The Home Stretch

Today was set to be Jamie's final (hooray!) IP chemo treatment (#6 of 6), ringing in the New Year finished, but she picked up a post-holiday bug of some sort on Friday, so this treatment will be slightly delayed until she's up for it. She's already on the mend and feeling a bit better today, which is great. This last treatment had been delayed a little already since it would've fallen on December 23/24.

All has been well since the last post with Jamie and John chugging along side-by-side at work, and doing their usual busy holiday activities. Aunt Jamie also started a great tradition this year of taking all her sisters and their daughters to The Nutcracker in Seattle, and it was an amazing and simply magical holiday evening. We loved it and are already looking forward to next year!

Here's to a wonderful, healthy, and adventure-filled 2008! It's already starting off perfectly with Jamie in remission, and with only one more treatment to wrap up. Here's to a Happy New Year in '08 that'll see Jamie & John ringing in 2009 in sunny Sydney, Australia!!

Evening News

Ironically an early start yesterday to avoid an weather delays has transpired into the latest discharge time yet. We checked in just before 9 am. There was little snow on the ground north of Olympia and traffic was light, making for a speedy trip. After rejecting our first room due to a poor cleaning we moved down the hall only to find our selves in dimmer circumstances, as only one of the lights worked. Even though patient load was light, staffing was even lighter and the first bags from the pharmacy didn't get plugged in unitl after 3 PM. Chemo got going while Ken and Chris visited, as I snuck out to the School of Architecture Library to do a quick study on pressure treating glu-lams.

Still plagued by second day drop of my DSL connection at UWMC, I haven't worked up much of a post. I interogated Christine, today's chemo nurse for good gossip despite her own personal desire for Grey's Anatomy like drama to spice here work life up (or at least McDreamy like surgeons).

So Jamie made it through #5 OK, cheered on by visits from both our parents last night. Thanks for the Vietnamese dinner Mom C.

Tonight Jamie is bloated and seems a little rougher than ussual so I will round up some take out ASAP and start pushing the pills. Spirits are pretty good though as we can see the end coming.

The Wood clan is in quarantine, recovering from some sort of kid bug so we are without their company. We wish them a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them soon in full form.

I hope all have survived the storm. My thanks to Jaon for checking on the basement. I worry little about the house, but feared that GB and BB would be using their litterbox as a life raft, drifiting around the basement.

Good night.

Tooting my own Horn (Again!)

Most of you know I had a PET and CT Scan on the 8th. I've been waiting for the "official" results from Dr. Goff before I posted. We still have to talk about them, but Heidi her nurse, described them as "beautiful" with nothing on them. She wanted me to know first hand and to keep up the good work. They don't really have a baseline of my lymph glands, so they wanted to do a scan to see where they were at. I am still going forward as scheduled with all six IP chemo's, per Dr. Goff's recommendation. I guess according to Heidi, I am the first patient to go thru all six dose dense chemo's and all six IP chemo rounds. They are quite unsure what to make of me LOL. They wanted to make sure my bone marrow was keeping up with the IP and it all looks good. It's taking me about a week to feel good after IP, but all in all, it's worth it. Cancer has come a knocking and I'm kicking it to the curb for good.

4th Down

We arrived yesterday without incident, Jamie swiftly admitted and assigned to Room 7348. I followed Jamie into the room, deposited our bags in the closet and set to find a sleeper chair. After pirating one from the adjacent room, I left Jamie to settle herself and went to the lobby to return a cell phone call.

When I came back, the room was vacant and Jamie was now next door with someone from facilities fidgeting with the TV control. Apparently our original room had an annoying mechanical rattle in the ceiling and she had requested a new room, only to find the TV was not tuning all available channels. This would have been a minor issue if it were not channel 41, agitated and unfashionable midget TV, that was not available.

Our diligent “engineer” as the nurse called him (I refrained from correcting her) spent the next hour re programming and swapping out those special TV / light / call controllers while trying not to get in the way of the nurses and the med student going through the pre treatment rigors. Finally Jennie our nurse took control and asked if we could just have a standard TV remote so we could key in number 41, the hot rod and tattoo channel, ourselves. He said he didn’t think he had one but would be back.

He was gone for some time and both Jennie and I began to speculate as to his whereabouts. I having been a maintenance person myself new the perils and demands of his profession and assumed that he had been called to one of those post executive meeting clean ups where he and his custodial equivalents eat leftover croissants and cookies, after being tipped off by some high powered executive assistant who will later ask for an “extra” bulletin board or other chore done off the record.

Alas I was wrong however, probably because it was Sunday and our engineer was obviously faking his cordial reply when I saw him across the cafeteria cashier line and he said “I will be back in a few minutes”.

But true to his word, he did return and after trying one more bedside controller, relinquished a standard TV remote. By this time Jamie was being accessed and although I assume that he is not squeamish, still he seemed glad to be moving on.

I had seen nurse Christie on the sidewalk last Thursday, from behind easily recognizable by her uniform bright red Dansko shoes and blue scrubs. She was actually off work and returning from class the school of nursing. She said that she was on duty for the coming Monday and we should expect at least a brief visit if she was not assigned to Jamie.

Monday has come and no Christie, but Jennie has proved herself to be equal in skill. A Yakima native drawn to Seattle by both work and the outdoor lifestyle, she seems pretty typical of the younger nurses here. As a surfer, bicyclist and hiker she exchanged tips on both Westside and eastside camping and I got good directions for a future ride to, and around Green Lake.

With the same nurse both days, we seem to be moving along at a good pace. It is 11:15 AM and Jamie has her abdomen accessed and has already started the pre hydration. The first IV chemo bag went well, although we were awakened every two hours as usual by the pump alarm as the bubbles started to accumulate.

I was certain that we would see, Dr. Goff but last night her peer Dr. Swenson made evening rounds, introducing himself as her co-worker who was working because Dr. Goff was not. Dr. Swenson has that sort of wiry gray hair and bald top, that gives him a sort of fuzzy winged look, thin rimmed glasses and designer jeans that only a teenage daughter or overly zealous wife with a Bon Marche charge card would purchase. As with all doctors, he had his own way of conducting business which was very thorough and warm. We asked him about Jamie’s recent PET and CT scans so he promptly pulled them up on the computer. After reading them top to bottom, with me looking over his shoulder he reported that there was nothing of significance from either of them. Good news, which I now hope we will have the opportunity to have Dr. Goff elaborate on during our next consult.

For some, today is a recognized work holiday and the UWMC is no exception. With this came a reprieve form the early morning residents call, as they had no surgeries they didn’t start rounding until 8AM. The team has rotated once again and this morning came with the attending, Dr. Swenson with them. Pretty straight forward and brief as I find myself becoming more distant from them with each rotation. I will forever seem Dr. Unger, Dr. Sementi and the rest of their group as our team and the rest the come and go as just acquaintances. Liz from the second rotation was always enjoyable, but she seems to have gone before we really got to know her.

I need to review my past blogs and make sure I mention everyone in them by name so I can use them to keep track of all those that come and go. It appears though that I will not be forgotten as I met a nurse in the stair last night who asked me if I was leaving and when I replied that I was going to the store for snacks she said “no shellfish or sushi”.

Our nighttime nursing assistant Roger was exceptionally talkative last night, giving us more personal information than before. He has been here since our original visit in May and works a steady night shift schedule such that he has always been here for the IP. He said that he actually prefers the night shift as he can come and go, doing his work with little interruption. My first recollections of him were of a midnight shadow, coming in quietly and leaving with barely a word spoken. But if initiated he can be quite conversive and I now know that he lives with his mother and has worked this shift for nearly five years.

We also saw Michael last night, and although he is not a chemo nurse he always makes time to visit us.

Now we are on the flipping phase and thus I had best keep my closing comments short. There was a bit of spousal tension this morning as we debated when to press the call button as the first bags emptied so as to ensure that Jennie did not have to re prime the line. When it came to the pre hydration I got clearance to close the clamp if Jennie did not return promptly. I never got the opportunity to prove my skill though, as Jennie returned with just a few mL left in the bag.

Since our last visit the meal system has changed, the hospital now using a call in room service available from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM with a promised delivery time of 45 minutes. Both quality and service have been good up until this point, as an hour has passed and no lunch. Hopefully this delay will result in lunch arriving in the next 3-5 minutes, finding Jamie in the heads up position, the best way to start.

Great luck! I heard the cart in the hall at 1 pm sharp and Jamie is now enjoying her salad, saving the chicken & pasta entrée for the first side position. Coordinating both the meal and operating the bed, will take my full attention so I better put the laptop aside and focus on my jr. assistant nursing duties.

Thursday Quickie

During her visit to the SCCA clinic last week for her regular blood draw, Jamie was told that Dr. Goff had requested a PET scan for her. As usual a hesitant scheduler at the UWMC nuke department was becalmed by Goff’s name and by the following Thursday we were back at the hospital, me learning my way around a new floor.

