November 27, 2011

Sunday 11/27/11

Today was a recovery day.  In order to allow our bodies a little time to recover we decided to take today to rest.  We lounged around and spent time in the hot tub (which overlooks the mountain).  It was very relaxing and awesome! 

We currently plan to get plenty more skiing in the next few days.  

View of Beaver Creek from The Westin

Matt and I on our way to lunch
(The Westin and Beaver Creek behind us)

Saturday 11/26/11

So I haven’t been skiing in about 7 - 8 years and as a reminder I have been on a vacation from strenuous physical activity since January 2011 (that is 11 months).  

The weather was absolutely beautiful.  The mountain is open but there has been a limited amount of snow - so not all lifts / trails are open.  Our intent was to ski greens for the day and maybe even the week (green is the easiest level).  We made it to the top of the lift and we found a route that had both green and blue.  So we started off and it went well.  When suddenly we made it to what looked to me to be the steepest slope EVER - small children as young as 4 / 5 years old were skiing right by me.  I found myself starting and stopping several times down the mountain.  Matt was ahead of me and asked me to descend.  I was very scared and told Matt that I felt like I was going to cry.  The second ski patrol who stopped next to me - after I took a small spill asked me if I was having trouble getting up.  I said, “No, I am having trouble getting down.”  The ski patrol person said there was another trail that was easier -- but that it got better further down the mountain.  So I finally figured out how to make it down that super steep portion of the trail and the difficulty varied through to the bottom.  I learned a lot more about skiing on my way down.  At the bottom we found the area that is used for lessons and it was perfect for practicing my new skills.  

After several runs through the lesson area I gained confidence and started to go faster -- unfortunately I took a fall.  We decided to stop for lunch and a little rest.  After lunch I realized that I was pretty tired and I stayed behind to rest.  Matt did another run and came back pretty tired.  He shared that this was the final run and it was time for both of us to call it a day.  

We had a great day of skiing!!

Matt and I waiting for the bus to hit the mountain

Matt and I - we just got off the lift and were headed to our first run of the day

Photo of the bruise from my fall today

Friday 11/25/11 

We were there before the airport officially opened (which by the way is 4:30 am).  The great news about that is we beat the entire Thanksgiving rush. 

The flight was turbulent -- which left me feeling quite nauseated throughout the day.  I am the last of 9 children and we were able to see most of my family on our way through town.  We made it to Beaver Creek late (due to the fact that it was snowing on the way up the mountain) had a little dinner and went right to bed.  

Matt and I at the airport (3 am)

Matt on the Tram in Denver International Airport
(was so early we were alone)

Thursday 11/24/11

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Matt and I started the day with a Turkey Trot.  We learned this morning that Vera and Ryder were also doing the Turkey Trot - so we met up with them in the parking lot before the race / run.  There was a big crowd today and with the weather hovering in the mid 60s - it was a great day for a run.  The run is done through the galleria the route has changed a little from previous years, which is a good thing since the event has outgrown it’s previous venue.  Of course the bad part was that along the way many galleria area residents were frustrated with the street closure.  We witnessed several people arguing with police officers (which is totally wild).  I think I heard Vera yell out “Happy Thanksgiving” during the run :)

I started the run with the objective to run the entire way and finish strong.  As the crowd thinned out Matt and I encountered a couple that kept running ahead of us followed by a walk, during which we would pass them.  They kept looking back at us and eventually Matt told me that he wanted to beat them (of course I did as well).  So at mile 5.2 we turned it on - but eventually I slowed down and the couple passed us ... again.  I couldn’t believe it so with 1/2 a mile left until the end of the race Matt and I looked at each other and decided to sprint to the finish.  Matt noticed that I was having a hard time and he decided I needed a little extra motivation - so he said, “The couple is right behind you.”  I was not having that, so I hit the gas.  We reached the finish line together and the couple came in about 5 minutes behind us.  And he confessed that he actually had no idea where the couple was when he told me they were right behind me.  It was a great day for a race!!

