KICKED CANCER'S ASS FROM MAY 2007 - JULY 2008

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

So far, so good...

Greetings loyal readers,

Well, by now you know there's another day that's been set aside each week. Saturday is the Sabbath, Wednesday is Prince spaghetti day and now : Tuesday is Mom's chemo day. Here's the latest and greatest...

Mom was accompanied today by my Aunt Margot, who is visiting from Florida. Mom had an appointment with her oncologist prior to her chemo session. Per Dr. Mellott, Mom is looking very good. Her blood tests have been positive -- her numbers (hemoglobin, et al) are where they need to be. Most excitingly, the doctor told Mom that her liver had shrunk, which is a sign that the chemo is working. Needless to say, this is fantastic news. The doctor has told Mom that she doesn't want her to lose any weight. Yes, you read that right, the doctor doesn't want her to lose any weight. I *think* Mom was actually more excited about this bit of news, than that of her shrunken liver. To celebrate, she promptly ordered a hot fudge sundae with a side of bacon.

(Of course I'm kidding about the order...we all know Mom keeps kosher. Instead the order was a hot fudge sundae with a side of onion rings)

Chemo itself went well. Today was the last (3rd) session in Mom's second round of treatment. On August 15th, Mom will be going in for a CAT scan. Please pray extra hard for Mom...this test is a very big deal. The test will reveal how well the chemo is working, i.e., whether her tumors have shrunk.

I'm pleased to report that Mom's glue appears to be holding, so her darling tresses remain in tact. Mom is in good spirits, no doubt bolstered by her many well-wishers. Aunt Margot and daughter Wendy (or Wenny Benny as her friends call her) will head back to Florida in a few hours and Mom will receive yet another out-of-towner. Jeni B. (daughter of one of Mom's best friends who died several years ago), is leaving her Montana yurt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt) and heading to the Windy City. No doubt culture shock and other hilarity will ensue.

That's all for now....

Your Faithful Corrspondent,
Corey

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

A Brief Update

Loyal Readers,

Circumstances dictate that Your Faithful Correspondent must keep today's update brief. Please shed no tears as we will have a special expanded edition (filled with celebrity gossip, recipies and fashion tips galore) out on newsstands soon. Last week Mom had a lovely visit with her longtime friend from Florida, Maria. Together they toured the Garfield Park Conservatory and saw the Nikki in the Garden exhibit (YFC tagged along -- highly recommended http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/niki.htm), lunched on popovers at the Zodiac Room in Neiman Marcus and visited the Museum of Mexican Art. Maria was also the lucky recipient of two original paintings by Mom (I'm sure you were thinking lithos, but I assure you, they were the real McCoy). Mom and Maria spent many hours catching up and the time flew by. Two more friends from Florida (the mother-daughter team of Margot and Wendy) are expected for a visit the wekeend after next. So, now that we're done with the social news, on to the medical portion of this report...

I'm very happy to say that the news seems positive. Mom's bloodwork was excellent. Her bilirubin levels have been decreasing (by the way, try saying bilirubin 3 times fast...it's wickedly entertaining). Her numbers have decreased from .5 to .4 and now she's at a .3 (yes, that's POINT 3). Ideally, she'll get under a .1, but clearly the trend is positive. As I'm sure you all know (because in addition to loyalty, my readers are marked by their intelligence, to say nothing of their better than average looks -- more on that in the soon-to-be-released expanded edition, but I digress...) when bilirubin levels are high, jaundice occurs. Too much bilirubin may mean that too much is being produced (usually due to increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) or that the liver is incapable of adequately removing bilirubin in a timely manner due to blockage of bile ducts, liver diseases (such as cirrhosis, accute hepatitis), or inherited problems with bilirubin handling.

But of course, you knew that already. More reading on bilirubin can be found via the following links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin and http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bilirubin/test.html

Now where were we? Ah yes, tests. Mom's hemoglobin was also tested. At the time of her last test (2 weeks ago), her hemoglobin was 8.4 and now it's at 10.8. Normal results vary, but in general are:
Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL
Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL
Note: gm/dL = grams per deciliter

If Mom dropped below 8.0, she would have needed a blood transfusion. It's expected that her numbers may drop a bit because of today's treatment. To keep her hemoglobin levels up, Mom is incorporating more beef in her diet after many years of a significantly reduced intake.

More links (this time to hemoglobin, but you knew that already) can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemoglobin and here http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/hemoglobin.html

Since we're on the subject of tests, here's a quick one -- Who is buried in Grant's tomb? (answer below)

While you rack your brains trying to come up with the answer, let's get back to Mom, shall we? Chemo went well. The port worked like a charm and she hardly felt the prick of the needle. Mom was joined at chemo by Cousin Tobi and they had a lovely chat. I was lucky enough to join them for lunch, than Me and Mum made a Costco run (it's becoming a bit of a pattern these days) and spent the evening together.

