Round #3 - #4. Then finished, for now!!!

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've been having some problems logging in, and have struggled with the idea of putting this whole blog thing away. I've decided to keep it going, so I'll have a record of what I've been going through.

A lot has happened since Sept.10, last chemo day. Mom was hospitalized that day for a-fib.  Allison came in (thank goodness) to be with her during her stay in the hospital.  I was able to visit with her on Tuesday afternoon, after she was admitted to a private room.

The rest of that week I spent on the couch. The side-effects of each treatment have been different each time. Very little nausea this time, just major fatigue and sinus issues which turned into a terrible cough.

Mom was released on Thursday, and Allison left me on the couch.  I wasn't even aware of what day it was. We had to miss our circle meeting on Saturday. The cough was racking! 

The nausea re-appeared just in time for us to leave for MD Anderson on Tuesday, the 17th.  We drove to Houston in Don's truck, thank goodness. Tropical storm Imelda went with us.  We had a quick appointment with Dr. Lim. She thinks the tumor has gone from 5.8 cm to 2 cm.  Good news!
The rain was unbelievable.  The highway we drove in and out on was closed down just behind us.
We made it out just in time.

Mom had visitors on Thursday afternoon.  She was thrilled, and really soaked up all the attention.  She's doing so much better.

I've been accepted into the Artemis Trial.  If interested, you can google Artemis Trial MD Anderson. I'm still not really sure what will be involved, but I'll go into it with hope, and an open mind.  I'm hoping I'll still be able to continue treatments locally.  I was told going in, that if the tumor shrunk by 70% or more, I'd be able to finish with the standard of care, which can be administered here. Fingers crossed! I won't mind, in fact I'll feel reassured to know MD Anderson is following my progression. I just don't want to stay down there for weeks on end.

It's been a crazy three weeks, and the fatigue finally left me this morning. I still have the cough, but it's not as bad. Labs were good again this time, so treatment #4 will be tomorrow morning.  I'm so glad it will be the last one, of this type. Dr. Syed has said the next treatments won't be so harsh. We'll be going back to Houston to meet with the doctors on October 7.  I'm praying that it will be an easy trip.

What's been happening?

So today, at 11:00, I'll be starting round 3.  Not kidding when I say I'm dreading it.  Round 2 knocked me down for 10 full days. I've been warned that they only get worse, so I'm trying to get my head in a good place.

The 2 good weeks between treatments went by too fast. I felt great, which makes the anticipation of # 3 all the harder.  I got to visit with friends, have living room picnics, go to the winery, paint, and celebrate 43 years of wedded bliss.

We will be leaving for MD Anderson on the 17th. Hoping it will be a nonessential visit. Dr Syed told me last week that he thinks, after examination that the tumor has shrunk by 50%.  If it shrinks by 70%, I'll be able to finish treatment here. That would be a major blessing.

Please keep Mom in your prayers too. She was admitted to the hospital last night. I don't think she fully understands why I'm not able to see her as often as I did.  My sister is coming in today to be with her.  Thank goodness for family that are willing to step up to the plate!

Round 2...

So I've enjoyed every minute of the last week. I've cooked, scrubbed & whitewashed the fireplace, visited with friends and cousins,  had lunch out a couple of times, and had my best friend shave my head. She's still my best friend!

Once again, I think I'm ready. I've got the fridge loaded, and the bed made. I am dreading it, but at least now I know what to expect.

Thank you for your prayers, texts, phone calls, and cards.  I'll be back!

The Flash Flood That Is My Life

I have resurfaced!  I've had lots of time to think, probably too much, since the effects of the chemo have lessened.  I've come to the conclusion that a flash flood is a perfect analogy for this cancer that is  "trying" to kill me.

Flash floods start out slowly, a little bad weather, creeks start to rise, and then boom! More water than can be handled in a short amount of time. The raging flood washes everything away in it's wake.  When the weather clears, and the water recedes, the land affected is washed clean. Sure, there is debris to clean up, sometimes lives and major property lost, but there is also new growth. A clean slate so to speak.