We went home and relaxed for a little while and then went out for our Thanksgiving Lunch at Benji’s.  

Anyone who knows us or reads this blog knows that this year has been full of many different challenges.  With radiation complete we figured it was time for a vacation and we are leaving for a ski trip to Beaver Creek tomorrow.  We will be there for a week and will see my family as we pass through Denver.  Our flight is early in the morning and Matt wants us to be at the airport almost a day early - we packed our bags tonight and took what I would call a nap and headed out for the airport.  

Matt and I before the race started

Ryder before the race

Me - after we crossed the finish line

Matt and I after we cross the finish line

Wednesday 11/23/11

I am not really sure where the week went - but with a short week and the day before a holiday I was glad when the day ended.  Matt and I signed up for the Turkey Trot a while back (10 k / 6.2 miles) and at the end of the work day we went into pick up our race packets (including # and t-shirts).  It was great weather and packet pick up was quick and painless.  Hopefully the race is just as painless. :)

Sunday 11/20/11

Today was a recovery day and while there are times when working out is physically challenging - that doesn’t mean recovery is a walk in the park.  Today my body felt like I got ran over by a train - but I realize that self inflicted pain (such as like caused by mountain biking) deserves little to no sympathy I thought it best to listen to my body and take the day off.  I rested and while Matt had a lot more energy then I did - he was very understanding of the relaxed nature of my road to recovery (as always).  

Saturday 11/19/11

Question:  How does a SuperMonkey celebrate the completion of radiation treatment? 

Answer:  Mountain Bike Ride

So I haven’t been on a bike in about 4 months -- my surgeon suggested that I avoid mountain biking while getting radiation due to the strain radiation causes on my pectoral (pec) muscles.  So since treatment is over Matt and I decided to go for a mountain bike ride.  There is a biking trail near our house (it is paved and it runs all the way downtown).  Today’s ride was great!  It reminded me of 2 things:  1)  I am very out of shape and 2) Doctors may actually know what they are talking about.  We rode less then 15 miles and at about half way through the ride my left breast was hurting pretty bad.  After a quick assessment Matt and I decided to return home a little early.  

Despite feeling really beat up from the ride I realized that physical activity is really the only thing that helps me feel better.  I am excited to have radiation complete and get back into shape.  

Photo of me at the end of the bike trail
(outside of downtown Houston)

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

Last week Matt told me the following while we were mountain biking,  “You hurt the ones you love the most.”

My response, “I thought it was ... love the one your with.”

I guess we are both right :)

November 16, 2011

Update

Wednesday 11/16/11

This is it - today is the big day, 33rd of 33 treatments.  Matt accompanied me to my appointment.  As usual, we arrived early to my 7:30 am appointment so we sat in the waiting room patiently waiting for the radiation tech to take me back.  Finally someone came to the waiting room and he looked at me and said he was going to tease me and tell me that something was wrong with the machine - but then he felt bad for me so he decided not to tease me.  I changed my clothes and was prepared for treatment.  After treatment was over I met Matt in the waiting room to ring the bell that signifies the end of radiation treatment.  According to the information I read online the tradition of ringing the bell was introduced in 1996 at MD Anderson when U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne, a patient with head and neck cancer, installed a brass bell at the main campus Radiation Treatment Center.  Matt told me I was supposed to ring the bell 3 times -- but in true SuperMonkey Style I think I rang it about 5 or 6 times. :)

I worked the rest of the day and found myself feeling exhausted but happy.  I am excited that the days / weeks to come will offer restored energy.  I am also excited to be able to sweat and shower as much as I want without having to worry about maintaining any markings on my body.  I am reminded of how lucky I am and the fact that life is good!!  

