I went to Century City with David this afternoon.  Only went to two stores:  The Apple Store (what was your first clue?!) and Gelsons.  

Life is good.

A Quickie

Thought I'd do a quick post before going to bed.  Had a really good day today.  Felt good yesterday too.  Looking forward to the week ahead.  Check back soon for more info!

xoox Amy

Blood Work

Today I went to Tower Oncology to do some blood work.  They pricked my finger (ow!) and filled up a few things of blood.  The results were back quickly.  My numbers are low and that is expected while being on chemo. For those of you interested in numbers and/or those that understand this - read on.

My WBC was 1.14 down from 7.9.   Biggest drop is the platelet count. It is 87,000 and before it was 256,000.  Yipes!

Mainly they told me to watch out for fevers (100.5 or higher then I have to call) and infections.  Not planning on either anyway!

Battled more today with nausea and thankfully the meds helped.

It was a long day.  Time for bed now.

xox

 

A Quiet Day

Today was a relatively quiet day.  I had a great session with Kim (as always) and spent the afternoon at home.

I spoke with an old high school friend that I haven't seen since 9th  grade.  What a trip!  She lives in Utah and has seven kids.  We found each other on Facebook- so much fun.

Tonight a great food gift arrived.  It's from a company called California Chef Services.  I got to order 4 dinners and they all got here tonight.  And the food is delicious!

Tomorrow I go to the chemo place to have my blood checked.  Big whoop...

I hope you like this photo.  Cute kids huh?!

Hope you'll continue to check in here.

Bye for now.

Coping

  My chest hurts because I had 50cc of saline injected into me today.  This happens every week.  Anyway, it was suggested that I try to distract myself from all this pain.  So I've been playing on Photo Booth on my computer.

Any other suggestions for further distractions would be greatly appreciated!  :)

Stock Tip: buy shares of Purell!

Hello friends and family--

This is Cathy. I've been back in LA since Saturday and it's been so great to be back with Amy.  While I wouldn't ever say that chemo AGREES with her, I would say that so far it's  been way easier for her than we feared.  There has been no horrible nausea, no throwing up, nothing really unbearable.  There has been some mild nausea, but it's always been wonderfully responsive to the anti-nausea meds she has.  She is tired but she has bursts of energy sometimes during the day and we've gone out for walks each of these last three days.  Very wonderful and encouraging, especially because these are the "hard days" of the first week! She even went to her women's AA meeting tonight which was great for her.

Thanks to all of you who have continued to support her, bring her food, visit, email or call her, etc.  Your love is very apparent and means so much.

Now that Amy has started her chemo cycles, I wanted to let everyone know that it is super important that exposure to other people's germs is greatly limited.  The chemo, in all it's glory, also wears down her immunity which means if someone who has a cold visits her, she is likely to get it, and it could end up being more than a cold for her--which would not be good . So please--if you do come visit, please be sure to remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water (for 15 seconds!) as soon as you arrive at the house--before hugs or kisses!  Also, if you cook any food for her, it's especially important that you create your gourmet meals with extra clean hands.  Thanks for remembering these details!

Again, many thanks for all your love and support.

Cathy

Out and About

Yesterday I went for a walk with my sister.  It was a beautiful day outside and we took this photo to show that I AM getting  out of the house!  I also wanted to show off  my new "movie star" sunglasses.

Today we went to the chemo place (also known as Tower Oncology) to get my port checked.  It's bandaged up and there was blood and that freaked me out a bit.  Needed to be sure that it was ok.  Angela - the nicest nurse practitioner looked at it and put on a new dressing and said it was fine.  I felt much better!

My appetite is very low today although I did eat a decent breakfast.  Trying also to drink a ton of water (at least it feels like that to me).  Pain is better at the moment.  Just doing it one day at a time.

More soon...

Saturday update

My friend Katie flew back to Portland this morning and I miss her already.  She took me to a zillion doctor appointments last week and went with me to my first chemo session.  More  importantly i got to just be with her and let her help me.  Again, I am overwhelmed with the love and support I have from all of you.

Jessica flew in Friday night and we've been roommates for the weekend!  LOVE having her here.  She's making dinner tonight - yay!  More good news: my sister will be here tonight and is staying until Wed.

