Radiation Treatments Complete

Yeah!!! Radiation treatments are now complete.  Thank you for all your prayers. I am doing very well and believe the cancer has been defeated. I will still be having some treatments about every 3 weeks until May. They seem to have no side effects and are targeting only the specific type of cancer I had so if there is any left in my body they will be taken care of.

I am scheduled for my yearly mammogram Dec 13th. Needless to say it will only be on the left side and I don't feel any lumps like I did last year so it should be good. Other than that I will have a couple more Doctor visits but pretty much done.

Thank you for all your pray....they certainly were answered. Thanks be to God!

God Bless you,
Marilyn 

Thankful

Hello,

Lots to be thankful for family, friends, pray warriors, health care workers and successful treatments and much, much more.

I have now completed 28 of the 33 radiation treatments and now just 5 more left. I am definitely feeling the burn effect from the treatments but that's about all.

Thank you for all your prayers.

God Bless you,

Marilyn

Another week done :)

Hello,

Well I have now completed 20 radiation treatments and only have 13 to go.

Starting to get a little of the burning effects but not bad.

Appreciate all your prayers and know they are being answered.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn

The Jouney Continues

Hello,

Well I have now completed 16 out of 33 radiation treatments so almost half done.
I am just starting to get a little sunburn effect from the treatments but not bad..

I am also still having an infusion treatment every three weeks and they will continue though May. It is not chemo so my hair is growing back and I'm not having any noticeable side effects. The Doctor says this treatment can effect the heart so I am having Echocardiograms every once in a while. I just had one last week and the reports came back good no changes and it's still working well.

I thank God for all of you and all of your prayers. He is taking good care of me.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn 

Radiation Treatments

Hello,

Last week I began my Radiation treatments. They all went well. So far no sunburn and no other side effects.
I also had another infusion and that also went well.

I am having physical therapy one day a week. It's to get the muscles in my arm working and get them stretched out. It also helps me not to get lymphoma.

I also visited with the radiation doctor and my surgeon they both said everything looked good and they were pleased with my progress.

Since we spent the week in town we got to visit with friends and family and had a good time.

Thank you so much for all your prayers they are definitely being answered.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

Sept 29th Updates

Hello,

The 29th was a very busy day.
I had four appointments.

1. Visit with Physical Therapist. She explained how lymphedema is a very common side effect of the surgery I had and also from the radiation treatments I will be receiving. While I do not have lymphedema now it is possible that I can get it. She showed me some exercises for me to do which will help me not to get it and if I do they will be beneficial in keeping it under control. It was a good visit and I am doing the exercises daily.

2. The next appointment was with the surgeons nurse. The nurse checked my stitches from the surgery and also removed the drain that was put in during the surgery. I was very happy to have it gone. It did it's job but it was not the most comfortable thing.

3. Then I moved on to my infusion treatment which is like the chemo treatments. This one targets any cancer cells that may still be in me but it does not have the side effects some of the previous chemo treatments had. I will continue with this treatment until January or February.

4. The last appointment was in the radiation department. They set me up like I will be when I get the radiation treatments and took measurements of me so the radiation treatments will be set up to attack the area needed but will avoid hitting places and organs it should not hit. They put tattoo marks on me so they can line me up exactly the same way each time. They also made a mold which they will use for me to lay on when I get my treatments.

I also had to say farewell to my friend Karen who came up from Texas to help Gary take care of me after my surgery. She was here for two weeks and we had a wonderful time together. Gary took her to the airport and another friend stayed with me for my appointments. After all was over we got to visit with some other friends in Auburn and then headed home.

We have been so blessed with good friends to help us out and so many prayer warriors.
God is good.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn 

 

Week after surgery report

Post surgery visit with surgeon this week was good. She said the pathology report showed very good results. Nothing showed up in the lymph nodes (she removed 19 of them) and the trace left in the breast is so small don't need to worry about it.
I am healing well. One little problem developed on my skin around the drain opening. My skin is very sensitive to tape. The drain itself will be removed next week and I got the okay to start showering now....Yea!
The surgeon also recommended seeing a therapist for lymphedema therapy. Don't need it right now but could after the radiation treatments. I will be seeing the therapist next week.

The surgeon also referred me to the radiation oncology doctor and I was able to see her right away. She gave me a detailed report on what the radiation treatments do and also all the possible side effects. The most common is like getting a sunburn. They have a scan they give to see where other organs are so they can set the radiation equipment to miss them.  I will have that scan next week also. It will still be a few weeks before the radiation treatments start. There are 33 treatments in all lasting about six weeks. She is trying to arrange them so that they will be done just before Thanksgiving and that should give me time to recoup enough to go to Haiti in December. Lord willing we will get to go.

