WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, January 31, 2006--7:14 pm-Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I felt pretty good today. It's just hard moving around with extra weight and neuropathy in the feel, side effects of the chemo. I'm so clutzy that I walk into walls, spill things, etc. So everyone is glad when they see me with my feet up and a good book! Just finished watching the Suns clobber Philadelphia; was sorry to miss Allen Iverson, one of my favorite non-sun players. His presence may have made the game more interesting, so that Tyler wouldn't skip the 3rd quarter, and maybe Pat would not have been snoring by the the end of the 4th! Tomorrow is the big day-I'm getting my tear ducts fixed so I don't tear all day long.We're going in at 7:20, which means Jan needs to get up long before the usual 8:00 am rise time. It will be worth it!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, January 30, 2006--7:06 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Good news: I managed to avoid golf carts last night. In fact, I woke up in the middle of the night actually feeling hungry, so had a nice snack and was feeling pretty good. Overall, today was a good one despite some new side-effects. We are increasing the lasix, which hopefully will help get this excess fluid out of my body. That is the chief cause of my discomfort at this time. Today Veronica worked all day subbing and then went to class-a very long day for her. I missed her presence and chatter. Pat and Tyler spent the day at their computers. It was very quiet, so I did some reading and rested.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, January 29, 2006-6:02 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Instant replay of yesterday in terms of how I felt. A woman on the BC mets forum suggested whole body soaks in the tub to help with the fluid retention. So I had a nice long bath, which did feel good. I don't know if this plan will work, but it is the most enjoyable intervention I've had in awhile! Too bad for the Suns today, but LeBron James showed why he makes the big bucks. Today my brother Bill got his web camera working, and since I hadn't seen him in quite some time, it was good to see his smiling face. Pat had a long chat with him.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, January 28, 2006-8:37 p, Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Whoa! I think during the night I got hit by a speeding golf cart. I woke up feverish, achy and generally a physical wreck. So, the day was spent resting for the most part, and I was thankful for the variety of drugs I have available to help me through this tough day; can't really complain when some relief is available. I did enjoy watching the winter X-Games; those athletes perform astonishing tricks. The snowboarders are daring and exciting to watch.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, January 27, 2006-7:36 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I had a hard time sleeping last night, so have been tired most of the day. Felt well, did some writing projects, read a little, and watched the Suns squeak in a win by the skin of their teeth. I think all the excitement was too much, as I am done in! Good night and God bless.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, January 26, 2006-5:53 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I am very happy to report that thus far I have had no negative side effects from the Abraxane! I felt well and strong enough to go out with Nicki/Veronica to do a couple errands, though I did get tired out pretty quickly. The thing that makes walking tough these days is all the swelling (fluid retention) from the waist down, making my legs like tree trunks, stiff, and feet like concrete blocks. Everyone thinks of chemo patients as losing weight and getting thin; I think I lost some of my weight/muscle, but put on 20 pounds of fluid. It does appear each day to be slowing draining off now.

The other good news is that the oncologist told us there is a procedure to fix my tear ducts so they don't water all the time. Next Wednesday I will go to get them fixed, which will make reading, and everything involving vision, much easier, besides saving my skin from all the tears.

And so, the last good news is ....it's time for the Suns game! Good night, everyone. May your own days be filled with good news as well.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, January 25, 2006-5:46 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: It was a long day at the clinic today--very busy there. After our doctor's visit, he suggested we go to lunch and come back to deal with the wait for chemo. We did this, but it was still packed in the chemo room, and it took a couple more hours. Pat worked/played with his laptop in the waiting room, coming back periodically to check and see how I was doing. Today I started the new chemo, Abraxane, and got shots to boost red and whites. It has been a good day. Now I don't have another visit for three weeks! If you see an unusual, bright light in the sky tonight, it is probably the moon reflecting off my smile!

