Hi Everyone-
Just a quick update, I had chemo today. I am a bit sick but, I should be fine in the AM. So no worries. They even got me some new medicine for some of the nastier side effects. I promise some phone calls to all the folks I am out of touch with this week.
The better news is that I finally have enough blog posts behind me to start to index the pages on Scrambled Eggs. This way survivors can go to a page and simply look for the topic that will help them or an article that will inspire them. Take a look at the pages on this blog titled, "Tips and Tricks" and " Articles" and see what you think? Make sure to let me know if you have any ideas that would make it better or easier for me to do.
Tara
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Survivor's Blog - October 26, 2013 - Thank You
As many of you have probably noticed, I have not posted in 10 days. Chemo is kicking my butt this time around. I am making it in to teach but, not getting much of anything else done. Thankfully, we have wonderful friends and family who have graciously helped out these past few weeks. I would like to take a moment and thank them here:
Meg P.- Thank you for taking the bull by the horns and getting me a "Buzzy" to stop the pain while I have blood drawn!!! You have made many of my days so much easier.
Suzann & George P.- Thank you for taking me to the State Fair. Not only did you drive me there, you kept me out of the sun and made sure I stayed healthy the whole time!!!
Erin D- My sister, thank you for coming down and sitting through almost every chemo session I have had for the past 2 1/2 years!! ( Despite the fact that you live 3 hours away.) Also a huge thanks for the 2 or 3 hours of vacuuming every surface in my house a couple weeks ago!
Thomas F and sons- Thank you for coming down today and fixing all the crazy plumbing issues in my house! You saved us a bundle and we really enjoyed having you all here.
Bo Hoffman- Thank you for taking your whole Saturday and coming down here all the way from NC to help Thomas fix all the things we have not had time to fix!!!
Kathy and the "ladies from Michael's on Harbison Yarn Night"( Christine and Diane) - for taking all that yarn the Cancer Center had lying around and making it into fantastic hats for the patients at SCOA! ! !You guys are amazing.
Heather A. - My cousin, for your unending stream of cheerful emails, face book messages and adorable cards. You are a one woman "cheer up & get better" support team.
Meg P.- Thank you for taking the bull by the horns and getting me a "Buzzy" to stop the pain while I have blood drawn!!! You have made many of my days so much easier.
Suzann & George P.- Thank you for taking me to the State Fair. Not only did you drive me there, you kept me out of the sun and made sure I stayed healthy the whole time!!!
Erin D- My sister, thank you for coming down and sitting through almost every chemo session I have had for the past 2 1/2 years!! ( Despite the fact that you live 3 hours away.) Also a huge thanks for the 2 or 3 hours of vacuuming every surface in my house a couple weeks ago!
Thomas F and sons- Thank you for coming down today and fixing all the crazy plumbing issues in my house! You saved us a bundle and we really enjoyed having you all here.
Bo Hoffman- Thank you for taking your whole Saturday and coming down here all the way from NC to help Thomas fix all the things we have not had time to fix!!!
Kathy and the "ladies from Michael's on Harbison Yarn Night"( Christine and Diane) - for taking all that yarn the Cancer Center had lying around and making it into fantastic hats for the patients at SCOA! ! !You guys are amazing.
Heather A. - My cousin, for your unending stream of cheerful emails, face book messages and adorable cards. You are a one woman "cheer up & get better" support team.
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| Thank You ! |
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Survivor's Blog- October 16, 2013 Chemo Update
Today is my second try at chemo in two weeks. This time they were able to set an IV in my port. So now I am hooked up to an IV and impatiently waiting to be done and leave. The pain in my port is much better today though it is still present.
Of course, I am going to ignore the go home and rest orders from my nurse today. I am going home to take a nap and then Suzann, my wonderful neighbor, is taking me to the South Carolina State Fair. I am so excited to see all the cakes my students did for the cake decorating and tasting competitions I have heard through the grape vine that some of them won some good prizes!!!
Of course, I am going to ignore the go home and rest orders from my nurse today. I am going home to take a nap and then Suzann, my wonderful neighbor, is taking me to the South Carolina State Fair. I am so excited to see all the cakes my students did for the cake decorating and tasting competitions I have heard through the grape vine that some of them won some good prizes!!!
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| A cake done by Henrietta W., a past student who is now a Wilton Instructor! |
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Happy Belated Anniversay- Scrambled Eggs is a year old!!!