Our friend,Karen from Texas (former missionary in Haiti) has been with me since the day after my surgery. Gary and Karen have been taking good care of me and I am really enjoying having Karen here. God is so good.

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes. They really are working.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

Sucessful Surgery :)

Surgery is over and it went well. The surgeon told Gary that the surgery was very successful. God is good.

I checked into the hospital at 10 AM on Wednesday and had some post operation visitors. Very nice.

Surgery started pretty much as scheduled. I remember getting on to the operating table and then waking up in recovery. Surgery started around 12:20pm and I woke after surgery and recovery in a room with Gary, my son Stan, his wife Lisa and other friends there with me. This was about 5:05pm. We visited a bit and at 7pm I turned on the TV to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy but I was too tired and dosed off before they ended.

 Had a good nights sleep waking off and on.  At 6am, the surgeon came by and said everything was going well and left orders for me to be discharged later in the day.  Gary spent the night at some friend's home in Auburn. He woke up at 5am to come to the hospital but was unable to do so because he was feeling dizzy and having stomach issues. He rested until 8:15am when he got up and was feeling ok to picked up our friend Karen from the airport at 9:15am.  She was arriving to help me with my recovery for a couple of weeks....Nice!   They arrived at my room around 11:50am just as I was about to have lunch. I wasn't hungry so Gary ate my lunch and I was checked out around 12:30pm.  We decided we should stay closer to the hospital for the next 24 hours so we spent the night at our friends house in Auburn instead of heading home. They were away on a trip to Minnesota.  It was nice not having to ride back to Packwood right after getting out of the hospital. I got another good nights rest before we headed home, and Gary had a chance to recover from his dizziness. God is good.

Yesterday, Friday afternoon, we had visitors/family stop by. Matt, Sarah, and their four children along with Matt's brother Zak and my brother, David and his wife, Sherry. We hadn't seen Matt and Sarah since we stopped by their home in Ohio on our way home from Haiti. We got to meet their newest son and get to know the others better. It was a wonderful visit and a really good time for us all.

I have pain medication to take, but the pain really has been minimal. I took some the first couple of days, Thursday and Friday, but today I haven't needed any. I have no swelling, no pain, and no infection. Praise God! I am able to doing things around the house as before, and I'm feel well mentally and physically.

 We go back to visit the doctor and surgeon next week to find out all the results of surgery and if they got all the cancer.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts, prayers, visits, emails, texts and phone calls, they are very much appreciated. I feel all the love coming my way and I'm asking you to continue to pray for my recovery.

May God Bless You All,
Marilyn

Bump on my Journery

Hello,

Have a request for new prayers.
I have come down with a case of the Shingles. I have been to the Doctor and got medicine for them.
I'm asking for prayers that they will go away fast and not delay my surgery at all.

Thank you and God Bless you,
Marilyn

Visit with Surgeon

Hello,

The visit with the surgeon went well. The surgery is scheduled for Sept 14th. I will be having a complete mastectomy and some lymph nodes removed from my right side. After surgery is done and I've healed some, I will have six weeks of radiation treatments and also some more chemotherapy. I will also have some therapy for my right arm to avoid the effects of the lymph nodes being removed.

We were planning to go to Haiti for 3 months before all this began, but of course we could not do it. However, we have been praying that we could at least go for a couple of weeks in December, and so we asked the surgeon if she thought I might be able to go then. She said at this point she didn't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to go then. God willing, we will go!

Please continue to pray for us. Your prayer are being answered. All the treatments are going well and I trust they will continue that way. I also would like it if you would also pray that we will be able to go to Haiti in December.

I appreciate all your prayers.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

Final Chemo Treatment Complete --- Friday

Hello all,

I have now completed my Chemo treatments. I must say they went by faster then I expected. I am sure the success of them has to do with all of my prayer warriors out there. God is definitely answering your prayers. Oh, what an awesome God we have!

Next week I will have a visit with the Surgeon, and will get information on what to expect and hopefully a date for the surgery. At this point I'm pretty sure I will have a complete mastectomy of my right breast and also the lymph glands on the right side but next week I should know for sure. Please keep your prayers coming for me. I appreciate them.

I am inserting some pictures of me and a little video of me ringing the bell for completion of Chemo, as well as information about the bell, some of the awesome staff and the Certificate given to me by the awesome staff.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn

11th Chemo-Round 2-Friday

Hello,

Eleven down and one more Chemo treatment to go.....Yeh!

The blood test came back okay to proceed with the Chemo treatment.

