Radiation Treatments for Spine Metastasis

With the advise from my doctor I am going to be doing radiation to my spine to shrink a tumor in the T3. 
I did the planning for it on Wednesday and Started on Thursday.  I only takes about 15 for each appointment.   This will not destroy the tumor but should shrink it, helping to relieve some of the pain I have had in my back.  I will have 10 treatments.  Then start the new trial drug.

I now have five new tatoos.  Three down my neck and chest and one on each side of my body.  They will be used to line me up to the right coodinates each day.

Another week without Chemo

I had my blood tested on Wednesday and the platelets had only increased by 5.  It went from 69 to 74,  I need it to be over 100 to start chemo again.  This is a mixed blessing because I feel good.  I am able to help out more around the house.

Derek is getting married this week, so I will feel good for that great event!  We have been fixing the basement up so that they can live there and save some money.  It will be nice when it is completed. 

Just Another Day at Huntsman

Starting about Wednesday last week my bicep in my right arm has been sore.  It felt warm and had a bit of redness.  I have been trying to use my arm more, so I thought maybe I was overusing it.  I also started to sleep in the bed instead of the recliner so I thought maybe that could be causing some problems.

Sunday I showed it to my friend, a nurse.  She agreed that it was warm, swollen and red.  She voiced concern that it had symptoms of a blood clot.  I agreed to call the doctor on Monday to check it out.

I call the nurse at Huntsman and they wanted me to see a doctor there.  I drove to Britney's house and she drove me to Huntsman.  I spent the day having blood tests, then trying to get a blood test from my arm, (that did not work) and finally an ultrasound on my arm to look for blood clots.

After spending the day there I have peace of mind that it is not an infection or a blood clot.  I will wear my compression sleeve and watch it.
I will go back to Huntsman to pick up the antibiotic to start my next round of the clinical trial on Thursday.

Mother's Day

I had a beautiful Mother's Day.  I was able to talk to my mom and dad on the phone and wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day.  I am grateful for the way she raised me and the example that she has been.  I love and respect my mom.
I spoke to all my children, Chantel on the phone and Alden on the phone from Australia.  He is doing so well.  Check out his blog at http://elderhydeaustraliaadelaide.blogspot.com/ .
Britney's family and Derek and Jessica were over for dinner.  It was a fabulous day.

Derek and Shane bought me a new stove.  I am spoiled and LOVE being a mom.

What can you accomplish at the hospital?

Today's time at Huntsman for 10 1/2 hours, this is what we accomplished.

Accessed port with two needles
Gave blood samples before infusion
Pre meds before chemo.  (controlling the side affects and nausea)
Saw and talked the doctor
Physician Assistants check up
Three hours of Chemo Treatment
Four sets of vital signs
30 minutes of Zometa
Lunch with a handsome husband
Read  Alden's email he wrote on P day.
Updated  Alden's Blog
Eight  Blood draws  (checking to see what the drug is doing to my blood and body)
Three EKGs  (monitoring the heart)
Shane started and nearly finished a book that he pick up off the bookshelf.
Lost count of how many times I saw Spencer the Clinical Study coordinator including almost running into him first thing in the morning.
Checked out the menu of the restaurant to take home dinner.
Spending the day with my husband was the greatest!

I am grateful for all the excellent people that have cared for me at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Clinic.  They truly have blessed my life and have not given up on me.

Dinner at Urban Bar and Grill

We walked a few block from our Hotel to the restaurant Urban Bar and Grill.

We were seated a a nice table and our server, Jason, did a great job telling us the specials and the items on the menu that he really liked.

We made our selection and were very pleased with the food.

Of course we left room for desert.

We had a very nice meal together. 

Our Trolley Tour

Nijad walked us down the block to the trolley stop.

Our afternoon was spent on the trolley touring around the city.  It was a great way to see all the things that were available for us to see and do.

Petco Stadium Where the Padres Play

Kaye was a great tour guide he had great stories to tell.  We were entertained as we saw many great sights.

On the Coronado Bridge looking at a Navy Ship

San Diego on the Right, Coronado on the Left.

Museum at Balboa Park.  If we had another day we would have spent it here.

We did get off the trolley at Old Town.  We went to the Mormon Battalion Museum.

Shane and I have family that joined the Mormon Battalion.

Alden was our hero and showed us what it would have been like to be part of the battalion.