I will spare you guys some of the grotesquities, and preserve Jamie’s modesty, but basically they inject you with glucose with a radioactive isotope that the cancer cells are attracted to. They run you through some sort of scanner that I imagine to be like the wheel on Stargate and the cancer cells, if present, light up on the image.

As usual the staff in the nuclear medicine department were all most accommodating, but we will never forget Pam, the third nurse to try and be successful with Jamie’s IV who says “just like the cooking spray” and then giggles in that unique way of SE Asian women. After “non-stick” Pam, we had Rusty, 4th daughter of a Russell who had no hope of sons, and finished Jamie’s prep.

After Jamie retuned from her scans she was ravenous and so down to the basement for a quick bite before our 3 pm infusion appointment on 8 SE.

Again new territory for both of us, the 8 SE outpatient clinic is located directly above our home wing 7SE. Staffed by what can only be described as a silly group of women slightly older than the 7SE crowd, they made for a very light and comical atmosphere in what is otherwise a more open, sterile type IV-infusion room.

In an hour we were out of there, thanks to a diligent nurse whose name evades me, but I will remember her as “patient hog” as described by her co-workers. When we entered the clinic Jamie announced that she had a Power Port that was already accessed and this woman literally elbowed her way in.

Afterwards, traffic and our stomachs directed us eastbound 520 to the Wood’s where Joel
provided us with scrumptious Santorini gyros. Although frequently mis-pronounced by some, these are always a favorite of Jamie and mine.

After dinner we were entertained by what can only be described as Madeline’s performance and of course Erik’s new walking skills. Katrina also dazzled all with a fantastic 100% from scratch pumpkin pie.

So it was back to work for one more day before Saturday chores and then pack it all up again for IP chemo starting Sunday. More later.

Back in The Saddle

Well, I have gone back to work. Only it's with John at Tectonix. His bookkeeper left, so I have officially taken over the duties. I've worked a couple of days before chemo and today after chemo and I'm getting the hang of it. I think it is a great stress reliever that I am there and he can keep a watch over me and me over him (hehehe) We'll see how we do in the long run. My Mom and Dad have been able to do it all these years, so far so good for us!

Happy Friday!

Talked to Jamie this afternoon, and she's feeling a little better after IP treatment #3 than she did post treatment #2. She even went out to lunch with her parents today. And, she's got her niece Katelyn's birthday party this weekend, so thinks she'll even be up for a little partying by then. Yippee! Wheeee!!!

3 down (almost)

Yesterday’s tenuous start, ended well with a pseudo surprise party prepared by my Mom, Sharon and Anne. Of course the men folk came too, like a horse follows the feed wagon. Wilson shocked everyone and flattered me, by calling out and bounding into my lap as he entered the room. He did as well as any toddler could be expected as I understand his desire to pull on Jamie’s tubes and press the IV pump button.

Last night’s entrée was Vietnamese sandwiches from the famed Seattle Deli, along egg rolls and spring rolls and other unidentified but tasty treats. For dessert we baited Jamie to the basement cafeteria with the most flamboyant and delicious cupcakes from Trophy in Wallingford. Of course there was a backup carrot cake as well, just to ensure that there was enough for the whole hospital.

There were leftover cupcakes as well, and after Jamie selected her favorites to be saved for later, I offered the balance to a couple sitting off in the corner of the dinning area. She was a striking woman with a heavy colonial Africa accent while he was a very dorky, white wall haircut, heavy cell phone user who I had earlier encountered in the family lounge with their stroller bound child. As I offered the cupcakes, he still jabbering on the phone, she took control of the box, slapping his hand and saying none for him. At first I thought her actions jovial, but her stare quickly confirmed her conviction. As I backed away saying “that is between you two”, she began to indulge herself in the first cupcake with a very eerie smile.

I donated the carrot cake to a group best described as a clan which has been encamped in the 7SE lobby since our arrival. Mothers, sons, husbands, grandmothers and infants all mingling about in a mass of toys, Doritos and cellular phones. The most junior of the tribe is confined to a baby walker and literally spends hours banging on some sort of flashing, Old MacDonald blaring toy, while the men antagonize the older children and the mothers holler at both of them. They are sort of a NASCAR sort of crowd, baseball caps, goatees and a few tattoos.

When I offered the cake to them, one of the men earnestly thanked me and vigorously shook my hand. The matriarch was equally grateful and informed me that I was only looking at a fraction of their group and that the entire portion would be rapidly dispersed and devoured.

When I was awoke at midnight by night shift nurse when she came in to do her start of shift stats and medication, I slipped grumpily out of the room to hydrate a cup-o-noodles I purchased earlier from the late night snack cart. When I passed through the lobby, the group was still there, a sea of white hospital linen lumps, sprawled out on all available chairs, couches and for the lower ranking members, the floor. A few of the men were conspicuous by their absence, but latter encountered in the stair, probably returning from their routine jaunts to the smoking area.

Although I have mocked both these groups, in writing and in spoken word, such comments are mostly in jest. Albeit outwardly annoying, I have spent enough time here at 7SE to know their purpose. Someone in their family is dying. You can readily tell the difference between the groups here to celebrate like our guests yesterday and those here to witness death. Those here to celebrate are upbeat, organized and come bearing balloons, gifts and favorite foods.

The death watch is a more ad hoc gathering, engaged in an instinctual self deprivation with no bearing in time or space. Change the costume, language and geography and this ritual would probably be the same in any part of the world. Death as one of the most basic components of the cycle of life draws people together in a primalistic way that transcends individual character.

I am eternally grateful to still be part of the healing group. During Dr. Goff’s early morning rounds we discussed several subjects including Jamie’s interest in a Stanford study on preventing re occurrence of ovarian cancer (see the link on Jamie’s prior post). Dr. Goff in her open minded way gave us good instruction on how to find out more about this study and others, but also cautioned us to make sure Jamie qualified as many require that you currently have cancer or your cancer is reoccurring. She was quite emphatic that Jamie is considered in remission based on her normal CA-125 levels and CAT scans results.

Dr. Goff also emphasized that Jamie’s current IP regiment is considered a “bonus” and that she has fulfilled the standard treatment protocol. Not meaning to diminish the value of the treatment, she just wanted to re assure Jamie that the six sessions were an ideal do objective and that if the side effects became unbearable, she could opt out without remorse. This is not a new subject for Jamie and me, but as usual she faces the challenge with strength and resolve to do them all.

Today is progressing well, as Christie has returned to be our chemo. Making up for lost time with her charm and professional efficiency, I now write as we are in the timed flipping phase, Jamie once again taken on a supertanker worth of fluid to her abdomen. As I tilt the bed first to the head down position, Jamie once again pushes herself further and tauntingly instructs me to keep going past her original limit of ten to the bed’s full limit of twelve degrees inclination.

Tonight’s after party is being catered by the Lucero’s at our favorite post chemo hangout, the Silver Cloud University District. As we continually push the hotel staff’s patience I only hope that the leftovers from Vince’s cooking will be enough to bribe them as our party size will nearly double and is now demanding use of the pool. Poor Madeline has been subjected to watching other children frolic in the pool from the confines of the adjacent dining area. Tonight we will go all out, justifying our behavior because we have stayed at the hotel many times, but never utilized the pool.

Post B Day

Once again Katrina came through on the birthday plans for Jamie. As most of you know, she is the super duper best friend who has not missed a single year for longer than I have been around. Even when I tried to swoop Jamie out of the country, Katria hunted us down in the Irish countryside.

Last night after the girls returned from their massages, Joel and Katrina treated us to an excellent dinner at the Trellis in downtown Kirkland. The menu was excellent, Jamie had the salmon, while the rest of us went with varied selections of beef. Katrina selected what the waiter described as being the "butcher's cut", apparently significant because there is only one of these per cow. Joel and I speculated as to what exclusive anatomical component it might be, but no matter where our imaginations might lead us, in the end the bite I tried was delicious. Dessert was fabulous as well, each of us selecting our own platter of treats and then mixing and matching between the four.

Also thanks to Grammy and Ukki (that's Finnish for grandpa) for babysitting. Not that we mind the kids at dinner, it is just that Joel and I are enough for Jamie and Katrina to manage in such atmosphere. But we did our best, I always used my silverware, Joel didn’t lick his dessert plate and nobody drank straight from the bottle.

We came home to find Madeline running about unclothed but happy and so enjoyed second dessert of fruit tart with Doris and Vessa as well.

We slept well in the rec room and awoke to a quiet house. Joel, attempting to detain me, had locked the gate between the house and garage, forcing me to tiptoe around the yard, past his bedroom window and out the side yard. After several trips without any sign of his clan, I thought I was in the clear. Then I remembered leaving my cell and Jamie’s purse in the living room. I silently opened the door to the kitchen, and then winced when the floor squeaked when I stepped inside. I listened for a cry from Erik or rustlings from the kids’ room, but still silent, so I daintily crept across the linoleum into the front room. As I glanced about for our belongings, I switched on the floor lamp and was startled by the mechanical sound of some Halloween trinket growling. But still the Woods slept and I exited undetected.

