March 31, 2009
I thought I would share some helpful information from my naturopath. I had a follow-up appointment yesterday and we discussed an antioxidant diet and lifestyle. Once I start my Taxol treatments, I will be able to really shore up my immune system (while on the AC treatments, excess antioxidants are discouraged, because they interfere with the particula chemo drugs used.) I appreciate the approach my naturopath takes: she believes that trendy antioxidant drinks and supplements are not nearly as effective as getting those cancer-fighting vitamins and minerals from real food.
I thought I would make a short list of cancer-fighting foods that are easy to work into your diet. With summer coming up and farmers’ markets on every corner, what a good excuse to buy a flat of raspberries and snack away!
Green tea (whole leaf is best)
Raspberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Strawberries
Broccoli
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Walnuts
Brazil nuts (just three nuts gives you enough selenium for the day)
See? Wasn’t that easy? Rebecca H.-P. turned me on to the frozen berries at Trader Joe’s. In the evening, I mix together some frozen blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cherries and let them thaw in a bowl. Then I pour a tablespoon of heavy cream over the top and drizzle it with the tiniest bit of honey (really, less than ¼ teaspoon). It’s even good without the cream and honey. Oliver loves this. He scrapes the bowl with his spoon for so long we have to take the bowl away.
Kale is full of antioxidants and easy to make as a side dish. Just chop up a bunch of the leaves, boil them until soft, then sautee them in some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and red onion. A great side dish!
Green tea is probably the best antioxidant. The rate of cancer in Japan is incredibly low, and studies are showing that green tea is one reason. (A diet high in Omega-3s such as salmon, mackerel and sardines is another, but I have yet to incorporate fish into our diet – but I’m working on it!) The low cancer rate is apparently NOT hereditary: within a generation, Japanese people who come to America have the same rate of cancer as we Americans. That says something about our diet, no?
There are a couple tea places in Ballard and a great one on Queen Anne (http://seattleteacup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc). Go. Get some. Brew it up in the morning and have a couple cups. Invest in a teapot and keep in on your desk at work.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Checking in - March 27
March 27, 2009
Just checking in since my last infusion on Tuesday. It’s been a little bit rougher than the first two, but still manageable. My stomach has been a little more upset than last time, but juices and teas have helps quell the nausea. My medications taper off today (Friday), but I do have some back-up on hand that I haven’t used yet. It may come in handy this weekend. I am also keeping busy these next couple days. Oliver and I are joining some friends for a children’s concert at McCaw Hall Saturday, then Sunday Rebecca H.-P. and I are enjoying dim sum in the ID (preceded, hopefully, by a brisk walk with my Sunday Morning Running Group). That evening, Oliver has a gymnastics birthday party to attend – I’ve had a generous offer from an already-busy mom (thanks, Monica!) to take Oliver if I’m not feeling well, but I’d like to try and go (and maybe swing by a Starbucks to read and enjoy some quiet time while the kids play.)
And of course, tonight is the big Zags game! Whether I stay home or join some friends to watch it, I am sure it will be a nail biter.
Here’s hoping the typically rough weekend passes without much fanfare and I can start feeling better next week. I have one more of the “rough” infusions April 7, then things should get easier with the 12 weekly taxol treatments. I met a woman during my last infusion who was on her 11th taxol treatment. She said those were much easier and her hair even started growing back! Something to look forward to (although these wigs make getting ready in the morning pretty easy!)
Just checking in since my last infusion on Tuesday. It’s been a little bit rougher than the first two, but still manageable. My stomach has been a little more upset than last time, but juices and teas have helps quell the nausea. My medications taper off today (Friday), but I do have some back-up on hand that I haven’t used yet. It may come in handy this weekend. I am also keeping busy these next couple days. Oliver and I are joining some friends for a children’s concert at McCaw Hall Saturday, then Sunday Rebecca H.-P. and I are enjoying dim sum in the ID (preceded, hopefully, by a brisk walk with my Sunday Morning Running Group). That evening, Oliver has a gymnastics birthday party to attend – I’ve had a generous offer from an already-busy mom (thanks, Monica!) to take Oliver if I’m not feeling well, but I’d like to try and go (and maybe swing by a Starbucks to read and enjoy some quiet time while the kids play.)