I also had an Echo Cardiogram test yesterday. Heart still beating and I don't think it showed any problems but the test results will go to the Doctor and he will report the findings to me then.

Now I only have one more treatment left and then I will have a Pet Scan to see if the treatments did all that they were supposed to do. I will then visit with the Oncology Doctor and the Surgeon. The surgery should be some time in September.

Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray all goes well.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn

10th Chemo of Round 2--Friday

Hello again,

My sister Barb brought me in for my Chemo treatment, and stayed and visited with me for the entire treatment. We had a good visit and the treatment went very well. No problems.

I now only have two treatments left... :)

My brother David picked me up after the treatment and drove me home. We had a good trip and a nice visit.

Gary, Gino, Aliette and the girls arrived home later. They had a nice time in Canada.

I am still feeling very well and feel so blessed. God is Good!

Again I thank you all for your prayers. I can see their results, and see God answering them and caring for me. It gives my a very joyous feeling.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

Dr visit & Blood test--Thursday

Hello,

Gary and our visiting friends dropped me off at the Doctor's on Thursday morning, and then they headed to Vancouver BC for some fun and relaxation.

The Doctor visit went well with no new problems. Still little low on potassium so just need to take a pill once a day for that. Visit with him after chemo treatments and the Pet Scan test is done. Then I will also have a visit with the surgeon to find out the plans for that and the date.

My sister Barb picked me up and we got to visit with our brother Dale, sister-in-law Kathy and niece Trisha. We had a good time, and then I went home with Barb and spent the night with Barb and Denny.

It was a very good day.

I thank God for all my wonderful family, my friends and prayer warriors.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

9th Chemo of Round 2-Friday

Hello,

Well another successful chemo treatment completed. No bad side effects thanks to all your prayers.
I only have 3 treatments remaining and then more tests and then surgery some time in September.

This week we have company coming; they are some of our Haitian friends. They now live in Montreal, Canada. We met Aliette on our first trip to Haiti back in the nineties. She is now married and has 3 lovely daughters. Her husband is a pastor, and he will be preaching here at our church in Packwood tomorrow. We are so excited. :)

In addition to your faithful continued prayers for Gary and me, please pray for our friends to have a safe trip and for us all to have a good time together.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

8th Chemo of Round 2 - Friday

Hello,

Well once again my blood tests came back good and successfully completed another chemo treatment. I now have 4 treatments left. Then more tests and move on to have my surgery.

The surgery won't be until some time in September because they want to give my body a rest after the chemo treatments.

I am still experiencing a little numbness in my toes and feet and a little in my thumbs which is a side effect from the treatments.

Once again thank you for all your prayers.

I would like you to continue to pray for the successful chemo treatment.
The medical people that are doing such a good job of caring for me.
For Gary who is such a wonderful husband and caregiver though all of this.
Pray the side effects stay minimal and that I will have no lasting effects from them.

God Bless you,
Marilyn

Seventh Chemo of Round 2 ... Friday...

Hello again,

Well I am now on the 2nd half of the second round of chemo treatments... 5 more to go. Then on to the next steps... more tests and then surgery. Surgery will likely be in September.

The treatment went well as usual. After my treatment last week I noticed I was experiencing some numbness in my toes and the balls of my feet. That is one of the things they ask about, so I let them know and they immediately adjusted one of the ingredients in the chemo for that. I am just amazed at how fast they are at making things happen. My potassium level was a little low, so I am now taking pills for that.

Thank you for your prayers and may God Bless you all,
Marilyn

Sixth Chemo Treatment -- Friday

Hello again,

We spent Thursday night with some dear friends, and also visited with another couple. We enjoyed our time with them, and appreciated the wonderful hospitality.

Friday we headed off for the 6th round of chemo and it went well. The pre chemo medicine they give me helps with the side effects and also makes me sleepy, so I slept thought most of it and most of the way home too.

Gary sat by my side patiently playing games on his tablet. I am blessed to have him.

Again, I want to thank you for all your prayers. I am now half way through with the second set of chemo treatments and even though the first set's side effects weren't too bad this set is even better.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn

Doctor Visit Thursday

Hello,
My doctor visit on Thursday went well. The blood test still show Red Cell count low but not to bad. Still okay for chemo treatments.
The really Good News!!! The cancer lump has gotten smaller so the chemo is doing it's job....Yey!
Thanks to all of your prayers....
The chemo treatments should be over in early August. I will then have a Pet scan later in the month and surgery some time in September.
Again thank you for all of your prayers I can feel the effects of them both physically and mentally.
God Bless you all,
Marilyn
PS After the doctor visit we brought our friend Sarah to the airport and said so long for a while. We enjoyed her visit very much and we're sad to see her leave.