Saying posted near the bell at Methodist Hospital in Radiation Oncology

I am ready to ring the bell :)

This bell didn't want to ring at first

(but I eventually got it working)

Tuesday 11/15/11

Today I had the 32nd of 33 treatments and interestingly enough I found myself more focused today.  While I am receiving my radiation I am usually thinking about all the things I have to get done that day or that week.  But today was different - today I actually decided to be more “present” and aware of what was going on.  I noticed a lot of things that I usually ignore; room temperature (which by the way is way too cold), the fact that the radiation techs don’t talk to me but instead talk to each other, the fact that the lights are very bright and I have to stare right at them because I am laying down.  After noticing all these things I decided to ask the radiation techs why they leave the lights on when they leave the room.  The answer was abrupt, “for safety, we have to be able to watch you while you are getting treatment”.  I can’t really appreciate the fact that the delivery of radiation is designed for the techs and the machines and not the patients.  

Anyway, during my moments of introspection I realized that my treatment suddenly stopped.  Eventually the radiation techs came in and told me that treatment was not complete but the machine stopped working.  They asked that I continue to lay perfectly still while they reset the machine - after another 15 - 20 min of laying perfectly still I was told that they had to call an engineer to the machine to fix an issue with the machine.  I got up, got dressed and went for a cup of coffee.  When I called Matt to tell him I would be at the hospital for an undetermined period of time he asked why I broke the machine.  I was eventually called back to complete my treatment after waiting another 45 minutes.  

They had to redo my x-rays and complete my treatment.  I was told that one of the motors went out (this machine has approximately 65 small motors that move the plates ).  Today I was at the hospital for 2 hours.  I was exhausted the rest of the day - but I am really close to the end.  

Picture Received from Shane Prahl
(loved it so much I decided to post it)

Monday 11/14/11

Today I had the 31st of 33 treatments followed by the visit to my radiation oncologist.  

I haven’t experienced a great deal of change in my side effects: 

1. Radiation dermatitis - dry skin, itchy skin and skin darkening.  Latest addition is skin peeling -- my pigment is peeling away.  Continuing to manage with Aquaphor.
2. Pain - sharp shooting pain that lasts 5 min - 30 min.  Continuing to manage with advil or pain meds.
3. Nausea and Esophagus Pain - this can last beyond the end of radiation.  Continuing to manage with “magic” mouthwash.
4. Coughing - my cough has continued.  I have found that it is worst in the morning.  The doctor said this is attributed to the fact that my lungs are getting exposed to radiation.  My doctor asked if I wanted medicine to help with the cough -- I declined (mostly because I hate medication and work to avoid it at all cost).  There is no telling how long I will have the cough, but it should get better after I complete radiation.  

I was provided with my discharge orders so I will not have to see the doctor after my final treatment.  The discharge orders basically said the following:

1. Your radiated skin requires and may continue to require the appropriate hydration (with lotion - so use as much as possible).  
2. Your radiated skin will always be more sensitive to sun damage (so use lots of sun screen).
3. Your fatigue onset is slow with radiation treatment and is expected to be slow to return (at least 4 weeks).

After today’s doctor visit I am starting to feel a lot closer to the end of radiation.  

Saturday 11/12/11

My days are very relaxed lately - not because I need to relax but because I find the activities of daily living pretty exhausting.  I now completely understand why having weekends off of radiation is a good idea, if radiation was given 7 days a week I think very few patients would be able to stay on schedule.  My daily hospital visits in the early morning hours have trained me so well that I am finding it challenging to sleep in even on the weekends.  Today Matt and I talked about the different types of adventures we have known / experienced.  Our lives have slowed down a lot but the adventures have continued.  They are much different types of adventures; not necessarily the kind you write race reports about, instead these are much more challenging and at times you wish you didn’t have to experience.  

Matt and I ended the evening at our neighbors house (Troy and Angela) around a fire.  It is funny to have a fire in this weather -- lets just say it was warm around the fire.  We had a great time!  

Friday 11/11/11

As each day passes I find it remarkable at how much more tired I feel.  I wake up each morning feeling tired, I feel tired throughout the day and I feel tired when I go to sleep at night.  With the final day of radiation approaching I find myself feeling excited but much like the final day of chemo I think I will be a little to tired to celebrate.  Either way the milestone is an important one - so I am looking forward to it.  