My bad weather started out at the end of June, when I first noticed something wrong with my right breast.  The storm got stronger as June moved into July. Lots of appointments, scans, tests, etc. Lots of confusion and decisions to be made quickly to minimize the damage. Chemotherapy this time, was an unknown challenge. I had no idea how my body would react, what the side effects would be, or how long, or if I'd get through it.

First treatment was July 30.  Exactly one month and ten days since I noticed anything wrong.  Everything has happened so quickly, I'm still trying to get my head around it.  The infusion itself was uneventful. I'm fortunate to be able to have treatments locally.

By day eight, I was beginning to feel a little better. I was able to drive over for a quiet visit with a good friend.

Day 9, more labs and a visit with Dr. Syed. He was pleased that I tolerated the chemo as well as I did.
By day 10, I was back to my original old self!  Lots of errands, lots of projects, and lots of cooking.  My little world is beginning to bounce back.  Everything is looking fresh and green again.

Treatment #2 is scheduled for August 20. I will be on a three week cycle. I know that by doing it this way, it will be longer before I get to #4, but it's worth it to me to have some quality time. The director of the trial, has given us the A-OK.

I have an appointment Monday morning to begin the process of reducing this mop of hair that is still firmly attached to my head.  It should have begun to fall out by now, but it's not budging.  We will also be trimming up the first wig.  If you see a red head in town give me a wave! I decided red would be in honor of my grandfather, Shorty, and my first grandson Joey. I'll think of them when I wear it.

Cousin Page is driving in Tuesday for a visit, and other than that it will be life as usual.  I've said it once, but I'll repeat, everything is clean, fresh & green!

Chemo #!

Chemo tomorrow.  Think I'm ready. I've got my phone charger, phone, & Kindle ready to go.  I've had my rare steak.  Lot's of research done so I'll be prepared. Thanks Judy for the advice, Don for the steak, and everyone who's called or texted to check on us.  I'll let you know when I resurface!
Big prayers requested!

Filling in the gaps, so we can move forward.

Today, July 25, 2019, would have been Dad's 90th birthday. He passed away on June 12, 2010 from complications of colon cancer.  Happy birthday Dad.

I begged for genetic testing way back in 2007, but insurance denied me. Didn't matter that Mom had survived breast cancer, Dad had not been diagnosed at that time, his father, and first cousin died of cancer, but not considered close enough to count. Now, I'm being taken seriously. The genetic results should be in next week.

In the past two days, we have checked most of the to do boxes that were laid out for us on Monday.
Accepted by MD Anderson Monday afternoon.
Pet scan & results done Tuesday morning.
EKG & Echo Cardiogram done Tuesday afternoon.
Port inserted Wednesday morning.
Genetic testing still out there.
Followup with Dr. Syed.

Dr. Syed has told us that the PET Scan did not indicate that the tumor has gone much further. It has grown from 5cm to 5.8 cm, which confirms the fact that we are dealing with some angry cancer.

I will do 4 treatments of chemo here in Mt. Pleasant, three week schedule, then we will scan again, and decide where to go from that point. We'll be starting out with Adriamycin ( also known as Red Devil) & Cytoxan.  The nausea meds are all ready on order!

EKG & Echo Cardiogram show that the heart is strong enough to withstand this chemo. Yay!

The port was inserted Wednesday morning in Cleburne. Bonus visit with Clint & Martha Twaddell!
Thank you both for taking us in on such short notice, and Martha for measuring my noggin for the wig!  The hospital & staff in Cleburne were absolutely top notch!

I've gotten the wig ordered, and lots of turbans & ginger ale lined up. Think I'll also try green apples. That was a neat little sea sickness cure we picked up over Christmas.

Lots of naps are on schedule from now until Tuesday.

I'll keep you posted, please keep praying!