We breakfasted at a nearby Starbucks and of coursed enjoyed an easy commute via 520 to the hospital. Jamie was a bit glum, anticipating the after effects of chemo, but she perked up when Dr. Allison said that her peer resident Dr. Liz was on duty in maternity and would try to drop by for a visit. Although doctors are not supposed to have favorites, as we all know, Jamie’s charms are difficult to resist.

So here we are; me in my sleeper chair and Jamie watching the TLC channel. Our nurse today is Katherine, obviously seasoned at her trade, but also disappointingly disparaging about travel to Australia. Apparently she feels that the culture there is chauvinistic, describing it as ”a man’s country”. So I ask what is the problem with that? They have giant cans of beer their don’t they?

Today we are visibly short of staff, so I will forgo the debate and be extra co-operative. I saw the poker faced but efficient Amy on duty, but none of the other regulars are here. Christie of course is most conspicuous by her absence, as apparently there is no one here who has experience with Jamie’s new fangled Power Port. Now before the nail biting begins, be assured that they have plenty of experience on models of similar function but different name, and all have just been trained on the specifics. So with a little guidance from Jamie and the training I received from Dr. Hickman himself, we have the situation under control. We rejected the first needle they brought in, as Jamie did not recognize the color. So after confirming the necessary specifications, we sent Katherine to procure the next size up.

Probably of little consequence, as the black 22 ga. needle will likely deliver the agonizingly (psychologically, not physically) slow 20 hour taxol drip, but why mess with success, we will wait for the yellow 20 ga. We literally have all day.

If there is one lesson I can share, it is that to make the best of any health care, the patient and their family must be control. I will never slight the competence or dedication of the staff here, but still you in the end are responsible for your own care. Last visit Jamie was given her first dexamethazone (a steroid used for nausea control) via IV instead of the pill form she had used before. The results were unpleasant and by voicing her opinion openly and repeatedly we can ensure that such discomforts won’t re occur. The staff are happy to oblige, and there is not a hint of resentment or consequence by mentioning it to every nurse, doctor and resident we encounter. I am certain that a satisfied patient and spouse are far easier to care for. Plus it gives you something to do besides watch 600 lb tattooed midgets give birth while remodeling their home on cable TV.

Happy Birthday to Jamie!

Happy Birthday Jamie!! Wishing you a glorious day, and a year of adventure, much joy, lots of love and continually improving good health!

(A massage, and a great dinner at a fabulous new restaurant is in her very near future, so she's going to have a great start.)

Crazy Fun Adventures

John and I have had a couple adventures in the last couple of days. We decided to go camping last weekend and travelled out to Westport Friday night. The weather turned out to be wonderful and the cranberry festival was going on. John went for a couple of really long bike rides and we quickly toured the cranberry festival. We had a peaceful, restful time.

Over the weekend, a tractor and trailer was stolen from the lumberyard in Olympia. John and I were on our way to dinner last night with Pete and Sharon, when John spotted a cargo trailer load of truck parts that looked suspiciously like the parts off the truck that was stolen. So, we began to follow the truck down I-5, while talking to the county sheriff. We followed the truck towards Bucoda, when the truck suddenly turned into a driveway. Being the cautious guy that John is, we turned around and waited for the cops. The whole time our adrenaline was going crazy. I keep telling John, get closer, don't lose them. He keeps saying we should turn around and stop following...it was exciting. The cops showed up rather quickly and checked out the load. The guy had some story about having the parts in storage...blah, blah. I still think they were the parts, but the cops took pictures and checked out his story. It still remains to be seen, but they could be the parts. It was some of the most excitement we've had in a long time...it was like being a detective. The best part was that Pete and Sharon were willing to wait for us to have dinner, even though we were over and hour late. Thanks guys.

Other good news, I got the results from my last blood draw and my CA-125 was back down to 12. I was rather surprised, because they had prepared me for it to go up (it did go up to 17 after the first IP round). IP is really rough, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. It takes about a week and a half to start to feel human again. I have a large stock of anti-nausea meds and I used them all this last time. I've been swimming again too, it's such a relaxing activity for me, as well as beneficial exercise.

For those of you who are interested, I saw this blip on King5 about a treatment for ovarian cancer survivors. I am going to ask Dr. Goff about it this weekend and am interested in becoming part of the study if she thinks it's a good idea. I'm young and willing to try anything!!

http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=182538

Just The Girls

I finally found it! I love this photo. Just the girls hanging out on a day trip to Sedona, AZ in October 2004. The guys were hunting in Montana and Jamie & I were enjoying the 90+ degree weather for a week at her parents' place in Arizona. We explored, shopped, swam, got massages, etc.—girl stuff. Fitting that I found this today since Jamie was witness to my photo sorting when she made a pitstop here on her way home.

After her morning blood draw at the SCCA today, Jamie came by for lunch and a visit. Lunch, catching up, fun—as usual. She's doing well today, and (as always) looks great. Oh! Her eyebrows and lashes are already growing back, and a little peach-fuzz on top of her head too. It's very blond... maybe it'll be gloriously curly and blond. That would be cool. She's hoping for curls.

This time after IP chemo (#2) was harder than the first session. More aches, and the joint pain was back again which moving helps, but then she tires herself out with the remedy of walking. But, swimming has helped and she's gone in to work to keep busy too. John's (as usual) busy too, and they're finishing up the basement as well, and both looking forward to some R&R together this weekend. Hmm... that's all I know for an update, everything else is just two gals catching up on an ordinary day in October. Sedona, Seattle—besides the weather, it's all the same when you're hanging out with your best girlfriend...

Two-out-of-Six Down!

Here's a down n' dirty update for the faithful readers... Yesterday, Jamie completed IP Chemo #2 (out of six total). She has IP every three weeks, so will finish up at the end of the year. So far, she's doing great with IP, although she says that it does take about 2 weeks to feel back to normal again after a treatment, then she has one good week before heading up to the UW again. IP #3 will be October 21st—the day after her 35th birthday.

We had dinner last night with Jamie and John at the Silver Cloud and Jamie was in good spirits. A little sleepy, and she reported feeling full (obviously a little uncomfortable, since she has 3 extra liters of fluid in her abdomen after treatment), but she did enjoy our Whole Foods picnic, and was her usual upbeat & positive self.

Other than that, she's been swimming, walking, and even working a little when she's not driving up to Seattle for physical therapy for lymph edema, or blood draws (that I hear are much more pleasant through her port than by the conventional needle-in-vein method they could do in Olympia). She even popped in for lunch at our house a couple weeks ago when she was up at the SCCA for PT on her first solo trip up without John!

**A note about Comments—all comments that you post are automatically sent via email to Jamie, no matter who posts an update on the blog (me, John or Jamie).

True Blue (Tarp, that is...)

Another camping adventure—NW style—a little overcast, some rain, a nice blue tarp and a big, big fire. It's not supposed to be quite so wet in Sequim, but that's OK. On Saturday, we enjoyed some wine tasting at the Olympic Cellars Harvest Party and Grape Stomp, bought wine and had two great days of camping. A good late-summer adventure, and Jamie was doing great.

Belgian waffles for breakfast...

A proper fire—John's style. Shorty hangin' in the trailer. The best dog ever!

Third Time is a Charm

So I guess the world is waiting to see how things turned out.

Shortly before noon, our day nurse began to set things up to access Jamie’s abdominal port and get things rolling. After three attempts, and with the help of our now favorite chemo nurse Christie, they got the needle set and flushed the port for the first time with a little saline. Over the next few hours Jamie took on three liters of fluid to her abdomen, along with plenty more via standard IV (chest port).

The whole shaking table was a cancer myth, but once the chemo portion of the infusion was done, Jamie spent the next two hours changing positions, head up / feet up / roll right / roll left, at 15 minute intervals.

While running an errand between turns, I had the opportunity to speak with nurse Michael. He seemed genuinely happy to see me and made absolutely no mention of the sushi-vomit episode. He accompanied me back to the room and he and Jamie caught up a bit, Michael sharing a few tidbits from his female companion’s cancer experience and how she made best use of being bald at Halloween.

Note; Michael actually uses the term “partner” to describe this woman, but I used the above phrase for the benefit of our more rural constituency who might interpret this to mean “gay” which Michael obviously is not.

Anyway, Michael is just one of the many genuinely caring people who have helped us at UWMC. I saw him again in the hall as I ferried our personal effects to the car and he was returning from the family lounge. Michael had washed one of his patient’s clothes because he was a transient with no family or friends to assist him. I am touched by how these people who are already doing a demanding and often unpleasant job, go even further to bring comfort to their patients.

We got things wrapped up a little after 4 pm, and stopped by to informally check out with Christie who was charge nurse for the day. Among other gossip we were sad to here that May is no longer at UWMC, as she moved to NY shortly after her wedding this summer. We wish her the best and can not thank her enough for her efforts. I just hope that she somehow gets word about Jamie’s recovery and knows what an important role she has played.

