Chemo - Week 8 (11/22/2010)

"Cousin Nicole", "mom" and "Loves" The Saint Bernard

Treatment continues to progress well and this week "Cousin Nicole" and "Grandpa Gary" provided the support for "mom", whom continues to kick butt.

This week Saint Michael was left at home.  The nurses were so kind as to download and print out a temporary replacement for Saint Michael, and thus treatment proceeded without delay.  Saint Michael watches over "mom's" treatment every week and come to find out Saint Michael is the Saint of the paratroopers.

Gobble Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Team Charlene - 11/21/2010

This past Saturday we didn't have any plans, so we were able to relax a little.  Since "mom" diagnosis we have been very busy almost every weekend.  We loved spending time with "mom" and "dad" watching movies and sitting by the warm stove.

This week is Thanksgiving and we are all excited to spent a little relaxation time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to the good snacks that "dad" sneaks to us.   Below are a couple of pictures of what we do best.

"Mom's" treatment this week went well.  She has now completed 8 weeks of chemo and continues to have a great mind set and attitude.  She is looking forward to Thanksgiving and for the first time, doing a little shopping on black Friday.

Ginger Pup snoozing in the doorway

Lizzie Pup looking cute as always

Baby Cat watching her Fish

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 7 (Monday, 11/15/2010)

This week "mom" was escorted to chemo treatment by "Grandpa Gary", "Grandma Sue", and "Aunty Jen".   Treatment went well, and the doctors continue to be happy with the progress.  Dr. Tolaney confirmed several soft spots in the tumor and indicated that the overall size has not increased.  Furthermore, the color of the skin surrounding the tumor continues to improve.  Below is "mom" sitting on "Aunty Jen's" lap in the treatment chair.

Aunty Jen "Twin Power"

Family Time

This week "mom" headed back to Dana Farber on Tuesday morning to meet with another surgeon. One of the requirements of a clinical trial that "mom" has the option to participate is that the surgery would have to be done at Bringham & Womens's hospital.  Thus, at 5:00 AM "mom" and "dad" headed off to Boston to meet with Dr. Dominici.  The visit was very successful and both "mom" and "dad" indicated that Dr. Dominici was awesome and was able to answer many questions.  "Mom" was very pleased with her attention to detail and would feel very comfortable in her care should she choose to be part of the clinical trial.  The clinical trial would include creating a vaccine from the tumor cells post surgery.  The basic idea behind the vaccine is to create a response from "mom's" immune system to recognize and attack the tumor cells if they were to re-surface.  The tumor cells would undergo radiation prior to creating the vaccine to kill all the tumor cells, similar to a flu vaccine.  As part of this trial, at least two centimeters of usable tumor would be required at the time of surgery.  "Mom" will not have to make any decision until closer to surgery.  We are all hoping that the tumor is smaller than 2cm at the time of surgery as this would provide better margins.  We will keep you posted.

"Mom" may also be able to participate in a second clinic trial.  This trial would include four test groups.  The first group participating in a diet program, the second group participating in a diet and exercise  program, and the last two groups would include diet and exercise and additional post-op chemo.  The chemo drugs would include pill forms of Methotrexate and Cytoxan and Avastin.  The trial would last approximately 3 years.   Again "mom" will not have to make an decision until closer to surgery.

We are happy to announce that the date for the Valentine's Day - Fur Ball has been set for Saturday, February 12,  2011 at the Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston, MA.   The menu is being set and tickets are schedule to go on sale soon.  Please Save the Date.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 6 (Monday, 11/8/2010)

"Grandma Sue" and "Mom"

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Yard Sale/ Bake Sale 11-6-2010 (8AM-2PM)



Team Charlene - Fishing for customers on Route 20



Who you lookin at?



Kathy and Cindy at the Bake Sale Table.  Good Eats.



Corey (aka "the guy with the beard) and Kristen

Get your bean bag here

Doggy Mascots

Family

Hot Coco/ Coffee Tent - "The Warm Up Zone"

Pet Sale Crew

Pulling in the customers!!!!!!!!  Did I just see a bunny

Money Booth

Raffle Raffle Raffle

VCA Northboro Crew



Raffle Sponsors



Chemo - Week 5 (Monday, 11/1/2010)

This week "Grandpa Gary" once again picked up "mom" for her treatment.  They headed off to Faulkner Hospital in Boston where the magic happens.  Poor "Grandpa Gary" was so tired that he fell asleep as soon as he sat down in the treatment room.  "Mom" said that he was snoring quite loudly.  Waking only when "Nurse Mary" entered the room to check on "mom".  Below is a picture of "Nurse Mary" and "mom" taken after infusion.  "Nurse Mary" has been "mom's" treatment nurse from day 1.  She used to be an ER nurse and now works in the chemotherapy department at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Faulkner Hospital.  "Mom" thinks that "Nurse Mary" is the best nurse around and appreciates her ability to place an IV catheter in one try.

This week "mom" attended a local support group in Worcester, MA.  The group is called The Breast Friends Connection.  Their mission "Bringing women together to SUPPORT their individual journey of diagnosis, treatment, recovery + BEYOND".   Become a fan of The Breast Friends Connection on facebook for more information and updates.   "Mom" was picked up for her first support group session by a member who is also a resident of Boylston.  The meeting started at 6PM and began with a support session, followed by "power hour" which includes activities to help reduce stress.  "Mom" loved the support group and met many inspiring women.  "Mom" plans on attending many more meetings.

"Mom" is looking forward to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale which is taking place this Saturday at the Northboro VCA.  She is grateful for all the hard work everyone has been putting forth to make this a success.  "Mom" gave us a preview of the Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene "T" shirts.  We think they look pretty sharp.

So far this week, "mom" has been feeling pretty good.  She had today off to rest up and is going back to work in the morning.  We had fun hanging out with her today.   The best part of the week was when "mom" noticed a soft spot in the tumor, which indicates that chemo is working.

We will have "mom" take her camera along to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale so that we can post some photo's.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene

Ginger, Liz, and Baby