And of course, tonight is the big Zags game! Whether I stay home or join some friends to watch it, I am sure it will be a nail biter.
Here’s hoping the typically rough weekend passes without much fanfare and I can start feeling better next week. I have one more of the “rough” infusions April 7, then things should get easier with the 12 weekly taxol treatments. I met a woman during my last infusion who was on her 11th taxol treatment. She said those were much easier and her hair even started growing back! Something to look forward to (although these wigs make getting ready in the morning pretty easy!)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Hair Shaving Experience
March 19, 2009
I am bald.
The moment I had feared from Day One has come. My hair started thinning around Day 17 of treatment, just as I had heard. By last Friday, my hair was coming out in handfuls and it was pretty difficult to take. Hair was everywhere – all over my clothes, covering my pillow and threatening to clog up the shower drain. That evening, with clippers in hand, Jason shaved my head on the back porch. My friend, Wendy, was there with the camera, but I’m not bold enough to post the images yet! I watched Jason with the clippers in a mirror. I wanted to see what was happening and didn’t want the all-at-once shock of seeing a bald head peering back at me in the mirror. I certainly didn’t like what I saw (and I still don’t!) but Jason insists I have a fabulously shaped head. A few days later, when the stubble wasn’t coming out, we took some duct tape and cleaned up my head! I still have patches of stubble, but most of it is gone. It’s pretty shocking to see myself in the mirror in the morning, but it’s getting easier. I have a few fun wigs that look pretty natural and, paired with hats, I feel comfortable out and about. I went to the gym with just a cap on Wednesday morning, and no one stared! I think I am overestimating others’ interest in my appearance. I think it’s true: most people are so wrapped up in themselves – especially at the gym – that they rarely notice the appearance of others!
Like the first round of chemo, I found that the nausea is well controlled while I’m on the anti-nausea medication, but tougher once it wears off. I had a few rough spots on days five, six and seven, but by day eight I was feeling back to normal. I do have some Zofran that I can take during those times, and I think I’ll take some next round. Feeling “off” physically just throws me off mentally and emotionally as well.
Next infusion is March 24 – Rebecca H.-P. is joining me.
I am bald.
The moment I had feared from Day One has come. My hair started thinning around Day 17 of treatment, just as I had heard. By last Friday, my hair was coming out in handfuls and it was pretty difficult to take. Hair was everywhere – all over my clothes, covering my pillow and threatening to clog up the shower drain. That evening, with clippers in hand, Jason shaved my head on the back porch. My friend, Wendy, was there with the camera, but I’m not bold enough to post the images yet! I watched Jason with the clippers in a mirror. I wanted to see what was happening and didn’t want the all-at-once shock of seeing a bald head peering back at me in the mirror. I certainly didn’t like what I saw (and I still don’t!) but Jason insists I have a fabulously shaped head. A few days later, when the stubble wasn’t coming out, we took some duct tape and cleaned up my head! I still have patches of stubble, but most of it is gone. It’s pretty shocking to see myself in the mirror in the morning, but it’s getting easier. I have a few fun wigs that look pretty natural and, paired with hats, I feel comfortable out and about. I went to the gym with just a cap on Wednesday morning, and no one stared! I think I am overestimating others’ interest in my appearance. I think it’s true: most people are so wrapped up in themselves – especially at the gym – that they rarely notice the appearance of others!
Like the first round of chemo, I found that the nausea is well controlled while I’m on the anti-nausea medication, but tougher once it wears off. I had a few rough spots on days five, six and seven, but by day eight I was feeling back to normal. I do have some Zofran that I can take during those times, and I think I’ll take some next round. Feeling “off” physically just throws me off mentally and emotionally as well.
Next infusion is March 24 – Rebecca H.-P. is joining me.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Second Infusion – Update
Once again be prepared to be left in tears and a state of awe...Sheila does not disappoint. Birthday wishes to beautiful six year old O (and an extra snug for the mama who brought him into our world), special hopes of good times with friends this weekend, and may your belly feel well and your energy level & spirits soar, girl.