P.S. Two things I need to add: Tonight I watched the U of A Wildcats beat ASU, so the light should be even brighter!
2. The Abraxane is administered differently than the Taxotere. It is given once every three weeks. That gives some good recovery time for the body, I think. It may also contribute to my ability to tolerate the regime. Thanks, brother Tom, for reminding me to clarify that.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, January 24, 2006-1:29 p.m. Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I am home! Boswell Hospital gave me the best of care, but it is so good to be home. We may never know what caused the pain yesterday, as abdominal pain can be caused by hundreds of things. I am just grateful the pain passed as quickly as it did, and figure the day at the hospital was one very good check-up before we resume treatment. Many of you emailed, and it may be awhile before I can thank each of you individually. Therefore, I say thank you to all who are out there praying and caring. It helps more than you will know.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, January 23, 2006 7:35PM Arizona time.
Pat writes tonight because Jan is in Boswell Hospital. She woke up this morning with a strong and severe pain in her abdomen.
She also was experiencing some nausea and intestinal distress, so we went to the Emergency room at Boswell Hospital. The Doctors did the usual routine tests and the Xray revealed that she had contracted Pneumonia. The other lab tests showed a urinary tract infection and low potassium levels in her blood. And of course, she still has major edema in her feet and ascities in her abdomen and chest. ( excessive fluid in the lungs and abdomen)
She was admitted to the hospital where she is receiving antibiotics intravenously and will be the subject of another paracentenses tomorrow morning to relieve the abdominal pressure created by the Ascities.
Hopefully, once the "pressure" is relieved, she can return home with the expectation that she begin the new regimen of chemotherapy sometime this week.
I must tell you that this is a real grind and very painful in so many ways. Please continue to pray, and thanks once more for the tons of positive energy you have sent her way.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, January 22, 2006-5:46 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I did over-do it yesterday, as I was still pretty tired even after sleeping in an extra couple hours beyond normal. However, as I rested and enjoyed my Sunday of newspaper, football (sorry, Denver fans), and family time, my energy level came back and it has been a fine day. Eating is a wonderful thing! Now I will do one last chore before I settle in for the Suns game. May you all have a restful night and a great beginning of the week tomorrow.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, January 21, 2006-7:06 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Felt good today, maybe overdid it a bit. Nicki/Veronica and I ran a couple errands, then I had a delightful visit with a good friend. It was grocery day, and I tagged along with Pat and V so I could pick out some things that appealed to me. And now, I am pretty tuckered out. Should sleep well tonight! Blessings to all...

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, January 20, 2006-7:10 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Another good day! I am pacing myself, trying to get stronger: read/rest a bit, then get up and do a chore, and back to resting. Today I climbed the stairs and didn't have to stop and sit to rest at the top! Progress! The best part of today was eating. I am able to eat more and more and actually enjoy it. Life is sweet! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, January 19, 2006-6:46 pm Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today was a very good quality of life day, one of the best I've had in a long time. I can eat, drink, and it feels like my body is normalizing a bit. My energy and strength are slowly coming back, although I confess that I got so cozy while reading this afternoon that I slept for a good hour or so. I spent some time working on a project for my uncle in Florida, who will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday. We also will celebrate Gracie's first birthday when Pat gets home from announcing the Ironwood High School Girls' Soccer Game.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, January 18, 2006-5:46 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today Pat and I met with the oncologist, and will share our understanding of what is happening. (We both admit to some confusion.) The PET scan had good news in that the activity level (not size-PET measures activity levels) of the liver tumors has been reduced from about a 9 to about a 3. This means the taxotere was working! HOPE REIGNS! The problem is that my body cannot tolerate this drug, so we are thinking of switching to a drug of the same family that would have less severe side effects: Abraxane. We will meet again next Wednesday with the doctor to decide if this is what we indeed will do. We remain confused about the ascites, its cause and the solution. The doctor did not yet have the analysis of the fluid drained yesterday, but apparently the ascites may be a continuing problem. I might need to go for regular taps to keep the swelling under control. I still look like (and sort of feel like) I am very pregnant despite all the fluid that was drained, so we'll see how it goes with just meds for this week. It's the old "wait and see" routine for just about everything on this cancer roller coaster. However, we are very encouraged by the PET scan results, so fasten your seat belts: we are going to give this coaster one heck of a ride!