Quick physical update:

Went for hydration yesterday.  The hard part was getting a nasty shot that is supposed to help my white (red?) blood cell count.  Mainly it hurt my arm and it's still so stiff and sore today.  I was nauseous last night for the first time but the medication helped immediately and I even slept longer. 

I rebounded a bit today and had fun visiting with Tracy, Kathy and Nynette.  Tracy and I even made it over to the new Anthropologie store that is right around the corner!

I'm feeling tired but hopeful.  Thanks again for all your love.

Day One - check it off

Well, I made it through my first chemo session.  It was a piece of cake - really.  First they did my blood work then they started hydration and then started the chemo drugs.  My port in my arm worked perfectly.  The nurses were nice and the chair was comfy. Katie kept me company.  David brought lunch and before you knew it it was time to leave!

Tomorrow I go back for just hydration.  Jessica will go with me because she will be here tonight!  Yay

Now we just have to hope that I don't get the typical side effects like nausea. 

One down, five to go.

Big Day

I tried to find a joke or cartoon to start this blog but nothing caught my attention.  So today is my first chemo session.  David and Katie are going with me.  We'll be there for about 5 hours.  I packed a bag as if I were flying on a plane to NY.  I have my laptop (of course), Kindle, magazines, cords, meds, and wallet.  I do know how to keep my self busy.

I need you guys to continue sending positive thoughts and prayers ok?  I know you will and believe me I can use it.  Chemo is needed and important and I am trying to remain grateful that there IS a treatment for me.  So my intention today is to go in there with positive thoughts and images.  Screw the fear - I can handle it.   Tougher than I look!

Check back later for an update.

xox

Too MUch Information

Today I went to Cedars to have a chemo port put in my arm.  This is a picture of it.  They threaded the blue line through one of my main arteries starting from my upper arm then across my chest.  They followed the progress on a screen.  Once the line was in place the chemo port was attached at the end of the line - under my skin.  They numbed the area and so all I really felt was pressure and some serious discomfort with the position of my arm.  Why did I do all this?  Because now each time I go for chemo they will inject the chemo drugs through the port .  The major drag was that we had to wait TWO HOURS before they did anything. This did not make me happy.

Next I went for my echocardiogram appointment but right when we got to the office we found out that the machine was broken.  So they've rescheduled me to go some place else tomorrow.

The last part of the day was at the oncologist's office for the Chemo 101 class.  Turned out to be a private class with a really nice nurse.  She explained all the crappy stuff I have to look forward to with chemotherapy.  It was way too much of a reality check and i was pretty upset for awhile.  But.... now I'm smiling again!  How can that be you ask? Two words:  Fleet Enema followed by two homemade chocolate chip cookies (thank you Shelly!).  We must always keep some sense of humor to dry the tears.

Onward and Outward!

Today I went to my plastic surgeon and he injected my breasts-to-be with saline.  This will continue weekly for about 6 times.  It was a big needle but it didn't hurt.  

Katie is here from Portland and it's great to be with her.  I want to thank you guys again for all the food, phone calls, emails and more.  You know how much I appreciate it.

Tomorrow is the chemo class so check back here soon for the next update.

xox

weekend

Well, another weekend is here.  No big plans for me!  Need to rest up because I have a busy week ahead. However, I am doing a few things.... getting a haircut tomorrow.  Will be my last one for awhile right?! I also really need a manicure!  My good friend Katie is coming to visit from Portland.  She arrives on Sunday and will be here all week. 

I guess that's all for now. Glad you guys are still reading this!  Feel free to post a comment, email me, 

and/or call.  

xox Amy

Chemo and more

Got lots of info today.  Met with my plastic surgeon who said everything looks good and is healing well.  Next Monday Dr Slate will start injecting saline into my expanders.  This will continue once/week for......?  I don't know how long.

I also met with  my oncologist Dr McAndrew .  She said I will start chemo next Thursday.  But before that I have to do some more tests including an Echocardiogram for my heart.  There's even a Chemo 101 class that they encourage me to go to.  Of course I will.

So.. time to hold on as the roller coaster starts climbing the track.  Luckily I have all of you to hold on to.

xoxAmy

PS  We're ok on the chocolate now.  Thanks.

SOS

This is Amy writing for David.  He is under a lot of stress (as you can imagine) and would really like some Sees Candy.  Wait!  Keep reading.  He likes vanilla butter creams in milk or dark chocolate.

