Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Chemo - Week 4 (Monday, 10/25/2010)

Week four of treatment has come and gone.  "Mom" has handled the first month of treatment really well.  She has been able to work almost everyday with the exception of treatment day and a few tired days, which typically occur three days post treatment (Thursday).  We are sure chemo isn't easy, but "mom" never complains and she is glad for treatment day to arrive as it means fighting back.  This week "mom" was able to contact a local support group, which meets once or twice a month.  The next meeting is on Monday and if mom is feeling ok after treatment we are sure she will be there.

This week "mom" was again escorted to treatment by "Grandpa Gary".  The treatment was in the morning and I think they stopped for some breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, which always seems to help with the long drive into Boston.   Our "Cousin Nicole D" met them there and by the pictures, it appears that she brought some pre-Halloween costumes and several bananas.  "Cousin Nicole" must have stopped by "Aunt Gerry's" house this weekend and picked up a supply.  Our buddy "Loves" the Saint Bernard said the bananas were very good and hit the spot.  Thank you "Cousin Nicole" for always making us laugh and for all your support. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!




We hear "Grandpa Gary" learned how to take a cell phone picture.  "Mom" said that he thought the camera was the viewfinder and almost took a picture of his own eye.  Too bad we didn't get to see that photograph.  As you can see by the above shots, he figured it out rather quickly.  Great pictures "Grandpa Gary"!

Prior to treatment "Doctor Tolaney" informed "mom" of several post treatment options that she would qualify for through Dana Farber.  The first was a vaccine clinical trial which would use tumor cells from "mom" and create a vaccine that she could take to fight any re-occurrence. The other clinical trial is a post surgery chemo option.  "Mom" would have a chance of being selected for 1 of 4 groups.  The groups would include variations of treatment options including diet, exercise, Methotrexate, and Avastin. Treatment would last approximately 3 years.  "Mom" is researching the treatment options and will be able to discuss the clinical trials in more detail with her team of doctors as she moves forward. 

This week "mom" has been able to work each and every day.  We think this is great, as she can focus on something other than treatment.  "Mom" just loves taking care of her patients and misses all her great co-workers when she is out for even a day or two.

Thank you all for all the cards.  We think they make the house look great.  "Mom" has posted them all over the family room.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene
Ginger (Woof Woof), Liz (WOOF), and Baby (meow meow meow meow...)

Sunday, October 24, 2010

PINK - Lighting the Way to a Cure - Umass Memorial Cancer Center

Thursday, October 21, 2010 
"Mom" and "Dad" attended Pink - Lighting the Way to a Cure at Umass Memorial Cancer Center.  The night started with "mom" picking out her candle, which was lit at the candle ceremony.

The event was set up as a Town Meeting style with a panel of breast cancer survivors, first telling their stories, then answering questions from the medical staff and audience members. The doctors, nurses and medical staff answered questions and provided a discussion on the future of breast cancer treatments. The Umass Cancer Center is currently raising money for CT scan machine specifically developed to for breast cancer screening. Umass would proudly be the owner of the 5th machine in the entire world. 


Prior to the event "mom" was not having the best day. The PINK event was just what she needed to turn her day around. There were so many great people in attendance and "mom" met some true survivors, all of which had wonderful stories. "Mom" was also introduced to a group of courageous women who run several support groups in the area and looks forward to the possibility of attending some support groups and events in the future.

"Mom" is heading  back to the Faulkner hospital on Monday for chemo treatment #4 and is looking forward giving the Cancer another butt kicking.

Thank you all for your continued support this week.
Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.
Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Chemo - Week 3 (Monday, 10/18/2010)

Week three of treatment is here.  "Mom" was escorted to Faulkner Hospital by "Grandpa Gary". We love it when he stops by to visit and he is welcome anytime.  "Grandpa Gary" arrived at our house so early that the stars were still out in the sky.  Thanks to our "Cousin Ray", he was wearing a Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene sweat shirt.  We think he was ready to witness a little Cancer butt kicking first hand and "mom" was really happy to have his support.  Our newly adopted Teddy Bear from the Sterling Animal Shelter "Chemosabe"as well as "Loves" the Saint Bernard went along for the ride to keep "Grandpa Gary" and "mom" company and to create a few laughs along the way.