P.S. And we hope the Suns give us a better ride tonight, too!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, January 17, 2006-3:58 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Really good news comes really early! After the PET scan at 8:15, we went straight to outpatient at Del Webb. After getting settled in, the doctor and assistant came and drained 1.3 liters from my belly. Picture a liter pop bottle of fluid, and then some. Of course, they could not drain it all, but by our weighings at home pre/post, it was about 7 lbs. worth. It really makes a difference! It feels a little funny, gurgling and bubbling in me, like I've been unplugged. I'm still not my normal size, but this is the best I've felt in some time. Bless Pat for his driving me everywhere and hanging around clinics and hospitals for me! Thanks for all your support!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, January 16, 2006-6:24 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Good news comes early. I could hardly wait to write today, as relief will arrive tomorrow. I talked with my onc this morning who was very responsive. Early tomorrow Pat will take me for my PET scan, and then we will rush to Del Webb hospital to make the appointment to get this tummy drained-parencentesis? Who knows the correct term? I just say, bye-bye, Swelly Jelly Belly. I am hoping it will bring the relief anticipated. Then I can begin to eat, drink, breathe, and move again, get some strength back up. I look like I'm a good 9 months pregnant, and it feels a little like I'm going into delivery! Thanks for all the prayers that helped lead to the solution to this miserable problem! Blessings....

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, January 15, 2006-7:43 p.m.
Jan Writes: Same kinds of problems as the last few days, but I did have a nice nap, and enjoyed a couple football games on TV. Even though my home town favorite, The Bears, had a dismal start, I was happy to see them at least make a game of it. Veronica drove me to the pharmacy, and on the way back we stopped at Sonic for a few treats for the family. I discovered that their slush was pretty refreshing, one of the few edible things I've enjoyed in weeks. Ah, the little special things in life! Thanks for all your comments and emails. I am confident that this misery will be ending in a few days, through the power of your positive energy and prayers. Blessings to all.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, January 14, 2006-7:01 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: It's a pre-Suns game blog tonight. The Jelly Belly continues to be the pits, but my energy was up today and I was able to get up and about in the house a bit. Your prayers are helping--Thanks!. I think the doctors will have to provide the true relief, so I'll have to be patient a few days. Blessings to all.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, January 13, 2006-8:19 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Oh, the Swelly Jelly Belly gave me fits today. All I can say is that I got through the day, did a couple chores and read. Please pray the belly goes down quickly so I can eat and drink and be comfortable again. Thanks, friends and family. Love you all.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, January 12, 2006-8:06 p.m.
Jan Writes: A slow starting day, but picked up a bit in the evening. Good news on the Swelly Jelly Belly: I now have a belly button again! And I could reach to trim my toe nails. Ah, the simple things in life. My eyes were watering alot today, and with other various side-effect interruptions, it took me nearly until noon to read the morning paper! Eating is better, partly thanks to the newly prescribed steroids for the rash, but it still is hard to find things that taste/taste good. Baby steps, things are getting better. Of course, it's half-time for the Suns, so I need to wrap this up and get back to some Hot House action! Blessings to all!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, January 11, 2006--10:08 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Another slow day, well enough to read a bit and help shop for groceries, looking desperately for foods that I might be able to eat. Most of the time I rested and did some ADL--Activities of Daily Living. The Swelly Jelly Belly continues to plague me, but the legs were much better. I could actually bend my knees, which makes stairs, walking, putting on shoes, and such much easier! So there is progress. And it was a pleasant day just to spend some quality time with Pat and the kids. I'm happy.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, January 10, 2006--10:46 p.m. Arizona Time
Jan Writes: What? It's this late at Jan's still up? Well, you'd be up, too, if you just watched the Suns triple over time (loss-boo hoo!) to Denver. Great game! Plus, I think the new meds are keeping me up a bit, as predicted. It looks like it's just going to take some time to conquer the Terror of the Taxotere. Today was up and down, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, January 9, 2006
This morning the roller coaster was still stuck at the bottom of the track, so I made an appointment to see the oncologist. After the exam and some talk, the decision was made to permanently stop the taxotere. Apparently my reactions to the drug are both highly unusual and strong, so we are taking a break from all chemo for a bit. They gave me some new meds for the eyes, skin, and possible infection/pneumonia. Instead of waiting until February, we are scheduling the PET scan now to see what progress we have made, and will be determining a new course that hopefully will be less toxic. I was a little sad to leave behind the taxotere, which everyone says is such a good drug, but oh, so relieved, because I don't know how much longer I could have tolerated the side-effects. Much of my misery will end just with the taxotere leaving the system, and the rest will be helped by the new meds. I suspect it will take a couple days for the antibiotics and other things to take effect, but in the meantime, I celebrate in the knowledge that this suffering is nearing an end. Please pray that we will find a new drug that will be effective, but less toxic. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, Jaunary 8, 2006--6:55 p.m. Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Today was another low day, so I rested, read, watched some football and basketball on TV. Looking forward to a better tomorrow.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Saturday, January 7, 2006-9:46 p.m. Arizona Time
Jan Writes: The good news: Veronica/Nicki is feeling better after her wisdom truth extraction and seems to be over her stomach flu. The bad news: I caught the intestinal version of the flu, so slept most of the day. I did a little reading, and of course watched the Suns play to yet another win. Those guys are fantastic! Although I had to skip a social event, I did have a nice long phone chat with Brother Bill in Florida. I want to thank everyone again for all your calls, visits, emails: the human contact and support help to bolster my spirits.

