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.