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

“Education teaches you the rules, experience teaches you the exceptions to the rules.”

- Author Unknown 

November 9, 2011

So it has been a couple of weeks since my last post.  What I am finding is that my days aren’t long enough.  I am tired everyday and the days I have energy I find it to be rather short-lived.  I am looking forward to the end of radiation.  

Wednesday 11/9/11

I am in my 6th week of treatment and today I had the 28th of 33 treatments.  It is a strange feeling to be getting the radiation and feel your body react to the treatment ... today I felt pain in my breast while being treated and shortly after finishing treatment I felt nausea.  

Today’s treatment was very exhausting and I am not sure why so much more exhausting then normal.  Probably because my body is getting so tired.  I think things will be slowing down a great deal in the next week.  

Tuesday 11/8/11

Today I started my new treatment plan.  The last treatment plan was exposing my esophagus to radiation - resulted in nausea and eventual trouble swallowing.  The machine I used prior was called “The Six” and the machine that administered my boost treatment is called “2100”.  The doctor has decided to continue using “2100” instead of transitioning me back to my previous machine.  The other strange thing is that my previous treatment plan was administered using treatment points so I would hear a series of noises (sounds a lot like laser hair removal or a taser gun).  The revised / new treatment plan  administers my radiation continuously.  

The sad part about leaving my boost treatment behind is that boost treatments are administered very quickly - the set up and treatment itself take a total of 10 minutes.  Today’s treatment took closer to half an hour (including set up, x-rays  and treatment).  

Self Portrait #1
(new hair style)

Self Portrait # 2
(same style from the right side)

Self Portrait #3
(same style from the back and probably the most challenging photo)

Self Portrait #4
(same style from the left side)

Monday 11/7/11

Today I completed my 7th / final boost treatment after which I saw my doctor (radiation oncologist).  

My current radiation side effects are: 

1. Radiation dermatitis - dry skin, itchy skin and skin darkening.  Managed with Aquaphor.
2. Pain - sharp shooting pain that lasts 5 min - 30 min.  Managed with advil or pain meds.
3. Nausea and Esophagus Pain - this can last beyond the end of radiation.  Managed with “magic” mouthwash.
4. Coughing - I have started to experience a cough when I go to bed and when I get up in the morning.  Not managed - according to the doctor my lungs sound clear.  

After reviewing my symptoms with my doctor we discussed the plan for my continued treatment.  The entire time I have been in radiation I understood that I would be receiving 35 treatments (over the course of 7 weeks 5 days a week).  Today the doctor told me that I will actually have 33 treatments -- this was great news and while it only means 2 less treatments then originally anticipated I will take this small victory.  The reason I will have less treatments then originally expected is because my tumor responded so well to chemo means I do not require the higher dose of 35 treatments.  

Saturday 11/5/11

Today Matt and I rode our motorcycles to the shop (Houston SuperBikes) to have my new steering stabilizer installed.  The shop was able to get this done this morning and we were on our way.  The ride wore me out so the rest of the day was pretty relaxed, I can only handle one exciting thing a day :) .  

Houston Snow Man (by the way that is cheese)

Thursday 11/3/11 - Thursday 10/27/11

Not much to report except that I am thankful for all the people in my life (family and friends).  I am finding that my challenge these days is my lack patience - I think the duration of treatment is getting to me now more then ever.  I am happy that treatment will be over soon.  

Random collection of photos taken over the week.

Toe Nail Color Change
(still no pedicures but I can get them painted and they gave me paper flip flops to wear home :)

It is a strange feeling holding your clothes in your hand while waiting for radiation on Halloween
(I had to take a picture so I wouldn't forget how strange and uncomfortable this feels)

Rental car broken into on 10/29

The only item in the car was my paperwork (registration and insurance)
the vandals kindly left that on the front seat

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.”

- Mohandas Gandhi