We have been lucky over the holidays as Amanda has had a pretty good week. Most of the nastiest side-effects of the treatment had passed, so she was able to enjoy time with family and friends. She, Yeats and I have spent most of the last five days together doing absolutely nothing important and merrily going on our way to nowhere in particular. It has been a wonderful gift, and one that we do not take for granted.
Amanda has a doctor's appointment in the morning where we will find out how much cancer's ass has been kicked in the last three weeks. After that, another treatment. Please send all the mojo and juju and positive vibes that you have available. If you happen to have gotten a magical, wish-granting unicorn for Christmas, I wonder if we could borrow it, just for a day. I promise that you will get it back.
For those who are not on the Facebook group, I want to take a moment to recognize what some very good friends are doing. I recruited a group of people to kick off a project inviting them to pick a song or songs from The Beatles, "The White Album," which is Amanda's favorite Beatles record. They then were going to do something with the song. Do a cover of it, make a drawing inspired by it, video an interpretive dance of it... You get the idea. A couple of friends made her a fantastic "Cept me and my Monkey" bracelet, and we have even had a couple of song covers:
http://picosong.com/download/4Uji/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=m40sgmub-Hw
Obviously, with this kind of support, Amanda is going to go all Rocky on this Drago. If you would like to contribute to this project, shoot me an email at, droahrig@gmail.com.
Alright, that's the news from Lake Woebegone. I wrote this on my phone, so please forgive the numerous typos that I am sure are there. We hope that all of you have been able to enjoy the holidays with your families and friends. We wish you the best in the coming year!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
Third Infusion and All is Well
First and foremost: Amanda saw the oncologist this morning and the tumor is softening and getting smaller! He is very pleased with her progress and thinks that she is on the right track to kicking this thing out the door, please let it hit you on the ass on the way out, thank you very much.
She is currently undergoing her third treatment. The bad part is that she has now twice exhibited some allergic reactions to one of the two chemotherapeutic agents. This means that she has to get more steroids, more benadryl and have the medicine administered over a longer period of time. They will very likely deal with this by administering a prophylactic dose of the anti-allergy medications in the coming treatments.
Overall, though, Amanda is in good spirits and still the strongest person I have ever known. I have seen her power through more in the past month than anyone should ever have to endure in a lifetime. She has done it with only minor complaint, and those complaints are more to do with the whole hurry-up-and-wait approach that is, unfortunately, standard in fighting this kind of disease. Not once has she uttered a "why me" or "this isn't fair." She grits her teeth, lets out some of her best expletives (And she is a virtuoso of profanity. One of the many reasons I lover her so.) and gets on with it.
So, keep the good mojo coming! You guys are a big part of her improvement, and we love you all for it!
She is currently undergoing her third treatment. The bad part is that she has now twice exhibited some allergic reactions to one of the two chemotherapeutic agents. This means that she has to get more steroids, more benadryl and have the medicine administered over a longer period of time. They will very likely deal with this by administering a prophylactic dose of the anti-allergy medications in the coming treatments.
Overall, though, Amanda is in good spirits and still the strongest person I have ever known. I have seen her power through more in the past month than anyone should ever have to endure in a lifetime. She has done it with only minor complaint, and those complaints are more to do with the whole hurry-up-and-wait approach that is, unfortunately, standard in fighting this kind of disease. Not once has she uttered a "why me" or "this isn't fair." She grits her teeth, lets out some of her best expletives (And she is a virtuoso of profanity. One of the many reasons I lover her so.) and gets on with it.
So, keep the good mojo coming! You guys are a big part of her improvement, and we love you all for it!
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Getting ready for round three...
As we sit here on the eve of Amanda's third treatment, I wanted to take a quick moment to bring everyone up to speed.
The expected, but no less sucky, hair loss has begun. Amanda considers this a small price for ridding her body of this awful disease. Yeats and I feel exactly the same. While aesthetics may not be of chief concern, there is the practical issue of the weather getting colder. Luckily, I am a veteran of facing the cold with a naked pate, so she has me as a guide. Yesterday, we bought old t-shirts at Salvation Army which Amanda is going to use to make head wraps. She has an abundance of scarves, hats and various fabrics at the ready. As always, her attitude keeps Yeats and I in check whenever we start to get upset about the petty annoyances in life.
Please send some good mojo her way tomorrow. She will be in treatment most of the day. I will post an update sometime tomorrow night. Peace and love to all of you!
The expected, but no less sucky, hair loss has begun. Amanda considers this a small price for ridding her body of this awful disease. Yeats and I feel exactly the same. While aesthetics may not be of chief concern, there is the practical issue of the weather getting colder. Luckily, I am a veteran of facing the cold with a naked pate, so she has me as a guide. Yesterday, we bought old t-shirts at Salvation Army which Amanda is going to use to make head wraps. She has an abundance of scarves, hats and various fabrics at the ready. As always, her attitude keeps Yeats and I in check whenever we start to get upset about the petty annoyances in life.
