Happy New Year

The last day of 2008.  On to 2009 and a new "normal." 

I wish all the best for you and your loved ones.  

Tomorrow it's off to Seattle again. Yes, travel has been rough. Last week was the worst as we drove over Snoqualmie Pass in heavy snow.  The week before, Seattle was in the middle of heavy snow accumulation.  (We even drove by that charter bus that almost plummeted off a high retaining wall into I-5 through downtown Seattle.)  But we just do what we have to do.

Under the Christmas tree we received a check from funds that came from Renee's almond roca candy sales.  She let me know that it has been a big community effort.  I am moved to tears when I think about it.

Earlier I wrote about how funds helped pay for an unexpected purchase of tires.  There are many other little things that I never would have anticipated I would need.  Just as a very small example, today I had to buy reading glasses.  (Not an unusual transition for someone in their mid-40s, but it feels as if my small-print reading deteriorated in one week.)  

White Christmas

Even some of the life-time Walla Wallans are saying they have never seen this much snow here.  And it's snowing again.  Big flakes. 

Despite the inconveniences and challenges the snow gives us, I am looking at the snow falling right now and it is beautiful.   

Merry Christmas to you. 

Weather Woes

We managed to make our weekly Seattle trip, in spite of the weather.  We arrived home early this evening ahead of more snow. 

We heard it was sunny in Walla Walla today, although in single-digit temperatures.  Just checked the temperature and it's 1 degree. 

It seems I spent an inordinate amount of time this past week plotting my way through this cold weather.  Even double-hatting and multiple layers of clothing are barely keeping the chill away when I had to go someplace, so I didn't go out much.

And I'm not wearing the wig much...actually I think I've only worn it three times.  It's just not that comfortable.  

The Latest Test Results

Last Friday, in addition to the regular chemo and Herceptin treatments, I also had an MRI and and Cat scan done. (A very packed day which also included a blood draw, iron transfusion, and a visit with my oncologist.))

We received the test results this afternoon and the MRI shows that the tumor (technically two tumors) has been reduced by about 2/3. It was originally the size about the width of my fist, so it is now about 1/3 of that.

The small spots on the lung have not gotten any smaller, but the good news is that they have not gotten larger.

Next week will be the 6th of 12 scheduled chemo treatments and the 7th Herceptin treatment.

As I said in an earlier post, this is a journey of ups and downs, and today is an up day.

We are so thankful for your continued prayers and support. It is so helpful to know you care.

Weather Woes

Inevitably, we knew we'd contend with winter weather and that's what happened last weekend.  After last Friday's chemo treatment, we headed south to Portland to avoid the Snoqualmie Pass storm (the pass did eventually close that evening).  Heavy rain made the I-5 drive difficult but we spent the night in Portland with family.  The next day's drive through the Gorge was fine.

We'll see what the weather brings at the end of this week.  Not sure if flying commercial during the holiday rush time-of-year is the best, especially as I have been sick with a cold for the past week.  

I have now completed five of 12 scheduled chemo treatments. 

A Little Story and Thanks

Last Friday we were driving back from Seattle....a little later than usual as the treatment took longer than expected. Since Vince and I were both very tired, we decided to spend the night in Richland. Minutes after we exited the freeway, we heard the dreaded "thump, thump" of a flat tire.

Although that was the last thing we needed at that moment, all I could think of was how it could have happened on Snoqualmie Pass or in the Ellensburg hills. We ended up having to buy new tires for our van, and I'm telling you this because the cost of the tires was just about the amount of the check we had just received from the fund that has been set up for Jonna and I.

If you are a WWU reader, you may know that Renee U. is raising fund from almond roca she is selling. We just wanted to thank her and anyone else who has contributed to this effort. It is very humbling to be on the receiving end of this generosity.

And, thanks for your prayers.

P.S. Patience. I just have to say another thank you.....Thanks if you have commented on the blog. I want to write back to you, however, a side effect of my chemo treatment is carpal tunnel. I had this about 12 years ago it has revisted. So after doing stuff at home and at work, I can't do much on the keyboard. So to the commenters, know that when I hear from you, I am sending thanks and thoughts your way.

Is There a Draft In Here?

I have 9 hours of experience with a bald head.  Beth, my regular hair dresser, shaved it off this morning since I have been losing hair steadily since Saturday.  Then, she styled the wig that I brought back last week from Seattle. 