Which brings us to now. Thankfully Mom hasn't experienced any nausea from the chemo. However, Your Faithful Correspondent understands that the nausea might not kick-in for a while. The other bit of news that you should know is that Mom might lose her hair soon. However, she has been visualizing globs of thick glue on her scalp, which will not allow her hair to fall out. Mom asks that you not only keep her in your prayers, but that you try to visualize Mom with a glue-filled scalp and thick, luxurious tresses.

Well, dear readers, it seems our time is coming to an end. I want to close by sending you thanks for all of your cards, visits, calls and, most importantly, prayers.

Wishing you all the joys that life has to offer,
Your Faithful Correspondent

P.S.
Your Faithful Correspondent made the question deceptively easy (you had to know there was a trick). The answer to our quiz is Ulysses S. Grant...and his wife (Julia Dent Grant)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Grant_National_Memorial
I'm sure we're all happy that this is the final link of the night. We'll meet again soon, gentle reader. Good night.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

7/10 and Chemo Again

Dear Rabbi, Guru, Friends, and Family,

It's your faithful correspondent again. I'm writing to you from Mom's living room. It's been a very full day, but we'll get to recent events in just a moment.

I've been getting questions from loyal readers about these e-mail updates so let me explain...all of these e-mails are sent from Mom's e-mail, so when you respond to the e-mail you are responding to her. Mind you, I'm not complaining, but just wanted to clarify for the somewhat less computer savvy among my loyal readers.

Ok, now that wasn't too bad a digression was it? Anyhow, on to the day's events...today we all got up early because Mom had a port put into her chest. For those of you who don't know let me explain, because I do intend to make these e-mails as educational as possible...

An implantable port is a thin, soft, plastic tube that is put into a vein in the chest and has an opening (port) just under the skin. This allows medicines to be given into the vein or blood to be taken from the vein. This makes it possible for Mom to have treatment without having to have needles frequently put into her veins. Now for those of you who don't know, Mom has very delicate little veins and chemo constricts the veins, so the port will be a real help.

If you're really curious, here's a link that shows what a port looks like
http://www.breastcancer.org/port_chemotherapy.html the page has another link that tells you even more about ports for those of you who are really interested.

Ok, now where were we? Ah yes, early. So we (we meaning, Mom, Sis, Aunt Roberta and Your Faithful Correspondent) had to be there at 7:00 a.m. Mom was a wee bit tense, but she's a trooper. She ended up going into surgery about 8:15. Everything went smoothly, the only hiccup was that they put the port on Mom's left side instead of her right. Apparently, Mom was missing a vein as a result of an earlier (thyroid) surgery. Ah well, the port still went in fine and that's really all that matters. When Mom was in recovery, the nurse explained that she had twice as much anesthesia as the average person (I took that to mean that Mom was twice as powerful as your average person...way to go Mom!). Mom actually woke up during her procedure but they wouldn't give her any additional anesthetic and she was not happy.

They were able to move up Mom's chemo appointment. Mom got to try out her new port and she was tickled (ok, that's probably a bit of an overstatement) when they were able to draw blood through the port. Chemo was otherwise unexceptional, we were there for about two hours after all was said and done. Then we had a Costco and a Blick (art store) run...quite a long and productive day.

That pretty much brings us to now. Mom's doing ok. For the record, Your Faithful Correspondent is a bit fatigued (moreso than Mom), but if you had to wake-up for surgery at 7:00 a.m. you'd be fatigued too! Next week is an off week and then she begins her next cycle of chemo.

Not much else going on. Mom and Dad confirmed I was the favorite, but it's hardly earthshattering news is it? Hmm, maybe I could ask you to send some love to my little sis. After recently finding out her true origins (born to gypsies, raised by wolves...) she could use a little TLC.

On behalf of Mom, she sends her love thrice over.

Faithfully,
Corey***

*** This e-mail has been read and approved by Mom

Sunday, July 1, 2007

July 1st Update

It's your favorite correspondent again (and, as always, my parent's favorite child) bringing you the latest and greatest news from my Mom's living room...

Mom is doing well and is in good spirits. I believe that Mom already gave you the basic rundown of her schedule, but here's a quick recap: Mom's going for chemotherapy on Tuesdays. Last week was her first treatment and she was given two drugs. Now, for the next two weeks, she's only going to get one drug and then she'll have a week off. After 2 full rounds of treatment (a round meaning the heavy treatment, followed by two light treatments) Mom will have a catscan so the doctors can determine how she's responding to treatment. We're fairly confident that Mom will make such good progress that she will astound her doctors, become an inspiration to cancer patients everywhere, and ultimately become part of the American lexicon as "pulling a Sharon" will be another way of saying "making a miraculous recovery."

Not much new to report otherwise. Please look out for a special "Chemo Edition" update that is sure to arrive soon. Until then, keep Mom in your prayers and in your hearts.