Getting it all together

I saw Dr. Syed this morning, and here is the short list of what I'm facing:

1. PET scan Tuesday AM
2. EKG asap. The chemo is some nasty stuff, have to make sure my heart is up to it!
3. Wednesday AM  Follow up with Dr. Syed to get staging stats.
4. Port inserted asap. I'm going to request the biggest, baddest one they have!
5. Genetic testing started this morning. There's a pretty good chance those genes are involved in this    
    mess.
6. Dr. Syed is getting in touch with MD Anderson to see if I'm a candidate for any possible clinical
    trials that might be beneficial.
7. Get this chemo started! To the tune of Get This Party Started!!!!

All kidding aside, I'm ready to do what it takes to get this nasty beast out of me for good.

I"M BAAAAACK!!!!!

Well, hello friends! It's been quiet a while since we spoke last. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm back. Not by choice, but by necessity.

I've recently been diagnosed with grade 3, Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. It's tasted positive for Lymphovascular Invasion, and has been found to be Triple Negative.

In easy to understand terms, I'm dealing with an aggressive, hard to treat breast cancer.
I'm scheduled to see my trusty Oncologist, Dr. Syed on Monday morning. We should know more after that appointment. Will there be scans, radiology, chemo? Your guess is as good as mine!

This new cancer is in no way related to what I went through 12 years ago. It is a new primary.  My Mother always said I was an overachiever. I've spent the last 12 years running from the idea that I was cancer girl.

Please keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you posted.

Scan Season

I've successfully made it through another scan season. I think the bone density scan is my favorite. You don't have to drink anything nasty, get poked with horrible needles, go without that first cup of coffee, fast 6-8 hours beforehand, or lie perfectly still for an hour before it begins. Who ever thought I'd become a scan connoisseur? I've now become a regular at the hospital registration desk. The employees all greet me by name, without checking their paperwork.
I've gotten the results of the MRI, and PET/CT. As far as I can tell, they both looked good. I'm celebrating! I haven't been so concerned about the bone density test. I figure, I can take Boniva. Look how great Sally Field is doing.
I'll see the oncologist Feb. 3. I'm hoping we can get that genetic testing started. Until then, I'm staying busy with everything I love to do. Life is good!

Scans.....

The PET/CT didn't happen as planned on Tues. There was an issue with the camera. I'm glad they caught it before the injection! I really would have been upset, to have gotten that nasty IV for nothing! As it was, I had a nice little nap in the waiting room. I've developed the ability to will myself to sleep while being scanned, or infused. It's a handy trick, that I hope I'm able to maintain. Put me in a scanner, or chemo chair and I'm out like a light.
I'm first on the list for Tuesday, the 12th. I haven't had much scanxiety this time. I'm just ready to get it over with.
Nothing but good results from the Wednesday MRI. One down, two to go!

2010

I'll be starting off the new year with a bang. PET/CT scan in the morning. MRI Wednesday afternoon. Bone density on the 22nd, followed on February 4th with an oncologist's appointment.
In between, there will be a quick trip to Anahuac, and some Valentine prep work that needs to be done at the shop.
I hope to have the results of the scans before I leave for Anahuac. I'm feeling well, no symptoms, which is why I'm comfortable with a 6 month schedule. At this point we are in a watch and wait mode.
It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 years since I got that last chemo infusion. One of the first oncologists told Don in July of 2007, the chances weren't good I'd live longer than 2 years. Here's to hoping 2010 will continue to bring healing, and good health.

I can't make these things up. This was the message in my fortune cookie tonight --"It's not only important to add years to your life, but to add life to your years."

Today was colonoscopy day. Good news, 2 polyps now gone. Better news they didn't look like bad polyps. Best news I won't need another colonoscopy for a year or two!

Finally, back to the blog!

The place where lucky ducks live.

The Peabody Hotel...Memphis, TN

October 14, 2009

AB @ Graceland, October 14, 2009.
OK, so everyone ought to do it once.