Happy Birthday "Scrambled Eggs"! It is a year down the road from my first blog post and I am happy to say that the Ovarian Cancer Blog is still up and going. At first, I wondered if I was really helping anyone at all? Or was I just talking to myself?
Recently, I have had confirmation that the blog is getting out there. I have met a bunch of survivors and the blog was featured on the PSI bands web site. I also learned that for me writing is cathartic. So I am going to keep at this.
I would love it if those of you who have been affected by cancer would write a post for me. I get a large number of people offering to write posts for the blog, then almost no one sends me posts. So if you are reading this , hook a girl up with a post! I can send you some quick guidelines and then you can be featured on the blog. The goal here is to help others through the journey that is cancer.
In the meantime, celebrate a little with me and wish "Scrambled Eggs" a happy birthday!!!
Recently, I have had confirmation that the blog is getting out there. I have met a bunch of survivors and the blog was featured on the PSI bands web site. I also learned that for me writing is cathartic. So I am going to keep at this.
I would love it if those of you who have been affected by cancer would write a post for me. I get a large number of people offering to write posts for the blog, then almost no one sends me posts. So if you are reading this , hook a girl up with a post! I can send you some quick guidelines and then you can be featured on the blog. The goal here is to help others through the journey that is cancer.
In the meantime, celebrate a little with me and wish "Scrambled Eggs" a happy birthday!!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Survivor's Blog- October 12, 2013. Eye care during chemo.
If you have ever had to have chemotherapy treatments for cancer, you know that the treatment changes your vision. Sometimes the changes in your vision are permanent, other times they are due to the chemo shrinking your eyes. The shrinking in your eyes is from loss of moisture and likely will change again as soon as you are no longer on chemo. If you have vision issues during chemo, you will have to forgo your contact lenses and go to glasses for the duration of the treatment.If you are insured like I am, your insurance may cover vision care. In my case, our insurance does provide for vision care but, the percentage they pay for is so small that I have never used my vision coverage.
Since I am a woman who likes getting a good value ( and I have a whole blog based on " cheap thrills"). The moment I found out I could not wear my contacts, I started investigating the cheapest and best ways to get my hands on prescription glasses that I could wear during my treatment. What I found is that there are several retail stores that allow you to purchase exams and eye wear at a discount. The one that seems to offer the best deals ( in my area) on an exam is" America's Best". The trick is to use their services wisely. This is how you get the best deal on an exam:
1. Call and schedule your exam.
2. When they ask why you are getting an exam, tell them you want to be examined for both contacts and glasses.
3. When you go in remember to stress to them that you want a contacts and eyeglass prescription ( if you don't tell them they will charge your for a second appointment to get the contacts prescripton) and have them give you a copy of your prescription when you are done with your exam. If they refuse to give you a copy ask if you can have your eyeglass store contact them for the prescription.
4. The cheapest way to get an exam is to join the "Eyecare Club". The cost is $99.00 to become a member and the club gives you a couple of benefits. The first benefit is that the $99.00 you spend gives you 3 yearly exams. This means you get one exam every year for a total of 3 years. The second benefit of joining the club is a 3 year discount on any eye glasses you purchase from their store or online. The store has outlets all over the USA and you can use it at any location - just keep your receipt.
5. Once you have your exam and your prescription you can buy your glasses or contacts right at America's Best if you like. If I am going to buy my glasses from them I make sure to schedule my appointment when they are having a 2 pair for $69.00 sale ( the sale offers you several price points that you can get two pairs for, you just have to pick how high you want to go in price).
6. Be very careful if you do buy your glasses in store that you ask for the price on everything! Tints, bifocals, transition lenses,and other add ons cost money and can kill your savings pretty quickly.
7. If you geel like the price on glasses or contacts is too high in the store: take your prescription and hit the internet. There are a number of sites out there that offer inexpensive glasses. Two of my favorites are:
www.eyeglasses.com
www.1800contacts.com
Of course, you can also walk in with your prescription and use it at any of the Club Stores or Wal Mart to buy glasses there. You do not have to have an exam someplace in order to be able to buy glasses from them.