Fifth Round of Chemo

This update is written from a different viewpoint, rather than Marilyn writing herself. She thought it would be a nice change for me, her guest, to write about my observations of the treatments. (She did quickly say I'm not allowed to post until she reviews it though) :)

Last week she had all three kinds of chemo, so this week she only had one. That meant we only spent Friday down in Auburn, instead of another two day trip.

We headed down about eight o'clock in the morning, and she went in for her usual tests before chemo. Gary and I took the shopping lists she made, and picked up what we hoped was the right items before going back to the hospital to sit with Marilyn during chemo. It is a pretty nice room, with recliners along the outer edges. After the tests come back fine, she gets hooked up to an IV drip and waits in one of the recliners.

The pre-chemo meds have benadryl in them, so they usually make her pretty tired, but they give her a pillow and blanket, and she just naps through most of the chemo. By one o'clock she was finished, but we had a couple more errands to run, so we didn't get back to Packwood until four that afternoon.

During the week between treatments, she takes short naps throughout the day, but otherwise stays pretty active cooking and doing housework. I've been taking longer naps during the day than she has, actually.

Overall I am glad to be able to watch her and spend time with them both, because I wasn't really sure how they were both doing just from talking to them on the phone. It can be hard to tell unless you can observe in person, and see for yourself how she is. It's been nice to see Gary go with it, being willing to drive there and back for treatments so she can sleep, and do all of the shopping as well. Likewise it's wonderful to see Marilyn be her usual self, keeping him on his toes and staying upbeat. She takes care of him too, reminding him to take vitamins and generally take care of himself.

Thank you for all of your prayers and cards, it is neat to know so many people I personally don't know are all praying for Marilyn. God is good, and has been answering them each week. I know she appreciates the encouragement from everyone as well.

Sarah, a friend of Gary and Marilyn's from Haiti

Doctor Visit and Fourth Round of Chemo

Thursday we went down to Auburn for the pretreatment tests. Everything came back fine, and though I'm still slightly anemic, these results were a bit better than the last round. I had a banana to up my potassium a little more, and was all set for chemo on Friday. Met Stan for some coffee and had a nice chat.

 After tests we stopped by the airport and picked up a friend from Haiti who is hanging out with us for a couple weeks. The three of drove to Gig Harbour, where we had supper with a friend and stayed the night there. Nice to avoid the drive home since my chemo treatments started early Friday morning. Got all three chemos, so it was a longer day, but I could nap and visit. All of the treatments went fine, so I'm thankful. I've been feeling pretty good, and haven't had many side effects, plus Gary does pretty well at pampering me.

It was a pleasant but uneventful drive home, only saw one elk, a nice cow on the edge of town. We stopped and bought some some ripe Washington strawberries on the way, so Gary is looking forward to some with his waffles. Glad to be home again, and thankful for another round completed.

Thank you for praying, it is so appreciated.
- Marilyn (as dictated to her visiting friend Sarah)

New Chemo: Round 3

Well, round 3 of my new chemo treatments went well. No problems :)....
The blood tests came back good enough to proceed with the treatment.
The after effects from these treatments seem less then the other treatments I was getting before. I praise God for that, and again, thank all of you for your prayer support.
God Bless you,
Marilyn
PS. No snowing on the pass this time, just a beautiful drive through the mountains; and Mt Rainier was out in all her splendor ... God is good.

New Chemo: Round 2

Hello...
Well, thanks to all your prayers my second round of the new Chemo went well.
The blood tests were a "little low" on potassium, but all I needed to do was take a pill to boost it before the Chemo. I didn't even need to have the shot bomb attached to go off tomorrow, because my immune system is not way too low like it was in the last round.

We had a nice drive over the pass in the morning again. There was even a little snow coming down. The trees are always extra beautiful to me with the dusting of fresh snow on them.

Keep the prayers coming... they are being answered, and I appreciate them so much.

God Bless You All,
Marilyn

Starting of New Round of Chemo

Second round of Chemo is off to a good start, but it was a long day. I started the treatments at 9:30 AM and didn't finish until 3:30 PM.

I got three different Chemo infusions, along with other infusions to help with side effects. They monitored me very closely to make sure I didn't have any bad effects from the new treatments. After one infusion they even waited an hour before giving me the next one. All went well.

I got to spend time reading, played some solitaire, and beat Gary at 2 games of Cribbage :) . We also got a visit from the hospital Chaplin. He was a very nice man, and we had a good visit.