So from UWMC, it is just a couple of minutes to the Silver Cloud, our favorite cancer vacation hotel. I got Jamie settled in, truck unloaded and headed out for a quick ride on the Burke-Gilman trail towards Fremont. Although I did not encounter any nude cyclists, I did see many other intriguing things, a Vespa shop, the Hales brewery, and a score of other interesting business, construction sites and parks.

By the time I got back to the room, I had just a few minutes to relax before Joel, Katrina, Madeline and Erik arrived. The kids were fascinated by my bike, which was parked in the room and so soon Katrina was wiping chain oil off of Erik’s hands and face. For now he is harmless, but his obvious lust for the mechanical will make him a threat once he learns that you can tear anything down with an adjustable wrench and pliers.

We ordered pizza online from Zeeks and then Joel, Madeline and I set out to buy some beverages. Despite her generally adventuresome persona, Madeline has obviously been scarred by our past outings and whined for her mother for a good 15 minutes. Once she became confident that she would not be forced to operate heavy equipment or engage in some other frightening activity, she regained her confidence and soon was running up and down the aisles of QFC.

After dinner Katrina left us with some candy sushi and great cookies, so after I did some sampling we settled into bed for a restful night’s sleep without residents and nurses. We both slept well and come morning I was refreshed. I ate the free breakfast and then returned to the room with a waffle for Jamie. She ate it all, but was still sleepy, so I let her go back to bed for a bit. I went out on my bike again, exploring a bit more then stopped at the Metropolitan Market to fulfill Jamie’s request for fruit.

The ride home was uneventful, Jamie slept most of the way home and then unloaded and went straight to bed. Despite some prior discussion about a delay in symptoms because of the absorption rate of the IP chemo, she is on the same “schedule” as the previous regiment. Both the remainder of yesterday, through the night and today have been spent sleeping, with only short breaks to eat, take meds and have a little conversation with me.

Tomorrow I made her promise we would go to Starbucks and lunch, and hopefully we will turn the corner for the week. As much as I hate to see her suffer, I think we were encouraged by last weeks CT scan results and feel positive about pushing forward.

Shorty has been at my parents’ house since Saturday and apparently has made no indication of wanting to return home. I am sure he is enjoying company of Sammy and Stella as well as a few extra “cookies”.

Thanks to both Jen, Katelyn and the Healy’s for taking care of GB and BB. I also want to thank Joan specifically for helping with Jamie’s injection last night. Although capable, the task is still a great effort for me and so her professional touch is always appreciated by myself, but probably even more by my patient.

IP No. 1

It is a little eerie or maybe just surreal checking into the hospital under these conditions. You go to admitting, sign a couple of pieces of paperwork and then under her own power Jamie takes the regular elevator to 7SE. When we get to the room she plops on the bed and idly chats with the nurse and med student as they get things rolling.

Being back here brings clarity to my memories of our first day here, Jamie in agony as they try to gingerly transport her on her bed from recovery. Residents and nurses were hustling around our room, trying to control her pain and keep her vitals under close watch. Jamie was unable to even adjust her position in bed.

As we sat and waited for the first chemo orders to go through yesterday, Jamie, stretched out on the bed asked me to look for something in the closet. Somehow the circumstances had temporarily debilitated her until I pointed out that she was not hooked to any machine and she was more than physically capable or reaching her goal. We both burst out laughing.

Like all intense experiences, the people and places become very attached to you and so coming back gives you that sort of reunion feeling. Our nurse for this first day was Christie, who gave us our pre surgery tour and was of course here during Jamie’s recovery. Christie represents what I like most about the nursing staff here; they are young, energetic and see very much like one of “us”. Christie is also a world traveler and outdoorswoman, so there is always subject for chat when she has time.

We are here for just one night and two days. Jamie is starting her second treatment phase which is “IP” chemo. This starts with a very slow 20 hour infusion of standard IV chemo via here chest port, followed by the literal flooding of her abdomen the next day through her stomach port. There are lots of little IV bags tossed in as well, hydration, anti nausea and other support drugs, so Jamie has become very adept at visiting the loo with her IV pole in tow.

This morning our nurse is Karla, a new face to us, but obviously a veteran here on 7SE. Dr. Goff has already been here as well both days, making sure things are going per plan.

I am back into my old habits already, bike riding the Burke-Gilman trail, visiting the cafeteria and hanging out in the family lounge on then 8th floor. Today I spoke in depth to a friend I made last May who is here from Alaska with her adult son. Unfortunately their 8 year battle is coming to a close as death, and finally relief from suffering, is certain for Tom any day now. I really enjoy this woman’s company as she is both wiling to talk about her cancer experience but somehow can intermingle details about life and family that shed a positive light. Her son’s struggle brings our current situation in perspective, and shows that you can cope with what looks from the outside to be the most dark and bleak circumstances.

During this morning’s visit we both discussed our new discovery of the midnight snack cart which roves from the ER and then through the various floors feeding staff and guests alike. I had seen a schedule posted in the cafeteria at lunch time, so around 10 pm last night I returned to the bulletin board to refresh my memory before tracking it down. I found my way to the 6th floor in the Pacific Tower, where another visitor and a nurse were patiently waiting. I watched them begin to salivate like hungry dogs as we heard the cart rattle against the elevator car on it’s way up.

The doors parted and we were in awe (you only understand this if you have spent a few restless nights here) of this massive conglomeration of semi fresh foods, drinks and desserts that rolled out. I waited patiently for the first two to make there selections when a frantic looking man appeared from one of the closed off wards. I knew we were in some sort of birthing or maternity ward from all the screaming and crying I heard. This man reached into the cooler and pulled out what I instantly recognized as a Vietnamese sandwich, but he was perplexed. As both the cart tender and I tried to explain what it was, and of course I was giving a hearty endorsement, he blurted out “I just had a baby and need a sandwich”. He then swapped it for a more conventional model and swiftly was on his way. I was eager to pick up his first option, and at a substantial discount from my earlier one at lunch, enjoyed my favorite late night snack. Dung would be so pleased as every night in Vietnam he would send me to bed with a sack of no less than four sandwiches, which apparently his own personal standard of consumption.

This morning is another beautiful fall day in September our room looks out towards the Mountlake cut and 520. Both the Cascades and Olympics are in clear view of here and it is readily apparent why so many people relocate to this area. Jamie is a bit grumpy this morning, as the nightly routine of continuous nurse traffic and IV alarms, which never coincide, leaves you with but a few winks at a time. Just when you finally become exhausted and the quiet of the end of the nurses shift seems to be allowing you a couple interrupted hours, the over eager residents pop in. I am sure they are just ambitious, trying to stay ahead of their mentor, but I was less than pleased by their appearance today.

July is when the rotation starts, so unlike our last group which were by May seasoned professionals, this shy group of school girls looked like they might scamper out like bunnies if you made too sudden of a movement. Yesterday I thought the med student (lowest in rank) who was interviewing Jamie was going to shatter into pieces like glass when the nurse asked her if she was the nutritionist. But they are all polite, appear intelligent and I am sure will flourish professionally, especially under the tutelage of such great persons as Dr. Goff.

So there is no rush today, just leisurely chemo and then a night at the Silver Cloud in the U district. Unsure about how long it would take, how Jamie would feel and what her level of hydration would be, we did not want to be committed to traveling home. Being released early would be of greater risk than being late, as I could imagine my own mental state as we negotiated rush hour traffic through Seattle and then Tacoma with Jamie bloated with an extra 4 liters of fluid in her.

Good Report

Today marks another milestone in Jamie's recovery. After taking six aggressive rounds of chemotherapy, she had a CT scan today to see how her body was responding. According to Dr. Goff the results were reassuring with significant reduction in size for all lympths previously marked as abnormal and no sign of new masses or other unusual growth.

This gives us the all clear to move ahead with the IP chemo which starts this Sunday at the UWMC. This is an inpatient procedure, starting late AM Sunday through the afternoon the next day, so I imagine I will have time to both research and write again on the behind the scenes drama of 7 SE. After watching several episodes of Grey's anatomy during Jamie's recuperation, I now have a better idea of what to look out for.

Summer has flown by, consumed by work, trips to Seattle and as Jamie's strength returns more and more fun. Ironically traveling to Seattle for appointments is one of the least stressful things in our lives. We have mastered (or at least overcome) mass transit from Tacoma to Seattle, eaten many Vietnamese sandwiches, racked up scores of points at the Silver Cloud Hotel, tried and rejected the Marriott, done a little bicycle shopping, visited friends and received great care from all the staff at the SCCA.

Last weekend was our aniversery (#11) and many of you heard of our ambitious plans to hike to Lake of the Angels. Well despite our success at Dosewallips, Jamie did have a few side effects the following week, and thus we opted for a luxury weekend in our favorite urban getaway, Portland.

Jamie booked the Hilton in lieu of our standard favorite the Westin because it had a pool. When we arrived at the main complex in our 4x4 truck we were diverted into the Executive Tower where the garage did not have as severe height restriction. This worked out well because despite the claim that the Hotel was booked to the max, it was for the most part quiet and pleasant as it appeared that all the Prius drivers and noisy families were in the main hotel down the block.