Since I am a woman who likes getting a good value ( and I have a whole blog based on " cheap thrills"). The moment I found out I could not wear my contacts, I started investigating the cheapest and best ways to get my hands on prescription glasses that I could wear during my treatment. What I found is that there are several retail stores that allow you to purchase exams and eye wear at a discount. The one that seems to offer the best deals ( in my area) on an exam is" America's Best". The trick is to use their services wisely. This is how you get the best deal on an exam:
1. Call and schedule your exam.
2. When they ask why you are getting an exam, tell them you want to be examined for both contacts and glasses.
3. When you go in remember to stress to them that you want a contacts and eyeglass prescription ( if you don't tell them they will charge your for a second appointment to get the contacts prescripton) and have them give you a copy of your prescription when you are done with your exam. If they refuse to give you a copy ask if you can have your eyeglass store contact them for the prescription.
4. The cheapest way to get an exam is to join the "Eyecare Club". The cost is $99.00 to become a member and the club gives you a couple of benefits. The first benefit is that the $99.00 you spend gives you 3 yearly exams. This means you get one exam every year for a total of 3 years. The second benefit of joining the club is a 3 year discount on any eye glasses you purchase from their store or online. The store has outlets all over the USA and you can use it at any location - just keep your receipt.
5. Once you have your exam and your prescription you can buy your glasses or contacts right at America's Best if you like. If I am going to buy my glasses from them I make sure to schedule my appointment when they are having a 2 pair for $69.00 sale ( the sale offers you several price points that you can get two pairs for, you just have to pick how high you want to go in price).
6. Be very careful if you do buy your glasses in store that you ask for the price on everything! Tints, bifocals, transition lenses,and other add ons cost money and can kill your savings pretty quickly.
7. If you geel like the price on glasses or contacts is too high in the store: take your prescription and hit the internet. There are a number of sites out there that offer inexpensive glasses. Two of my favorites are:
www.eyeglasses.com
www.1800contacts.com
Of course, you can also walk in with your prescription and use it at any of the Club Stores or Wal Mart to buy glasses there. You do not have to have an exam someplace in order to be able to buy glasses from them.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Survivor's Blog- October 10, 2013 Chemo Update
Hello Everyone-
I usually try and post only good news to my blog. Some days, there is just no good news to report. So I will just update you all on my progress with chemo and leave it at that.
I went in for chemo yesterday. Normally, the day after chemo. I post to let you all know that it went well and that I am fine. Well, today I am OK but, chemo went far from well. I went in to SCOA at 7:00 am as usual and by 8:00 am they had my chair ready and my chemo all lined up. Since I can no longer use my right arm for IV's, my chemo nurse had to access the port that I have in my chest. Usually this is a very simple procedure. Yesterday, when she inserted the needle, I felt a pain so strong that I had to run to the restroom and vomit. They tried a second time to access the port with the same result.
So they sent me over to Lexington Medical Center Hospital for a scan of my port to see what the problem was. After a bunch of waiting around, the Doctor finally came in and looked at my scan. He actually had the nerve to look me in the face and tell me that "ports don't hurt" so he told me he had no idea what the problem was? He did everything to imply that I couldn't possibly be in pain!!!! Had I not been in so much pain, I probably would have decked him. I actually asked him if the fact that I was pouring sweat, and clutching the table as they put the fluid through the needle meant I was not hurting or what?
Anyway, what it all boils down to is that they have no idea why my port hurts. They wanted me to reschedule my chemo ASAP ( as in today or tomorrow) but, I could not bring myself to do so yesterday was just too much for me. So I will be in chemo again next Weds at 8:00 am provided they can use my port.
If any of you have run into this issue, I would love to know how you solved it? Message me if you do have any solutions.
I usually try and post only good news to my blog. Some days, there is just no good news to report. So I will just update you all on my progress with chemo and leave it at that.
I went in for chemo yesterday. Normally, the day after chemo. I post to let you all know that it went well and that I am fine. Well, today I am OK but, chemo went far from well. I went in to SCOA at 7:00 am as usual and by 8:00 am they had my chair ready and my chemo all lined up. Since I can no longer use my right arm for IV's, my chemo nurse had to access the port that I have in my chest. Usually this is a very simple procedure. Yesterday, when she inserted the needle, I felt a pain so strong that I had to run to the restroom and vomit. They tried a second time to access the port with the same result.
So they sent me over to Lexington Medical Center Hospital for a scan of my port to see what the problem was. After a bunch of waiting around, the Doctor finally came in and looked at my scan. He actually had the nerve to look me in the face and tell me that "ports don't hurt" so he told me he had no idea what the problem was? He did everything to imply that I couldn't possibly be in pain!!!! Had I not been in so much pain, I probably would have decked him. I actually asked him if the fact that I was pouring sweat, and clutching the table as they put the fluid through the needle meant I was not hurting or what?
