is great! Next Thursday is her next chemo. I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall day!
love, nicki

October 29, 2009 On my own and feeling good

2009-10-29T16:10:00.003-05:00

My blood work was good and I wasn't there but to get my premeds and Avastin. Robin, my nurse, hooked me up to the pump and I left. My mouth sores having caused me lots of problems are now thought to be a thrush from the antibiotic a couple of weeks ago so I am on another drug for that. Hope it helps....it would be nice to taste and not have a burning tongue. Finn will have his first Halloween and I KNOW he doesn't get to eat candy.....soooooo what will the boy get that he can eat. Hmmmm? Only the goblin parents will tell. I have a CAT scan on Nov. 5...so a week and then later that day will see Dr. Townley and find out results........that's scarier than Halloween. You have a happy Halloween. Keep reading.....and I will keep posting. Love Karen

Vitamin D, Aspirin, and Longevity

2009-10-15T16:06:00.003-05:00

Some of the simplest answers to cancer, prevention and during treatment, may be under our own noses. Recent research on taking Vitamin D supplements and Aspirin have shown to increase the survival rates of cancer patients with colon cancer and other types of cancers. As we have lathered on the sunscreen to prevent UV rays, we have also prevented Vitamin D. Also, we have stopped taking aspirin for many reasons and new research has shown that aspirin can prevent the formation of polyps which can lead to colon cancer. Maybe these are some of the reasons there have been increases in certain cancers over the last decade or so. In addition, one article mentioned that lowering body mass index, exercise, and Vitamin D supplements lead to an increased survival rate for colon cancer patients specifically. None the less, there is amazing research being done every day coming out with noninvasive ways to combat cancer and that is GREAT news. Needless to say, mom has started taking a Vitamin D supplement (and so have I) and an aspirin a day. So please help encourage mom on her quest to fight this cancer in these noninvasive ways so she doesn't have to go back on the hard stuff.

Chemo was good today just the easy stuff, the 5FU and avasitn. It was apparent how much little Finn was missed, since we missed the last two sessions. Mom's scan is scheduled for November 5th. Until then, she will continue with the easy stuff, the 5FU and avastin.
love, nicki

A couple articles:
Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention
http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/article.show/id/2/article_id/1218

Aspirin and Colon Cancer
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20090811/aspirin-may-help-treat-colon-cancer

October 1, 2009 My second solo run to Chemo

2009-10-01T14:09:00.004-05:00

I got to go three week between chemos because of our trip to the Niobrara in North Nebraska. Smith Falls is beautiful and so is the river. Very cold but beautiful....fall is just beginning and the trees are turning.
My appt. today was a good one. Dr. Townley said 2 more times before the CAT scan and then we will decide whether or not I have to have the Camptosar....the stronger Chemo. Until then I will continues with Avastin and the 5-FU pump. I do feel a little better all the time and get to do a little more exercise and work around this house. I feels good!!!! Thanks for you keeping me going. My pump will come off Sat. at 10am in time to find out if Nebraska can win again. bye

Sept. 10, 2009 Chemo ON MY OWN

2009-09-10T14:24:00.002-05:00

I finally was given the OK from Nicki and Jenni to go into and back from chemo by myself. It's taken me 2 1/2 years to get to this point, so YOU ALL be proud of me. It makes a huge difference that it's just pre-meds, Avastin and then the 5-FU pump is put on until the nurse comes from Methodist Sat. morning and takes it off around 10:30am. If I feel well, I even have time to go to the Farmer's Market that day.
The chemo day is long.......it took over 45 min. just to get my turn for blood work and then another wait for the Doctor and then another for the chemo to start. I was there at 9:50am and got home at 2pm......I won't have another chemo until Oct. 1. Doesn't that sound wonderful. ( to me ).....Dr. Townley always says if something comes up he will work around it. SO....I am going with Nicki and Finn up to the Niobrara, where Jason will be working to spend a wonderful weekend in a cabin, canoeing and enjoying the beautiful area around the Niobrara.
My counts were a little down, but 3 weeks will push them way back up there again.....times are getting to be a little easier....and I am doing lots more than I have in months and months....well, 2 1/2 years. Keep up the good fight and GO BIG RED! Love, Karen
The pictures are of my mom, Finn and Nicki, and then Finn in the highchair borrowed from Mary Jane ( Manning ) Havick....in the almost refinished kitchen at Nicki and Jason's house....( Finn doesn't know it's his too....he is just HAPPY )