Vince was with me at the salon.  Since he shaves his head regularly, scalps are not that unfamiliar to me, however, seeing myself in the mirror at first....I didn't recognize myself.......if that makes any sense.  

The experience wasn't as difficult as I dreaded.  Now, looking back on the last few days, I would say it was more upsetting to run my fingers through my hair and have "chunks" of hair come out. 

Hello

We had a Thanksgiving dinner today at my brother-in-law's house....since I spent the holiday receiving my third chemo treatment in Seattle. The good thing about this is that there was minimal traffic both in Seattle and driving home that afternoon. Even the lunch we ate that day at Old Country Buffet in Seattle was pleasant, although not the same as home! Michael (our 9-year-old) came to Seattle with Vince and me and he was happy to have a slice of pizza for Thanksgiving dinner.

Not so great is the way I'm feeling. I haven't posted lately because I've been experiencing pain very similar to the carpal tunnel pain. And yesterday it was much worse. Along with this is the increased fatigue that I understand comes after several chemo treatments.

And, today my hair started to fall out. I did get a wig and just need to get it styled.

Thursday

I have to tell you that the last few days have been hard. Vince and the kids were sick when we returned from last Friday's trip to Seattle so I stayed at my mom's house. It was great being taken care of by mom but not being at home was difficult. They are better so I came home last night but am wearing a mask all the time.

We just received some good news re: the PET scan I took last Thursday. Annette, our oncologist's nurse called to let us know that it looks like there's progress and the treatment is going the way it should. Treatment is heading in the right direction.

We are due in Seattle tomorrow at 10 a.m. for another chemo/Herceptin treatment. Before that I have an appointment to see about a wig. In comparing notes with other cancer patients, it sounds like I could lose my hair after this second chemo treatment. So the next time you see me I could have a fantastic hair style. Or, I could be doing a Sinead O'Connor impression. ("Nothing compares 2 u")

I have been going to work for an hour or two this week and that has been helpful in getting to a routine, however I am usually feeling tired.

As always, thanks for your kind words and prayers.

Sunny Day in Walla Walla

Any sunny day in the middle of a Walla Walla winter is a great thing to be thankful for. And I'm also thankful that I had my first chemo treatment on Friday (yesterday) in Seattle, along with a second Hereceptin treatment. We drove back to Walla Walla right after I finished treatment about 2:30 p.m.

When I am getting treatment or even just being at the Seattle center, I feel great. It’s the days of waiting that are the challenge. Last week I was very anxious. I never knew how anxiety can physically manifest itself! Yuk. But now I know, so I can try do some things about it.

Now that I will be in Seattle every Friday for treatments, I feel like I can put together a better routine. This chemo drug is not supposed to cause nausea and so far so good, but I'll just take it day by day.

Off West

Traveling to Seattle today for a second PET scan and the second round of treatment.  Looking forward to moving ahead.  

Thanks to those who helped with the bake sale at Rogers. That was so nice of you.  As we begin our weekly treks the gas cards are going to be very helpful!  

Team Jimenez

A week after my first treatment, I'm working on adjusting to this way of life. Overall, I feel okay. A side effect of this first treatment is fatigue and some pain that is supposed to feel like arthritis. When I do feel this way, I take Tylenol and it is much better.

This past week friends have supported us in many ways, including food, cards, books, and even a handcrafted quilt. Thank you!

I want to let you know how my family here in Walla Walla is helping.  I have to say that one of the most difficult things about this has been how it affects family.

Though our family has been rocked by this experience, Vince has been a rock. I focus on getting well and he is taking care of the logistics of my medical care, including being the contact person for the doctors/nurses/labs/schedulers.  If you know Vince, you know he has a coaching background, and that has been helpful, but he also let's me cry when I need—although I know it is hard for him.

"Team Jimenez" includes:

Blanca, my sister who is also a nurse, was with us most of the time in Seattle. She has helped in so many ways, including making sure I'm getting all the meds, nutrients I need, reading medical reports, etc.

My in-laws, Joe and Mary, take the kids when we have been gone to Seattle. They also drove their RV to Seattle for us to use. And to top if off, Mary comes to clean our house. How nice is that!

My mom, Teresa, brings me breakfast most every morning and picks up the kitchen. And my parents also have the kids at their house quite a bit. My dad, Miguel, likes to take the kids out and about.

Michael (Vince's brother) and Jill have also done fun things for the kids and especially for Marisa.

 

Home

We just arrived home from Seattle after ten days. Good to be home.

