All posts tagged: cancer

Conversation for NM Cancer Girls in July

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        Admitting that we  have thoughts about  death when we are diagnosed with cancer,          is both a gift for ourselves and a gift from our family. Once cancer strikes we are  at risk. For many our cancers can be cured.                                                                                                     For others, cancer hangs out in our bodies until it becomes center stage again.                             For some cancer  becomes a losing battle. When the battle is finally lost, I have seen angry women become peaceful. Not having to constantly strive, they can rest. They can start thinking about their end. They might start to plan. They are relieved they no longer have to fight. They were exhausted. Now they can relax. As our cancer …

A marked woman

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Radiation treatment follows certain protocols. My treatment is at the MD Anderson satellite here in Albuquerque. After meeting with the radiation oncologist, Dr. G, I have my simulation appointment. This includes a CT scan, painting on the bull’s eyes with magic marker and tape, measuring for an arm mold for placement. My breast is bare to three people. Since it has already had a mammogram, an ultrasound, a stereotactic core biopsy, wire placement and surgery, it is beginning to feel like community property and is no longer shy. Now it has war paint so is feeling pretty bold. Next the experts will do their calculations, the mold will be made and I will be ready to go with the three week plan plus a extra week to zap the surgical site. This means treatments five days a week and with the extra week, it will be four weeks or twenty treatments. My choices were the standard six week plan, the three week plan at double dose or the one week plan that includes inserting a …

Presbyterian Cancer Education Series 6 week workshop

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Workshops   Silver Linings Survivorship Services: bring out the best you through exercise Funded by Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital, 8300 Constitution Ave NE, ABQ, NM 87110   www.phs.org Six week program, 2 hours. All sessions include stretching and journaling. Each week is themed with an expert speaker. Intro, lymphedema, fatigue and activities of daily living, nutrition and dietary considerations, peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment, long term side effects and exercise. Excellent program. Informative and helpful. Well worth it. We all agreed that we learned a lot. Gretl Berneart OTR/L, CLT-LANA                           Ada Portman, MPT, CLT                  Ann Mustoe, RN ONS Jan Esparza, RD                  Monica Bartley, Exercise Specialist I understand that this program will be repeated.  Contact 505-559-8761 to find out more about the workshop

Caring Hearts Support Group starts this week

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Caring Hearts Support Group             Thursday                Nov 6                    at 2:30 pm (lunch arrives at 2pm).                     Place Aggies Conference Room, Presbyterian Medical Group Building                                           2nd floor, by Oncology waiting room This is a longstanding group facilitated by Eve Concoran, Chaplain. Call Eric Mehringer  559-8761 Dates:  Nov 6, 13, 20    December 4, 11 All cancer patients and loved ones are welcome I started attending this group in February. It has helped me in so many ways. A big one is that it has helped my process. I was hit with severe RA and two cancers within 11 months of each other.  Tough to assimilate surgeries, radiations, tons of meds. Total life change.  This group is amazing. It also offers resources and friendships. Kindred spirits. Come join us.

Cancer and RA

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  Wednesday I went to a cancer rehab program. This week’s topic was fatigue.  As our instructor was relating reasons for cancer fatigue, she mentioned cytokines circulating in our bodies. I thought that sounded familiar. Circulating cytokines is also a reason for rheumatoid arthritis fatigue. I mentioned to the instructor that rheumatoid arthritis and cancer have a lot in common including medications. Yes they do, she said. They both are auto-immune diseases.

The Infusion Room

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For the last two days I have taken a friend for her chemotherapy at Presbyterian Kaseman Cancer Center.  This is the fifth month of a six month round of therapy. My friend is resilient, independent and self-sufficient.  She has no choice.  She has no one at home to care for her. Her cancer is stage four. We check in and go into the center. There is no wait. One of her favorite nurses comes to get her. He brings her into a two recliner room  and inserts her IV catheter. Blood is drawn for the labs. Expertly done. Next is the weigh in and the doctor’s visit. We have the same doctor. Pleasant man. Today he takes all the time she needs and helps her solve the at home nausea problem and he reviews the labs taken 10 minutes ago. On to the infusion room. It is a squarish room.  Large windows, mountain view.  Lining the walls are recliners each having an IV pole on a stand with a controller. The nurse for the day …

Bring out the best you through exercise workshop

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Recovering from cancer,  Addressing  the issues Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital  >>open to all cancer patients>>Wednesdays 1-3>>                        call  505-559-8761 to join group or come to an individual class. FREE and Supportive +++good for any level of ability 10-1-14                                                                                                                                          Lymphedema discussion                                                                                                                      …

Cancer story 2

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  Ageless, petite, dressed in her usual ankle length tights and colorful full shirt.  Sitting next to me.  Waiting for our turn to get zapped in the radiation room. She said when her mother died of cancer, she didn’t know how to help.  Now she knows how to help. She volunteers her hair dressing services to hospice. Very helpful and very satisfying. She is worried.  Her cancer is progressing.  Who will take care of her hospice patients when she is gone? I said, “Then, you need to get better so you can continue to take care of them.”  

Cancer Story 1

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Perky and energetic, she invested many hours involved in cancer programs.  She exercised, attended support groups.  Kept current with local cancer events .  Was  always happy to share her knowledge. Her cancer was a lymphoma, chronic.  Always with her.  Always being monitored.  Somewhere in her consciousness, she felt unsettled.  She was sharing her body with an unfriendly stranger. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren.  And in her husband, a good looking supportive man. A cruise is planned for next summer.  She is committed and excited about the trip.  Still,  she wonders out loud, “Will I still Be here?”

What happens at a CT scan

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T-Day I have to admit I was afraid.  I had set it aside while on my trip. But today was the day. No more ignoring the possibility of more ca.  Today was CT scan day.  I start my day with my normal routine. Thyroid pill.  Load the Starbucks beans. Enjoy as the grinding releases the unmistakable aroma.  Coffee brewing in the dependable Cuisinart.  Check the blood sugar.  Say hello to Max and give him breakfast.  He is busy, but he definitely is not a morning person. Settle into the first coffee of the day.  Comfy chair.  TJ bouquet is Fall colors. Nice.  Journal out. Start writing.  Write about yesterday. Tough as my RA was flaring again.  Probably because of the 25% cut in prednisone. Light breakfast.  Need three hours of fasting for this test.  Just make it. Front Desk Procedure I arrive at KM Hospital x ray department.  Take a number from the automated ticket dispenser. Sit in a room full of unhappy looking people.  Waiting.  Number called.  Electronic signature times two.  One for permission …