Some more information and chemo

2009-08-27T12:17:00.002-05:00

We got some clarification on mom's PET scan. It turns out that some of the areas that lit up during the PET scan are nothing to be worried about. Because of their location in the body, it doesn't seem that they would be associated with mom's type of cancer. They may just be benign tumors and Dr. Townely doesn't seem worried. She did, however, have minimal growth in the other lymphnodes (which we knew from the CT scan). And when I try and ask the tough questions, like how is she REALLY doing, he says he can't say. She doesn't fall into any category and that she has outlived the statistical knowledge. He is just happy and amazed, as we all are. So today and for the next 3-4 times she will get the easy stuff, Avastin and 5-FU (the pump though, not the push). Then we'll do another scan around the beginning of November and go from there. Overall mom is feeling great this week. Her blood counts were higher than they've been in a long time. Good stuff, good stuff...
love, nicki

Mom got the PET scan approved...here are the results.

2009-08-18T18:32:00.002-05:00

Mom got the PET scan last Friday. She just got off the phone with Dr. Townley and told her that the lymph nodes around her aortic arch (top of the heart by the breast bone) are reactive. Meaning they are actively growing or replicating tumors. They are small, but if you remember from the cat scan slightly bigger. He wants her to do another CT scan before Thursday the 27th, to focus in on that area. Because this is the first ever PET scan it needs to be viewed as a baseline of sorts. When she asked him on a scale of 1-10 of how bad he thought it was he said 5. But keep in mind if we would have done this over two years ago she would have been a 10+. The PET scan now gives us a clearer picture and a better perspective of her cancer and treatment can be addressed accordingly. This is a good thing. So...please keep mom in your thoughts, she needs your strength tonight.
Love, nicki

CT scan results

2009-08-05T14:37:00.004-05:00

Mom's scan results were not exactly what we wanted today, but they weren't that bad. In fact, Danielle, Mom's Nurse Practitioner, said that it was GOOD news. All of the previous tumors remain unchanged except for a few "mildly enlarged" lymph nodes. The largest is 2mm larger. Not significant, but larger. This would explain why the tumor marker test was elevated slightly. These results make Mom a good candidate for a PET scan, the scan she has tried to get multiple times, but has never been approved. They are working on getting it through and she could get the scan as early as Friday, so we will see. The PET scan would tell us if the tumors in the lymph nodes are alive or necrotic (dying cells that could cause the lymph nodes to appear larger).

Mom will meet with the doctor next week to discuss the next step in her treatment plan, but Danielle thought she would go on a holding pattern and just do the Avastin and 5FU. There is even a possibility that she would only have a 5FU push (a one time dose) instead of the pump that she wears for two days. That possibility makes mom REALLY happy. We will see what Dr. Townley has to say next week. Until then...

love, nicki

Yeah we made it, Number 6 done!

2009-07-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

Mom finished her 6th round with flying colors. Her counts where back up from where they were a week ago and she is not feeling too bad this evening. Her tumor marker test was elevated slightly, but that really doesn't mean much without the scan to go with it. So she will get her scan and the results next Wednesday. We are crossing our fingers that it will be good and she can go on a holding pattern (less chemo) in the near future. More on Wednesday...
love, nicki

5 down, 1 to go

2009-07-16T20:52:00.003-05:00

Today was Mom's 5th round of the hard stuff and she took it like a champ! Her counts have been amazingly steady and she is feeling okay right now, just tired. In two weeks she'll have her 6th round of CPT-11, 5FU and avastin, then a scan the next week. The results of the scan will determine the next course of action. We are hopeful that the next step is a holding pattern. I think we are all a little tired of all these tough chemos, probably not as tired as mom though.
love, nicki

2009-07-02T20:11:00.007-05:00

Today as we waited for Dr. Townley, Finn was being a bit huggy and Nicki finally got him to turn his 5 month 6 day head.......he and Nicki are bringing me luck...(probably Kris, my friend who brought and stayed with me today at chemo was too). My doctor said that WHEN the CAT scan shows NOTHING.....( after 2 more hard chemos ) I may be able to go on hold with just the avastin......NO PUMP......You can't image how I would pray for that. I am feeling a bit oooky but the nausea meds are working.....July 9, blood work and July 16 chemo.....then just ONE more two week round. I hope to keep holding those counts up. The white count was a little low but everything else was ok today. Thank you for being with me through all this. Love, Karen ( you know I have to hurry and get this over so my hair will grow back before Finn starts to grow his.)

