It's Cancer - A quiet day

I've done as little as possible today in preparation for tomorrow's second-to-last chemo treatment. I let Rose out the door to do her business. I went to the kitchen to get water and something to eat. As a result of drinking so much water I went to the bathroom more times that I can count.

I'm not planning to watch DJT's televised address to Congress tonight. The more I see him the more he bothers me. I think he is finding out that all his promises to the American people aren't as easy to accomplish as he thought, yet he can't admit it. And don't get me started on his appointees and cabinet.

Today I'm celebrating Fat Tuesday. I'll try my best to eat every Girl Scout cookie in the house before bedtime. Can't wait to see my weight tomorrow.

It's Cancer - Sweet treats from a sweet friend

I'm going to go to the grocery store this afternoon, or at least that is my plan. I don't need any groceries, but I do need to get out of the house. I think walking in the store while holding onto cart is an excellent idea. I'll keep my purchases to a minimum since the weight I can lift is still restricted.

I'm excited about an event that MDA is presenting at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston this Thursday night. The topic is the link between lifestyle, cancer prevention and overall health. MDA will present research and recommendations for anti-cancer living, and, in collaboration with MFAH docents, they will link this lifestyle with works of art in the galleries. The only problem is that is the night of my writing class and I've missed the last two sessions because I wasn't feeling well the day after chemo. I wish I could be two places at once.

Today I'm celebrating Katy who brought a box of six pastries to the house yesterday from her favorite bakery in Galveston. I keep nibbling on them, trying to decide which one I like best. Right now there is a six-way tie.

It's Cancer - Tired today

I don't feel bad, I'm just tired. Maybe it is Rose's snoring that makes me think a nap is a good idea.

It's warm today, but tomorrow it's supposed to be colder. I told someone earlier that maybe the every-other-day change in the weather is what keeps me from getting rid of my runny nose and cough.

Today I'm celebrating Dr. Mc. She made a delicious dinner last night. She also brought home Girl Scout cookies. Perfect!

It's Cancer - Best wishes to family starting their journey

On my way through the MDA Hayes Building lobby yesterday, I heard my name called. I turned around and there was a friend from my neighborhood. After a hug and her asking how I was doing, she told me that her family had just learned that her sister has ovarian cancer.

I was sad all afternoon thinking about that family and what lays in front of them, and reflective about my own cancer journey. I can well remember what it felt like to receive my diagnosis. What fear and concern my friend's family must feel at this time. After chemo I have two more parts to my journey (surgery and radiation) so I shouldn't feel as I'm through my battle, but I do have great optimism for the future.

Today I'm celebrating the new seven-day steroid pack I started this morning. My limbs are covered with the chemo rash again. Hopefully the steroid pack will improve the ugly, itchy rash, as well as the inflection that's affecting my blood cell counts and making me tired and weak.

It's Cancer - Chemo Phase 2, Number 10 of 12

Mr. B and I got home from MDA around 8:30 p.m. Mitzie had been with me at MDA since noon for blood work, port access, appointment with oncologist, and waiting for chemo to begin. Mr. B arrived just before chemo started to relieve Mitzie.

The oncologist was one hour late for our appointment and chemo was two hours late starting. I just can't understand why these appointments are always late. I get impatient waiting, but really hate it when someone has to wait with me. Nothing is more boring and frustrating that sitting around with other sick people.

Today I'm celebrating the movie Roman Holiday. It started just when chemo began and I was able to watch the ending when we got home. I can't count the number of times I've watched the movie and I still enjoy watching it again and again.

It's Cancer - Feeling good today

I'm happy to report that three days of medication and rest can help a body feel good. I'm not taking potassium supplements, but I am eating foods and drinking juices that are rich in it. I felt so good that I met Sandy for lunch at a new Heights restaurant (Field & Tides). Then I had frozen yogurt with down-the-street neighbor Diane.

I got home to reports of shots fired at Ben Taub Hospital. HPD is conducting a secondary search of the building right now because their initial search didn't find an active shooter or gun. There are no reports of anyone being hurt. I'm so glad that I'm not in the med center today. It must be a mess there right now.

Today I'm celebrating Susan who shaved my head this afternoon. I had patches of "peach fuzz" growing that I wanted to get rid of so my hair will grow back evenly. Thanks, Susan, for the shave and scalp massage.

It's Cancer - Six hours in the ER at MDA

I woke up feeling OK on Saturday morning, but as the day went on I started experiencing some pains in the middle of my chest. That was just the beginning of my problems. I was light headed, dizzy, weak, and short of breath. My whole body was tingling. My face became very flushed. Finally I told Mr. B that I needed to go to the emergency room. I wasn't sure what was happening, but the combination of ailments was troublesome.

We went to the emergency room at MDA where I was tested for a heart attack, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu and everything else viral. When I arrived my blood pressure was sky high. I had IVs in both arms and was pumped full of morphine, antibiotics and other fluids. I'm surprised I wasn't anemic after all the blood draws. My diagnosis was a severe potassium deficiency, which fits all my symptoms and, in my case, was caused by chemo. Potassium was added to my "cocktail" mix before I was discharged home to my own bed.