G-d bless,
Corey

Monday, June 25, 2007

A Decision

Dear Guru, Family, and Friends:After much deliberation, I have decided not to go to MD Anderson in Houston. I will begin chemotherapy tomorrow and I am ready to be Warrior Woman (name given by my dear friend Stephen Pappas.) My hero is my cousin Dr. Alan Pawlow who was able to speak to my oncologist and then assure me that I am making the right decision by not waiting any longer to begin chemo. I feel a huge weight has been lifted and now I can concentrate on the healing. So once again thank you everyone for the wonderful energy and healing light you are sending me. My little fairy G-d child Zoe Jayne told me to kick the germs in the butt. So watch out cancer. I plan on winning this battle..

Tomorrow Roberta and Michelle will go to Chemo with me. Corey is eager to be with me too, but he will take the evening shift.

Thats about it for now. I will have Corey update in the next few days.

With love and gratitude,
Sharon

Saturday, June 23, 2007

what's going on

I gave Corey the day off, so I am back. I thought that yesterday we would be completely settled and have made an informed decision about chemotherapy, but unfortuately, the day did not go as smootlhy as planned. I have been diagnosed with bile duct cancer that has spread as you know into the liver. Although there is a lesion in the pancreas, I am no longer diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.


Corey has worked with MD Anderson for me and although they have come up with the same basic diagnosis, they can not see me until JUly 3rd. Then they have to repeat the same tests. I just don't think my body can wait to begin chemo. I feel it will take them two weeks of testing and by that time my "numbers" could be a lot worse.

So I will probably start chemo on Tuesday. The cycle will be first week two types of chemo that will be given over a 3-4 hour time frame. I was told that my hair will thin (hmmm) and that I will probably feel pretty sick to my stomach for the next three days. The next two weeks of chemo consist of only one of the drugs and takes about one hour to administer.On week four I get a break (maybe a good time to travel) and then we repeat the cycle. So I figure if I have 3 or 4 bad days out fo 28, not so bad. After 8 weeks, another cat scan. I wonder if I''ll have to drink that barium again. ugh!

The chemo is held at the oncologists office. There's a big room where everyone is together. You can have up to two visitors during chemo. Many people seem to be eating lunch and there were a lot of McDonalds bags. (I guess they don't know that food could make them really sick)

So now that we know what is going to happen, I am asking that our conversations become more positive. Answering all the questions about the cancer. has been draining. At this point I want to focus on getting healthy and maintaining a positive attitude. Even if I did not answer everything you wanted to know, please try not to ask me.

i am so grateful I have been blessed by your love and friendship. Thank you my dear friends, and family for being here for me.

I will write one more time when chemo begins and then i think we can go back to life before the diagnosis.

Love to all,
Sharon

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Visit to the oncologist

Hi, this is Corey. I'm writing for my Mom because she's a little drained at the moment. Today we visited the oncologist at Northwestern. Here's the skinny: we still do not know the primary type of cancer. It's possibly in the gall bladder or the bile ducts (which is in the same area). However, the treatment options are pretty much the same.

The doctor did a blood test and we will get results tomorrow. The test should show us how Mom's liver is functioning. She had the same test 2 weeks ago when we last saw the oncologist. If there's a change in the results that means that the liver is deteriorating and Mom would start chemo immediately at Northwestern and we would not go to MD Anderson in Houston, where Mom currently has an appointment scheduled for July 3rd. However, if there's no change in the test results, Mom will consider whether or not to go to Anderson. Whether to go to Anderson is a difficult decision and Mom is still processing today's information.

Mom is handling this pretty well, but it is a bit overwhelming. Actually, that's partly why she's been sending e-mail updates...so she doesn't have to keep answering the same questions and repeating the same story. We certainly realize that people are making inquiries because they are concerned (and we are appreciative for all of the love and support), but it's very draining nonetheless. She promises to write more when she gets more information.

Mom sends her love to all.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

The latest and greatest...

Hi, this is Corey. Some of you know me better as the first-born and/or the favorite child. Anyhow, I'm pinch-hitting for my Mom because she's a little groggy at the moment. Mom just got back from having a colonoscopy and she was put under for the procedure. I'm pleased to report that everything went well. They didn't find anything, which is certainly a relief. On Monday Mom is scheduled to have a test called a PET scan, which is sort of like a full body CAT scan. The PET scan should indicate exactly where the cancer is.

Mom had an appointment with an oncologist at the University of Chicago scheduled for Tuesday. However, she's cancelled that appointment, pending the outcome of the PET scan. We're still anxious to hear from Houston. Mom's case has been assigned a nurse named Sarah, who has been very good about giving us feedback. Unfortunately, she doesn't know when we'll be able to make an appointment. Sarah has led us to believe that we should know more tomorrow. We have our fingers crossed.

Otherwise, Mom remains in good spirits. She is extremely appreciative of the many cards and letters that you have sent. The outpouring of love and concern has been overwhelming and Mom, Michelle and I are incredibly grateful.

Please keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers.

Corey