Chemo 4, Susan (still a) 10

4 done 12 to go.

Progress! The last of the "double bag" phase is now behind us.  Susan completed the first phase of chemo last week.  The first phase was the combination of two drugs administered every three weeks.  The doctor told us the chemo would have a cumulative effect.  Well he was correct. It seems it's going according to plan on that front.  The next phase will be just one drug administered weekly for twelve weeks. That will start the Friday before Christmas.

Before treatment on Friday, Susan had 12 very good days in a row.  Prior to that it was several days of pretty low energy compounded with recuperation from a severe cold.  I can always tell when the *sparkle * comes back in her eyes and I can get her to laugh.  The *sparkle* and laughter are wonderful and welcomed!

The chemo & blood cell booster combination, translates to lots of sleep for several days following treatment.  She gets worn out pretty easily, so on advice from the doctor she rests.  We'll see what the next phase brings with her weekly treatments. We're hopeful it will be less of an impact on the daily schedule being one drug rather than two.  On the plus side she won't have the white cell booster during the next phase.  On the flip side however she will get a bag of Benadryl infused each week along with the chemo. I'll bet that'll be good for a nap or two.

Overall Susan is doing pretty darn well with the chemo but does not "recommend" it - unless you have to of course.  We know of others who unfortunately aren't, or haven't been so lucky.  So we both continue to count our blessings - which are plentiful.

It's now four treatments down and she still looks like a million bucks!  

She's assumed "ownership" of a couple of my winter stocking caps but she wears them well. They keep her head and neck warm at night. She's pretty cute with her dew rags in the day and stocking caps at night.

Susan was disappointed that she's had to give up her volunteer work at Genesis Hospital Gift Shop while in treatment.  She enjoyed her companionship with Connie Clay and other friends when there.  But that will be there for her to return to in the spring.  

We spent a very quiet Thanksgiving together at home.  Mr. Hy Vee prepared a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving dinner for four.  Fortunately Susan has a great appetite. The prep and clean up were a breeze - and we had warm ups too.

The weekend after Thanksgiving we met Susan's mom, aunt Alvina, cousin Joe, sister Peg and husband Jerry in Cedar Rapids for lunch.  It was good seeing them before they returned to Colorado.  

A few weeks ago we reported Brad and Jaxson got their haircut like Grandma.  Brad sent us a few pictures of the process.

Hold Still Dad

 

      

Don't move Dad

We're almost done Daddy

It looks like Jaxson really enjoyed it while shearing Dad but, well.............

Final touch

Not funny Daddy

No, Daddy stooooop!!

...didn't like it quite as much when it came his turn under the clippers.  But both looked great when they finished. 

Our friends at Bettendorf Amicare Pharmacy had a wonderful surprise for Susan last week.  Thank you Amanda, Laura, Lory and Michelle!!  You're always a bright spot and a real lift when we stop in.

Nice selection Larry!

Never Give Up
Fight Like a Girl!!
From the Amicare Staff

And from our long time friends Debbie & Larry Marshall

Our next trip to oncology will be the start of weekly treatments.  These will start just before Christmas and will go for 12 consecutive weeks.  We'll keep you posted on the progress. There will be progress!

On other fronts, Susan's mother is now in Loveland, CO and will winter in AZ with Peg and Jerry.  We look forward to seeing them next spring.

Some of you have also asked about the Pigg folks.  Mom is continuing Hospice at Heritage House in Atlantic.  Hard to believe it's approaching two years since her surgery for colon cancer.  She chose to discontinue chemo several months ago. She doesn't get around so well now at 90 but her mind is good.  In fact we received a hand written letter from her just yesterday!  She's an incredible lady! 

Dad Pigg recently learned of a cancer that resettled in his neck glands.  It likely stems from a skin cancer he had removed over a year ago.   It's treatable with surgery and radiation however at nearly 92 he has chosen to forego treatments.  He's decided to, as he says, let nature takes it's course. Treatment has undesirable side effects so he's had a difficult last few weeks. While some of us hoped he'd pursue treatments we respect his decision. It's one of those no-win decisions.  He's now considering moving to an apartment, possibly at the Heritage House complex, where he can be closer to Mom through the winter.  