Sheila writes:
I had my second chemotherapy infusion Tuesday and it went very well. My appointment ran quite late, so by the time I got home, I had a quick bite to eat, then went to bed fairly early. Wednesday morning I had a quick shot at the docs to boost my white cell count, then took a brisk walk with my mom up to the post office to mail my tax packet to my accountant in Bellevue. We also stopped and got some things for Oliver’s little birthday celebration Saturday and swung by the wig shop on Phinney Ridge to pick up my wig!
This wig is really great. It’s a synthetic wig, but it looks very shiny and real. It matches my hair color almost exactly, and the style is what I aspire to on a good hair day. It was a real morale boost to see that it looked very cute and natural. I have also borrowed a real-hair wig from a friend that is darker and longer than my hair, but quite cute as well, especially with a knit cap over the top.
Over the past few days, my hair has been coming out. Each time I run my fingers through it, out come about 20 strands. In the shower, it’s even more dramatic. It’s feeling a bit thinner to me, and at this rate, we’ll probably have to go ahead and shave it before the end of the week. This is the one part of the treatment so far I have been dreading the most, but over the past few weeks, I have thought about it a lot and generally come to terms with it. Getting this wig today with my mom has really helped me feel better about things. Stay tuned – if I’m brave enough, I may post some photos.
My fatigue and nausea so far (day 3) has been very minimal. Knock on wood, but I have been feeling much better than I did immediately after the initial infusion two weeks ago. A lot of that has to do with my anxiety level, I’m sure. The first time, I was very scared and did not know what to expect. After the first infusion I was tired and a bit nauseous, which actually got worse on days 5 and 6 (the weekend). By last Sunday night, I was feeling stronger, and I spent much of the remaining week feeling good. By last Wednesday I felt completely normal. I was very pleased to have bounced back as I did, as many people on chemo do not. I’d like to attribute it to my overall good health, but I do think my vitamins, exercise, acupuncture and reflexology play a part as well. I have been walking and working out on the cycle at the gym as often as possible, and have been instructed by my PT to do some light exercise when I feel tired. Studies have shown that light exercise helps with fatigue, while heavy exercise tends to adversely affect the immune system in chemo patients. I’m glad I learned this, as I would probably tend to push myself as much as I could, thinking I was doing myself a favor. It’s hard to sit on the spin bike at the gym, listening to my spin songs, and not want to work at a “level 10.”
Acupuncture is still going well – I had another appointment this morning. I’m still slightly skeptical, since it seems that the doctor doesn’t really do much while I’m there, but I’m committed. Relexology, as I mentioned in the last blog, was terrific – I have another session Friday. It was the most relaxing treatment I think I have ever had – even more relaxing than a full body massage. I did find some relieve from nausea after my treatment.
For those of you who had heard, Emma, my 19 year old cat, was on death’s door last weekend (which probably had a lot to do with my physical and mental fatigue during that same time). She’s not been well, and has suffered stroke-like symptoms over the past couple months, but had bounced back. She took ill again a couple weeks ago, but thanks to several saline infusions, bloodwork, and some antibiotics administered by my best friend Shannon (a phenomenal veterinarian and the only one I would entrust my treasured pets to!), Emma has bounced back to her somewhat frail, usually asleep, often yowling, deaf, 19-year-old self. I know she’s not long for this world, but Dr. Shannon gave her a new lease on life, and for that, I will FOREVER be thankful!
I’m looking forward to a visit from Wendy (dear friend from Minneapolis, fellow cancer survivor and author of this blog’s The Weekly Rap) tonight. She’s flying standby, thanks to Lynae, who is a manager at Alaska Airlines. Friday, Oliver turns six, and he’s having a small gathering of friends here Saturday morning. At his request, he’s being paid a visit from The Bubbleman (http://www.bubbleman.com/) a quirky fellow you’re familiar with only if you have young children!