When we came over the pass on Thursday there was fresh snow on the trees at the side of the road. It was snowing lightly, and was beautiful. On the way we noticed that Chinook Pass was also open now, so we went up to check it out. It looked good, and actually it didn't have as much snow as we thought it would.

We also got to spend Thursday night with some of our friends, and another couple came over too. We had a good visit, good food, and I also got some of my favorite ginger cookies to bring home. :)

Once again, thank you all for your prayers for me along this journey; they are truly appreciated.
May God bless you,
Marilyn

Doctor Visit and Test Results

Thursday my visit with the Doctor went well.

I got the results back for my echo-cardiogram, and they were good. My heart function is actually a little above normal, so that is very good. Some of the valves show some mild regurgitation, and I show borderline pulmonary hypertension, but the Doctor said they didn't present any problems currently. (I think some of the valve things are part of my family genetics).

They did my normal blood work plus about 5 more tests. Thee results on the ones they normally do were all good enough to start on my new round of Chemo treatments. The other results weren't back yet, so the Doctor will get back to us if there is any concern on them.

Your prayers are being answered, and I thank you.
Marilyn

Yesterdays Dr Visit

Yesterday doctor's visit went well and was very informative.

My blood tests show my red blood cell count still on the low side but not critical. I will start taking iron pills to help raise the count.

My new chemo treatments will be every week for 12 weeks. They are 3 different types of chemo that will be given in 3 week cycles. The 1st week I will get all three types, so that will be the hardest week on all my cells. The other 2 weeks I will get just 1 type of chemo. My oncologist told me that I will be receiving chemo treatments that will attack the type of cancer I have, HER2, directly because of the type of cells surrounding the tumor and not affect my non cancerous cells. This will happen on week 2 and 3 of the cycles.

One of the things they we are monitoring is how my heart reacts to the treatments. So before I start the next round of treatment they will be giving me another Echo Cardiogram test. That will be happening this week and then the following week I should be starting back on the Chemo treatments. Chemo is very hard on a person's heart so they need to check it out every 3 months.

Thank all of you for your prayers, thoughts, call and cards.

God Bless You,

Marilyn

PS Cayuse pass is now open so now it is only a 2 hour trip in instead of 2 1/2 hour trip and it is a very beautiful drive though the mountains.

Today's Blood Test.

Well, we got a late start heading to Morton today for my blood test... Was just tired and slow getting ready. They got me in right away as usual though... We waited for the results, and to hear back from the Auburn Nurse. The results were that the white cells were again critically low, and that I should head to Auburn for another shot... On the way in, though, just after Eatonville, the Doctor's office called and told us we could wait on the shot, because the one I got Saturday should kick in more in a day or so... They said until then just watch for any signs of infection or high fever, and stay away from large groups... So we turned around and headed home. :)

Gary headed back up to the mountain to cut some more firewood.
I took a nice nap, and then filled another humming bird feeder .... they emptied one in just a little over a day.... I guess I'll have to start making double batches.
I feel pretty good now, and the next blood test will be at the Doctor's office in Auburn in just a little over a week.
Thank you all for your prayers, I know they are working... things could be a lot worse.
Marilyn

1st Round of Chemo Completed :)

Hello to all,
Thanks to all of your prayer support and God's answers I have successfully completed my first round of Chemo treatments.
Yesterday was my 4th Chemo treatment on the 3 week cycle. The Chemo was a mixture of different kinds of chemo medicines. I call it the 1st Chemo cocktail treatments. God willing, I will start on the 2nd Chemo Cocktail treatments in about 3 weeks. I will have a treatment once a week for 12 weeks and then on to surgery.
I am still feeling pretty good, with no major side effects. I'm a little tired, but take lots of little breaks in the recliner.
My blood count is being watched closely; it is checked every week. The biggest problem so far was when one of the white blood cell count drops too low, which affects my immunity against infections, but I am getting shots to help with that and so far no real problems. Now my red cell count is dropping too, so they will be monitoring that closely and if it drops too low I will need to have a blood transfusion before I can have a Chemo treatment. I will also be doing what I learned as a kid from "Popeye the Sailor Man" and be eating lots of "Spinach" :)
So my prayer warriors, I pray you will all continue praying for me. I want you all to know I can feel them going up for me, and God has definitely been answering them all and more.

God Bless you all,
Marilyn
PS. Yesterday after treatment Gary and I also got to spend time visiting with my sister Barb and my nice Cheri... We had a wonderful time... Another one of God's blessing for us.