Personally speaking, I've concluded cancer really does suck. 

Yip, sure does!

Susan and I thank you for your continued support via your prayers, cards, visits, emails and smiles. We'll continue to keep you apprised of progress and hope to continue hearing from you.

We wish you each a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and best wishes through the Holidays.  Be safe in your travels, keep the faith and count your blessings.  We sure do. 

Late October Update

28 October 2012

I think the cumulative effects of chemo and the white cell booster got the better part of Susan this last week.  She's tended to sleep more than usual and a on few days had mild nausea. However she's NOT been sick to her stomach when staying on her medications.  Man, they have drugs for everything anymore. Fortunately the nausea stuff works!

Another welcomed
wish from Elly and Audrey

Last Sunday we had a webcam call with Brad, Amanda and Jaxson.  You'll remember our post from a week ago that Brad and Jaxson got their hair cut like Grandma - a buzz cut.  Well, I complimented Jaxson about his haircut. He said his dad gave it to him and he laughed.  

So I asked him if he wanted to see Grandma's new haircut.  He was puzzled but agreed.  So Susan (surprisingly but on queue) leaned off camera, flipped her wig off and came back on camera.  

Talk about a surprised 4 year old!  Jaxson's mouth dropped open and he went absolutely silent, staring at his grandma without hair.  It totally shocked him into a complete silence.  Actually I think he got a little embarrassed.  But then the truth is I think Brad and Amanda were also a bit shocked by what had just happened.  

Susan takes in good stride and says "you have to have some humor in it".  That's telling isn't it !   Anyway it was a funny happening and glad we did it.   

The Beauty and The Beasts

I mentioned Susan is getting her sleep in this week.  Riley and Rocco still love it as it gives them time to sleep in with "mama dog". 



On Thursday, Susan's sister Peg and husband Jerry flew in from Colorado for a week stay.  It's been good and helped get Susan moving again.  They spent a few hours on Friday doing some shopping for yarn and other things.  Susan got a late nap in and was ready for dinner at the Symposium Cafe.


Peg came prepared to help Susan with new head gear.  She knitted a nice red stocking cap that will serve Susan well the next few months.  Here is the final fitting......


And here is the final product.......

They've had a good time together this week - hanging our being sisters.

Tomorrow their mother will come for a day visit travelling with Susan's cousin Ron and wife Elaine.  Very nice of them to drive down for the day.


Elly's 6th birthday was also this past week.  We were unable to help her celebrate it in Columbia, SC but she had a fun birthday on Friday.  Later in the day we received some photos of the occasion and the new Halloween decorations at their house.  

Elly decided, all on her own, to get an extra pumpkin for their house display.  We thought that was extra special and Susan appreciated it so much.  Thank you Elly and Audrey you are wonderful granddaughters.

Denton House Columbia SC
October 2012

Elly & Audrey October 2012

Pink Cowgirl Audrey 10/12

Nice Hat Audrey 10/12

                                                   

   

Elly's 6th Birthday 10/12 

Best to you all and until next time - Cheers.  Happy Halloween and don't forget to vote.

Number 2: Complete!

New Look:

Another busy week for Susan with her new hairs, a blood draw, chemo and a white blood cell count booster.

After an early blood draw on Monday, friend and neighbor Annie took Susan back to Betty's Wig Boutique to be fitted for some new hair.  They had a great time at the fitting and at lunch afterward.  

Annie Stern and Susan
10/15/12

From Annie and Dave

Not knowing they were back as I was about to leave for errands I was shocked when I opened the garage door.  Here were these two "knock out" ladies standing in my driveway smiling at me. They scared the bajeebers out of me for that spit second. They said they wanted to see the look on my face.  Well they got one!

Susan picked up a couple of very nice hair pieces along with some classy skull caps.  She says she now knows why guys wear caps because her head gets cold.  But she fixed that with her night caps.  No, not the alcoholic kind, 'cause she can't imbibe during treatment. They are nice ones and she looks great in them - and without them. 