For dinner we opted for something new as well, and I booked the Ringside, touted as Portland's best steak house. I was further encouraged by the fact that I had limited options when I called for a reservation, and thus we were set for a 5 pm dinner (after 11 years no sense in dragging it out, we could dine, drink and still be back for a reasonable bedtime).

As we drove up in the cab, all seemed well, good neighborhood, nice brick exterior. As we entered, the ambiance was perfect for a nice dinner and the captain seemed both genuine and professional. We were seated and soon introduced to our wait staff.

Our waitress was a stout sort of brusque woman with a butch haircut. She strongly recommended their onion rings for an appetizer, which she claimed they were famous for. I restrained myself from responding with "only if you also have mini corndogs and cheese whiz" and politely asked what brands of good bourbon did they have at the bar. She said “what do you call good bourbon" demonstrating either her ignorance or lack of interest. Knowing that I needed to take control or possibly face a glass Old Granddad, I asked for Nob Creek on the rocks.

We ordered an appetizer, not worth describing, and despite our waitress’s pushy approach ordered salad as well before committing to our main course. Recollecting our gluttony at El Goucho last year and the subsequent indigestion we did our ever more frequent 50/50 approach where I ordered a lobster and the asparagus while Jamie selected the fillet and potato, intent on sharing each equally. The lobster was adequate, but the steak was truck stop grade. We ate leisurely which must have really set our waitress off. Once we made the slightest gesture that we might be finished she quickly cleared the table and returned with a “complimentary” desert rivaled only by a sundae I once ate at the Harbor Landing as a child. No desert menu, no after dinner drink, coffee, nothing. Just finish you f%&#ing free ice cream and here is the check. She was however kind enough to ask the captain to call for a cab, which came so fast that I am convinced that they just keep one on standby to help keep their tables turning.

Portland however redeemed itself, for after a long day of bicycle accessory shopping (there is no sales tax you know) we stumbled onto the Windmere Brothers Brewery and dropped in. Despite being pretty busy I used our sob anniversary dinner story to gain the waiter’s sympathy (he said the service at the Ringside was terrible) and we had a good pub dinner with appetizers (and no we were not offered onion rings), a few pints for me (one was on the house) and a better desert for 1/3 the price of the prior night even with a huge tip. I ate the pork schnitzel (pretty fancy word for a breaded pork chop I found out) and a pasta side which I can only compare to that of my mother’s home made mac and cheese. Jamie had an excellent pulled pork sandwich and salad, not the big sloppy fair kind, but the soft Kaiser roll bun piled high tender pork with perfect BBQ sauce on top.

So I guess we are off the fancy food and back on the pub circuit.

Happy Trails

Excellent hike along the Dosewallips River this past weekend with the Crases. Great weather, fabulous company and a beautiful setting. It was very relaxing with the sound of the river lulling us to sleep at night, and Jamie even slept in on Saturday morning until about 8:30. The only negative of the site was the mosquitos, but once John got a fire going the pesky bugs left us alone. Seems like this trail was a good practice run for Jamie and John's next hike. Here are some photos...

John & Jamie hit the trail!

Saturday Morning Campfire

Don't mess with Jamie and Erik!

Yeah, OK, so they look more feisty than menacing...

10's a Magic Number

Well, I didn't break double digits, but my CA-125 is down to 10!! I was pretty elated and Heidi my nurse was very excited too. She said she didn't expect it to get that low.

For IP chemo the number will fluctuate as the proteins are moving around in my abdomen. So I'm supposed to expect that the levels will go up. I'm glad she told me, otherwise I might have been worried.

Physical therapy is going well and I got my first pair of compression stockings(the panty hose type) today. We're going hiking this weekend for an overnighter, so it should be interesting trying to put on the stockings in the tent. I'm sure you all get the picture. In my head I'm laughing hysterically.

Yippee Ki Yay!

Hooray! As of Friday, August 17th, Jamie's all done with her first round of chemo!!

She gets a break until September 9th when IP chemo starts, and will post her latest (steadily dropping) CA-125 numbers when she gets them.

Yee Haw! "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition."

Super Woman

Okay, not to toot my own horn again, but I was told yesterday that I am super stud (my interpretation). I guess that I am somewhat of an anomaly at SCCA. Of those they have put on the protocol study, only two people have been able to make it through. Me being one!! Dr. Goff said I was doing remarkably well and feels like my IP chemo will also go well.

She warned me that it's 20 hours of Taxol followed by a couple of hours of Cisplatin (different from the carbo I am getting now) followed by shaking in the bed and rolling over and lots of bathroom breaks. All told I should be at UW for about 36 hours. She plans on giving me 4-6 courses of IP, which she is pretty confident I will be able to take all six, three weeks apart. She said she didn't want to kid me, it will be tough, but what she has seen me do this round, she's pretty sure I will make it.

Heidi, the nurse extraordinaire, also said I was a power woman and tooted my horn some more. She said I looked great, and had a great attitude. I hear it from all of you who comment, but it is nice to hear from someone totally objective too. All in all, yesterday was a pretty big ego boost for me. Even with the joint pain, I left Seattle feeling pretty elated and promptly came home and went for a swim!

New Numbers

Not to overshadow the previous post, but the physical therapist today let me sneak a peek at my CA-125 number it was 16!!! (this is prior to chemo #5)

I met with the physical therapist for my lymphedema, which has retreated with the cooler weather and my swims at the pool. She was so excited that I was a swimmer and felt well enough to swim at the pool. I can honestly say, I notice marked results when I swim, so I will be keeping that up. She also taught John some massage type technique to help with scar tissue around all my incisions, especially the groin area where I had the most trauma. He could feel a difference in just a few minutes of manipulation. It will help to spread the fluid away from the scar tissue and distribute it throughout my body. Next session we will learn some massage techniques. I think we will continue to take our flexible appointments up at SCCA until we feel confident enough with the plan to move down here to another therapist.

Wednesday is a big day as well. We see Dr. Goff for the first time post surgery. I'm excited to hear what she has to say about my progress and pester her with questions about IP chemo as well. I start IP on the 9th of September at the UW. I really do not know what to expect of how it's going to effect me. It will just be nice to get a baseline of where she thinks I am. She is the boss!!

We are trying to plan some hikes after my last round of chemo. A short overnighter with the Wood clan and a longer hike into the Olympics, possibly with the Mills, or maybe alone if it doesn't work out. I think John is determined to make things normal. The Olympic hike would be over our 11th anniversary...what a way to celebrate!!

Less Than 21

Had dinner and cake with Jamie and John Friday night after chemo #5, and Jamie's CA125 level was 21 before chemo #4. She's only got one more to go! Then IP chemo follows. The two weekends between this initial 6-session chemo round, and IP chemo she'll be hiking. As always, it was great to hang out with them! Jamie and I are betting that her CA125 level was around 9 before #5 on Friday, and will hopefully be something very near zero before #6.

Here's to Jamie's CA125 levels being in the normal range of 0-35...and continuing to plummet!

Campin' Out

Just like any other summer...camping with Jamie and John is always a great time. Well, and we always love to see Shorty too! We've camped, travelled, hiked and co-habitated with them enough that we are a great team in any situation, but especially on the road. It was a pleasure to lunch with them at their trailer Saturday, have such efficient help with organizing and "tidying up" around camp, and cook breakfast under the trees with Jamie on Sunday morning. An enjoyable and relaxing weekend at Tolt MacDonald campground, and we look forward to hiking later in the season!

Little Tidbits

So we are getting ready for a first of the season camping trip to celebrate Madeline Wood's second birthday. We are making it a longer weekend by camping Friday night as well as the planned Saturday night festivities.

I've been battling joint pain for the last couple of days. It's to be expected with the double dose of blood cell boosters I got this past chemo round. My friendly personal pharmacist counselled me as to what I could take and how much. After trying to control the pain on two advil every six hours and constant soaks in the tub...I knew there had to be another remedy. Take more advil and closer together. So far so good. I got a few hours of sleep last night without the aching. Hopefully tonight will be better. I'm hoping this is gone before camping, as the tub in the trailer is a wee bit small for soaking(not to mention the hot water doesn't last too long.)

I've ordered a swimsuit online in the hopes I might take up lap swimming again. My sister and Katelyn have been swimming every morning at the Valley Athletic club. Maybe I should join. Maybe just feeling of weightlessness will help with some of the issues. Funny thing is, walking when my joints ache actually helps too. You would think it would be the opposite.

I'm becoming a morning person I think. This morning as I was up at five, John and I decided to go out to breakfast. We ventured to Shari's. We were the youngest couple in the establishment. The waitress was friendly, the food was good, and she didn't mind me doing laps while I waited for breakfast to be served. There are some benefits to sleeplessness.

Test of Strength

Back in Seattle. I decided to once again test the strength of our marriage and not heed Jamie’s warnings to make a reservation at the Silver Cloud well in advance. Who would of thought that I wouldn’t be able to simply call up the night before and get a room. It is only July, and I am trying to get a room at a value priced waterfront hotel with a pool in Downtown Seattle.