Chemo on the 18th of June

2009-06-19T13:15:00.002-05:00

With my blood counts up, and my toe almost healed, I had the 3rd dose of the hard stuff. Jenni took me this time and we got back home around 3 or after. I fell asleep almost immediately and slept almost 2 hours......then was awake a long time......didn't sleep until 1am and at 2am the storm hit. I had 2 in. of rain in the gauge and must need to caulk again along the foundation on the N. side of the house.....when it rains hard from the N. then it seeps down and comes in the blocks in the basement wall. Just a small area, but it hadn't happened for so long I had boxes on the floor which I never use to do......Nicki found the water when she went downstairs this morning. She stopped to say hello and give me my Finn fix. He will have a vaccination that is live...so I have to be careful and not be to close to him for at least 5 days. He was so happy and pretty tired. I never made it over to the Prices and the fun there last night......but will catch up sometime. SO....3 more times to go before the CAT scan........every 2 weeks if I can keep the counts up. Happy summer to you all.....on Sunday I think. Love, Karen ( Jenni goes back tomorrow, the 20th and I will be missing her a lot.)

No Chemo on Thurs. will wait a week,

2009-06-12T17:41:00.002-05:00

I will have the 3rd of 6 Camptosar treatments on the18th.....then the CAT scan to see if I can quit the hard stuff and just have the 5-FU and Avastin. I messed with my right middle toe too much when it had a 'thing' on it....???....and it got infected. Dr. Townley said NO NO NO.....never use your fingernails.....staph is everywhere on your body and I really got it good....it's swollen and I am on Keflex for 10 days.....and at the end of day 2....it's really icky....can't stand on it very long. Duh....duh....duh.....LIVE and LEARN......or at least try to remember what I have learned in 60 years......Actually if my toe didn't hurt so much I would be happy to not have to have the chemo. Which I am......but like Nicki says....I love to have the chemo because it's making the cancer go away......just like those little pac man's in there.....chomping away at the tumors. Ok....enough of my rambling....hope you are all well and having rain, nice rain, that will make all the flowers and plants grow. Till next week....... Love from Karen

Macular Degeneration

2009-06-09T18:39:00.002-05:00

Today Mom was diagnosed with the early signs of macular degeneration. She has been seeing some spots in her eye for awhile and this explains it. Her Aunt Helen had macular degeneration, as well as colon cancer, so it appears mom may be her long lost twin. It has been hard news to hear today, but it is in the very early stages and could take many years to manifest any type of blindness. None the less, it is just one more thing mom has to deal with, poo...Here is a brief description from Wikapedia and all about vision.com.

Macular degeneration is a medical condition usually of older adults which results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. It occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms. It is a major cause of blindness in the elderly (>50 years)^{[citation needed]}. Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.

Dry Macular Degeneration (non-neovascular). Dry AMD is an early stage of the disease and may result from the aging and thinning of macular tissues, depositing of pigment in the macula or a combination of the two processes.

Dry macular degeneration is diagnosed when yellowish spots known as drusen begin to accumulate from deposits or debris from deteriorating tissue mostly around the macula. Gradual central vision loss may occur with dry macular degeneration but is not nearly as severe as wet AMD symptoms.

No FDA-approved treatments are available for dry macular degeneration. A major National Eye Institute study (AREDS) has produced strong evidence that certain nutrients such as beta carotene (vitamin A) and vitamins C and E may help prevent or slow progression of dry macular degeneration. [See also: AREDS Formula for AMD.]

Relay For Life Pictures

2009-06-07T16:51:00.001-05:00

Relay for Life, June 5th, 2009

2009-06-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

Mom participating in the Survivor's walk at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Camptosar #2 of 6 done.....

2009-05-29T12:52:00.002-05:00

I will have the 5-FU chemo pump taken off tomorrow around noon.....the see what happens with the side affects. Already some.....but I think my blood counts which were all back up to normal should help, starting strong again. My brother Bill took over taking me and staying the night with a lot of odds and end done around here for me.....he probably won't come back soon. HA.....he really did do lots of little things that helped me out a LOT. Nicki and Finn will be back from their trip to see Jenni and TEXAS ( and happy 34th birthday to Jenni today ) on Monday night. YES....I miss my little smiley Finn. (and my kids too of course ) Nicki thinks because I babysat on Tues. before Thurs. chemo that my counts were so good and therefore I should baby sit all the time. Isn't she a sneaky little thing. Finn and I do have fun.....I hope you are too.....and so blood counts next Thurs. will tell what is happening......oh, my tumor marker count was still 5.6.......0-5 is normal.......I'm gettin' there.......Don't stop doing whatever you are doing to help. It's working.....Love, from Karen

