Chemo Week 20 - Phase Complete

This week was the final week of treatment.  "Mom" headed off to the Faulkner hospital with "dad", "Grandma Sue", and "Mike".  They headed off ready to call to a close the pre-surgery rounds of chemo.  When they got to the hospital they met our "Cousin Nicole" who had smuggled in a few balloons and a cake.  Nurse Mary was waiting for them with a big smile, so happy that this was "mom's" last treatment.  All the doctors and nurses were amazing, they all stopped by to congratulate "mom" at the end of her 5 month treatment plan.    Below are some photo's "dad" took during the treatment.

"Mom" and her balloons

"Mom" and Mike - Chillin

Final Week - Treatment Crew

The sign says it all (Last Day Hooray)

"Grandma Sue" and Mikey

Our hero, Nurse Mary
(She didn't miss a single treatment even through the blizzards)

Chocolate Cake - Yummy!!!

"Cousin Nicole" and "dad"

The Final Stretch - "mom" needs so cake.

The treatment went really well and as always "mom" kept her signature smile.  The doctors were really happy with the progress of the chemo treatment and were looking forward to the AC kicking a little more tumor butt over the next several weeks.

Looking forward mom will next meet with her surgeons and prepare for surgery in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.  For the next few weeks "mom" will let her body recover from the chemo treatment.  She is looking forward to a little time off and the Fur Ball fundraiser, which is this weekend.  We hear that the music will be bumpin, and "Grandpa Gary" is cooking up an amazing spread.  "Auntie Denise" and "Auntie Jen" are working hard on raffles, decor and pulling the entire even together.  We wish we could attend, but no DOGS OR CATS allowed :-(.  We though it was a Fur Ball, maybe we can participate in the doggy 5K.

Earlier this week "mom" and "dad" visited Western, MA to see our friend Crosby.  Below is a picture of our buddy on "mom's" lap.  We just love that black lab/ great dane.  Thank you "Colleen" for a pre-treatment feast.

This year has been the year of the snow storm and blizzard.  Here are a few shots from around our house from the last snow storm and a video of myself and Ginger playing hide and seek.  Where are our bushes?  Oh yeah under about 10 feet of snow.

Where is the Fence?

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Liz (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOF), Ginger, and Baby (Meow)

AC Treatment 3

On Monday, January 24, 2011, "mom" had her third treatment with of AC.  This week "Grandpa John", "Auntie Denise", and "Auntie Ronnie" headed off to Boston bright and early.  I think around 5:30 am.  They must have all be still half asleep.  "Grandpa John" drove down from NH, so he must have pulled an all nighter.

Below are a few photo's during the treatment.  It looks like at one point "mom" and "auntie Ronnie" got a little hungry and tried to chew the infusion tubes.  Naught Girls!!!!!!      Hey Auntie, crank that Sh$% up!!!!!!!!  Auntie Denise had a little lap time, "Baby" is a little jealous that you took her spot.

The treatment went well and the tumor continues to shrink."Mom" is looking forward to the last AC treatment on February 7, 2011.  We think that she has been doing great so far.  She is really looking forward to the Fur Ball event, which is taking place at the Wachusett Country Club on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Thank you "Grandpa John" for traveling so far, so early to kick some Cancer butt.  "Mom" really appreciates all that you have done and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Our continued prayers also go out to "Grandma Sue", who had surgery yesterday at Brigham and Women Hospital in Boston.  She was so brave that they let her out the same day.  What a tough cookie.  We are so relieved that everything went smoothly and that you are home safe and sound.   We hear that she got a really nice basket of flowers from her prayer group.  What an amazing group.  Thank you "Auntie Denise" for spending the entire day at the hospital with "Grandma Sue", and for keeping us posted play by play via text messages. 

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Baby (Meow), Ginger, and Liz

Back to Work

"Mom" has been feeling pretty good this week.  She didn't have any treatment this week, so her body got a chance to recover a little.  This past weekend her bones hurt a little as the white blood cell booster shot was kicking into action.  We hate that the white blood cell booster makes "mom's" bones hut, we do love the fact that this means that the shot is working.

"Mom" was able to go back to work this week after taking last week off to recover.  She said that she realizes how bored we must be during the day waiting for her to get home from work.  There is only so much TV and relaxation one person can take.  On Sunday, "mom" and "dad" headed to Sterling to the Cider Mill to the antique store.  It was only a quick trip, but we hear it was fun none the less.  Here is a photograph from the trip.

