Not What We Expected

I think my Oncologist and I were disappointed in the PET Scan results. We felt that I was on my way to Remission. Instead they found a 1 centimeter lymph node just below the thoracic inlet worrisome for metastatic disease. There is a similar sized subcarinal node and a right hilar lymph node. The differential for each of these nodes is metastatic disease versus reactive nodes. The two others found in previous study are stable when compared to previous examination.

My Oncologist is going to re-adjust my Tarceva to a higher dosage but less than the 150 mg I started with. Recently I've been taking 100 mg. The dosage he's trying to achieve is 125mg.
I'll be seeing the Radiation Doctor in a few days and I'm sure he'll also discuss this with me.

It's no use getting worried about this new "sighting". All we can do is keep an eye on them and see if they grow. I'm certainly doing all I can with diet, exercise, medication, and a good attitude.

Next time I post it will be with photos of my mother's 95th birthday celebration.

A Lot to Talk About

Sophie and Ben hanging out with the cowboy pumpkin.
Diane pushing Sophie and Gary pushing Ben at Disneyland.
Ben and Sophie in front of the Disneyland Train Station.

Gary and Diane invited me to go to Disneyland with their family as we did last year. I was thrilled because it was another chance to spend some fun time with them. We went by car with our usual stop at the Palm Springs Outlet Stores and again I found some great buys. Stopping there gives us a chance to stretch out legs, use the rest rooms and find some bargains.

Monday was our travel day. We stayed at the Hilton this time which was a 20 minute walk from Disneyland or we could drive and park the car. We chose the walk. The rooms were next to each other and overlooked Disneyland. Sophie and Ben spent hours sitting at the window looking at the park. The rooms were very comfortable and the staff was very friendly.

Tuesday we enjoyed the rides and seeing the Disney characters. It's fun to watch Sophie and Ben's enjoyment. We started with the Soaring California ride which is one of my favorites. We walked miles around the park sometimes going on some of the rides twice. Wednesday we spent at the California park and had a great time on all they had to offer.

Thursday we went to Long Beach to visit the Aquarium. It was fantastic. By far it was the best aquarium I had ever seen. We all enjoyed the hands on with the small sharks and other fish.

Thursday evening we went to the Disney Park for Trick or Treat. What great fun that was. We received a bag and there were stations all over both parks with candy. There were lots of other entertainments too. It was such a great time.

Friday we were back at the Disney park and a little surprised at how crowded the park was that day compared to our first days. Then the light went on--it was a holiday weekend (Columbus Day on Monday) and some schools had Friday off which made for a long weekend. It was so crowded that I waited in line as long to use the rest room as it was to get on a ride. Too many people for me and I went back to the hotel to take it easy. When Gary, Diane, Sophie and Ben came in the evening they said Disneyland had to close the park because they were full. That was also the day the Indiana Jones ride opened for the first time.

Saturday we started back to Phoenix. Another stop at the Palm Springs Outlets netted us more bargains and by the time we arrived at my house it was pitch black outside.

Sunday I rode my bike, did my laundry from the trip and watched my waterfall overflow. The upside of that was all my plants and trees in the back received a good watering. My neighbor helped me turn it off so that Don could fix it when he came home two days later. As it turned out my neighbor had fixed the float so there was nothing for Don to fix.

Don arrived on Tuesday morning and had a good trip. He's readjusting to the higher temperature and with the golf course closed he's able to relax and catch up on TV shows. He isn't able to pick up any television stations on the island although most islanders have dishes. He's out and about so much that it's hardly worthwhile to have one installed for 4 months.

We went to Sophie's school carnival with Gary's family Thursday evening. Don and I had a chance to spend time with just the grand kids by having them over on Sunday to the pool for a swim . There were quite a few kids their ages in the pool so they had a great time. Once we changed clothes we took them to McDonalds for lunch and the play area. From there we went to the movies to see CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS. Don and I are embarrassed to say that we both fell asleep during the movie. The kids loved it. We finished the day with a trip to Culvers for grilled cheese sandwiches and Culver's frozen custard.