So the Marriot it was. No free breakfast, no free parking. I did get a SCCA rate though. I am getting good at prodding the reservation clerk for a better rate. And cancer has obviously given Jamie the same new perspective and patience it has given me. Only a very mild scolding followed by a brief critique and comparison to the Silver Cloud. Just enough to prompt me to get that reservation for our next visit set up today.

With Jamie’s strength growing every day, we find our trips to Seattle include a little more fun and leisure each time. Last night Katrina and Joel introduced us to the Kangaroo and Kiwi, a public house on Aurora. Great little joint with a barmaid imported from Down Under along with lots of AUS/NZ beers and menu. The girls had chips and Aussie pie, while Joel and I were a bit adventurous and let our hostess select. So it was pizza and wings for us.

Now those that know Jamie and I well, are probably looking quizzical right now, as they are aware of our shared distaste for chicken on the bone. But even a short trip to SE Asia will cure you of any apprehensions you may harbor about food texture. So with a pint or two down already, I had BBQ sauce on my chin and was happily sucking the meat and skin off the wings, mostly because I am almost certain that this is in fact chicken.

As the evening wore on, several other patrons began setting up for beer pong, a game where you try to toss a ping pong ball into an array of beer cups set up in front of your opponent. It is one of those drinking games where who is truly the loser and the winner is a subject of much debate, because if your opponent makes his target, you must drink. For me the only downside would be an adversary that was a poor shot and took several tries as they cycle through the same three balls each, giving them only a quick dip in a bin of water after they hit floor.

The crowd was very congenial (or perhaps ignored me) as my in questioning soon turned into satirical commentary as I asked “why don’t you they fill the cups up further” or “real men would use whiskey (which would be more sanitary as well)”.

We left shortly thereafter on our own accord and unharmed as well, both Joel and I thankful to have our wives as our designated drivers. After dinner I presented Joel with his M&M bar shirt, a gift from my mother. Knowing just his size and fashion taste, I am sure Joel will get good wear out of it. I have one as well, and thus we will have to be a bit careful. Despite our bond as hunting partners, dressing in unison is a little bit too much and outside the circle of those familiar with Butte may be misinterpreted.

It is now a bit passed noon and thus we are through more than half of today’s session. Jamie is watching “Dream Girls” on her portable DVD, thankfully with headphones on, while I catch up on this and other computer related chores. First set of lab reports for today’s blood draw have all come back good, with just a small drop (30% compared to 33%) red blood cell count, initiating a simple Darepoetin injection for a boost (like some pro athletes have been busted for according to nurse Dan). CA-125 values are plummeting as well, but in this case it is a good thing. Pre surgery levels exceeded 4,000, but after the July 6th labs we had 51. We are still waiting on this morning’s results, but seem to be getting much closer of the desired “norm” of 25.

Jamie looks as strong and beautiful as ever. During our consult yesterday, we got the go for increased activity such as yoga and swimming, with approval for some hiking if she feels up to it in the future. Carrying a pack is an issue because the shoulder straps can conflict with the catheter on the power port, but our Nurse Practitioner, Barb Silko, is an active woman herself and thus able to offer some practical advice on pack types as well.
This is great news for both of us, as we are eager to return to as much normalcy as possible and enjoy the rest of the summer. I even brought up the subject of bicycling, approved if Jamie feels able, and am certain I will enjoy my new bicycle even more if Jamie is riding alongside me.

Narrows Bridge Walk

Today we braved the crowds and set forth and conquered the New Narrows Bridge. I had heard you could walk across the bridge today and decided it was one of my goals. John, Anne, Wilson and I waited for the shuttle at TCC and rode to the bridge. There were lots of people and a suspicious package when we arrived at the top of Jackson street where the bus dropped us off. We walked down the hill and were finally allowed to start the trek across the span. It was pretty neat. Some people know that my Great Grandfather was an electrician on Galloping Gertie and the Narrows bridge and was one of the first to walk across the top catwalk, so I felt it was something I wanted to be able to say I did...on the bridge deck of course.
The walk was great. I always seem to get a side ache on my left side when I walk and I developed one on the way to the Gig Harbor side, but it soon went away. The crowds were thick, so we weren't able to walk very fast, which was probably a good thing for me. We made it to the GH side and turned around to walk back. Just about to the end we ran into Becky, Dawson, Claudia and Claudia's husband and got to chat before we decided not to brave the shuttle line and walk all the way back to TCC by foot. John kept asking me if I could make it and I surprised myself by saying I could. I felt great! Just hungry. We picked up lunch at MSM deli, which was delicious, and ate back at Anne's house.

John also got his new Cannondale bicycle today. We had forgotten about Olde Towne Cycles in Olde Towne Tacoma. The guys there were very knowledgeable and fitted John with his new mountain bike. They are opening a new store in Olympia, so he will be able to take advantage of their service plan as well. He's like a kid in a candy store...so excited. The first thing he wanted to do was read his manual, so he will be ready to take it on the trails. Hopefully this will keep his mind off Diesel trucks for a while.

Getting Easier

Well as far as chemo goes things do seem to be getting easier. I haven't had as much nausea this time, perhaps from the bright instruction from Dan to get the meds on board sooner rather than later when I'm starting to feel bad. Seemed to do the trick. Now if I could just get the achy joints to follow suit. Ibuprofen is allowed this time around and does seem to help. Tylenol Pm is still a go to for bedtime.

I met a gal in my neighborhood who's name is Laura and she is going thru breast cancer treatments as we speak. She is very nice and upbeat, amazing because she gets chemo every Wednesday, despite having two children ages 3 and 8months. She got diagnosed in December. She is a trooper that's for sure. Had a nice chat and hope to have more with her. Like me she is 34 years old as well. She taught me how to tye my new scarves..they have insect repellent built in...for me who gets buggy.

John and the boys put down a bunch of new sod in our yard. With this hot weather, we have to water, water, water like crazy, which means Shorty goes crazy too. He loves the sprinklers and has a great time chasing the streams of water whenever he can. He gets pretty worked up, so I have to get him back in the basement for rest periods.

I have been venturing out a little in the car too. I went to Starbucks this morning for a tasty treat. We even went to a restaurant last night for dinner...El Sarape..very good hit the spot. I've also been trying to do chores like laundry and dishes, so John doesn't have to worry about those as well as the other stuff he has going on in is head like trail bikes and diesel trucks.

Hope all is well with everyone reading! I thank you all for your posts and encouragement..it's the first thing I do when I wake up..check the blog!! Thanks again

Phenomenal Woman

Sundays have usually been one of the roughest days for Jamie following chemo, but today she was feelin' groovy—as you can see. She and Erik enjoyed charming each other and hanging out in the sunshine when we visited this afternoon.

Chemo #3

Chemo session #3 is almost over. With surgery weeks behind, the power port installed and a couple of trips under our belt, things seem to go pretty smoothly. Jamie was a bit nervous about her first conscious port access this AM (the access last time was done right after the install when she was still under anesthesia), but she had her lidocaine on 30 minutes prior and the needle went in with no pain. Our able technician Reggie had her vials filled and things rapped up in just minutes.

Nurse Dan has become an old friend, and we constantly find our “tool talk” interrupted by Jamie’s need for chemo. A both outgoing and attentive nurse, he is always trying to take over my duties. If he would just focus on giving drugs and taking vital signs, I can handle the hospitality service myself.

Jamie gets stronger and more independent by the day. This session she is getting up by herself and taking her IV pole with her to the restroom without my aid. She even sent me to Starbucks down on Eastlake this morning once her IV got underway.

At home, we are becoming more and more active, and I often come home at lunch to find her finishing up the dishes, laundry or the bills and ready for lunch and our walk. Our walking route is getting longer every time, as I am excited to explore the new trails in the neighborhood with her and Shorty. Hopefully she will be strong enough, and receive approval from Dr. Goff to do a short hike in August or September as long as she carries very little load.

Her weight was up a couple of pounds this week, showing that my diligence and our friends and family’s cooking is working. I have been forced to return to my Weight Watcher’s fundamentals and combined with some exercise should be able to reverse the effects of all the cookies and trips to Big Tom’s drive in.

This afternoon we are off to Kirkland, with a brief stop by a bicycle shop. Another testament to her strength, Jamie patiently sat at REI for over an hour while I test road a few mountain bikes. Hoping this will distract me from diesel pick ups for a while (which apparently all of my cool friends now have), she has been encouraging me to shop and agreed that such a purchase will improve both my physical and mental health.

We are also hoping to bring the rabbits home this week, bringing our daily life even closer to normal. Being home this summer has not been all bad though, we are enjoying our yard, picnic table and new BBQ. The grass in our expanded yard has grown in and gives Shorty extra room to play, if only he would learn to come back when called.

A Tidbit of An Update...