Jill Brooks, Leslie Markey, and Bryan Boggs.
The anticipation is contagious!
U2 360 tour October 12, 2009

Bryan and Mom at the new Cowboy's Stadium.
Pre-U2 concert!
I was so thrilled he thought to invite his old mom!!!!

The mess that was the design room.
Country Cottage Florist renovations
Sept. 22, 2009.......Finished pictures will follow! lol

Cousins Laura & Lynn at the "Teacup Reunion"
The Woodlands, Oct. 3, 2009

Anahuac--GatorFest 2009. Need I say more?

September 12, 2009
Happy Anniversary Don and Annaleisa! Thirty Three action packed years!!!!!
(and yes, I really did want this for our anniversary, I'm awesome on it!)

September 4, 2009

The girls did South Beach again this summer.

Vicki, Annaleisa, and Sarah Boggs at Mango's.

August 14, 2009

In memory of Pops.

May 25, 1920-June 20, 2009

He was the best!

I hope no one thinks I've been a total couch potato since my last post! I've been busy, and seldom think about the nightmare that was 2007. With that being said, I feel a real urgency to go (A LOT!) and get things done. I'm blessed to feel as good as I do.

Friday, October 23 will be the 2nd anniversary of my first clean scan.

There is some debate about when you start counting down to cured. I don't know if it should be from the date of surgery, 1st clean scan, or when the doctor tentatively says you can safely be considered NED (no evidence of disease). It doesn't matter. I'm still here,

a very fortunate and much happier girl!

What's been going on

July has been a roller coaster month at the Boggs' house. Some good, some great, some not so good, and some just downright horrible. We've all pulled through now, and are moving ahead at a steady, but more cautious pace.

I had a pet scan on July 10. The weeks leading up to this scan were filled with a certainty that it would be bad news. I have heard from the beginning of this ordeal that most stage IV colon cancers rarely make it to 2 years, and if there will be a recurrence, it will be within the first 24 months. I was diagnosed, with surgery on June 21, 2007--that must make me a prime target.

I have to admit, I went into a dark place. I just knew I was done for! To make matters worse, the scan was on Friday, and I wasn't able to read the report until Tues. The waiting is nothing short of torture. I felt better after I had the scan report in my hands and saw the results. I also made a quick visit to Dr. Meriwether's office (he's my GP), and we did a little med re-shuffle.

I had an appointment with my new oncologist on Wednesday. For those of you who are keeping count he's #4, in 2 years. I think I must hold a record for going through oncologists! Dr. Syed is fresh out of residency. He's young, and enthusiastic, and I do not see him again until December!!!! Six months! I will not need any scans, blood work, or cancer center visits for six whole months. I never dreamed I would ever hear the words: "I'll want to see you in December, I think we can safely go to a six month schedule."

One of the benefits of a fresh new doctor, is fresh, new (for me) treatments for the side effects that accumulated with chemo. I've had lingering stiffness and numbness in my hands especially my right hand. This has made work at the shop almost impossible. If I do a full day there, the next day I'm not able to make a fist or use my right hand at all. Dr. Syed has prescribed a pill, that should help with that. I would cross my fingers at this point, but I wouldn't be able to straighten them out. Maybe by next week we'll know if they are working!

To celebrate Lenice and Jack's 40th, (yes 40th!) anniversary, we all met up in Natchez for a long weekend. It was very laid-back. We toured some of the houses there, took carriage rides, did a little shopping, and had fabulous meals. A lot of my time was spent on the balcony watching the barges on the Mississippi. The weather was perfect, and it was a really nice change of scenery.

I made a quick trip into Dallas this weekend for the Texas State Florist Association's convention. It used to be an annual trip for Sarah and me. I haven't been able to attend since 2006. It was so good to be "back in the water". I'm inspired and motivated now to start doing the things the old me used to enjoy so much.

The doctor's visit didn't really answer any questions. I'll be doing a PET scan in July to try to find out what's going on. I'm planning on a busy summer, with lots of travel and adventures, so this issue is going to the back of the line.