Earlier this week mom had a visitor from her support group.  "Mom" just loves the ladies in her group.  It was a really good visit and "mom" hopes to see them all again soon.  Here is a picture of "Baby" sleeping in the new blanket that our friend Tina gave to "mom".  The blanket is supper soft and really warm.  Our sister "Baby" usually hogs the blanket from "mom".

"Mom" is looking forward to the last two chemo treatments and the continued success of the drugs to fight her tumor cells.  We here that "Grandpa John" and our sister Denise will be heading to treatment this week.  "Grandpa John" is looking forward to a little cancer ass kicking.

"Mom" is also looking forward to the Fur Ball, which is in a couple weeks.  It should be a great time with lots of food, dancing, drinks and great raffles.  She picked out her cocktail dress and is in search of some pink shoes.  We hope that you all can make it.

Love the Puppers and Kitty

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC) - Treatment 2

This week "mom" received her second AC treatment.  The first treatment was pretty tough and mom wasn't looking forward to going back for more.  The team headed off to Boston for a 10 AM appointment, this time without all the snow.  "Grandpa Gary" and "Grandma Sue" were back in action for Team Charlene this week after allowing others to feel the power of the treatment.

The doctors were able to dial-in on the drugs and make the next week more tolerable for "mom" while the treatment works on killing the tumor cells.  "Mom" was told that the dosage of treatment drugs was modified slightly to help fight the nausea and feeling of being tired all the time.

So far this week "mom" has been relaxing at home and overall she has been feeling pretty good.  "Mom" has been able to eat just about everything and the nausea is tolerable.  "Mom" has been feeling tired and a little achy this week, but nothing like the first treatment.   On Wednesday we got a little snow (24" or so) and "dad" was nice enough to make us a little path in the back yard.  The snow was all the way up our legs and we ran around and around. Check out the attached video of "Liz" and myself.

Well that is all so far this week.  We will keep you posted as the week goes on.

Love the Puppers and Kitty,
Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

Dana-Farber (Yawkey Cancer Center) - 1/9/2011

On Sunday, January 9, 2011 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, "mom" was able to tour the new Yawkey Cancer Center in Boston.  The newest of the Dana-Farber buildings which will open in early February to patients.  The tour included visiting the treatment floors and seeing where the magic will happen for many great people every single day.  "Mom" was kinda jealous that the infusion seats were heated and had massage options.

The new facility had an indoor garden with black bamboo and flowers that will change with the seasons.  We hear that they even had a room adjacent to the garden for those who are immune suppressed. That way they can enjoy the garden while being safely away from the pollen.  Take a look at the photos and if you get a chance, check out the next open house later this week. (Dana-Farber Link)

If you can't tell, one of their favorite spaces was the garden.

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

Rest Week

This week there is no treatment, so that "mom" can recover from a tough first week of AC treatment.  We are happy to announce that "mom" is back to work and feeling a lot better this week.  The nausea and sore bones were no fun at all.  "Mom" said that it felt like she had a peg leg for a few days.   We kept telling her that she wasn't a pirate.   At least she didn't start talking like Captain Jack Sparrow.

"Mom" I love you!!!

This week "mom" attended her support group at Girls Inc. in Worcester.  She is always excited to see her friends.  They always have such great advice and make "mom" feel like she isn't going crazy.  The insight that they have in terms of treatment, symptoms, and relaxation techniques definitely make a difference.

Today a great looking flower bouquet was delivered to the house from Aunty Jen.  Take a look at how nice these flowers are.  "Mom" hasn't seen them yet, but we are sure she will love them.  I wonder if we can eat the lemons in the vase??

Happy New Year Everyone.

Love the Puppers and Kitty

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

New Years Eve

Quick Update:

It has been a tough week.  The AC treatment really drained "mom" and gave her waves of nausea.  She is feeling a little better today and headed back to work.  We think she was ready to get back to work and see her friends.  Hopefully she will feel even better as the week goes on.  Luckily treatment is every other week and so "mom" can rest and recover.  As part of her treatment "mom" had to take an injection to keep her white blood cell counts in check.  We won't know how well it works until the next treatment in a week and a half, but "mom" continues to be strong and in rather good spirits.  "Dad" said that he would give the injection, but "mom" talked him out of it.  We kinda wanted to see if he could do it, we think he would have done ok, but "mom" thinks he would have been on the floor.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC) - Week 1

Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  This week "mom" had her first treatment of adriamycin and cytoxan (AC).   This week "Grandpa Gary" and "Grandma Sue" got a break from treatment.  We hear that staying at home it kinda tough.  While they hate to see their daughter go through chemo treatment, they do enjoy seeing the chemo doing its job first hand and being part of the action.   We hope that the emails, text messages and phone calls kept them in the loop.  Don't worry "Grandma Sue", dad was sure to bring Saint Michael, Saint Therese, and the holy water to treatment and make sure they all returned home safe and sound.