Today I'm celebrating Thin Mints. Mr. B pulled some from his stash in the freezer. The frozen chocolate delights were probably the best medicine for me, at least in my mind.

It's Cancer - Break a leg, Sweetness

I'm so proud of Sweetness. She has been working with a group of performance artists who are presenting live at the Menil tonight. I won't be able to attend because I'm too weak, but I'll be with her in spirit and know that she'll do an outstanding job!

I hear the thunder and rain outside yet I also hear birds singing. What birds sing in the rain?

Today I'm celebrating Michele who sent me some delicious soup. This is certainly the weather for soup and crackers. Maybe some hot chocolate, too.

It's Cancer - Mind over matter

As euphoric as I was last night by the wonderful news I received yesterday from MDA (tumor has shrunk by more than 50% and surgery date set to remove the tumor), I'm just that tired today. So every time I get out of bed and put weight on my legs and feet, I remind myself that I only have three chemo treatments left. Then I'll have time for my body to recover and get stronger. Mr. B and I have already made plans for short walks as soon as my chemo is finished.

I know that Mr. B continues to be concerned that I'm so weak. Both doctors we saw yesterday at MDA told him that it's very normal. Everyone at MDA made sad faces at the red spots covering my arms, legs and upper chest. These are also effects of chemo that will soon disappear.

Today I'm celebrating my family and friends who continue to follow my progress. With all of your well wishes and support, I'm moving forward with a positive attitude. Special shout out to neighbor Diane who delivered valentine treats to our front porch on Tuesday. I'm convinced that milk chocolate and warm socks are aiding my progress.

It's Cancer - Chemo Phase 2, Number 9 of 12

It was a long 10-hour day, but good news from MDA. The day started with a mammogram followed by an ultrasound. My tumor has shrunk more than 50% and the cancer seems to be contained in my breast and hasn't spread to my lymph nodes. Also part of today was port access, blood work and the dreaded chemo, but I'm home now and already in bed.

I also met with my oncology surgeon and plastic surgeon today. My last chemo treatment is on Wednesday, March 8. Only three more! The doctors are giving me a month to get stronger after the last chemo before they perform surgery on Tuesday, April 11. I'll spend Monday, April 10 at the hospital with pre-op stuff and have the surgery the next day. No overnight stay in the hospital before or after the surgery.

Today I'm celebrating KS. Thanks for the Lindt chocolates. I've eaten the milk chocolates
and will now move on to the white chocolates.

It's Cancer - Happy Valentine's Day

Thanks Marta Brown for the cute shadow box
with pink paper roses. So sweet.

Valentine's Day has turned into a two-day celebration in the Pettit household. TLP came into the house from school yesterday with a bunch of red tulips. Dr. Mc asked if the flowers were for her, but he brought them directly to me and said, "For Tutu." Big Daddy had couched TLP to say Happy Valentine's, but instead he thought it was a birthday because there were cakes on the table.

Mini bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes were my surprise contribution to last night's dinner. Big Daddy Nick made a delicious dinner of rigatoni with bolognese sauce, Caesar salad and garlic. Mr. B was in charge of pouring the bubbly, even one glass for me.

Today I'm celebrating Valentine's Day (again). Mr. B and I are trying a new Italian restaurant in the 'hood tonight. And I'm going to get spiffed up for my sweetheart by putting on a dress and wearing my hat tonight. Love you Mr. B.

It's Cancer - Early Valentine's Day

I felt well enough today to have lunch with my bestie Mitzie. We had Chinese food because both of our husband's are basically meat and potato eaters. Today I had delicious shrimp and avocado rolls. Beautiful presentation and yummy!

Then Mitzie took me to run an errand, which I can't talk about because it's a Valentine's surprise. After an hour and a half I was exhausted and breathing hard. It's good to have friends who will haul you across town, realize when you're fatigued, and get you home and to bed for some needed rest. (I always rest in the afternoon so I can feel refreshed when the family gets home in the evening.)

Today I'm celebrating Missy, Byron's sister. She and her husband have been snow skiing in Colorado for about two weeks and she has sent me two cards letting me know she's thinking of me. The card I got today contained a little heart charm and a sweet note. I appreciate her so much.

It's Cancer - Not a good day

I woke up this morning not feeling well. It has been awhile since the chemo side effects were this bad, plus I still  have my cough and runny nose, but no fever.

I'm light headed, can hardly breathe, and my chest is aching. Also, and this is somewhat gross to think about, a few of my nails are pulling away from their beds. I was told this might happen and that is could be very painful. The warning was correct. Eventually, I'll lose the nails.

Today I'm celebrating pain relievers and my pillows. I hope after some rest <afternoon nap> I'll feel better before Mr. B gets home from work.

It's Cancer - Chemo Phase 2, Number 8 of 12

This was a short day for treatment at MDA. I was home by 3:30 p.m. I'm glad to be home so I can sleep since I didn't sleep last night. I have no idea why I don't sleep a wink the night before chemo.