CPT-11

2009-05-14T15:30:00.003-05:00

We are on a 6 Chemo stretch of CPT-11, otherwise known as the hard stuff. One down, 5 more to go. Then we can do a scan. In the mean time mom will be monitoring the cancer with her tumor marker blood test. As for now, we are home after many hours at the cancer center and mom is prepping to nap. Finn is leading the way with a champion nap, 1.5hours so far... It is another beautiful spring day in Fremont and we plan to enjoy the weather by grilling! Go out there and enjoy it too!
love, nicki

2009-05-02T12:16:00.003-05:00

Out to eat, in Dillon CO, with my favorite guy Finn on my birthday after sitting by the mountain Blue River with Nicki and Finn, so pretty. I came back to Fremont on the 30th and went to chemo Friday ( with the help of Delanie Price as my fine driver ) for the Avastin and 5-FU pump.....which will come off around 11 Sunday. My counts were good......and the earlier test results of the stress test and x-ray showed nothing new. I will go back on Camptosar on the 14th along with the Avastin and 5-FU for 6 sessions. THEN the CAT scan will show all tumors gone!!! ......but I have to do chemo with the 5-FU and Avastin after to help keep it away, something that will last forever. I have the type of cancer that can start up again anytime. So I will be ready! And if all the tumors aren't gone after this 6 sessions coming up....I will rest a while and do it again. I am feeling the fatigue of the chemo but not nauseated so that's really good. Happy spring to you all and keep the good thoughts and prayers coming! Love, Karen

Happy Birthday to MOM!

2009-04-28T09:07:00.003-05:00

We are sitting here eating a cherry pastry and drinking mimosas celebrating mom's 60th birthday! It has been a wonderful few days.

We have to thank Peggy and Terry Alexander (my wonderful in-laws) for the use of their beautiful home for mom's birthday! Here is a picture from the front porch. Lake Dillon and the rocky mountains, just beautiful!

Last week mom had a heart stress test because she had been having numbness in her left arm, a few times now. The test, which lasted 4 hours and then some for the doctors appointment, proved that mom's heart is just fine. But we still don't exactly know what is causing the numbness, the thought originally was that she had a pinched nerve, that may still be the case. The nurses and doctor don't think it has anything to do with her port (on her left side), or the chemo. Mom seems to be controlling the pain with ibuprofen. I think she should try and get some prescribed massages (I know I would!).

In the mean time, we plan to find a mountain stream to sit by today and later we plan to find the best steaks in summit county! Happy birthday momma!
love, nicki

Up up up

2009-04-16T18:55:00.006-05:00

Moms counts were up today. I think Dallas treated her well and gave her a little added energy (see picture below if you don't believe me). She just had the easy stuff today, the 5FU and Avastin. There was a little mix up with the lab work, so it was a slow start. We are home now relaxing, just ate some yummy salmon burgers and are ready to just sit back for the evening. Hope everyone had a great Easter, Finn dressed up as the Easter bunny! love, nicki

Just 5-FU and Avastin

2009-04-02T14:04:00.002-05:00

Mom just got the 5-FU and Avastin today. She is going to take a break so she can go and see Jenni over Easter and feel GOOD. So it was a quick in and out...Finn and I are getting ready to go pick up Jason for our trip out to Colorado. Have a great weekend and a happy Easter!
love, nicki

Honored at Fremont Board of Education

2009-03-31T06:15:00.003-05:00

I was (along with Laurie Holben) recognized by the Board of Ed. for years of work with our kids and for showing courage in the face of extreme struggle. Laurie (tallest in the middle of second picture) and I both had to quit our loved teaching because of illness. Friends and family came to celebrate with us. The first picture is another honoree Calihan Price (and her wonderful parents Kelly and Paula) for 8th grade....all A's....she and several other former students (making me VERY proud) were also celebrated. Nicki and Jason came and allowed me to show off my grandson Finn to the friends gathered. I again say how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life and especially want to thank my former principal Kate (between Laurie and I) for the nomination and the love she shows not only me but her teachers and students. I will quit now that I am starting to get too mushy.....thank you. Love, Karen

Good news and celebratory STEAKS!

2009-03-19T16:39:00.002-05:00

We got the results of Mom's scan back today. Great news, the lymph node tumors that had increased last time "significantly" decreased from the prior scan. Dr. Townley wanted to keep going with the hard chemo since we had the tumors on the run, so today she got the camptosar again with the 5-FU and Avastin. She will take a break the next few chemo sessions and only get the 5-FU and Avastin since mom will be traveling to Dallas (Easter Trip) and Colorado (60th Birthday trip), as well as attending Kayleigh's graduation from Peru State and Dillon's graduation from Deschler High School.

