Happy Halloween!

Just wanted to update you on the past week. My counts were good when I saw the oncologist on Monday. My wound is slowly healing but because it is so deep, the surgeon still wants it packed 3 times a day. I will only need a nurse twice a week instead of daily. Tim will do the other packing. I'm now on an oral antibiotic which is much easier than the infusion 3 times a day.

The best part is that I am feeling so much better. I have more energy and interest in doing things again! The surgeon thinks that infection was brewing for awhile and so when I felt so awful it wasn't only the chemo affecting me. I still need a nap, but that's not so bad. I will have chemo again on Monday and another marathon day at Loyola. I'm praying that this dose will be as easy as the last!

I continue to be grateful for all the wonderful ways that you have helped and supported me through all this. It's not over, but only 3 treatments left. We'll deal with radiation later!

The sun has started to shine and the trick or treaters should be here soon!

Take Care,

Karen

Hello again!

Yes, it was a long Loyola visit on Monday. I was there from 10:30am until 8:15pm. I saw the infectious disease Dr. who is in charge of my antibiotics. He said I had a very serious infection. He was pleased with the look of the wound. He said it was clean but deep. It will take a long time to heal. I am nearing the end of taking the antibiotics, however. The hope is that there are no unseen pockets left which could develop into another infection.

Next oncology. Dr. Albain was happy that I would be starting chemo again. She said we are just skipping the dose I missed and it is not a problem. That means only 3 treatments of taxol left!! I had my neulasta shot today and I'm praying that it won't affect my knees as badly as last time. I can handle a little pain but I need to be able to walk!!

That's all for now!

Karen

Happy Friday!

I saw the surgeon today and he is pleased with the healing at the sites of the infection. He said that I can start chemo again next week. I feel so good right now that it is hard to face having more chemo. I know that I need to start back and the sooner the better. I pray the side effects of the taxol won't be too bad.

I have also developed lymphodema. It is a build up of fluid in my left arm and hand due to the infection. I will have to wear a glove and sleeve, but first physical therapy! One more Dr. visit to fit in my schedule.

On Monday I will see the infectious disease Dr. who is in charge of my antibiotics. Then I will see Dr. Albain and probably receive herceptin and taxol. The infusion of the drugs takes 4 hours so I will be at the hospital all day once again!

I'm still sleeping well, I have a good appetite and I'm in minimal discomfort. I'm grateful for that! I'll let you know how it goes on Monday!

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

I think it's official. Loyola has become our home away from home. I was there for 6 hours on Monday. I met with my oncologist and I can't get chemotherapy until my infection is better. I was able to get my herceptin which is a good thing.

On Tuesday I met with the surgeon. He was hoping that the infection site would look better. He cleaned up some of the dead tissue and packed it with medicated gauze. I go back today for a new dressing and again on Friday to see how things are going. I am grateful that I can sleep soundly and I have very little discomfort.

I'm very anxious to get back to school. Not sure when that will be, however. Thanks for all the fun surprises, visits, cards and well wishes. It really means alot!!

Take Care,

Karen

Hello All!

I came home from the hospital on Thursday night. I am so very glad to be home. The nurses and Drs. were wonderful at Loyola but as they say, "There's no place like home!" I have a wound where the infection is draining that must be packed daily by a visiting nurse. Then 3 times a day, I take an antibiotic through my port line. Tim and Laurie have helped learn the drill and they are very helpful.

I see the oncologist on Monday and the surgeon on Tuesday. I pray that this doesn't set me back to far with my chemo. I did not get any chemo while in the hospital. My antibiotic is very strong and I have to take it a total of 6 weeks.

I'm feeling pretty tired right now but I hope to gain strength soon. I really miss being able to teach! Thank goodness that Anne is there to keep things going!

Thanks for your continued prayers and good wishes for healing. It means alot!!

Take Care,

Karen

What a week it has been!

On Monday afternoon I went to the Loyola Emergency room on directions from my oncologist. I had a very red and hot patch under my left arm that seemed to be getting worse. I was admitted on Monday evening and here I am still waiting a week later. I have an infection that is being treated with antibiotics. However, when I came in my counts were so low that there wasn't much else they could do. So we waited. This would not be a difficult fix if I didn't have cancer. Yesterday I received another ultra sound and my wound started to ooze. This is a good sign. My body has enough power to help fight off the infection. Today I'm supposed to have the area drained and hopefully they can remove the infection. I'm really praying for that.

This has been a true test of patience. The time just creeps along here and the food is terrible! Each day I think I must be going home soon!!!!

I will let you know when I am finally released.

Karen

Hello good friends!

Sorry it's been awhile for an update. My two weeks off were nice. I was able to go to a wedding and a few other activities. I was still tired, but not as much as before.

Thursday was a marathon day at Loyola. I was there for 8 1/2 hours. I met with the Dr. and discussed the new treatment schedule. Then I was in bed getting the medicine and being observed for over 6 hours. I will be getting Herceptin every week. That takes an hour. Every other week I will get the Taxol, another chemo drug, that takes 3 hours to administer.

I had a wonderful Friday. I had energy and felt great. I got a shot at Loyola ( a white blood count booster) in the late afternoon.

Saturday was a little tough. My arthritic knees started to act up. I had difficulty sleeping because the pain was so great. Sunday I iced my knees but still am struggling with walking and pain. I think this might be from the shot. Joint pain is a side effect.

So each day is a new adventure in how my body will handle all this. Lots of surprises. Keep praying for patience and strength for me. I think I need that most!

Thanks for all your support during this long journey!

Karen

Karen