The sun is up so it's time for my bike ride. I've brought you up to date for now. See you when I get the results of my PET scan at the end of the month.

Bicycle Accident

Last week I had a bicycle accident. It wasn't too bad. I only injured my right elbow and right knee. It was totally my fault. I was riding with a friend and she was in front of me and we were both riding around a pickup truck parked on the road. I looked back to see how close traffic was and when I looked forward my front wheel hit her back wheel. Fortunately I was the only one who fell down. Now here is the great part of my story--every car that went by us after my fall and even the owner of the pickup offered us help with a ride or whatever we needed. I was filled with so much gratitude for their kindness. I couldn't get over it.

We did accept the pickup truck's driver offer of a ride home because he could put our bikes in the back. By the time we arrived at our guardhouse, I was ready to stretch my knee so I rode the rest of the way to my house and thanked the driver for helping us. I felt like it was just a scratch till my knee started growing a doorkknob and even contemplated going to Buns & Abs in the afternoon. Then I realized how limited I would be in exercising and stayed home. The next day I was a little more sore so I knew I had made the right decision.

I did go to Julie's class on Saturday and since I was becoming apprehensive about getting on the bike again, I rode to the fitness center on my bike. She had the best, strongest class that day. I knew that I could ride my bike on Sunday and I did. You should see my elbow and knee now they are so much better--nearly healed.

You'll notice I didn't talk about my golf. I'm hitting my clubs but in the bunkers. What is it about sand? Did I really think I needed more sand practice. Who knows! If there was a prize for getting in the most bunkers I would win hands down. Each time I go out to play it's always a mystery who'll show up...my alter ego or me. On a positive note the temperature is in the 90s and it's more pleasant to play. I go out each time with the hope that this time it'll be the old Maria hitting and putting. Wish me luck.

What a Busy Week

Some of my friends have come back from their cooler hiding places. Five of us met for Brunch at the Anacapa Restaurant here on campus. We had a delicious meal and lots of great conversation. I'm still doing my 11 mile bike ride so I could eat everything I wanted. The next day I did Kickboxing and that's a great workout too.

I'm back to playing Mah Jongg on Monday afternoons. I was spending those summer afternoons with Sophie doing crafts. Hopefully Sophie and I will pick up where we left off next summer. It would be great if I could have a half day with Ben during the summer too.

Betty, my neighbor, hosted Bunco Night at her house and I had a great time. I wasn't one of the winners. Winning is truly secondary because it's the friendships and conversations we're there for. Since we change partners after each number we enjoy being able to talk to everyone.

I biked again the next day, had lunch with Gary at Sauce and was able to see Diane and Ben. Sophie was in school and Ben was on his way to his class. When I came home I just had time to shower and change for Cyndi's birthday party hosted by Catherine. Catherine made pizza, lamb chops, french fries, broccoli, carrots and a Caesar salad. We were overwhelmed with all the great food. There was also a meringue pie with raspberry or strawberry sauce. Then the laughter started. We laughed for 2 hours straight and exchanged gifts for just about as long. I was sure my laughing muscles would be sore the next day and they were.

I should tell my Oncologist about all these laughter fests I've enjoyed. It could be what's speeding up my way to remission.

Golf on Friday is with 18 hole friends. This time I finally stopped digging my clubs in the ground and hit some good shots. I scored a 96 which I haven't been able to do since 6/23/09--I checked. I thought it had been a year because it seemed like forever since I had a decent game. Later I went to the movies with Rhonda and while we were waiting to get in the theater we came face to face with 3 ladies from Corte Bella who I met at Lady Putters. What a pleasant surprise.

After the movie we went to PeiWei my favorite place and also Rhonda's as it turned out. As always we were not disappointed with our Chopped Asian Chicken Salad. My mouth is watering just typing the name.