Mom has been having a jittery reaction on day 10 after her chemo sessions the last four times that she has gotten the camptosar. Today when we met with a new nurse practitioner she suggested going off the fluoxetine and starting on something new. The fluoxetine can have bad reactions to some chemo drugs, she had learned this at a recent conference. So we will see if there is any effect over the next few sessions. We are always learning something new and so are the doctors and nurses, thank goodness!

So tonight we will celebrate with yummy steaks! And this will be Finn's first overnighter at Grandma's house, very exciting!

love, nicki

March 5, 2009 4th chemo in this series

2009-03-06T12:42:00.002-06:00

I was borderline for chemo....but Dr. Townley thought I was ok to go.....so got the stronger Camptosar and Avastin and the pump with 5-FU....that will come off late Sat. morning. Rhonda took me in and after we went to see Finn.....and Nicki too. Rhonda made an incredible blanket.....and Grandmama brought him some SO cute sandals....He ready for summer now. I am taking the ememd nausea pills one each day for 3 days durning chemo and so far it's working just fine. With about 10 hours of sleep last night the killing of the cancer cells is working. I will go for a CAT scan on the 17th....with chemo on Thurs. the 19th....and results from the scan and hoping for just Avastin and 5-FUpump. I have a ticket to leave on the 9th of April for Dallas over Easter....returning on the 15th. Then driving to Dillon CO with Nicki, Jason and Finn on the 24th with my flight from Denver to Omaha on the 30th.....yes celebrating my 60th in the Colorado mountains, couldn't be more beautiful. I think the carrot dangled in my face for CO....was my sweet Finn....whom will be with Grandmama while his parent get in a little skiing. That's just OK with me. Well, say those little prayers and cross your fingers that the lymph nodes are no longer growing. Thank you for staying with me through all this. Love, Karen

Chemo and Finn

2009-02-19T19:24:00.011-06:00

Mom's counts were great today! She and Jenn went to chemo and I joined them a bit later with Finn. All the nurses and Dr. Townley got to see Finn and of course, they loved him! After chemo mom and Jenn came over and we all dined on yummy Vietnamese. Mom will have one more chemo session then at CT scan in March to see where we are.
love, nicki

Jenn and Finn and the Cancer Center

Blood Work and Jenni is here!

2009-02-12T14:55:00.004-06:00

From Jenni: Mom had blood work today. She is feeling a little crappy, but her blood counts were good. Since she didn't feel that hot they took extra blood for some additional tests.

We had a good lunch and mom is now is resting.

I posted a new picture of Finn. I am so glad to be here to help mom and Finn!

(This is what happens when Mom asks Jenni to post a picture of Finn but isn't specific).

Chemo without Nicki....

2009-02-05T20:43:00.004-06:00

...is like a dog without a bone (well only according to me). Even though I was only a mile away, it felt funny to be home and not at chemo with mom. She was in good hands with Paula. Mom's counts were up a bit and she was able to get her chemo today and so far she feels good. We are all looking forward to some family time on Sunday for Grandma Krejci's 80th birthday party.
love, nicki

Baby Finn 9 days old...

Finn Carter Alexander has arrived!!!!!

2009-01-29T09:11:00.002-06:00

I want you to meet my grandson Finn. He was born Monday Jan. 26th at 7:04am, was 6lbs 3 1/2 oz, and 20 in long. Yes, he has those long fingers for piano playing. I feel blessed that all of you have continued to help me beat the cancer so I could be here to be part of his life. Nicki is doing well and Jason is such a proud father. Jenni decided she couldn't be left out and drove up in time to meet her nephew only hours old. Happy just doesn't seem to be enough to decribe my feelings. I am sure I will have more news of Finn as time goes on. Nicki had her PA interview on Friday, the 23rd and I had chemo and the pump was removed on Sat. the 24th.....just in time for a new baby. Thank you for being there to help me. Love, Karen

Our Aunt Helen...

2009-01-22T10:49:00.004-06:00

Our beautiful, amazing, thoughtful, smart, and inspirational Aunt Helen has passed. She left this world last night and is now in the arms of her Lee. Her passing has brought many tears and many wonderful memories all at the same time. She will be missed, but never forgotten and she will continue to inspire us forever.