While reading a message board this evening, I came across this article:

http://www.mdanderson.org/news-and-publications/news/2009/m-d-anderson-study-finds-dramatic-increase-in-metastatic-colon-cancer-survival.html

Looks like good news. I wasn't diagnosed until 2007, had successful surgery, and the latest chemo. Odds are looking up!

I'm helping out at the flower shop this week. If you are out and about stop by and say hi.

Annaleisa and Terri

Alice and Terri

We all know we aren't supposed to wish our lives away, but, I'll be really, really glad when this month is OVER. I've had a car wreck, lost sunglasses, (I know it's trivial, but it was traumatic to me) broken my ribs, had two snakes in the yard, am trying to learn this new Blackberry, and I'm dealing with scanxiety.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest my ribs all ready feel a little better. April hasn't been all bad. I went on a girl trip to Hot Springs with my friends Alice and Terri. The weekend was wonderful all the way around. The weather didn't really cooperate, but we didn't care. We started out on Friday, and checked into The Arlington. Had martinis on the veranda, and a fabulous seafood buffet. I'm taking every opportunity to try new things. I had both beluga and salmon caviar, and it was delish! We stayed up until 3:00 laughing and talking. Saturday we started out early with "the baths" which by the way were pure heaven on these aching ribs! Baths were followed by a sauna and massages. I didn't bother to tell the masseuse about the ribs, actually I had forgotten about them by then. We had facials, manicures and pedicures in the afternoon, so the whole day was spent being rubbed, lotioned, oiled, and dipped in wax. We had an early dinner, and headed back to the veranda for drinks. We only stayed up until 2:00 on Saturday, I think we were so relaxed after a day of pampering that we were wiped out.

I had a happy birthday. Heard from lots of special friends, spent the afternoon with Judy, and had a surprise birthday party Friday night. Lana brought red velvet cake, and left it here. It's been birthday cake morning, noon, and night for the Boggses.

I'll finish this up with a request for prayers. My next scan is Monday, May 4. There is a spot the doctors are watching, hoping it's nothing.

Hi All,

It's been a while. I guess no news is good news. We've been busy getting the yard in shape, and just generally going and doing.

The talk I gave at the hospital in March went well. It was a good experience for me. I'm used to talking about "the cancer" one on one, and mostly to other women, so the mixed group was a scary change! With the kind of cancer I have, it's almost impossible to not talk about bowel habits, and such. I'm still getting over having to use some of the terms that were necessary to the story in such a mixed group. I warned them up front about how hard it is for me to communicate a lot of my symptoms. That is what got me in this mess to begin with! I almost died of embarrassment. I really am a goof.

Lenice came in at the end of March for Pops' birthday. While she was here we took a tour of Sweet Shop USA. We got a very personal tour, since we were the only ones there. I didn't dare take pictures of us in our scrubs, shower caps, and booties. She would have killed me. Just picture Lucy and Ethel! She picked up some really cute Easter treats for Olivia and Reece's baskets. I was a really good girl, and just helped her shop. I didn't buy a thing, Don will be so proud.

We had lunch that afternoon in Winnsboro at a cute little Italian restaurant. I always take any opportunity to have artichoke and asparagus pizza, yum-yum. We had planned on going to the bakery, but it was closed for remodeling. We walked around in Winnsboro for a while afterwards, but didn't go into any of the shops because Kitty was with us. I don't know how dog-friendly the merchants are over there. I would love to go back sans Kitty. There were some interesting antique shops that I need to see closer.

Vicki, Kitty, and I met Lenice and Marilyn Morgan for lunch in Canton last Friday. We only got to visit briefly, and never did run into Jaime and her friends. It's a small world. Vicki's sister, and Marilyn's husband went to high school together. Marilyn and Lenice have been friends since early high school. Vicki and Marilyn played catch up while Lenice and I just visited. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy being around Lenice? I know if you've been following this blog for any amount of time, I'm beginning to sound redundant. Thank you again for a wonderful lunch Marilyn. Kitty was so excited about the road trip that she bounced all over the back seat on the way to Canton. After a full day of walking, she never moved on the trip home. There were lots of dogs on leashes there, so she felt quite at home, and loved being around so many people. I took some pictures of Easter chicks to help celebrate the season.