Yesterday I had a PET scan and my first treatment of Herceptin (not chemo as I wrote in an earlier post). Just a few minutes ago my oncologist called with the results of the PET scan. In summary, the spots on the liver are not cancerous. The spots on the lung are cancer, however, they are very small.

We are so happy the news is not as bad as we had feared. Next step: back to Seattle in two weeks for another PET scan to see if the treatment is being effective.

I don't even know what to write. I have never experienced the emotional roller coaster of these past days. I expect there will be more days like these ahead, but we will just plow through them. Knowing you care helps us through. Thanks for your prayers.

P.S. There were many times I wanted to blog or reply to emails these past days, but the wireless network at our RV park is slower than dial-up!

The Wait

To update you, I will actually receive my first chemo treatment Thursday evening. Earlier that day I will also have a PET scan, which will show whether the spots on my liver and lungs are malignant. So right now, we are in the so-called Waiting Room.

Our home-away-from-home is now an RV park off of I-90. My in-laws brought it over last weekend. It is very comfortable and convenient to Bellevue. (Does anyone know of a good massage therapist in the South Bellevue/Factoria area?)

My sisters are also in town to help me pass the time. Yesterday we went to Shoe Pavilion and I bought two pairs of shoes and one pair of boots at a going-out-of-business sale.

Your support means so much to us. I treasure every note of encouragement.

Up, Down and All Around

Completed this week's round of tests. While we had good news, we also had results that mean more tests. The bone scan didn't show signs of cancer, however, the CAT scan shows suspicious spots on my liver and lungs that will be evaluated further. Fortunately, the spots are small, but it was not the news we wanted to hear.

Although I did have the port placed, I did not have the first chemotherapy treatment. We are seeing the oncologist on Monday morning so we are staying in Seattle until then, and will probably be here through Wednesday.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of support.

This Week's Schedule

The Seattle adventures will continue this week. I have two tests on Wednesday to evaluate my heart (EKG and MUGA scan). On Thursday, I have a CAT scan and a bone scan.  Finally, on Friday the port will be placed in my chest and I have my first chemo treatment right after.

Fortunately, the days are going by quickly, much more quickly than the nights.  Blanca, my sister, will be traveling with Vince and me to Seattle. My sister, Diane, who lives in Olympia, may also join us.  The three of them were with me during the initial consult a couple of Fridays ago.  It was amusing to see the reaction of the doctors/nurses/staff who would enter the small examination room where I spent my first afternoon at the center. At one point, eight of us were in the room.  

We will be staying at the home of a WWU alumni couple. They were kind enough to let us stay there last week as well. WWU alumni are the best!

Relief

The test results came back. Yes, the lymph nodes are cancerous, but the spots on the right breast are not.

As some of you know, yesterday was rough for me.  My even-keeled nature is not accustomed to the emotional roller coaster of this experience!  Thank you for helping me through this. 

Seattle Tests

Have you ever spent an hour encased in a MRI machine? I have. We just returned from two days of tests at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

We now await the results of four biopsies I ended up taking today. Two for lymph nodes by the left breast and two for suspicious spots on the right breast (identified by the MRI and ultrasound).

Today we began to fully grasp the tough road we have ahead, but we remain optimistic. 

Friday Consult in Seattle

I wanted to let you know about our visit to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  We met our care team last Friday afternoon.  The team included an oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a radiation oncologist resident, and others. (We left the center with seven business cards each person gave us.)

After evaluating the medical tests done in Walla Walla, the oncologist's recommendation was to begin chemotherapy treatment before the mastectomy. The type of cancer I have is aggressive and there is a high probability that it has spread elsewhere.

After I begin chemo, they will know how effective the chemo is by monitoring how it affects the breast cancer, and in turn, cancer cells that may have spread elsewhere.

I'll be in Seattle next Tuesday and Wednesday to have an MRI, mammogram, and lymph node biopsy that will give doctors more information.

I have agreed to be part of a research study and the good thing is, I will receive additional monitoring throughout my treatment.

The most difficult part of this experience has been the waiting, but we feel great about the Seattle medical team.  And, we feel blessed that we will have the support of family, friends, and Walla Walla University (my workplace) that will be required for the Seattle treatment to happen.

Many of you have offered your help/support--from meals, prayers, and magazines to flowers, Bible passages, kid playdates, and plane transportation. Vince and I are so appreciative. Now that we know more about the road ahead, we may be taking you up on it.

Thank you!