Saturday was a really special day. Three of my Fitness Buddies and I decided to go to Palm Springs to shop the Discount Stores there. It's loaded with about 100 stores--Designer clothes, shoes, purses and then the usuals. I drove because I have the biggest car and we would need all that space for all our packages. It's 4 1/2 hours to get there, maybe less if there's no road construction. We shopped for 3 hours and drove back. Of course the best time was the laughter in the car. Catherine and Cathey kept us laughing all the time. Cyndi had quite a few great one liners too. She was my co-pilot and was getting a lot of grief from Cathey in the back seat.

On our way coming and going we found the 2 worst Rest Stops in Arizona and managed to stop at both of them. Considering 3 1/2 of us are a little germaphobic, it happened to the wrong people. Call me if you want to know where they are. You really want to miss these if you can.

Today is Vegg day. My foot is in the gas pedal position and I have to wait for it to relax. Tomorrow we have a golf event called Member/Member and I'm golfing with one of the sweetest ladies here, Elena. We'll have fun and that's why we'll be there.

We'll soon be in some of our best weather--October still very warm, but cooler at night.

"GREAT"

After all this time I wonder if anyone is reading my blog but just in case you are I'll bring you up to date on yesterday's Oncologist appointment. My Oncologist moved from his office on 27th Ave/101 to 5th Ave and Osborn. It was quite a ride over there. The 101 was jammed so I took to the Avenues. Charlie used to live in at 16th St/Osborn so I was acquainted with most of the streets. All in all a it was a positive experience in finding my way around Phoenix without the expressway.

My doctor questioned what changes took place once I went on the lower dosage Tarceva. Some of them were pleasant others were disappointing. I won't go into detail. He always asks me about the supplements I'm taking and since I'm having swelling and pain in my feet he's upped my B6 since that has worked so well on the neurapathy since I started on it 2 years ago.

Then we talked about the Lab results and the first thing he said was, "Great, I have never had a cancer patient with such great results in such a short time". He wanted to take my photo and make me the poster child because he's so happy with my progress.

I mentioned that I was flying for the first time in two years. He asked me what I was going to do and I answered that I would wear a mask and wash my hands often during and after the flight. He was satisfied with those precautions. So I'll be able to be with my mother and celebrate her 95th birthday. I'm so excited and I know she is too.

I'll be making an appointment for my PET Scan as soon as the Oncologist's office gets approval from the insurance. It'll probably be towards the end of October and I'll see the Ocologist a few days later to get the results. I'm hoping for the best.

I've been down in the dumps with the intense summer heat and lack of monsoons, but finally it's cool enough at dawn for my 10 mile bike ride. It's really energized me again. Most of the summer I exercised then was too sapped from the heat to do much else. Now I feel great especially after a cooling bike ride.

How Long Has It Been?

I just can't believe I haven't posted in over a month. Things have been happening so I apologize for not doing it sooner. I'm adding some recent photos of Sophie and Ben so you'll forgive me for the delay.

Sophie and I spent Monday afternoons together either making cards or painting pottery. It was great fun and something I hope we'll be able to do next year. She started school Aug. 3 and that was the end of our crafting afternoons.

Dennis came to visit at the end of July. Together we spent time with Sophie and Ben who love their Uncle Dennis. My friends always enjoy seeing Dennis too so we attended the Italian American Club Dinner at our Anacapa Grill. The food was good, but the conversation was even better. I have a very helpful neighbor who I can call on when there's a need and the following evening Dennis and I hosted a dinner for them at Arrowhead Grill and it was very good. We enjoyed getting to know them even better.

Every August one of our ladies sets up a golf outing in Prescott at Talking Rock Golf Course. It's cooler there but in the past when we went the weather was extreme: wind and rain. This year it was warm and sunny. There were only 16 of us because so many of our golfers were traveling north to visit friends and family or trying to find some cooler places. It was great fun and as always the lunch was worth the trip. I don't remember a summer when so many from here were traveling so much. If all my test results are good next year I'll be doing some summer travel myself. Summer lasts two months too long.