I guess I need to update on something besides fun stuff. That's the reason for this blog after all. I had an appointment with my breast surgeon on Thursday. She seems to be concerned about my Feb. pet scans. She sees something, and in her defense, the Dr. who read the scans originally saw a little something too. When I met with my oncologist to review the readings he seemed to think that I'm good, nothing to worry about, probably just a bit of constipation (here I go again, talking about things that you don't mention in public). I had a colonoscopy in Sept., and the Dr. who did that said everything looked fine, and since the type of cancer I have is very slow growing, he doesn't think it's anything to worry about. He'd be happy to do another colonoscopy, but I'm not ready to put myself through that right now. The spot in question is in the cecum. She says that it is a very difficult to see area, very low, right by the appendix. To make a long story short, I've moved my appointment up to Monday with my colon surgeon in Dallas. I'm going in armed with a copy of the pet scan, and reports of everything I've had done since I last saw him. If he thinks I need a colonoscopy, I'll do it.

Hope everyone has a happy Easter, and it doesn't rain on our parades!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

I have recently been asked to talk to a group of hospital employees about my experience with colon cancer. I had thought that I wanted to try to forget this part of my life, to put it "behind" me so to speak ;) (a little colon cancer humor). I don't want to be a poster child for cancer. I just want to be me. If I have to have cancer, why can't it be a bit more glamorous, or romantic? Like in the movies when the heroine just slowly wastes away. Why does it have to be the one that no one wants to talk about? No pretty pink ribbons, and paint the town pink for us colon folks!
Colon cancer is just plain gross, and hateful. It will hit you when you aren't looking, and try it's hardest to take you down. It messes with your mind, tangles up your life, and for some it will eventually win out. In February, it got Pam, and just yesterday it got Shawndra. I met both of them soon after I was diagnosed, and have followed their blogs for over a year now.
I always thought that colon cancer was just for old people. I have learned that it doesn't care how old you are. My tumor was slow growing. By the time I had my first colonoscopy at 51, the doctor said that I had probably had it for at least 5 years. So, had I paid attention to the symptons I was having, and done something about them, I could have been diagnosed at 46. I didn't even know what a colonoscopy was at 46, and I sure wasn't going to go to the doctor and tell him I was bleeding out of my bum! I warned you--colon cancer is gross.
Could have, should have, would have, it no longer matters. This is my life now, and the road I'll take has been chosen for me. I'll continue to be scanned-prodded, and stuck on a regular basis. We were told by an oncologist that most stage IV colon cancer patients only live 2 years. That was a real wake up call. It's now been 1 year and 9 months since surgery. I've been off chemo for 1 year and 2 months, and am still clear. So far, I've been one of the lucky ones. I've had 2 doctors that have told me I would be cured, but they are in the minority. Most think that I'll be on some form of treatment for the rest of my life. Colon cancer seldom gives up. If you are 50 or older, get a colonoscopy if you haven't already had one. If you are 50 or under and have any strange things going on- blood in stools, anemia, abnormal stools, abdominal pain or cramping, get to your doctor and demand a colonoscopy.
Colon cancer kills as many Americans as breast cancer and aids combined. Every 9 minutes someone dies of the disease. 1 out of 18 Americans will get the disease. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable if caught early. Yet it is the nation's second leading cancer killer due to lack of screening.

Scan Results

Once again, I've been blessed! The scan showed no cancer. Dr.Prakash told me to keep doing whatever it is I've been doing. Don't really know what that might be, nothing special, but I'm gonna keep it up. I've been spending more time at the shop. I plan on being there all day tomorrow, so if you're out and about stop by to say hi! Thank you so very much for your continued prayers.