Chatting with me

It's been amazing the number of people that are supporting me and frankly the numbers are increasing!  So I'm offering up a handful of things.  My email address is now public on this blog, but in case you can't find it it is jennie.dilemmo@gmail.com (hopefully I won't get spam!).  I will say that I don't frequently respond since I do get a lot of emails, but I'll give you an example of one of my favorites.  A friend of mine writes an email to me every week with positivity, prayers, thoughts, and really just anything to help me out.  We agree that I don't respond back, but he still writes to me every week and I love it!  Although if you do have questions, I will certainly respond!
I am also on Facebook so if you want to request me as a friend I will do that as well.  I didn't realize it, but some colleagues of mine didn't know I was on Facebook or even had a blog.

Just to update on treatment.  I finish radiation on Tuesday.  The cheekbone radiation gave me more fatigue, but still not nearly as bad as chemo.  Today I'm not hearing very well which is not an unexpected symptom.  It might be a long term issue, but I have had days where the ear is really good.
I see Dr. S next week so I will know the next steps in terms of chemo.  Hopefully, whatever the next treatment is I will not experience side-effects, but I'm definitely wanting dead tumors!

Radiation, Energy & Bordem

Radiation has been a relatively easy and interesting experience.  The back area that was started on October 7th is complete while the cheekbone hits day 8 out of 12 today.   I feel really good lately - I have more energy, but I'm not allowed to do certain things.  I have to continue to protect the back by avoiding lifting, long walking, or anything else that causes discomfort.  However, I have been able to do things with the back that was problematic for a long time.  I make myself pancakes for breakfast regularly now and have even made cookies!  I do have to continue to be conservative which is not typical mind set for me, but it is really important. 
I am going nuts in a lot of ways now since I feel good.  I'm bored and frankly tired of being home so much.  It will be interesting to see how I feel with the next round of chemo treatments.  I'm not sure when it will start or what the typical reaction is to those drugs, but I'm going to try and attempt some normalcy.  I want to chat with the doctor about returning to work even if it is for an hour a week!  Again, I'm going to behave and approach things slowly and with caution, but if I feel good even through treatment it shouldn't be crazy to work a little! 
I did have an unfortunate experience last night with Braeden where I found I can't control him physically.  I'm certainly not even close to 100% despite feeling good and it is obvious that it will take a long time for me to get back to normal.  Despite what occurred though I should still be pleased that things have improved even slightly.  I've at least learned to approach things better and without complete insanity and perfectionism!

Finally reporting...

Many apologies for the late blog.  It has been a very emotional and busy schedule since the meeting with my doctor last week.  Unfortunately, my body did not respond to the chemo treatment, meaning that the tumors did not die or shrink.  As a result, two of the tumors became highly problematic to my brain and legs.  If these tumors did not experience radiation immediately, especially the back tumor, I could have dealt with severe problems to those areas.  After the doctor's appointment last Thursday, we were sent immediately to PA Hospital to start radiation.  The radiation oncologist actually recommended a colleague that works at a hospital near my home.  Since radiation occurs every day it is much easier to manage a quick trip nearby as compared to a terrible trip down to Philly. 
Today was treatment #6 for the back tumor and I have  4 more to go; however, the cheekbone tumor will start its 12 days of treatment on Monday.  The cheekbone tumor since it is so close to key organs, salivary glands, ears, brain, eyes, mouth, etc. they are using highly advanced and specialized technology to avoid issues to those areas.  It takes a long time for planning and many people like radiation oncologists and physicists to derive the exact plan of action.  I don't have a complete view of the steps after radiation since the doctor's appointment was fast to get me to the hospital, but chemo will start again at some point to deal with the other tumors that exist.
I did cry like crazy last Thursday and have dealt with a lot of emotions the last few days, but I've headed back towards my fight towards positivity, health, and success!  This is really a terrible result in some sense, but perhaps it really is the correct and best way to progress and deal with these nasty tumors!    

Recent Doctor Visit & Request for Help!

Thursday, September 29 was the most recent doctor's visit with great blood values.  My white blood cells and hemoglobin were both good this time so no more antibiotic (woohoo!) and more energy!  Frankly the doctor joked and asked if the blood was Michael's (my hubby) or if there was issue with getting the blood.  I do have great energy levels so it is possible that the hemoglobin values are frankly realistic.  I am certainly able to do more things and just walking up the stairs is easier; however, since I've been so sedentary the last few months I don't have huge physical strength.  Fatigue and physical strength are very different experiences!  I guess the way to explain the main difference is that with physical strength you can at least progress a little when you feel weak whereas with fatigue you feel like you will pass out or collapse.  Even though I have energy I sense that my body still wants to relax and sleep.  I hope that I have the right approach by following those senses.
Request for help, support, prayers, and the like....
CAT Scan to determine how things are proceeding is tomorrow.  I'm nervous and scared, but I need to stay positive.  It is difficult to think about so I'm trying to avoid that as much as possible!  Thursday will be the next doc's visit to go over the results. Because I've been learning how to ask for help, I'm wishing that all of you do something to request good values for me!  Since I'm so worried it is best to avoid chatting with me for a few days, but if you want to text, email, Facebook, or comment feel free!  Love the help!  You guys are helping me gain positivity which is the key to health!