Friday's Blood test and Doctor Visit

Yesterday we headed to town and saw lots of Elk of course...That's always a treat seeing them.
I got the blood test done and then headed up to the doctor's office. Well they tried to reach us and let us know that the doctor had called in sick so they would need to reschedule...So I didn't get to see the doctor. Good news is the rescheduled time isn't until the time I would see him next anyway unless there is some reason to see him sooner. The other good news was that they did the blood test and got the results showing all the levels were good so I didn't have to get another shot. Yeh! We also got to visit with my son Stan while we were in town.
We had just found out that Skate Creek Road had just opened and that it wasn't in to good of shape as it's a forest service road and doesn't get maintained much but we decided to check it out. Lots of pot holes, downed tree and some slides but it was a nice trip. Gary's used to driving in Haiti so he managed to miss most of the pot holes. It's always a pretty drive and it's about 10 minutes shorter than going all the way though Morton. We definitely wouldn't recommend driving it at night though.
Next week will be my 4th Chemo treatment and I'm requesting prayers from all my prayer warriors that my blood levels stay good so I can proceed with the treatment as planned.
Thank you all,
God Bless you,
Marilyn

Blood test Morton Ok :)

Went to Morton today to get my weekly blood tests. We waited for the results just in case I would need a shot to improve them. (Which would mean we would have to go to Auburn). Yay! The tests were okay, and no shot was needed this time. :) We are thankful to all our family and friends who continue to pray for us. God is listening and answering them.
Marilyn

3rd Chemo Update

Yesterday I had my 3rd Chemo Treatment, and all went well.

I had blood tests first, as usual, and they came up good enough so I could have the treatment. Praise be to God.

Sister Barb came and visited with me during the treatment, and we had a good visit. She, of course, had to show me lots of pictures of her new grandson. I have to admit, he is a cutie. If all our brothers’ and sisters’ ears were ringing :)... there was a good reason, we did talk about you... all good of course.

I came home with another shot bomb taped to me, saves me a trip back in to have the shot... Nice.

I'm still feeling good, not sick... yeah and knock on wood.

Gary Jr. came up today, and he and Gary are out riding up the mountain roads on their motorcycles... having lots of fun.

Expecting some more kids, grandkids and great grandkids up later today too... Love it!

So thankful for all the prayers that are going up for me... I can tell you they are definitely being answered.

Love you all,

Marilyn

Thanking God for a good Doctor visit and good test results.

Yesterday's trip to the doctor for a check-up and blood tests went well. All the blood work came through in normal ranges, and so I didn't have to get a shot to boost anything. The doctor said all was well, and that things are progressing as they should. Praise the Lord. Dear family and friends, your prayers are appreciated, and being answered.
Gary and I want to wish you all a Happy Easter....He is risen!!
God bless you all,
Marilyn

Yesterdays Events...by Marilyn

Well yesterday morning we headed to the Morton hospital for my weekly blood test, thankful that we only had to drive a little over 30 miles instead of over a 100 to Auburn. We got home in time for Gary to go do some work at our church's thrift store, and I was able to talk with a dear friend in Minnesota. Then came the call from my nurse in Auburn. The blood test showed my white blood cell count was way too low in a couple of areas, and they said I needed to come in and get a shot to boost the count. She even tried to find if the shot was available at a closer location, but the only one closer was Puyallup (which if you count the traffic, it takes longer to get there). So I called my awesome man and he headed right home, and off we went. We made it 10 minutes early for my 3:20 appointment. Yeah! The nurse explained to me that my white blood count was so low that if my body got an infection, or I got a virus with my count that low, I would not be able to fight it off and it could be very serious. We made it back home with no trouble. Even got home in time to watch my two favorite shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  :)

I thank God for the wonderful medical staff of people that are looking after me, and the quick efficient way they work. I also thank God for the wonderful husband he has blessed me with, and all of my family and friends that keep praying for me. I'm thankful to know that all over the world people that I don't even know are praying for me. God is good.

I also want to thank the people that have made me special hats and other items.

So far today I feel pretty good, not nearly as tired as I was feeling before the shot, and so far no side effects from the shot.

Updates on Blood test, Chemo treatment & Wig appointment

Yesterday we headed in for the 2nd Chemo treatment. Great trip in, saw lots of elk on the way. A couple stared us in the eyes as they waited patiently for us to pass so they could cross the road.

First on the agenda was the blood tests to make sure I was okay for the chemo treatment. They all came back as normal (so the shot they gave me last week did the trick).
A good friend Marlys came and visited with me during the treatment. Gary went and did our grocery shopping, and also managed to stop at a bike shop and get a new part for his moto and also a new helmet that he was in need of.

The chemo went well with no problems. So far I haven't experienced any bad side effects. I feel a little tired sometimes, but a quick snooze in the recliner picks me right up.