Had a lovely gab session on the phone with Jamie today—quick update for the blogaddicts:

1. First, she sounds great and is feeling really, really good!
2. She drove herself in to work yesterday and enjoyed it.
3. She's loving the 5-minute showers and easy care of her new 'do.
4. They're spraying for ants again today (they've returned).
5. She's been enjoying walks all over the neighborhood with her sister.
6. And, she's pouring over her Australia travel books and scheming up some good adventures!
7. Oh, and Dr. Goff was quoted in the July issue of Oprah magazine (pg. 122) in a brief article about understanding the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Baldy

Well it's official. I am losing my hair in a huge way. John is taking me tonight to get it shaved. It hurts as it's falling out, so I think it will be for the best.

I think I am pretty much over the chemo downslide. I have been up since 12am this morning, despite having taken two sleeping pills, with one short hour long nap between 5am and 6am. I'm not sure how many times one person can watch Pride and Prejudice, but I think I may be setting a record. It's usually my go to movie to put me right to sleep, but for some reason, it's not working.

Anne visited yesterday, brought me so cute sun hats and lunch. We went for a healthy walk around the neighborhood, I can't believe how tired I get. It is nice to get out. John took me to the wetlands park in our neighborhood today, and we met a neighbor who is working on their old house, by way of Shorty running away. Kenny came over in the afternoon and I did one work thing. Best to ease into working again I guess.

Matthew, Lisa, Kelson, and Mackenzie Mills came over for an afternoon, early evening visit and made a delicious dinner. Homemade mash potatoes are the best at 3am!! It was great to see everyone and have a little visit. We even got to eat dessert on the new picnic table assembled by John and Pete on Sunday (the frame was courtesy of Joel and Katrina).

Post Chemo Update

Just a quick update post chemo. Things are progressing as many said they would. I am losing my hair in smallish clumps, not really noticable, but none the less it is falling out. I am still a bit on the chemo downhill, with Sunday being my worst day so far. Pretty much had to lay around and moan for that one. Today has been slightly better, but the muscle aches I could do without.

Don and Judy Mills visited today and brought tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. It was very nice to visit and kind of them to bring me provisions! They brought us tales of all the happenings on Vaughn bay. It was fun to catch up. Tomorrow we will meet with the younger Mills clan on their way back from the ocean. Can't wait.

Thanks to all who comment. I love reading and re-reading to lift my spirits. I love you all

Ported

We seem to be settling into our routine. It is surprising how such adverse circumstances become normalized and you just sort of meld them into your life. We already are scheduling both our personal and professional lives using the term “chemo week” and “non chemo week”.

So here we are, it is chemo week and we left with our full outfit about noon yesterday for Seattle. First a blood draw at the lab on floor (1) and then up to the 3rd for our bi weekly consult. The nurse practitioner had a spill while jogging that AM, but our regular RN Heidi filled in.

I always enjoy our visits with Heidi, she has a warm, chatty personality that seems to make you comfortable while still making sure the appointment is productive and not over length. Estrogen was a major topic, both for Jamie’s health as well as my sanity. We will be making some adjustments, switching from the patch (which I call the “crazy patch”) to daily pill form. All of our other concerns were swiftly addressed as well, and we left with a cadre of instructions and a list of other medications to pick up the following day.

The Silver Cloud has become our hotel of choice, as they have properties close to both UWMC and the SCCA on Eastlake. We arrived a little after 3 pm, to find the lobby in a bit of chaos as the reception staff was trying to check in a herd of touristy looking types while coping with a cleaning staff that was behind schedule.

I waited in line patiently, and when I finally made my way to the front, I began to carefully relay my concerns about my reservation.

Three nights ago I had called the reservation hotline armed with my Silver Rewards Card to cash in my bonus points for a free room. Despite her cordial manners, the woman on the other end was unable to confirm that I had enough points. Disappointed, but tamed by my caner spouse experience, I figured I could reconcile this later and asked for a room at the SCCA or UWMC rate. She said this offer was “closed” and that I could not get a discounted booking. Undaunted, I accepted the standard rate and jotted down my confirmation number.

Well about half way through relaying this to the very patient counter staff at the Hotel in person, one of the previously mentioned tourist herd walked up and said “can I interrupt, I just have a quick question?”. Before I could even think, little alone say “f%$& you, how about I just kick you in the balls instead”. He began rambling on about since they were waiting would it be faster if unloaded his luggage onto a cart and brought his luggage into the lobby and then went up the elevator from the lobby, or should he just wait until the room was ready, gather a cart and use the elevator tower in the parking garage. Sensing my disgust (probably the death stare I was giving this guy) the counterwoman tried to be brief and said he could bring his stuff into the lobby if he wished, that two of his rooms just came available, to which he replied something like “that seems like a lot of bother I think I will just wait in the lobby for the rooms all to be ready”.

Now that I rightfully had this woman’s attention again, she confirmed that I only had 400 points showing in the computer and that neither of the discounted rates I requested were available. She did however offer me the corporate rate, which seemed satisfactory and began to assign me a standard king room. As she did so she said that it would not be, ready for an hour (due to the delays described above), which I responded to her with “when is check in?”. She confirmed what I already knew which was that check in was after 3 pm and it was nearly 3:45 now. Unwilling to wait the estimated hour, citing my wife’s need to lie down and rest, she offered me a double queen room (apparently an upgrade) at the same rate.

I accepted room 511 which had an excellent view of Lake Union. Our neighbors Joan and Leo had recently recounted their past stay at the same hotel for a previous 4th of July. Certainly with the view and the spaciousness of room, it would be an ideal spot to view Seattle’s firework display.

With dinner on our minds, I got our luggage in order and left Jamie to seek some take out. I drove around the end of the lake, spotting nothing of interest, so I turned around in the Kenmore air parking lot and headed back towards the SCCA. After wandering a couple of blocks I recalled an Irish pub I had seen on a past trip to the neighborhood, scrolled through the addresses stored on the truck’s navigation and found the entry that had originally guided me to that same block some weeks before.

I parked at the curb and walked into the pub, taking the first available stool at the bar. Thinking I was trying something new, I scanned the happy hour menu, only to find that it was in fact the original Paddy Coynes, the clone of which I had visited in Tacoma with my sister and Dave just a few months prior.

I placed my order, along with a pint to kill the time and started the typically chatter with the bartender. “Where are you from?” I asked. “Ireland” he replied. “No shit?” I said. I suppose he probably gets this a lot, but I expected a more specific answer, which I eventually got. “County Atrium, where they shoot and blow each other up”. That over with we discussed his most recent trip to Hawaii and his experience diving in the shark cage. Although extremely susceptible to sunburn (he described his head feeling like it was on fire most of the time despite spf 50 sunblock), this particular Irishman has a fascination with sharks and now plans to visit South Africa and / or Australia where he can repeat the experience with great whites.

We left the sharks to discuss his choice of Seattle which eventually lead to his complaints about house prices. I said he should come to Olympia and open a pub down there, where I promised to be his best customer. He said that it would take $300k to start such a venture, to which I responded with some brief math on mean house price in Seattle vs. Olympia, and how with the same $ he could probably afford both for the same net sum in Olympia. Either lost by or uninterested in my scheme, conversation turned to a recent “encounter” with a young woman from Olympia to which I inquired if she shaved her legs. Thinking that this would really narrow the field to just a handful of candidates, he replied with “yes, but not her moustache”.

I returned to the room with a loaf of soda bread, salad and a Shepard’s pie. Although the pub’s conversation was superb, the pie was not and was soon rejected by Jamie. So back on the road again to fulfill her request for much simpler fair, cheeseburger, onion rings and chocolate shake. I had spotted a typical drive-in along Eastlake during our hospital stay, but it was closed, probably for Memorial weekend. Well this time they were open, and I was not disappointed. Dinging interior with quirky cartoons on the wall, accommodating but stoned looking staff, and good greasy food.

Stomachs full, we lounged around watching HGTV and other reality TV shows. I went down to the workout room about 9 to try to burn off some of the grease. I returned to the room to find Jamie still watching shows about stupid people, so I took a shower and prepared for bed. Jamie was restless through the night despite trying a sleeping pill for the first time. Although assured that Friday’s port install would be a breeze, she was still anxious. I slept well slept for a few hours and arose early without an alarm to ensure timely arrival for our 7 am appointment at SCCA radiology.

Our guide for this leg of the journey was Pat, an excellent nurse who gave us a complete (and very accurate) run down of the morning’s procedures. When we mentioned being from Olympia and in the construction industry, she said that her brother was a contractor and of course I recognized him as a Tectonix customer. Although I did my best to like Pat, she was not as accommodating as the infusion staff. In her post Op instructions, she was quite clear that Jamie should not make any important decisions or sign any documents for the rest of the day, explicitly including new diesel pick ups.

After Pat’s review and a couple of attempts at installing IV’s we met the famous Dr. Hickman. He is the primary installer of ports her at the SCCA, so such devices are commonly known around here as a “Hickman”. He began repeating the basics of the port devices and their use with both of us, and then as they completed the IV, he went into greater depth of detail with me on its use and maintenance, ensuring that if the need came outside of the SCCA, I would be able to supervise its access and use. If we travel at all, we will also be issued a couple of spare needles as outlying hospitals may not have them in stock.