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Friday, January 6, 2006---7:30 Arizona Time
The roller coaster has been rocking and rolling today. There were some difficult times, but today I had 3 chats that helped me through. I had a phone call from a friend, then another friend came over for a short visit, and then my brother Tom called on the internet video cam. All the visits cheered me, but I was pretty tired much of the day. Veronica/Nicki had her wisdom tooth pulled, and the two of us have been pretty much sacked out in the family room most of the afternoon. We expect to be perkier tomorrow!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Thursday, January 5, 2006-9:03 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I felt well this morning and met a friend for "coffee," although I enjoyed my lowfat chai tea. It even tasted good! The best part was two hours with a friend I've known for years, but needed to get caught up with. We had such a wonderful talk, catching up on the happenings in each other's families. Lots of positive energy was shared as we discussed what we've been doing with our lives and what our goals for our futures are. The rest of the day had the usual chemo ups and downs, but my spirits were high, having had such a good morning with a good friend. The family enjoyed watching the celebrity dance competition on TV tonight, other than Nicki/Veronica, who has had the stomach flu, and tomorrow will be getting a wisdom tooth pulled. Poor kid. It's just like the commercial: life hits you all at once!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Wednesday, January 4, 2006-7:39 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Chemo day, and the place was packed again today because of the holidays. Pat had to wait in the waiting room as there were no extra chairs. I had a nice chat with the two ladies on either side of me-a rare occurance. Usually everyone is sleeping, and to tell the truth, we were all sleeping after awhile, too. No fever today, but very bloated. I only had one pair of sweat pants that wasn't too tight. I may need to shop for bigger sweats--EEK! It's every athlete's nightmare! Basically, it was a pretty good day. I received shots to boost my white and red cells. This chemo really tears up your body.
As I told the nurse today, I don't care if the chemo makes me bald, fat, red-eyed, claw handed, and ugly on the outside (Aunt Hester, Uncle Fester's twin sister!). All I care is that the chemo is being just as nasty on the inside, killing those cancer cells. I see all these side-effects as evidence that the chemo is working. And now, I am happy that I get to skip chemo next week--my monthly break. Yea!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Tuesday, January 3, 2006-9:22 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: I felt well most of the time, once I took Tylenol for the low-grade fever, and even went out to Borders for a few minutes to pick up some books this afternoon. This evening we started watching a DVD, Kindgom of Heaven, which was violent for a title of that name. Only Tyler lasted through the whole movie. He briefly explained the ending, which I did not understand, since I nodded through most of the movie. Before bed, Tyler was swishing salt water. Both kids have problems with wisdom teeth; is there some significance in that?

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Monday, January 2, 2006-6:54 p.m. Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Hooray, better today! I think some of the chemo effects are wearing off as we get further down the calendar from chemo day. My legs felt stronger and I could stand and walk without the fatigue pain. I still took it easy, reading, watching bowl games, and of course, the Suns. But it sure felt good to be able to move around a little bit!

WhatsupwithJan

WhatsupwithJan
Sunday, January 1, 2006--7:18 Arizona Time
Jan Writes: Happy new year! My day has not been good, but I have hope: "There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful, as the expection of something better tomorrow. " Orison Swett Marden