I left the chemo treatment with a "shot bomb" attached to me. It blinks green every few seconds and will sound a beep at about 2ish this afternoon to alert me that it will be starting to inject me. The injection is supposed to last for about 45 minutes and then it will go through a series of flashing lights and after that is done, and I can remove it. This is a neat thing because I can get my shot here at home instead of having to go back into for it. Nice!!!

The next stop for us yesterday was to an appointment in Puyallup for a "Complimentary Wig and Wig-Fitting Service". I was shown many wigs and got to try them on. I found one I liked and then a lady came in and cut it, so it was perfect. I was also given a sleeping cap and a head scarf made by volunteers. All the people that worked with me were volunteers, and they even do more things for cancer patients. It is so awesome and uplifting to see so many people volunteering their time. What a blessing.

Our church in Packwood runs a Thrift and Gift Store, and we are in the midst of moving it to another location. Gary had 7 boxes of books that we were going to drop off in Morton on the way home yesterday for recycling. Gary noticed book stands in the building where I was getting fitted for the wig, and was looking for the person that deals with them to see if he/she would like to look at the books for their fund raiser. I believe they sell them, 50 cents for paperback and $2 for hardback, to help raise money to pay for the free wigs. Turns out the lady that was fitting me was also in charge of the book sales. She wanted them all, sight unseen.

A note about my comments on the previous post about me bragging about only losing about 6 or 7 hairs....Sunday night I started noticing it was more like clumps of hair coming out, and by Wednesday it was pretty much all gone except for a few fine hairs that seem to want to hang in there. So, I now get to wear the hat Barbie got for me, and I've also been wearing a hat my mom knit for Gary to sleep in when he was out hunting (the moths got it a few years ago, but I mended it for him).

I sure appreciate all the prayers that are being sent up for me, and the cards and calls I have been getting. Gary is doing a great job of pampering me too; he is such a blessing and he appreciates all the prayer support he is getting also.

Post by Marilyn this time. :)

Thankful for Loving Friends and Family

     We are so blessed to have so many friends and family members that love us. Marilyn has been receiving cards, phone calls, emails and visits from you all. The nurses at the hospital where they give the chemo treatments even sent her a card. By the way, one of them, Cindy, was one of the nurses that we met while her father, Laurence, was having a problem with his heart, maybe 15/16 years ago. Cindy thought she recognized Marilyn from somewhere, and when Marilyn mentioned Haiti she remembered her. Oops, side tracked. Marilyn is still doing well, thanks to God and your prayers. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

     Many have asked me how I'm doing too. I really don't know what to say to that question. I think about all the people that have had cancer before Marilyn, and all the people that are working hard for the cure, and am thankful for the advances made over the years. I can tell you that I hate cancer and what it's done to so many people over the years. Does anyone not know of someone affected by cancer? I am doing well. I think of every day as another gift, and try to make the best of each day. Which is pretty much what I've always done. But now I enjoy, even more than before, the time Marilyn and I spend together doing whatever. (I'm so blessed to have him :). Marilyn)

     On this past Thursday, March 3rd, we made another trip to Auburn. It's a 207 mile round trip and we saw what seemed like around 150 elk on the way in and out, or maybe 207. We were thankful none were on the road. We saw 20 yesterday morning walking past our home. Marilyn made me throw them the last 3 apples we had and they walked back to eat them. They like apples big time. Oops, side tracked again.... So Marilyn needed to be in Auburn for a blood test and a visit with her oncologist, Dr Wang. From the blood test they found out that her white blood cell count was lower than it should have been. They gave her a shot that is suppose to increase the count. Her next chemo treatment is on Friday, March 11 and that count needs to be higher or she won't be able to have the treatment. Prayer request!!!  (Additional comments from Marilyn---The doctor said I will need to have a shot to boost my white blood cell count 24 hours after each chemo treatment. I asked if they could give me the medicine and the syringe to take home and give it to myself....he said just a minute and went out to talk with the pharmacist...he came back and said it was going to get special treatment. They have a thing he said kind of like a "time bomb shot", they will tape it on me after my treatments and then 24 to 27 hours later it will inject the medicine into me then I just remove it...Yeah! That will save us a long trip in or an overnight stay. God is good!)

      As I mentioned above, on March 11th we are heading back to Auburn for Marilyn's 2nd chemo treatment and a sitting with a person to try on wigs, which by the way will be free to her because of a group that donated money for this. You know, Marilyn told me she has lost 7 or 8 hairs now. But not to worry, she's got lots more, unlike me. I think I lose more than that everyday. No big deal. Maybe I should go and sit with her, not.