For those unfamiliar with this device, it is about the diameter of a quarter and 3/8” tall, with a long tail which is the catheter. It is installed on the chest below the collar bone, but above the breast tissue just beneath the surface. The catheter is routed up towards the next where it travels down the jugular and into the first heart chamber. They select this route because it exits into a high volume of blood ensuring almost instant dilution, thus minimizing the toxic effects of the chemo drugs. The device has a life span of several years and in Jamie’s case her model is compatible for use with any IV fluid including that used for CT scans.

The port access itself is compressed, self healing siliconized rubber. The access needle is a non coring type, with a slight hook to it. As Dr. Hickman demonstrated for me, you simply locate the port center beneath the skin with your fingers and push the needle through the skin into the port until you feel the needle hit the back side of the port. If needed, the area can be numbed a few minutes beforehand with topical anesthetic.

The installation procedure is fairly straightforward with Dr. Hickman selecting his route beforehand using an ultrasound (which he again demonstrated for me). It is all done under local anesthetic along with sedation, much like wisdom tooth removal. Jamie was in and out in under an hour.

After the procedure, Dr. Hickman guided me through the haul into one of the labs where he showed me her chest x-ray. You could clearly see the port outline in the picture as well as the catheter. He also pointed out an obvious gas bubble in intestine and suggested I burp her as soon as possible.

When I met up with her in recovery, Jamie was happily sipping on cans of juice and eating Lorna Dune cookies while chatting with Pat. A bit dizzy still, Pat supplied a wheel chair so we could return to the dressing room.

With an access needle still attached, the whole outfit quadruples in size, as the needle and short tube are covered by a large dressing with a clear window through it. It was obvious that the geometry was not favorable for wearing a bra, so Jamie decided to go Olympia Co-op style for the infusion appointment. This now obvious issue fully explains why I see so many women around here wearing low cut shirts. Who knew that cancer would be so sexy. I will be sure to get Jamie properly outfitted with an assortment of tube tops.

With my laptop and Jamie’s comfort basket already in hand, Pat graciously helped us up to the 5th floor for infusion. After a brief wait we were called to berth 12, not quite as private as room 23, but definitely larger and thus more comfortable.

As promised, Dan is our chemo nurse again, and even though we are on just our second visit, he and I got Jamie settled and things rolling like a well orchestrated ballet. While he handles the medical stuff, I went to the nutrition station and got lunch rolling, pillows out and slippers on her feet.

It’s about 1 o’clock and we are through with the primer drugs and into the Taxol. We have both lunched and Jamie is resting comfortably and looking a bit sleepy. Once all the set up is done, the actual infusion time is quite peaceful and relaxing, giving me time catch up on email, type this and let Jamie catch up on her fashion and decorating tips via the TLC and HGTV networks.

Once we wrap things up here, our routine is east on 520 to Kirkland, apparently one of the only uncongested routes out of the city on Friday afternoon, for relaxation and dinner with the Woods. Once our bellies are full and Jamie is rested we will hit the interstate late evening, hopefully with little or no traffic to slow us down.

I think I have failed to mention that my cookies did arrive from NJ more than a week ago. They scored as follows;

Presentation = 10

Form = 10

Taste = 10

Another fine job Ali, your skills have only improved with age. However there was no bill of lading in the box, how am I going to verify my shipment AJ?

Gearing Up

I thought many of you would like an update. I am completely off all the pain meds except tylenol, which has actually made me feel much better. I still have muscle pain, but it is not unbearable. Hopefully this will make my second round of chemo a bit easier to stomach.

John and I will be travelling to SCCA on Thursday for a blood draw and a meeting with a nurse practitioner Barb Silko. We haven't met her yet, but do I have a million questions for her. I have an early appt on Friday for the installation of my port-o-cath, which will make getting chemo and blood draws much easier. It is a permanent line to my vein. It can stay in for many years. My arms are so bruised, it will be a welcome addition. Friday will as be chemo #2!!

John has been like a drill Sargent this week. He expects me to be up and ready for a walk by 11:15. We had to skip the walk today, due to the fact I can't roam far from a bathroom facility. I think the laxative is finally working, maybe a little too well. We sat out in the front yard and watched Shorty run around and scratch his back on the grass. We tried to get him to play fetch, but he was having no part of it. I think he is really missing going to work. Although on days like today, I think he had a good time roaming the yard.

Today we went to an afternoon Tea at our neighbor's house for Kate's graduation. What a wonderful party. It is very exciting to hear of Kate's upcoming trip to Prague and her future enrollment at WSU. I don't feel as if I am getting too old, but when we moved into our house, Kate was in elementary school. John and I had only been married for a couple of years. Hard to believe we will celebrate our 11th anniversary later this summer.

My friend and hairstylist Wendy stopped by yesterday to drop off some frozen meals. Thank you I think I will be eating one tonight. She just had a surgery on Thursday and I'm glad to say everything went A-Okay!! She's one tough cookie!! Thanks for the visit.

This weekend we went to an awesome party thrown by John's parents. Joel and Katrina and the kids also attended after spending Friday evening at our house. As per the usual, there was amazing food, friends and family in attendance. It was a long day for me, but it was good to get out. As John says, "you can't be recluse. You have to get out". He's good about getting me rolling, even when I don't want to roll. I'm looking forward to some more summertime get-to-gethers. I'm sad to say tho, July 3rd won't be one of them. I guess there will not be fireworks at the lake. I'm kinda bummed, but understand that the family who puts on the show, doesn't want to fork out the 25-30 thousand it costs each year. Maybe we will still have to have a party anyway.

I'll let you know how things go on Friday!!

Brief Update From The Trenches

Jamie's fabulous doctor, Dr. Barbara Goff (photo at left), was featured in the NY Times yesterday (tip from Ali). I thought it was fun to put a face to the name, especially since John describes Goff as a "fiesty red-head"... I love Dr. Goff.

Jamie had tomato soup for lunch today (and a very good time) when she went out with her dad. And her brilliant dad also recently hired a part time gal to help with Jamie's job. This is easing Jamie's mind and lowering Kenny's stress level (he was covering for Jame).

She's also been keeping busy by weaning herself off the really good pain meds (Oxycodone - usually kept under lock and key at the hospital). But, just saying no is allowing her longer stretches of sleep (although maybe fewer technicolor-crazy dreams).

John's Aunt LeaAnne also brightened Jamie's day, and gave her some very good advice and insight today when she visited. LeaAnne just clobbered Inflammatory Breast Cancer herself, and was also on an aggressive 15-day chemo schedule.

Getting Through

Well, sorry I haven't posted for a bit. John was very busy this weekend trying to keep me sane. Chemo is tough. I think I am finally over the rough patch. I have my moments however. To all the people out there who have survived cancer and chemo, I commend you. I have to keep reminding myself that the nausea will only last a few days. And soon enough I won't need to have chemo, because I will have no cancer left.

I have to give a huge thank you to my neighbor Joan, who graciously agreed to give me my shot on Saturday (and she didn't even mention how bad I smelled!) I was dreading it, but it really wasn't bad. I also realized that it cost $2740.20! At least that is what the prescription tag said. I can't even imagine what this whole ordeal would be like if I didn't have great medical insurance.

John has been trying to get a wireless printer network set up at the house. I think the printer we have is not compatible with the router. I think he is trying to get things ready so I can work a little bit from home. He literally spent most of the weekend working on it, except for the times the timer was going off reminding him to dose out one of the many medications I take. It's weird to go from taking one multi-vitamin a day to an around the clock drug regimen. I'm pretty sane, but it is difficult for me to even keep track. John is my rock, keeping me on track and listening to me babble when I am going a little crazy. I have to give the biggest I Love You and Thank You to Him.

I also have to thank the elder Crase's for the portable DVD player. As I can't lay on my side yet, it has come in handy in the bed. It is just the right size and I can enjoy a episode of Sex and the city before I drift off to sleep. I also have to thank Pete and Sharon for the tiny pillow cases for my new wool travel pillow and the drawers for the bathroom. I also have to thank my Mom for finding me some more nightgowns. Thanks Beth for stopping by at lunch to watch me eat some of your wonderful corn chowder and bring me girl movies (as my brother calls them.) I know it's a huge load off John to be able to lean on you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As for the new do...it has come in handy. Thank you Wendy for giving me such a stylish new do. It is so much easier to take care of and if I don't want to I don't even have to blow it dry. Today John insisted that I take a shower (personal hygiene was not high on my list Sat or Sun, sorry to those who stopped by and had to smell me) today and it was great. I did style my hair just a bit, but promptly fell asleep and have bed head.

Thanks again to everyone who comments. I don't always get to look at them in a timely manner, but I enjoy going back and reading all your kind words. I am looking forward to getting some advice from John's Aunt LeaAnne who just clobbered breast cancer herself. She will be here shortly and plan to get all her coping strategies for chemo.