Oliver’s been lucky enough to have some fun playdates this week – yesterday with his buddy Samuel, and today with his beloved preschool teacher Anne. What a lucky boy! And what a lucky mom and stepdad, who are able to catch some rest while O is off at play. We have all been enjoying the generosity of our friends, who have come over and made our beds, sent us amazing meals, delivered stunningly beautiful bouquets, send hilarious artwork and letters from my grade school days, and kept in touch via phone, cards and calls.
I’m completely jazzed that the sun is out, and hoping it holds through Oliver’s birthday Saturday.
Crossing fingers my energy level holds steady so I can attend Lara’s “X”ortieth birthday party Sunday (in honor of Lara, I’m not saying the “f” word either!)
Busy week, but lots to look forward to!
Sheila writes:
I had my second chemotherapy infusion Tuesday and it went very well. My appointment ran quite late, so by the time I got home, I had a quick bite to eat, then went to bed fairly early. Wednesday morning I had a quick shot at the docs to boost my white cell count, then took a brisk walk with my mom up to the post office to mail my tax packet to my accountant in Bellevue. We also stopped and got some things for Oliver’s little birthday celebration Saturday and swung by the wig shop on Phinney Ridge to pick up my wig!
This wig is really great. It’s a synthetic wig, but it looks very shiny and real. It matches my hair color almost exactly, and the style is what I aspire to on a good hair day. It was a real morale boost to see that it looked very cute and natural. I have also borrowed a real-hair wig from a friend that is darker and longer than my hair, but quite cute as well, especially with a knit cap over the top.
Over the past few days, my hair has been coming out. Each time I run my fingers through it, out come about 20 strands. In the shower, it’s even more dramatic. It’s feeling a bit thinner to me, and at this rate, we’ll probably have to go ahead and shave it before the end of the week. This is the one part of the treatment so far I have been dreading the most, but over the past few weeks, I have thought about it a lot and generally come to terms with it. Getting this wig today with my mom has really helped me feel better about things. Stay tuned – if I’m brave enough, I may post some photos.
My fatigue and nausea so far (day 3) has been very minimal. Knock on wood, but I have been feeling much better than I did immediately after the initial infusion two weeks ago. A lot of that has to do with my anxiety level, I’m sure. The first time, I was very scared and did not know what to expect. After the first infusion I was tired and a bit nauseous, which actually got worse on days 5 and 6 (the weekend). By last Sunday night, I was feeling stronger, and I spent much of the remaining week feeling good. By last Wednesday I felt completely normal. I was very pleased to have bounced back as I did, as many people on chemo do not. I’d like to attribute it to my overall good health, but I do think my vitamins, exercise, acupuncture and reflexology play a part as well. I have been walking and working out on the cycle at the gym as often as possible, and have been instructed by my PT to do some light exercise when I feel tired. Studies have shown that light exercise helps with fatigue, while heavy exercise tends to adversely affect the immune system in chemo patients. I’m glad I learned this, as I would probably tend to push myself as much as I could, thinking I was doing myself a favor. It’s hard to sit on the spin bike at the gym, listening to my spin songs, and not want to work at a “level 10.”
Acupuncture is still going well – I had another appointment this morning. I’m still slightly skeptical, since it seems that the doctor doesn’t really do much while I’m there, but I’m committed. Relexology, as I mentioned in the last blog, was terrific – I have another session Friday. It was the most relaxing treatment I think I have ever had – even more relaxing than a full body massage. I did find some relieve from nausea after my treatment.
For those of you who had heard, Emma, my 19 year old cat, was on death’s door last weekend (which probably had a lot to do with my physical and mental fatigue during that same time). She’s not been well, and has suffered stroke-like symptoms over the past couple months, but had bounced back. She took ill again a couple weeks ago, but thanks to several saline infusions, bloodwork, and some antibiotics administered by my best friend Shannon (a phenomenal veterinarian and the only one I would entrust my treasured pets to!), Emma has bounced back to her somewhat frail, usually asleep, often yowling, deaf, 19-year-old self. I know she’s not long for this world, but Dr. Shannon gave her a new lease on life, and for that, I will FOREVER be thankful!
