Phase I (A-C) Round 3 Glory Days!

Phase I (A-C): Round 3

(11/23/10)

Wow.  This shit really doesn't get more fun or more interesting with practice.  I still would not recommend this experience for anyone, but it's it's what I've got.  And, as I've already had my share of experinces and opportunities for in-depth soul searching and study in the meaning of life, I did not really feel that this experience was necessary and possibly even misallocated by whatever power that be.  Best described by my sweet attorney running buddy who asked "to whom do i log my complaint...to whom do i report this error." 

With all that said, at least I already know the moral of the story of Lance armstrong's book it's not about the bike before reaching page 50 while the rest of you may need to complete the whole book.  (For the record I plan to complete it too because it is a good read and I enjoy impressing myself with my actual knowledge of cycling.)

Yes, I (I realize that I am often a total smart ass and many of you will likely think I am writing this in mockery but I'm not) I am honestly privileged to see and experience first hand true compassion and endless giving and thoughtful support.  I have also had the chance to confirm suspect idiocy in some cases.

I will leave all that alone for now.  Due to the fact that I've completed only 10 weeks of what has promised to be a 16 month, shall I say it?  Journey? No. I know many people are fans of the word, but not my taste, except as an 80's band name. Ordeal? No.  Process? Like the word very much but too cold.  I'll stick with "experience" for now.

Finally, on to the nitty gritty.

Week 3 of round 2 was going very well.  Had the awesome last minute kid free trip with Rochie to Bandera and my beloved hill country state natural area.. Trail running Mecca.  That weekend i was able to run/hike (trail run) 10 miles with Richie if you believe that.  (Richie i mean) I was doing ok, then this left knee thigh thing started hurting and my leg giving out.  Very scary especially on the downhills, and ruinous to my plans to school richie on the downhillls.  I really was so happy to be out there that I even let go of that. 

It was a beautiful day.  We got back to the car. I unfolded my chair sat down and opened the beer that we were going to split.  I drank a sip and relaxed.  Then, up came the bee that stung the Hell out of my right arm.  We laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation.  We decided to get back to the hotel and shower and this bee sting thing would pass.
Well, no chance.
We unloaded the car and on my last trip to the car, up flies the bee that decided to sting the f... out of my left calf.  You can only imagine the colorful yelling I was doing out in that parking lot. 

Anyway, after 5 hours and 3 advil, the stings subsided somewhat. Enough to enjoy laying on the couch and watching 2 movies with Richie.  Simultaneously, of course ( the movies).

So now, up to day 1 round 3 A-C which I found out is the exact terminology the oncologist uses, as he proceeded to incorrectly dictate my diagnosis.  I'd love to see the look on that transcriptionists face as he/she finds his/herself typing a certain diagnosis while a second voice is in the background practically yelling..WRONG.
Needless to say that was a bit of a disappointment for me regarding my oncologist.  Mom did point out that at least he listened when I told him I thought I had cancer in my femur and he ordered X-ray of my hip, femur, and knee.  Yea....
The great news is that they did not find a tumor there.  Waiting for those results, along with the severe headache on days 4 and 5, the disappointment in the medical profession, my recently risen " muffin top", and the fact that i just put a "dew not" rag on my head, is what made this round challenging. 

The good part about this round is that I feel pretty good now,  I realized that my husband does love me, and I have had some really good laughs in the face of cancer and recent unemployment of several of my friends.  Hey, drip coffee ain't so bad.  There are "Glory Days" still ahead!
Emily

Phase I (A-C) Round 2 Wedding

Hello All!
I have finally achieved a group list for this email from my phone.  Most of you know by now that I have a new phone and phone number....Dustin the 20 yr old phone geek at the AT&T store was impressed by the luck of my random draw at this cool #.  Anyway, now that I've got this cool new phone it's best to email me here with the powerhowell@gmail.com address.

So... Chemo round 2...
Did not go as well as I had hoped. Some parts better, but mostly worse. 

Met with the PA instead of the doctor due to my necessary change of tx day to tuesday so i could go to my running group (I mean, help my special needs child). I like her very much, generally. However, it was she who ended up informing me during the Chemo that my cancer is Her2+, which means I Now have to do Chemo for total of 1 year and 3 months.  So here is the approximate new schedule:
*4 rounds of A-C 3 week interval (same)
*12 weeks of weeks of WEEKLY taxol plus new drug herceptin- due to new HER+
*2-3 week break then surgery
*Resume Chemo herceptin on 3week intervals for 9 months.
So, the good news according to the PA  is that Her2+ responds well to herceptin.  According to her as well, the taxol and herceptin side effects are not as severe,yet tend to be cumulative. 

Moving on, day 1 was much better because we did not go to that godawful wig store and rested instead. Day 2 I felt pretty good in the morning, but was already scheduled to get the magic juice at 10:30.  Majic juice probably helped..I had a really nice evening with richie and the kids...but , the experience was far from magical.  Anti-Disney even.  During the hour wait, mom was in a political argument with an 80 year old lady over the death sentence, who later explained that she was in her second battle with the breast cancer and her mom and sister died from it. Didn't anyone tell her that you are not supposed to tell people who are fighting cancer stories about cancer that end in death. Even if it is your second time through it!!  So, once the old lady,along with my severe time based anxiety, had me crying, Mom stood up and announced that we were leaving. I was very proud of her at that moment and realized that I did get some things from her.  Suddenly they took me back.  While I don't believe that they got to me any sooner I was thankful to be rid of the old woman (no not mom- the other lady).
 

 

So, day 2 overall better, day 3 about the same, day 4 worse. 

 Day 5 ok and was able to attend and enjoy Jenn and Johns wedding which was a beautiful outdoor wedding at Lockhart state park. I even got to walk a bit on a short trail down and up a big hill.

 Thank goodness Mom and Derek stayed and took care of the kids until Richie got home from the Livestrong ride.

Day 6 tried to go jogging with Cindy R. At hill of life, but ended up walking the whole thing and then was pretty much worn out until about 5 pm. 

P.S. Thanks to everyone who donated for his cause-he raised a ton of cash.

By Monday I was ok to go to work, but still too tired to exercise.  Tuesday I was able to exercise easy and feel pretty good today.

 

Well, probably more than anyone wanted to know, but what the hell.  Thanks to all again for all of your support, food, hats, help with the kids, etc.

Emily