Thank You, Thank You, and Thank You, again for your prayers and concerns. We are in good hands!
GM

Marilyn trying to post.

Hi this is Marilyn. I'm doing good. All is well. I appreciate all the prayers and concerns.

Addition to Catching Up Post

Feb 23, 2016:
I forgot to mention that a week ago Monday, Feb 15th Marilyn went to the town of Packwood, 3 miles from on home and had her hair cut short. It's now like it was when we left for Haiti in 2004. If I can figure out how to add a picture or two I will add it/them. GM

Catching up from a doctor's standard check up on Dec. 11, 2015.

Dec 11, 2015: Marilyn and I, Gary, went to our scheduled doctor's appointment for a yearly check up. Marilyn shared with the doctor that she had felt a lump in one of her breasts. The doctor suggested getting an appointment for a mammogram. We went to another site in Auburn and walked in. Because we have to travel from Packwood to Auburn for appointments, they got her in right away. So thankful. The mammogram showed something. Her doctor suggested she get an appointment for an ultrasound and a biopsy.

Dec 21, 2015: We drove to Covington, Washington today for an appointment for Marilyn to get an ultrasound test and a biopsy of the mass. These results went back to her doctor at the Auburn Hospital and he told her that the biopsy tested positive for breast cancer. He set Marilyn up with a list of surgeons and oncologists and she picked them out and made appointments for a visit with each.

Jan 21, 2016: We left Packwood for Marilyn's 10:30 am scheduled dental appointment in Randle, Wa., 18 miles for home. At 2 pm she was scheduled for an appointment with her surgeon in Tacoma and at 4 pm an appointment with the oncologist in Auburn. The surgeon was very informative and told us what she needed to get ready for surgery and why. We asked her about a trip we where planning in October to go to Haiti and she informed us that it was not advised. The battle ahead fighting breast cancer would not be over in time for that to happen. And the oncologist shared that he had been doing this for 40 years. Others had told us that he was good doctor. We liked them both.

Jan 29, 2016, Friday: Up early for a 8:30 am Pet/Scan in Puyallup, Wa. 12:30pm, scheduled for a Echo Cardiogram at Good Sam's, also in Puyallup and a third appointment in the same area for an Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI. My understanding: PET Scan, they put a dye in your veins and it circulates through out the body. Cancer cells divide quicker than normal cells in the body. The dye shows up more in areas where the cells are dividing quicker. Helps the doctors to locate the cancer cells. The Echo C. is a test that looks at the heart. Chemo treatments are very hard on the heart and they need to make sure the heart is in good shape before they start the treatments. MRI: a form of medical imaging that measures the response of the atomic nuclei of body tissues to high-frequency radio waves when placed in a strong magnetic field, and that produce images of the internal organs. These tests help the surgeon prepare for surgery.

Feb 1, 2016, Monday: Drove to the Auburn Hospital for a 9 am appointment to have a Portacath (Port) placed under her skin, just below the collar bone on the left side. The port allows for one location to draw blood for testing and to allow the chemo into her body. It saves her veins from being punctured over and over again. This is good.

Feb 3, 2016, Wednesday: Dr Cho called with information. Seems the PET/Scam showed spots in the groin area that were concerning. She asked for Marilyn to schedule another ultrasound and biopsies of the groin area and the lymph nodes on the right side of her body.

Feb 4, 2016, Thursday: Today we drove to Auburn for a talk with the oncologist and to learn about chemo treatments.

Feb 9, 2016, Tuesday: Back to Covington for a 1:30 pm appointment in Covington's Multi Care Center for an ultrasound and 2 biopsies. A couple days later we learned that the groin area turned up negative for cancer but the lymph nodes confirmed what our surgeon and oncologist already suspected. Showed positive for cancer.

Feb 19, 2016, Monday: Drove to Auburn for Marilyn's first chemo treatment. First blood testing had to be done and them chemo started. The room was clean and bright. The nurses were great. All went well. Blood test results, pre-medication and chemo treatment started at 9 am and we were out at 12:30 pm. She was given a gift quilt from the Covington Quilting Guild and was told that she could pick out a wig from a store in Puyallup. She would need to set up an appointment and then she would have one on one time with a person. She could try on as many wigs as she likes. Nice. I think I may go with her. Do they have them for men?  FYI, It's 106 miles from our house in Packwood to the Chemo building across from the Emergency Entrance to the Auburn Hospital. Now blood testing every week and 3 more chemo treatments 3 weeks apart. Then we switch to chemo every week for 12 weeks. So that adds up to 16 treatments over a 24 week period. After that surgery. She will have a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed on the right side.