Anyway, what it all boils down to is that they have no idea why my port hurts. They wanted me to reschedule my chemo ASAP ( as in today or tomorrow) but, I could not bring myself to do so yesterday was just too much for me. So I will be in chemo again next Weds at 8:00 am provided they can use my port.
If any of you have run into this issue, I would love to know how you solved it? Message me if you do have any solutions.
Friday, October 4, 2013
The Buzzy- a device that stops the pain of a shot!!!!
If you have been following my journey with Ovarian Cancer, you probably know how tired I am right now. My body is physically tired and so is my mind. One of the biggest problems I have been experiencing has been with my veins. I have only one place they can stick me for blood or lab tests outside of my CT Port, my right arm. The veins in my right arm are so jacked up and damaged from the hundreds of needle sticks I have had in the last two years that drawing my blood has become a really, really painful experience!!! I have had days where they have made me cry and days where I flat did not want to even let them touch me to take blood.
The blood draw/IV thing is a real problem for me. My doctor convinced me to get a CT rated port, a device that runs a tube from an artery/vein to a device under your skin that they can plug a needle in to.This way they can take your blood without much effort. The doctor explained that once I had the port, they would just use that to take my blood and start my IV's. As it turns out , he was not really telling me the truth. First of all, if you have a port, the only people who can access it must be certified to do so. Many nurses and doctors are not certified to access your port so you either have to locate one who is, or let them stick you in the arm. I have actually been in the Emergency room several times and only once did they have someone willing to set an IV using my port. Many times they have had to stick me in the arm 7 or 8 times before they could get a needle set. Secondly, many folks who we cancer patients have to deal with regularly will not touch the port at all certified or not. If they have to "draw your port" , they will just tell you they can't treat you and send you back to your cancer doctor. I think they feel the risk of infection is just too great. Finally, they don't tell you that while the port is a one needle stick experience- it still hurts. And trust me, if your port moves under the skin and they have to move it back in position you will wish you were under anesthesia!!!!
For months I have been trying methods to short circuit the pain I have when they stick me in the arm. I tried ice, meditation, prayer, and popping pain killer before I go to treatment. None of my attempts at pain control worked. So I was really excited to see the inventor of a device called "The Buzzy" on the Jeff Probst show this summer. As soon as I saw the device, I wanted to try it. However, when I went to their web site I found that the one I needed was going to be $59.00 plus shipping . I mentioned it to my friend, Meg, and told her I was saving up to get one for myself . She took the matter in to her own hands and called the President of the company that makes " The Buzzy" and got them to send one to her! I owe her a big thank you! After several foiled attempts at using it in the past three weeks, I finally drew my favorite phlebotomist, Adrian. I showed her how it was supposed to work and she said "lets try it" . So we used the ice and then turned it on , she then took one stick and drew my blood. I cannot tell you how great it was, the key is that it took her one stick to get my blood! It also just hurt a little bit!!! I am sure if I did not have the veins of a habitual heroin junky, it would not have hurt at all. Now I just have to convince the other phlebotomists to let me use it and I will be in business.
The cool thing is "The Buzzy" is a device you can use if you are afraid of needles or if you have a child who hates shots. The woman who designed the device is a Pediatrician named, Amy Baxter. She has a child that was really freaked out by shots. Here is the link:
http://www.buzzy4shots.com/
The blood draw/IV thing is a real problem for me. My doctor convinced me to get a CT rated port, a device that runs a tube from an artery/vein to a device under your skin that they can plug a needle in to.This way they can take your blood without much effort. The doctor explained that once I had the port, they would just use that to take my blood and start my IV's. As it turns out , he was not really telling me the truth. First of all, if you have a port, the only people who can access it must be certified to do so. Many nurses and doctors are not certified to access your port so you either have to locate one who is, or let them stick you in the arm. I have actually been in the Emergency room several times and only once did they have someone willing to set an IV using my port. Many times they have had to stick me in the arm 7 or 8 times before they could get a needle set. Secondly, many folks who we cancer patients have to deal with regularly will not touch the port at all certified or not. If they have to "draw your port" , they will just tell you they can't treat you and send you back to your cancer doctor. I think they feel the risk of infection is just too great. Finally, they don't tell you that while the port is a one needle stick experience- it still hurts. And trust me, if your port moves under the skin and they have to move it back in position you will wish you were under anesthesia!!!!
