Lab tomorrow

Cold symptoms mostly gone today.I'm curious to see what my cbc lab results show tomorrow. The stat they track for neutropenia(low immune system or white blood cells) is the NEU # (ANC).  Normal is between 1.5 and 6.5.  My last cbc showed I was on the low end of normal at 2.4.  If it drops too low they give you a shot of Neupogen which causes your bones to produce more white blood cells, which boosts your immune system so you can safely continue your chemo treatments. 

Science Names Cancer Immunotherapy its 2013 Breakthrough of the Year

MD Anderson News Release 12/19/13

New reality for long-time dream of medical researchers is grounded in work by Jim Allison

Detect. Destroy. Remember. The mantra of the immune system’s relentless campaign against infectious invaders and the body’s own abnormal cells finally is applying to cancer in meaningful ways.

The journal Science today named cancer immunotherapy its 2013 Breakthrough of the Year, the latest recognition of the rising tide of treatments pioneered by Texan-born Jim Allison, Ph.D., chair of Immunology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and executive director of its Moon Shots Programimmunotherapy platform.

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Work and Taking Care of My Loved Ones

Went into work for a few hours today because they were having a Christmas potluck type thing.  I forgot how long that commute was.  It was nice to see my friends and colleagues, though.  It's been so long I wondered if my badge would even work!

I've noticed lately that I'm thinking about all the things that a family has to deal with after the death of a loved one.   We've had several deaths of family and friends this year, and I've noticed something they all seem to have in common.  They have all been in a tailspin just dealing with their loved one's sickness or loss and are forced to make difficult decisions regarding things like whether to resuscitate, whether to leave them on a machine or pull the plug, funeral planning, and even issues dividing out their material items afterwards. I hate seeing friends and family have to go through these things, so I've decided I'd like to get these things completed ahead of time to ease the burden for my family and friends when my time comes.  I think this is a good idea for anyone.  None of us know when our time will end, and having these things in place is a final gift you can give them to ease their burden at a difficult time.


Warning: Stop reading now if this is freaking you out or you are getting emotional, it gets more blunt and more detailed.  You have been warned, don't call me and ask me why I did this to you if you continue reading!  If you understand where I'm coming from and can handle it, click the link to read on.

Today's office visit

I was really dreading today's visit for a number of reasons.  Among other things, I was dreading another Zometa infusion right before the holidays, getting some relief for this awful itchy rash, and the dreaded doctor confrontation regarding the nurse.  I guess I was also secretly dreading the CA 27-29 tumor marker test results.  It seems that when I worry the most is when things end up turning out much better than I could have imagined.

The big debate

I have an infusion and doctors appointment tomorrow.  My big debate tonight is whether to say anything about the frustrations I have been having with the nurse.  Do I speak up and risk losing my local oncologist who I like, this late in the game, or do I continue to dread every interaction I have with this woman?  I'm seriously tired of fighting her to get anything done.  But the idea of moving all my records to another oncologist is daunting as well. 

Cancer Patient Discrimination

Sharing this every where I can.  Cancer patients have enough to go through with out this kind of treatment.  How inconsiderate!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Morton's Steakhouse is responding to a social media firestorm regarding an alleged treatment of a cancer patient at their downtown Nashville location over the weekend. According to numerous reviews on Yelp and posts on facebook, a large party of about 16 people held a company Christmas party at Morton's, The Steakhouse, in downtown Nashville, but there were no good tidings. After spending more than $2,000 at the Church Street location, one of the men dining with the group put on a wool beanie. Witnesses say he needs the added warmth because he is a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy.

Read More at: http://www.fox17.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/only-fox-nashville-mortons-responds-alleged-mistreatment-cancer-patient-18433.shtml

Give me my data

Today, I went to my oncologist's office to get lab work done.  They do this every few weeks while you are on chemo to ensure your blood levels are good.  It was just a simple CBC and when I was done, I chose to wait for my results.  They told me it would take about ten minutes, so I waited a while, then checked in to see what was taking so long.  

Back on the chemo

Just started my second week of Xeloda.  It's one week on, and one week off. 

Overcoming Isolation and Exposing Misconceptions

Awesome article on Metastatic Breast Cancer:

Overcoming Isolation and Exposing Misconceptions

From Bridging Gaps & Expanding Outreach for Metastatic Breast Cancer, a press briefing by advocate and metastatic breast cancer patient Lilla Romeo, September 19, 2008

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Feeling Old

Lower back/hip pain is growing increasingly worse.  It is making it fairly difficult to stand up or walk.   When I'm sitting I'm fine.  If I get up to walk after sitting for a while, I have to do it slightly bent over with my behind sticking out until the hip loosens up a little.  Bending over to pick something up or coming back up from a squat are almost impossible.  It's really making me feel old!  I've also got this horrible rash on the back of my neck from the radiation and my scalp is itching like crazy.  I made an appointment with the PA at my oncologist's office tomorrow to discuss options to eliminate the side effects this first round of stuff has caused.