NOW LISTEN PLEASE!  I'm trying to figure out how to not get a ton of chocolate but I don't know how to monitor  that.  So I guess send some if you can but check back here quickly in case we're drowning in candy.

Hope this makes sense!

Today was a good day.  I had less pain than yesterday and I hope that's a trend that continues.  

My friend Happy (that's really her name!) came by for a visit. She is friends with my breast surgeon and also was a close friend of my mom.

Later, Samantha came over.  She is a friend from my Wednesday night women's meeting. She brought the BC Teddy Bear you see here.  Sam designed it and it's from my whole Wed. night group.  Once again I am reminded of how cool my friends are!

There will be more medical news on Wed after I see my plastic surgeon and my oncologist.

Love to you all,

Amy

Sunday Sunday

Hi on this beautiful Sunday.   More visitors today already and it's only 1pm.  Theresa here and almost asleep and I'm thinking she has the right idea!  Wait!  Alison just walked in but she is here for serious business - helping me organize everything.  She's good at that.

Tracy and her sister Dana were here earlier.  Nancy was here too!  

And me?  Feeling good at the moment.  Taking it one day at a time.

Saturday update

It was a good day.   Spent time with Maria, Susan (she washed  my hair!), Vida, and Peggy.  Felt good most of the day but now it's night and the pain is intense,  So...

good night all.

Good Morning

Well, it's 3AM and I'm awake. Tried to go back to sleep but so far no luck.  So I decided to post a quick note before trying again.  At least I'm in way less pain than when I went to bed.  That's promising!

Looking forward to the day.  Several friends are coming to visit.  How lucky am I?  Honestly I bet I have the nicest bunch of friends in the world!  Some i've known since elementary  school and others I've known for less time - but it doesn't matter.  All of you mean so much to me.  

Ok - better go.  Getting a bit "sappy" and emotional.  :)  

My intention for today is to have a bright, positive, fun-filled day!

xox Amy

Flair

Here are some cool pins - also known as Amy's Flair.  Not really important but fun to do! Keeps me distracted from some of the pain I'm having.

Quiet day.  Took a nice long nap - miracle! The Ranchita is almost done which means we will have a very cool room to hang out in.  It has a new TV on the wall as well as......... yes.....Apple TV!  Something new for me to learn.  :)

Doctor visit

Saw both of my surgeons this morning and they agreed that I'm doing well.  I was concerned about so much bruising but they said that's normal,  Want me to continue to rest - no walks outside - not even to Urth  Cafe.  :(    Rest and more rest.  Eat well and drink lots of water.  

Will see them both again next week as well as seeing my oncologist.  Busy busy!

Protector of Women

This is a photo of  a holographic figure inside a crystal cube given to me by my aunt Dianne.  (Uncle Eddie gets the photo credit though!) The figure is of Quan Yin( Guan Yin, Kwan Yin), a beloved  protectress known all over Asia.  She is generally regarded by many as the protector of women and the champion and healer of the sick.

She is also seen as a source of unconditional love and compassion. The act, thought and feeling of compassion and love is viewed as Guan Yin.  A merciful, compassionate, loving individual is said to be Guan Yin.  A meditative or contemplative state of peace with oneself and others is seen as Guan Yin.

Very cool.

Time Out

Good morning!  I am taking a break from talking about myself (phew!) and decided to make this a fun day - starting with a fun blog post.  I was roaming around online and found some classic movie quotes.  See if you can name the movie - some are easier than others!  Here we go:

1. May the force be with you.

2. You talking to me?

3.  Here's Johnny!

4. We rob banks.

5. We'll always have Paris.

6. Is it safe?

7. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

8. I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!

9.  There's no crying in baseball!

10.  La-dee-da,  la-dee-da

I guess you want to check your answers huh?  I'll post them later today or tomorrow. Or check out the AFI website and find the answers yourself.  :)

HAVE A GREAT DAY.  

XOX  Amy

Hi.  I'm back on my dad's comfy chair again tonight.  I slept pretty well on it last night. Thinking about renting one for a few months.

Had a pretty good day.  Spent time with uncle Eddie and Dianne. 

Not much to report.  Trying to stay positive and in the moment.  Still dealing with lots of pain which brings tears.  Best part though is all of you - my friends and family.  The care and love you give me really touches me. So...thanks!