Mom is starting her hard chemo today. Her KRAS testing came back. She has the mutated protein of KRAS which means she will probably not respond to the ERBITUX. So she is only going to get the CPT-11 (or camptosar), which she has had before. The last time she had this drug, her counts dropped drastically and she had to get the immune booster shots. They will be monitoring her counts weekly for that reason. She is also going to get the 5-FU and Avastin. She will have 4 or so treatments of this (every two weeks), then another scan to test the progress.

The cancer center is quiet, so we sit her in quiet reflection as mom gets her chemo. We are both a bit somber today. Our thoughts are with our family in San Antonio, they have been through so much. All of our love to them.
love, nicki

Just 5FU and Avastin

2009-01-08T18:52:00.002-06:00

Mom had 5FU and Avastin today. The results from the mutation testing were not back yet. When she goes back in two weeks the results should be back and the new chemo regime will start. Not much else is going on this evening. We just had a yummy spaghetti dinner, recommended by a friend at Townley's office, who said it may just jump start my labor! We'll see...
love, nicki

New Year, New Plan

2009-01-02T10:11:00.002-06:00

Mom and I went to chemo on Wednesday, but the doctor wanted to wait until her mouth sores had gone away before doing any more chemo. We were both okay with that considering the trauma we went through the last chemo visit (mom physically, me mentally). The next step is to send some of the initial biopsied tissue off to a lab to do some K-RAS testing. K-RAS is a mutation in the DNA that causes cancers (predominately pancreatic and colon). The lab will test two chemo drugs with her tissue and see what the response is. It is like doing a little mini test on her tissues to see how they respond to the chemo drugs without actually trying it out on mom and potentially causing another severe reaction. (This type of testing is near and dear to my heart since it is the pathway that I am working on at Creighton in my cancer research lab!) Once we get the results back the doctor will decide which drug or drugs she will be on next. It is wonderful that this type of testing is available for mom. In the mean time, she will have the easy chemo next week, 5FU and Avastin, if her mouth sores are healed.

I wanted to also mention that my great Aunt Helen (Mom's inspiration) is having some health problems. A few weeks ago she lost her husband, our wonderful Uncle Lee, and it seems her cancer is back and there is fluid around her lungs. She is determined to get her strength back, but it would be wonderful if we could all send some healing energy her way.

As for me, I am in the home stretch of pregnancy. My little guy is due January 27th, but it could be any day. We are all excited and just waiting...

Happy New Year, I hope 2009 will be the best year yet!
love, nicki

Oxaliplatin and all that good stuff (or not so good, see update)

2008-12-18T11:38:00.005-06:00

Mom is getting her chemo right now. Her counts were actually a little better than the last time she had her chemo, even the rash is going away. That is good, she is tolerating this hard stuff pretty good. Hopefully she will be feeling good for Christmas. We should be done soon and will head to Fremont before the storm. Mom won't have her next chemo until January 2nd, so until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I know us nabb gals have much to be thankful for again this year! What about you?
LOTS of love, nicki

Update...about 45 minutes ago, mom had a very severe reaction to the oxaliplatin. I had gone out for some lunch and when I came back there were 5 nurses standing around her. Severe nausea, rash, and everything else you can think of. I guess this is a common reaction to the oxaliplatin if someone has had it before, even if it was over a year ago. It is a metal based chemo (platinum) and the body just doesn't forget. The nurses were on it and knew exactly what was happening, they are wonderful. However, she will never have this chemo again. We are going to meet with Doctor Townley on the 31st to discuss other options. More than likely she will go back on the camptosar. We will be here for awhile until the reaction is over then the pump for the 5-FU will be hooked up and taken off Sat. afternoon. Very scary, but she is feeling much better. Sigh...

The Hard Stuff

2008-12-04T13:42:00.003-06:00

We are sitting here at a very busy cancer center. Mom is getting the hard stuff today, so it extends our stay to over four hours as opposed to two hours. She is taking oxaliplatin (chemo), avastin (stop tumor growth), Magnesium and Calcium, a fairly large dose of decadron (steroid), and aloxi (anti-nausea); then after all of this they will hook up the 5FU (chemo) for a 48 hour drip. We are still waiting for the results from the tumor marker test and the autoimmune test, hopefully we will get that info before we leave. So far so good, but I can tell mom isn't feeling the best. We just ate lunch, so hopefully that will help. Aunt Sherry will stay with her the next two nights since I have a friend shower and visitors in for the weekend (thanks Auntie Sherry!). Next up, weekly blood work and chemo in two weeks. Stay warm, it is FREEZING out there!
love, nicki

Update: Tumor marker results in...They are lower than last time, 5.9. Townley does not think it is enough different from last time (7.4) to be conclusive, but he did say the enlarged lymphnodes from the CT scan did look like cancer and not just infection. So we'll take the lower tumor marker results and hope the chemo zaps those cancer cells!