Right now I'm feeling tired and I have some joint pain. The good news is that I only have one more month (four more weeks) of chemo.

Today I'm celebrating a new hat. I had been eying this hat at MDA since before Christmas. I wanted to buy a black hat, but that color was gone. Instead the women in the shop convinced me a get the hat in beige. It's a good neutral. I can wear on Valentine's Day next week when Mr. B and I go to dinner.

It's Cancer - A work-in-progress

I got up this morning and ate a piece of banana nut bread and drank a diet coke. A diet coke? I quit drinking them on January 1, 2016. Who am I going back to that habit? To be honest, I didn't even like the taste of the diet coke.

Last week I attended my first writing for self-discovery class. I enjoyed it very much and was so fired up after the class. I have homework to complete before my next class in a little more than 48 hours, but I haven't written a word. I guess I'm still discovering how not to procrastinate. I'm a work-in-progress.

Today I'm celebrating feeling better. I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection for more than a week. After five days of antibiotics and a steroid pack I'm able to breathe through both nostrils. What a feeling!

It's Cancer - Awesome game

Since Mr. B and I both have nagging coughs, we passed on all Super Bowl parties and stayed home. But that doesn't mean we passed on the festivities and treats. In the first quarter we had chips. In the second quarter we had pizza. Third quarter was potato thins (such as twice baked potatoes). Finally, a vanilla shake during the exciting fourth quarter.

I wasn't that impressed with the commercials from the Super Bowl. This morning, one analyst slammed the commercials that were politically oriented while an analyst on another television channel said politics were "pop culture" and spots with that slant were most effective. Personally, I liked the daughter ad (Audi), but missed the clydesdales and the baby trader spots.

Today I'm celebrating Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga. Best halftime show. Ever!

It's Cancer - Writing for self-discovery

I woke up this morning not feeling well. I was so nauseous that I took medication to help me. I felt so bad that I couldn't eat lunch, but had to eat something so I could take more medication. Around 2:30 this afternoon, I let Rose out to do some "business" and fell on the way back to bed. I'm always asked at MDA if I have fallen in the last week. I've answered "no" but that will change next Wednesday.

I attended a workshop last night that was so interesting. One of the reasons I write my blog is for self discovery, and the workshop is about writing for that same reason. Participants (all women) were given prompts and then wrote to the topic. It was inspiring to listen to the stories of others and connect with women of all ages. I can't wait to attend next week.

Today I'm celebrating Rilla, who not only introduced me to the writing workshop, but also drove me to and from The Jung Center so I could attend.

It's Cancer - Eight hours at MDA

I won't go into all the delays that occurred yesterday, except to say that when MDA announced in December 2016 that the hospital was going to have a staff reduction, which would not impact patient care, I predicted that wait times would increase. And I was correct. (If only I had such luck predicting lottery numbers.) Technically, waiting longer doesn't impact "patient care." I still receive the same great care at MDA whether I have to wait 15 minutes or two hours.

My blood work from yesterday was about the same as last week. Both my white cell count (indicates infection) and red cell count (indicates anemia) were low. I came home with antibiotics for five-days, as well as steroids for seven days to help with those problems. I already receive a steroid injection each week before chemo begins, which has caused my blood sugar level to be slightly elevated. To help with my glucose level I need to watch my sugar intake and eat low carb meals and snacks. Although these healthy changes to my diet are ones I should permanently make ... what devastating news to receive four days before the Super Bowl. After all, I already gave up alcohol.

Today I'm celebrating neighbor Sandra who provided my ride to MDA yesterday. She and husband, Charlie, were recently in Santa Fe. They drove by Pettita Casita and sent photos. They also brought me a milagro, which are traditionally used for healing purposes in Mexico and Latin America. Grandes vecinos (English translation = great neighbors)!

It's Cancer - Chemo Phase 2, Number 7 of 12

My chemo isn't until this afternoon so I'm writing this blog before I head to MDA. I've gotten into this really bad habit of not sleeping the night before chemo so I'm really tired this morning. I shouldn't be nervous about the chemo treatment, but I'm anxious about my blood work.

Both my red and white blood cell counts were really low last week. A low white blood cell count left me prone to infections (I've had a cold and cough all week). A low red blood cell count is a sign of anemia, which means I've been weak and tired (more than usual). I'm afraid that if my blood work isn't better this afternoon my oncologist will cancel the chemo to give me another week to get stronger. This happened once in my first round of chemo.

Today I'm celebrating The Suffers. The band is playing at several of the Super Bowl events. Last night they played at the Houston Museum for Natural Science for the media party. Big Daddy Nick said Mayor Sylvester Turner had them play one of their songs, Great Day (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfmC9rF2eE), twice last night. The video link is for a promotion video The Suffers made last year for Houston. Look outside the window at the beginning of the video and you'll see Nick using his drum sticks to play on a railing. He is also playing the railing after Kam goes out the door. This video has been viewed more than 83K on YouTube. Not bad for a little band from the big H!