Treatment #2:

Susan at the start of #2

On Tuesday Susan met with Dr. Sy (oncologist) prior to her second chemo treatment.  He is very attentive from the moment he comes into the exam room and is very aware of her every expression and movement.  That's a good thing and we're glad to have him leading the team!  

He sees her white count is a bit low and recommended a white cell count booster which she got today.  



Wednesday was chemo treatment number 2.  It took about 2-1/2 hours but went well.  Susan smiles going in and is smiling coming out of it.  Two down and fourteen to go.

I'm always struck at how the oncology nurses don their "hazmat gear" when they change the drug bags.  This week I asked them about it.  Kara says it's for accidental spillage.  Hmmm,  I guess it's every man for himself. 

Susan at the end of #2

Susan is doing very well with the treatments and they are doing a great job of managing/preventing nausea.  To this point she has not been sick to her stomach - thank you very much. 

Her spirit is high and her wit and humor as sharp as ever. She continues to volunteer at one of the hospitals with her good friend Connie Clay every other Tuesday.  It's good therapy for Susan and Connie is great company.    




Our oldest granddaughter Elly and her sister Audrey sent Grandma Susan a wonderful pick-me-up note along with some of Elly's art work.  We're blessed!

Copyright Ellyson Grace Denton
Oct 2012

Thank you so much for your continued support of Susan via your notes, cards and prayers. She's a lucky lady - and I'm a lucky man.  

Next up is chemo #3 on 7 November.

The Hair Event

This morning Susan visited her friend and hair dresser for a ceremonial shave.  Fran, owner of N2U in Moline, suggested Susan make the first passes.  She has found from other clients that it can be therapeutic.  Fran actually came in on one of her rare days off to do this for Susan.  You're great Fran!

After a good hair wash....



Susan took the shears, then sloooowly made the move and ....



...began the cut with a slow but clean pass front to back across the top of her head.

 

After a couple of rows she ended up with a "Larry" cut. She smiled the whole time.

                                              

             Fran then grabbed the shears and finished it off.  Susan was as beautiful as ever !! 

   

Okay, this is NOT Susan
but you get the idea.
(Hint, see photo of Brad below)

The Real Deal
(Okay at 6 months)

When we got home Susan surprised Riley and Rocco with her new look.  They just had to give her a "we love you momma-dog" welcome home lick. Susan really does have a good head. Seriously!

Dammit Doll

Susan's favorite nephew, Chad and his wife Rebecca, sent her a nifty little gift this week in preparation for the hair loss event.  She's not used it yet ... but there may come a time.  In the meantime it has given her a big smile and welcomed lift. 

Last night we received photos of son Brad and grandson Jaxson in Yuma AZ. They decided to honor Mom and Grandma with their own high and tight hair cuts.  Nice job guys!! 

Next up it's back to Betty's Wig Boutique in the East Village on Monday with friend and neighbor Annie S for a fitting of the final selections.  Wednesday 17 October (Wear Your Pink Day) is Susan's next chemo treatment.  

Thanks again so very much for all the notes, calls, cards, thoughts and prayers.  Susan is in great spirit and knows she is blessed with so many wonderful friends, neighbors and family.  

The Wig Shop

Annie and Susan made it to Betty's Wig store last week and tried on several wigs.  Following are samples that may be in our future. We'll see. 

The Bouffant

The Blondie un dew

Blondie deux dew

The Sharon Osborne

The Red

So Sharon

The Natural Look

Susan is convinced, based on discussions with nurses, that she will shave her head rather than let it fall "naturally".  

So next up is a trip to Fran's hair shop (N2U in Moline) for the shave on 12 October.  Nurses tell us that in their experience, day 17 following the first chemo treatment is when the hair begins to drop so Susan wants to be "on top" of it.  

Natural

After the shave job it's back to Betty's for a fitting of the chosen one or ones.  

Today we have a followup with Dr. Sy.  Cheers until the next post!