CT scan results

2008-11-20T13:42:00.003-06:00

Well, we didn't have the best news today. Mom has about 4 lymph nodes that are larger than the last scan (2 around her aorta in her abdomen, and 2 around her esophagus by her ribs). Not that much bigger, but enough that Dr. Townley wants to go back on the harder chemo. On the 4th of December Mom will be back on a FOLFOX treatment regime. It is the same treatment schedule as when she started her treatments; oxaliplatin, 5-FU, and avastin. This might make her a bit more tired and sick, so we'll be keeping a closer eye on symptoms (including the rash). Speaking of...we are going to test next time for autoimmune (Sjogrens), possibly the cause of the rash. So we will be looking into that again as well. So not the news we wanted to hear, but if you look back to where we started, this is just a drop in the bucket, nothin' we can't handle! Send all your positive vibes mom's way.
love, nick

CT Scan and Chemo

2008-11-14T11:37:00.002-06:00

Mom had her CT scan this morning. A head, chest and abdomen scan. We will meet with the doctor and discuss results next Thursday. She is having her chemo now and seems to feel pretty good. The only negative is that the rash is back. So hopefully we can come up with something when we meet with the doctor on Thursday. POO! The positive, the new bond movie is out and hopefully mom will feel good enough to go to a 7:20pm show tonight! We are both looking forward to it!
love, nicki

Chemo today

2008-10-30T14:33:00.003-05:00

We are home from chemo. It was a fast in and out kind of day. The one down side, mom's rash is back. We are thinking it is from the extra vitamins and B complex, folic acid, etc. that she has been taking. The Leucovorin which was the cause before is a B complex/folic Acid vitamin cocktail, but the doctor thought it was the carrier solution, not the vitamin mixture. Mom stopped taking the vitamins today and we will wait and see if it goes away. If if does, it is probably the B vitamins, if not, back to the drawing board. Her next scan is scheduled for November 14th then we will meet with the doctor the following Thursday to discuss the results. All for now, we just ate big burritos and both need naps...
love, nicki

Sittin' at the Cancer Center

2008-10-16T12:57:00.005-05:00

Mom and I are here at a quiet cancer center. Sometimes it's busy, sometimes not. Nice and quiet. Her counts were good and the doctor decided to change one thing, decadron. She has been getting decadron, a steroid, forever. It is supposed to help with the nausea meds, but because she is on a low dose of chemo he thought he would give her a lower dosage of the decadron also. She has been experiencing nausea and fatigue about 7 days after chemo and the high steroid dosage may be causing this. So now we will wait 7 days and see how she feels. That is all for now.
love, nicki

Estabrook Cancer Center
(our home away from home every two weeks)

Chemo today

2008-10-02T12:59:00.002-05:00

We are sitting here at Methodist. All systems go. Mom's counts were good and she is getting the new "usual" stuff, 5FU and avastin. The doctor recommended Vit. D and multivitamin this time, so she'll give that a try. She is scheduled to have her scan early Nov, until then just chemo every 2 weeks. Go out and enjoy the beautiful Nebraska fall (or the fall wherever you are)!
love, nicki

Saturday at Karen's...or Canning Applesauce with the family

2008-09-21T17:27:00.006-05:00

Saturday was the day of work.......44 pints of canned applesauce later....there were smiles all around. Jason turned out to be the BEST apple tree shaker....and Jenni could cut up those apples with skill. Nicki would squish and we all did a little bit of everything. That new baby of Nicki and Jason's will someday have some organic applesauce and you know what they say....an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It did work when the girls were young. I added some good Watkins cinnamon to take away the little bite of the apple peel....the applesauce is as natural as can be. I can't believe the old tree had so many apples and still does. Don't you love a family thing? I am feeling tired but well, how wonderful is that! Karen

Chemo Edited for Consumption

2008-09-18T20:32:00.004-05:00

Mom had chemo today. Her counts were GREAT. Same as last week and she felt pretty good today. I (Jenni) came up from Nebraska for the week.

I brought my new Wii Fit so Mom and Nicki could try it. It is great fun (and good exercise) for all.

............the rest of the post was edited off by my mother.... but I thought it was hilarious.......... hahahahahahahahaha

it may have involved: Keno, Cookies, IceCream and NightCrawlers.

