After carrying around the chemo "pack" for 46 hours, I was able to have it removed yesterday. This ended my first chemo treatment. I can't tell you how nice the people are at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. They took the time to explain all the procedures and ensure that I was as comfortable as possible. They understand how scary this entire process is and want to put me at ease as much as possible.I have had a few side effects so far, the strangest were the bouts of sneezing and hiccuping. Also, I was effected by the cold. My hands would tingle like they were asleep - like stabbing needles. Then a few times my fingers would literally freeze in place - kind of lock up. But then it would go away. I've been taking nausea medication which does seem to be working well.
This entire process since I found out I was diagnosed with colon cancer has been a very scary one. From the surgery, to the chemo, to the unknown, I have had to make this journey whether I wanted to or not. I do know that I could not have done any of this without the love and support of my family, friends, nurses, surgeons and complete strangers. I am very thankful for everyones strength, support and understanding to help get me through this process. I am especially thankful to my husband, Jay and mother, Georgianna. I am very blessed to have them both in my life. I feel stronger when they are around and know I can get through anything with them there.
Acey was able to spend the weekend with his Auntie Merd and Uncle Fevzi, so he wouldn't have to spend time at the hospital. This was perfectly fine with him since they have a new Mastiff puppy and an entire Antique Store that he helps "run" while he is there. It seems he gets paid in antiques :)... his luggage was full of all kinds of goodies... His Auntie is a sucker for the Ace Man !!!
Jay took some pictures of Acey at Antika and the new puppy. If he doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. He will weigh as much as a grown man when he gets full grown. Isn't he cute? His name is Tonka......
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Hi Gidget - It seems like you are really bearing up well. I hope the side effects don't get any worse. It sounds good that the anti-nausea medicine is working.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photo of the little tank that Meridee and Fevzi call Tonka. We just received an email from Melonie that said they had just committed to two new Red Setter puppies to join their household.
Tammie is here to visit us for a few days and is helping Joyce do a deep cleaning of our house.
We will keep you in our prayers and look forward to seeing you sometime a little later in the year.
We love you - Ed and Joyce
Hi, Gidge
ReplyDeleteSo glad that the folks at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance are so good to you guys. 1 down and 11 to go - soon it will be 2 down and 10 to go...the numbers are moving in the right direction. It's good that you and Jay got a "Tonka Puppy Fix" after leaving the hospital. Puppies always make life better! I can't believe how much Tonka has grown since Christmas- what a cutie pie. Thanks for sharing, Love you three- Michelle
Sister;
ReplyDeleteI just want the readers to know what a strong, loving and purrrrrrfict, beautiful daughter you are! Your father and I were blessed when you arrived on 12-12-66. You were always squemish when it came to shots, blood, medicine and, when I saw how very strong and comitted you are to full recovery, going through your recent surgery and the treatments, I couldn't be prouder of you. Your focus on your health and that of your family, just reassures me there is NO DOUBT you will get that clean bill of health in the near future. I love you for who you are, my darling daughter, and am honored to be your mother.
I love you up to God and beyond all the planets (as Acey would say).
mom
So good to see you smiling Gidge and to hear that you're getting such good care. Lovin' the count down too.... :0) I think that "Tonka" is a good name for the puppy, since he's going to be as big as a truck at full growth.Keep us up with your updates and we'll see you after round two! Much love to you all.
ReplyDeleteAunt Kathi
Hi Gidge:
ReplyDeleteI have never been touched by a message as much as I was tonight. Georgianna, that was such a wonderful and supportive message to your daughter. It is no wonder Gidget has the strength and hope that she does because you have instilled it in her! Good job Mom!
We had the pure pleasure of having Acey spend two nights with us. Jay kind of questioned the timing since we have this "tank" as my Dad calls him (that cracked me up!) but it could not have worked out better. Acey and Tonka had a wonderful time playing together and we had so much fun just being with Acey. He is an awesome little boy. He is so easy to deal with, he listens and then respects what you say (Tonka hasn't learned that lesson yet!) but Acey is also a clown and kept us laughing constantly! We laughed as much at Acey as we did at Tonka's antics over the two days!
To all of you Texans, I think that it was really wonderful that you all got behind this blog to help support Jay, Gidget and Acey.
Love Meridee
Hi Gidget-
ReplyDeleteYour positive attitude about taking a journey that you did not choose is so inspiring - and you look so pretty along the way! We are very lucky to have YOU in our lives, as well, sweetie! How cool that Acey spent the weekend at Auntie Merd's and Uncle Fevzi's store - he is such a charmer...he should at least be able to balance what he earned in antiques with what he can sell =-) Please know that his Uncle Donnie and I would love to borrow him for a weekend of camping soon...he could join us when we go visit the litter of 9 red setter puppies. We still need make our choice of the litter for a baby girl puppy and a baby boy - they were only one week old just last weekend. I bet Acey could help us make a great choice!
Keep walking every day, Gidg, and eating lots of nutricious food - I know my brother is an awesome cook!
We love you lots and lots,
Melonie & Don