Through  the blizzard of 2010, "mom", "dad", Kristina and Colleen headed off to Boston around 5:30 am. Colleen navigated through the blizzard (20+ inches of snow in Boston) and they arrived at treatment about 1/2 hour early around 7:30am. Thanks to great driving skills and a low traffic volume due to the holidays the ride actually took approximately the same amount of time ("mom "was sure relieved when they arrived as she didn't want to miss a treatment)

After meeting with her team of doctors, treatment began around 9:30am and included some pre-medications.  We hear they were a combination of anti-nausea medications as this treatment has been shown to have to pretty ugly side effects in the nausea department.   Mom was happy that Nurse Mary had arrived on time and was able to administer her treatment.  After the pre-drugs it was time for the adriamycin  which was given via IV in two very large syringes.   The drug was red in color which apparently makes you urinate a tint of read.  Very interesting!!!  The drugs were given by Nurse Mary over a 20 minute +/- period.  Next after a short resting period it was time for the cytoxan which was given via IV drip over an hour period.  During this time Team Charlene watched part of the movie Despicable Me.  We hear that the movie was really good and would recommended to all.

Ready to kick some Cancer Butt

Team Charlene - Colleen and Kristina

In summary the first treatment of AC went really well and the Nurse Mary was really happy with the infusion.   Once again Team Charlene pulls off a successful Monday of treatment.


On Tuesday "mom" and "dad" headed back to Boston to Dana-Farber for a follow up appointment with the surgeon to go over the results of the MRI.  The surgeon was very pleased with the results of the chemo thus far and indicated that the size measured bigger, however, this was due to an significant increase in fluid and free tissue due to the breakdown of the tumor.  The tumor looked more and more like swiss cheese as it died off in chucks.  The fluid does however cause a pain to build up to to pressure and the doctors are looking for solutions in the form of pain medications and anti-inflammatory to keep the progress rolling to completion.  The doctors are very happy with the Chemo and want to see it completed prior to surgery.  "Mom" was very happy to hear some great news.

So far this week "mom" is feeling pretty tired with waves of nausea and has been resting a lot.  The doctors expected this for the first three days post treatment and "mom" hopes it will dissipate as the week goes on.   There is no treatment next week as the new program is every two weeks, so a week off will be nice.  We will keep you all posted on the progress and will make sure "mom" gets lots of rest and relaxation.


Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Lizzie, and Baby (Meow)

Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Chemotherapy Change-over

Weeks 9, 10, 11 and 12 of chemotherapy are now all done. This week mom finished her treatments of Paclitaxel. The treatments have been tough but mom never complained once. Grandpa Gary and Grandma Sue have been with her every step of the way. This week our Brother Matt came along to check things out. He even entertained the crew when he was talking in his sleep. Must have been a good dream. Mom was happy and proud of her younger brother for being such a great support on his day off.

This week mom also had an ultrasound and a MRI to check up on the progress of the chemotherapy and to monitor if the drugs are doing their job. The ultrasound was rather inconclusive due to some fluid and swelling and thus the need for an MRI. Mom and dad headed off to Faulkner Hospital early on Tuesday morning for the MRI. Mom did a great job for being so freaked out by small spaces. Dad said that the machine was from out of this world and reminded him of the movie Contact. The nurses were great and got mom in and out in no time at all. Mom will go over the results with her doctor on the Tuesday after Christmas. The doctors will compare before and after MRI's. We are all hoping for good results.

Mom is looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends. Grandpa Gary always prepares a great meal.

On Monday after Christmas chemotherapy will continue with the initial dose of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC). This treatment will be every other week for 8 weeks. Mom is looking forward to continued progress toward the completion of treatment, but is worried about being off treatment as well. We are sure she will do great and he team of doctors are amazing.

A special thanks to Colleen for taking the day off and driving all the way to Boston for moms meeting with an IVF specialist. Poor dad was at jury duty and was not able to make it in person. Luckily he got out in time to join in by conference call.

Merry Christmas!!!
Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (meow)

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