It's a BOY......

2008-09-05T14:59:00.003-05:00

News that Nicki and Jason are having a son is making this chemo pump day a great one! That boy was sucking his thumb when they saw him on the ultrasound picture. Now the long wait until the end of January. WHAT should I buy first?!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ozarks were good for us all.......

2008-09-05T08:00:00.005-05:00

We had a great time at the Ozarks last weekend. I'm sure that is why Mom's counts were so good! We stayed at Jason's Parents house, it was wonderful! Thanks to Peggy and the family for such a great time. Picture below looking down from the "coffee deck" onto the Lake.

It was a tough trip, but someone had to do it! Nicki below soaking up some rays and just soaking!

Below is a picture from Mom's morning sunrise boat ride, just beautiful!

Chemo and Relaxing

2008-09-04T17:27:00.003-05:00

We are home from chemo, just relaxing in the backyard enjoying this WONDERFUL weather. Dr. Townley was happy with her counts today and will keep her on the same amount of 5-FU and avastin for awhile. We are going to grill some burgers then go for a walk. It has been a good day and mom is feeling great! She'll have chemo in two weeks when Jenn is here. Tomorrow is a big day for Jason and me. We find out the sex of the baby and the overall health during our hour long ultrasound. Can't wait!
love, nicki

Chemo on Thurs

2008-08-23T07:59:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the late blog, but I've had some of my best friends in town this weekend. Mom had her chemo on Thursday. Pat took her, but I went to the Doctors appointment with them both. Dr. Townley lowered her dosage of 5FU (her chemo drug), so she should feel a bit better than last time. Mom is feeling pretty good, just tired as always after the chemo. The best news, still no rash. We really have figured it out I hope. Mom will have chemo again in two weeks and the next day I will find out the sex of our baby! We'll have a lot to report. Hope you are all enjoying the cool mornings and the end of a great summer.
love, nick
(picture of me and baby bennett in town from Hesperus, CO)

Celebration!

2008-08-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

Well, I know it is getting old, all this good news, but we have more...Mom's CT scan showed that a tumor on her liver is gone!! We never expected that, especially since she hasn't had chemo in almost two months! I guess the combination of the avastin and that kick butt attitude mom has is paying off. We went out and celebrated after her appointment! Just amazing. We can all smile and sigh another sigh of relief. Today, life is good!
love, nicki

Chemo again

2008-08-08T19:57:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been nearly two months since mom's last chemo drip. And as much as she doesn't like how she feels after chemo, I think we were both thankful she had it today. It is a bit nerve-racking messing with the thing that is saving her life. She also had a CT scan, which will tell us what has been going on since going off the chemo. Her CEA tumor marker blood work showed a slight increase (from 6.0 to 6.5), but there is a margin of error associated with the test and it may mean nothing. We will find out what the scan shows on Thursday at her doctor's appointment. For now mom is feeling good, we ate a good supper, and are now watching the Olympic's opening ceremonies. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the gymnastics and diving!
love, nicki

Leucovorin seems to be my rash starter...

2008-08-01T19:47:00.003-05:00

July 31, Thursday, I woke up with the rash exactly one week after getting the leucovorin and avastin. I started the atarax that afternoon and by today the itching had almost gone away. On the 8th of August ( blood work and seeing the doctor will be on the 7th )I will probably get the avastin and 5-FU. I will see what happens after that. The leucovorin helps the chemo drugs work more efficiently. There is nothing that can replace it since I probably won't get it any more. I will keep you up to date. Thanks for caring. Karen

Sisters, Daughters, and Moms

2008-08-01T17:35:00.004-05:00

A visit from Nicki,Sherry, Pat and Mom meant a lovely lunch at a new place in Fremont. July 19, 2008

Avastin and Leucovorin given this time.....

2008-07-25T15:46:00.002-05:00

Dr. Townley decided to rule out the Leucovorin as the cause of the rash. ( which is going away...a horrible ordeal finally over ) My chemo consisted of the 2 hour drip of Leucovorin and the 30 min. drip of Avastin. I am tired but feel good. Melinda was able to take off work and took me to Omaha and the Cancer Center and is staying with me until Sat. morning. She is really helping out around here and I am lucky to have her.
I will have the chemo pump with the 5-FU in 2 weeks......hoping the rash is enough out of my system for me to tolerate it. Then later another CAT scan will be done. It's been good to feel better many days of the last few weeks and I look forward continuing feeling better for a while. Thanks for all your thoughts and support....I am lovin' it. Karen