I’m looking forward to a visit from Wendy (dear friend from Minneapolis, fellow cancer survivor and author of this blog’s The Weekly Rap) tonight. She’s flying standby, thanks to Lynae, who is a manager at Alaska Airlines. Friday, Oliver turns six, and he’s having a small gathering of friends here Saturday morning. At his request, he’s being paid a visit from The Bubbleman (http://www.bubbleman.com/) a quirky fellow you’re familiar with only if you have young children!
Oliver’s been lucky enough to have some fun playdates this week – yesterday with his buddy Samuel, and today with his beloved preschool teacher Anne. What a lucky boy! And what a lucky mom and stepdad, who are able to catch some rest while O is off at play. We have all been enjoying the generosity of our friends, who have come over and made our beds, sent us amazing meals, delivered stunningly beautiful bouquets, send hilarious artwork and letters from my grade school days, and kept in touch via phone, cards and calls.
I’m completely jazzed that the sun is out, and hoping it holds through Oliver’s birthday Saturday.
Crossing fingers my energy level holds steady so I can attend Lara’s “X”ortieth birthday party Sunday (in honor of Lara, I’m not saying the “f” word either!)
Busy week, but lots to look forward to!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Checking In and Updating You All
Hi everyone – thought I’d better check in and let everyone know how I am doing. Things went better than expected following the chemotherapy last Tuesday. I experienced hardly any nausea – the medications they gave me worked great. I was on those meds for four days, then off by Saturday. That’s when the fatigue really set in. That took me off guard – I had been prepared for nausea, but not prepared to feel as weak and tired as I did. The weekend was difficult, but I started feeling much better Sunday night and things are going well now. I have this week off, then have my next infusion next Tuesday, March 10. I am still experiencing bits of light nausea here and there, but nothing bad enough to do anything about.
On an interesting note, I had my first reflexology appointment tonight. Reflexology is the therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating pressure points on the feet. My 90 minute appointment was amazing. So very relaxing. I do feel that it helped quell some nausea I had been experiencing, but moreover, I left feeling incredibly light and relaxed. I am definitely going back next week for another appointment.
This week I also had a physical therapy and counseling appointment, both part of the ACTIVE program at Swedish. The program is for people who are anxious to get back into an exercise routine. I did some arm exercises to help loosen up my shoulder and also saw a counselor to talk about cancer-related fears and concerns. Both were great appointments, and I go back for another session tomorrow (Thursday). I’m also back to see my acupuncturist Friday.
I have also been doing a little work (in between appointments!) and that’s felt great. It is nice to get back into the work groove a bit – I do love routine. I also appreciate the diversion and the adrenaline rush from trying to get everything done by deadline.
Thank you to everyone for the cards, emails, meals and favors that keep on coming. It’s so nice to know I’m in your thoughts!
On an interesting note, I had my first reflexology appointment tonight. Reflexology is the therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating pressure points on the feet. My 90 minute appointment was amazing. So very relaxing. I do feel that it helped quell some nausea I had been experiencing, but moreover, I left feeling incredibly light and relaxed. I am definitely going back next week for another appointment.
This week I also had a physical therapy and counseling appointment, both part of the ACTIVE program at Swedish. The program is for people who are anxious to get back into an exercise routine. I did some arm exercises to help loosen up my shoulder and also saw a counselor to talk about cancer-related fears and concerns. Both were great appointments, and I go back for another session tomorrow (Thursday). I’m also back to see my acupuncturist Friday.
I have also been doing a little work (in between appointments!) and that’s felt great. It is nice to get back into the work groove a bit – I do love routine. I also appreciate the diversion and the adrenaline rush from trying to get everything done by deadline.
Thank you to everyone for the cards, emails, meals and favors that keep on coming. It’s so nice to know I’m in your thoughts!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Staying Strong
I saw Sheila on Monday for a couple of appointments. She looked young and fit. She felt a bit tired. She is staying busy and strong and inspiring as ever. I will report in further as news arises (or I will post something from her if she writes soon). Until then- keep the positive mojo flowing...
k
k
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