The second half of August we were experiencing some cooler mornings and I took advantage of them by getting on my bike and riding 7 miles. It's my short route and I do it twice a week. I love riding my bike. It makes me feel free and it's a nice addition to my workout schedule. Here's the week: Biking on Sunday, Kickboxing and Yoga on Monday, golf and elliptical machine on Tuesday, biking and Buns & Abs on Wednesday, golf and elliptical machine on Thursday, golf and Yoga on Friday and a cardio/strength/stretch class on Saturday. Once the temperature goes down under 100 I'll add the Aqua classes on Thursdays and Saturdays.

I've had to change my workout schedule because of my feet. This summer my toes and the balls of my feet are swollen and it's difficult to put any weight on them as in Yoga poses so I've had to give up Pilates/Yoga on Monday and Thursday mornings because that class is Yoga on speed. Once in a while I do the noon Yoga on Monday and Friday because I know how important the breathing is for me. I would probably do it more but noon makes it difficult to get there.

My Oncologist stopped the Tarceva for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed life without side effects for those days. He lowered the dosage hoping it would lessen the side effects and it has. And I hope that the Tarceva is still doing as great a job in it's new form. The Tarceva won't help me if the cancer goes to my brain though. Tarceva is a chemo pill and the chemo can't get up to the brain. So of course the day I forgot my own phone number was panic city for me. The following day I couldn't hit any of my clubs instead I was digging holes in the grass. I thought for sure my goose was cooked. But friends my age and younger tell me they've had the same experiences. So no more panic.

I'll be seeing my Oncologist in September so I'll post the results next time. Here's hoping all is well with me and you.

There was no news till now

I waited till I saw my Oncologist and Radiation Doctor this week to post because I thought you would like an update on where things stand. My Oncologist is very happy with the way things are going and tells me I'm doing a good job which honestly I needed to hear. He said I should stop taking the Tarceva for a week or so until all the side effects are gone and when I start taking it again the dosage will be dropped from 150 mg to 100 to keep the side effects from being so severe. He said that except for a high histamine reading on my blood test because my allergies are in full force, my blood test was great. There's no cancer activity. My next appointment will be in September and we'll make an appointment for the next PET scan at that time.

My Radiation doctor was amazed that I'm not on any medication except the Tarceva. He asked me twice thinking I didn't understand him. He's happy about that and he's also happy with the plans my Oncologist has made for a PET Scan in September. He isn't a big fan of Tarceva I gather because every hiccup or sneeze I have he attributes to that medication. He's glad I'll be taking a lower dosage. He said something about the spot on my liver and had my full attention. "I have a spot of my Liver?", I asked. So he looked at the last PET scan results again and found instead that I have a gallstone in my gallbladder which is near the neck. That's a long way from a spot on the liver and I started breathing again. He's also happy with my results. He doesn't need to see me till the first week in November. He's not planning on another Brain MRI till next April thank goodness. Ever have one of those? Noisy and confining.

So my doctors didn't have to take me off the golf course this summer. I'm actually finding I get too exhausted from the heat and golf at 6 a.m. or not at all.

This week I had an attitude adjustment by traveling to Flagstaff with 3 golfing friends to participate in an invitational at Pinewood. We played the course when we arrived in town and then went to our hotel which was very nice. Once we had our suitcases in our rooms we got together to...what else...play Mah Jongg. It was so much fun because we all won a game and laughed through the entire evening. Then we were ready for Baskin Robbins and one of their great ice cream treats. I slept like a log.

The following morning we went to the course for the continental breakfast, met the other ladies in our foursome and played a course with trees. Trees all over the course and water, there was hardly a bunker to get in. I could have played better, but I saved it all for the last two holes. Once we came off the course we had a delicious lunch and the raffle prizes were awarded. Then we left for home leaving behind 85 degrees for 115 in Phoenix.

It was a wonderful trip and we laughed and enjoyed every minute. I would love to do it again next year. I see how important it is for me to have a change of scene now and then because I was feeling like I was in a rut and isolated. What a great attitude adjustment I had.