For months I have been trying methods to short circuit the pain I have when they stick me in the arm. I tried ice, meditation, prayer, and popping pain killer before I go to treatment. None of my attempts at pain control worked. So I was really excited to see the inventor of a device called "The Buzzy" on the Jeff Probst show this summer. As soon as I saw the device, I wanted to try it. However, when I went to their web site I found that the one I needed was going to be $59.00 plus shipping . I mentioned it to my friend, Meg, and told her I was saving up to get one for myself . She took the matter in to her own hands and called the President of the company that makes " The Buzzy" and got them to send one to her! I owe her a big thank you! After several foiled attempts at using it in the past three weeks, I finally drew my favorite phlebotomist, Adrian. I showed her how it was supposed to work and she said "lets try it" . So we used the ice and then turned it on , she then took one stick and drew my blood. I cannot tell you how great it was, the key is that it took her one stick to get my blood! It also just hurt a little bit!!! I am sure if I did not have the veins of a habitual heroin junky, it would not have hurt at all. Now I just have to convince the other phlebotomists to let me use it and I will be in business.
The cool thing is "The Buzzy" is a device you can use if you are afraid of needles or if you have a child who hates shots. The woman who designed the device is a Pediatrician named, Amy Baxter. She has a child that was really freaked out by shots. Here is the link:
http://www.buzzy4shots.com/
 |
| This is the Buzzy. It has wings you freeze and the body vibrates to stop pain. |
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Survivor's Blog October 3, 2013- Set some goals....
Hey Everyone-
I am so happy to say that I had a good Doctors appointment today at SCOA!
I did not have exciting results except for the fact that my hemoglobin and white blood cells are doing well so far!
I did get a few things done. If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have been considering my options with this treatment thing. I am so emotionally and physically tired that I have been wanting to discontinue chemo treatments. I don't want cancer to kill me, I just feel at this point the chemo is more damaging than the cancer and it is time to explore some other things that may work.
I also am facing losing my beloved Oncologist, Dr. Terry Smith. who is retiring in December. I promised myself I would do the final three months of my chemo while looking for options for myself and my future treatment. I made a few goals for things to do before my treatment ends in December 2013:
1. Explore Medicare and get my sign up completed.
2. Explore the Oncologists available to me at SCOA.
3. Look in to alternative treatments for my disease and alternative more holistic programs within 3 hours of my home
4. Look in to research studies coming up in my area for patients with my disease.
Today, I actually accomplished one of my goals. I found my new SCOA doctor. I was not comfortable with the one who would have been assigned to me. I went in and asked the first doctor a bunch of questions and while he was helpful, I did not feel too comfortable with him . So I asked SCOA if I could see Doctor option number 2. I had my appointment with him today and he turns out to be good fit for me.
Bottom line, you can set goals for your treatment and how you wish to handle things. If your Doctor is uncomfortable with what you want to accomplish, it is time to get a new Doctor!!!
I am so happy to say that I had a good Doctors appointment today at SCOA!
I did not have exciting results except for the fact that my hemoglobin and white blood cells are doing well so far!
I did get a few things done. If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have been considering my options with this treatment thing. I am so emotionally and physically tired that I have been wanting to discontinue chemo treatments. I don't want cancer to kill me, I just feel at this point the chemo is more damaging than the cancer and it is time to explore some other things that may work.
I also am facing losing my beloved Oncologist, Dr. Terry Smith. who is retiring in December. I promised myself I would do the final three months of my chemo while looking for options for myself and my future treatment. I made a few goals for things to do before my treatment ends in December 2013:
1. Explore Medicare and get my sign up completed.
2. Explore the Oncologists available to me at SCOA.
3. Look in to alternative treatments for my disease and alternative more holistic programs within 3 hours of my home
4. Look in to research studies coming up in my area for patients with my disease.
Today, I actually accomplished one of my goals. I found my new SCOA doctor. I was not comfortable with the one who would have been assigned to me. I went in and asked the first doctor a bunch of questions and while he was helpful, I did not feel too comfortable with him . So I asked SCOA if I could see Doctor option number 2. I had my appointment with him today and he turns out to be good fit for me.
Bottom line, you can set goals for your treatment and how you wish to handle things. If your Doctor is uncomfortable with what you want to accomplish, it is time to get a new Doctor!!!
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