Mel's Redefined Life

Info on Camp Kesem: http://campkesem.org/kentucky I picked my big guy up from Camp Kesem yesterday. He had a blast!!! Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. A program of Kesem, Camp Kesem operates over 70 free summer camps in 34 states for children ages 6 to 16 who have been touched by a parent’s cancer. This camping experience has a lasting impact on children by providing them a peer-support network that understands their unique needs, builds confidence and strengthens their communication skills. In 2015, Camp Kesem served over 5,000 children coast-to-coast - all funded by generous donations from individuals and corporate support. Camp Kesem at University of Kentucky was founded in 2016 and supports children in the central Kentucky community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-long peer support.  Camp Kesem at University of Kentucky ...

June 15, 2017 I went in for chemo today and my bloodwork was not good. I have no immune system! My white blood cell count (WBC) was a 2.0 (normal range is 4.1-10.8) and ANC was a 0.30 (normal range is 1.70 - 6.00). My ANC has to be at least a 1.0 (referred to as 1,000) to be treated with chemo. To make sense of all this and what it means, I have to share some of what I've learned. A WBC count test measures the number of white blood cells in the body. There are several types of white blood cells, and your blood usually contains a percentage of each type. WBCs, also called leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system. These cells help fight infections by attacking bacteria, viruses, and germs that invade the body. White blood cells originate in the bone marrow but circulate throughout the bloodstream. There are five major types of white blood cells: neutrophils lymphocytes eosinophils monocytes basophils Blood work measures all of these types. So, we have ...

William's bloodwork results came back - all normal!! Thank goodness!! I have been so worried about him. Between his growth majorly slowing down, his non-stop nosebleeds, and the elevated white blood cell count that showed up, I was worried about something major going on. Thankfully, his bloodwork came back normal. :)

June 8, 2017. I had my first Taxol, Herceptin and Perjeta chemo mix. I was queasy and nauseous throughout the chemo, but did okay. I was up and about the next day, which to me feels like a miracle!! I've noticed my lower eyelashes are almost gone, I have 3 or 4 lashes on each eye, and my eyebrows are very thin. They will get thinner and thinner as time goes. This chemo takes ALL of the hair. The worst side effects are full body hair loss, black fingernails and toenails that might fall off, and neuropathy - the numbness and tingling of fingers and toes. I'm not so concerned about the hair loss... I have fake eyelashes and eyebrow pencils in stock :) The nails and neuropathy freaks me out a little. Taxol Chemo 1 of 12 done. I get this weekly. Herceptin & Perjeta 1 of 13 done. I get these every 3 weeks.

I spent the weekend amongst other warriors - women who have been through what I'm going through. We came together for something called Casting for Recovery. The program teaches women who have been through the breast cancer battle how to fly fish. Fly fishing and breast cancer? It may seem like an odd combination, but it's truly brilliant. Fly fishing is a mostly solo sport in which a person can really connect with nature. The solitude brings peace. The arm motions associated with casting a fly fishing line are great for helping with the strength and range of motion which can be taken by breast cancer surgeries. The sport is peaceful and exhilarating all at the same time. By bringing women together to partake in a new experience, this organization opens the door to a lot of new relationships. A weekend with other women who have been through the same battles is an eye-opening experience. I no longer felt alone!! I walked into the weekend unsure of what to expect. I was a...

6/1/17 I saw my oncologist today. I went down to the Cancer Center shaking in my skin, knowing I don’t want to do this anymore. They did my bloodwork (like always) and I saw the doctor. I told her all my concerns and what’s going on with William. We postponed today’s chemo treatment to next week so I can have the strength to deal with everything at home. I’ve also been referred to a counselor and psychiatrist to help with the issues I’m struggling with emotionally. Wish me luck! The James Graham Brown Cancer Center has a great little resource center. I went down there after meeting with my doctor and got a wig. They provide one free one to patients. I also got two cute little head wraps and one cute hat - all free. On a side note, I had a nice chat with the social worker. I mentioned how I haven't been able to sleep in a while and I only seem to sleep when my dogs are sleeping with me. She said it is actually normal - the human/animal connection is something we do...