Here is a photo of "mom", "Grandpa Gary", "Loves" the Saint Bernard, and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear at the treatment center.  "Mom" is wearing one of her new head buffs to keep her head warm.  She had gone to the salon recently to get a hair cut and needed a little something to keep her head warm.  "Mom" hasn't lost any hair due to treatment yet.  The doctors indicated that this may begin to occur later in treatment around weeks 4-6.  We love the new haircut and think it makes "mom" look a little younger.  However, "mom" is not quite sold yet.

During chemo, "mom" decided to take a little trip to Disney World.  This was possible with the help of the magic of a 3D viewfinder.  Thanks you Colleen for providing our "mom" with such a great way to escape.

Here is a photo of "Loves" the Saint Bernard and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear hanging out at the hospital with the 3D viewfinder.  Hey "Chemosabe" did you see our friends Goofy and Pluto?


"Mom" indicated that the oncologist was very happy with the progress of the chemo therapy treatment thus far.  The oncologist said that the tumor mass felt softer and the coloring of the skin was beginning to change from a reddish color to a pinkish color.  After three weeks this is great progress.  We think the Wii dance party along with all the love, support and prayers of family and friends helped out a lot.  "Mom" is looking forward to attending a support group for young people with Cancer on Wednesday in Boston at Dana Farber and meeting with her Radiation doctor on Friday afternoon.

We want to thank "Grandpa Gary" - LOTS OF LOVE...

"Mom" was feeling upbeat after treatment and went to visit "Grandma Sue", who had long day at the doctors as well.  Please keep "Grandma Sue" in your prayers as she also needs your love and support in her own battle with rheumatoid arthritis, Lupis and Sjögren's syndrome.  Cited from http://www.sjogrens.org/ "Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma."  We love you "Grandma Sue" and we are praying for you.

After taking a short cat nap, "mom" was able to relax with family and friends and enjoy a most excellent dinner, cooked by "Grandpa Gary".  "Mom" is looking forward to getting back to her normal Tuesday schedule at work and seeing all her great co-workers and clients.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.
Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)



Thursday, October 14, 2010

Chemo - Week 2 (Tuesday 10/12/2010)

Treatment this week was delayed due to Columbus Day.   "Mom" was escorted to Faulkner Hospital by her most loving Aunt Gerry and Uncle Paul.  They even made snacks, cookies, and sandwiches for the trip into Boston.  Here is a photo of the Team wearing the trademark pink shirts for the breast cancer cause along with, you guessed it... "Loves" the Saint Bernard.


Thanks again to a great Team Charlene, the treatment was a success and "mom" was able to attend work all day long on Wednesday.  We think it may have been the peanut butter cookies, which "mom" didn't share.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO AUNT GERRY AND UNCLE PAUL.

Love the puppers and kitty,  

Team Charlene,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby




Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Chemo - Week 1 (Monday, 10/4/2010)

The doctors have all concluded that the best treatment option for "mom" is 5 months of chemo followed by surgery and radiation.   The chemo will be given weekly on Monday's for the first 12 weeks using Paclitaxel (pac li TAKS el) followed by biweekly treatments of dose-dense Adriamycin and Cytoxan  (AC) for 8 weeks.    October 4 was day 1 of treatment - "mom", "dad" and "grandma S." headed off to the Dana Farber/ Bringham and Womens Cancer Center at Faulkner Hospital in Boston, MA.   Here is a photo of "Loves" the Saint Bernard and "mom" getting ready for a nap after receiving a large dose of benadryl, zantac, dexamethasone and initial injection of Paclitaxel.




Hey it's "Loves" stopping for a photo-op on his way home from treatment after a long day at the hospital.  "Mom" handled treatment very well and was able to work and do normal activities most of the week.  I think she was a little tired from the treatment on Thursday (10/7/2010) and so she stayed home with us all day long.    The chemo, couldn't keep her down for long and by Friday "mom" was back to work.  Thanks for all the support from family, friends and a great Team of doctors.  "Mom" has successfully completed week 1. 


Love the puppers and kitty,  

Team Charlene
Ginger, Liz, and Baby


Blogging....

Dear All,
This Blog is designed to track the progress of "Our Mom" as she goes through her journey since the diagnosis of having "Triple Negative Breast Cancer".
We will do our best to keep you all informed.

Love the puppers and kitty, 

Ginger, Lizz, and Baby