Please send some good mojo her way tomorrow. She will be in treatment most of the day. I will post an update sometime tomorrow night. Peace and love to all of you!
Monday, November 24, 2014
One week after first chemo...
Just a quick update for all of you...
Cancer is an asshole and chemo really sucks. Amanda began feeling the effects of this terrible, yet necessary drug over the weekend. Regardless, she spent the weekend with her family and being engaged with everyone. Today she went to work and I would be very surprised if anyone there will even be able to tell that she is under-the-weather. Seriously, my wife is a badass. However, that doesn't mean that she can do this alone. If anyone would like to send her a message or a card of support, send me an email, droahrig@gmail.com, and I will send you contact information for her.
Please share this blog with anyone who you feel would be a valuable member of her Kick Cancer's Ass Army. Positivity begets positivity, so feel free to send her as much cheery sunshine, ponies, puppies and rainbow dust as you would like.
Cancer is an asshole and chemo really sucks. Amanda began feeling the effects of this terrible, yet necessary drug over the weekend. Regardless, she spent the weekend with her family and being engaged with everyone. Today she went to work and I would be very surprised if anyone there will even be able to tell that she is under-the-weather. Seriously, my wife is a badass. However, that doesn't mean that she can do this alone. If anyone would like to send her a message or a card of support, send me an email, droahrig@gmail.com, and I will send you contact information for her.
Please share this blog with anyone who you feel would be a valuable member of her Kick Cancer's Ass Army. Positivity begets positivity, so feel free to send her as much cheery sunshine, ponies, puppies and rainbow dust as you would like.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Second Infusion
A few things have changed since the last post. Most significant, is Amanda's decision to leave the treatment study and move to the standard course of treatment for her disease. What this means is that while she will continue to receive the two antibodies, she will also receive two different chemotherapeutic agents. Though the side-effects of chemotherapy can be harrowing, they are far outweighed by the results and the peace-of-mind Amanda will have knowing that she is doing everything she possibly can to kick this disease in the ass.
Today is her first course of treatment to include the chemotherapy. She is receiving the first of it as I write this. Like her last infusion, there have been a couple of stops and starts. What we have found is that there is a lot of prophylactic application of medicines in this process. She is now on a large course of oral medication from steroids to anti-nausea. In this infusion session alone she has already received two different steroids via IV and a push of benadryl on top of her standard course. Hunter S. Thompson would never have been so bold.
Her doctor seems satisfied with her progress so far. The hard part is living in ambiguity. It is due to this, more than anything else, that drove Amanda's decision to add chemotherapy. The sense that all that can be done, is being done.
As always, her strength and character continue to inspire me and leave me in awe. Send a positive thought or two her way, and feel free to put in a good word with the higher being of your choice. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me, droahrig@gmail.com. I will make sure that she gets all messages and I will answer all questions that I am able to.
Today is her first course of treatment to include the chemotherapy. She is receiving the first of it as I write this. Like her last infusion, there have been a couple of stops and starts. What we have found is that there is a lot of prophylactic application of medicines in this process. She is now on a large course of oral medication from steroids to anti-nausea. In this infusion session alone she has already received two different steroids via IV and a push of benadryl on top of her standard course. Hunter S. Thompson would never have been so bold.
Her doctor seems satisfied with her progress so far. The hard part is living in ambiguity. It is due to this, more than anything else, that drove Amanda's decision to add chemotherapy. The sense that all that can be done, is being done.
As always, her strength and character continue to inspire me and leave me in awe. Send a positive thought or two her way, and feel free to put in a good word with the higher being of your choice. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me, droahrig@gmail.com. I will make sure that she gets all messages and I will answer all questions that I am able to.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tests and more tests
On Monday, 11/10, Amanda had her second PET scan and third biopsy. Both are part of the study in which she is taking part. Unlike past biopsies, the doctor allowed me to stay the in the room for this one. I am glad that she did as it gave me just a small glimpse into what Amanda is going through from the patient's POV.
As IU is a teaching hospital, a resident was in the room at the time. The doctor who had done the last two biopsies asked Amanda's permission for the resident to do the biopsy, and Amanda allowed it. The next few minutes were a bit of organized chaos. Doctor and resident began speaking about Amanda in clinical terms. While they manipulated her body and viewed the mass on an ultra-sound, all the while the doctor walking the resident how to work the biopsy knife, the nurse was asking Amanda to confirm her name and spelling. As the biopsy was underway doctor and resident were focused on the procedure while the nurse would periodically check in with Amanda to make sure that she was okay.
I do not mean to make it sound as though the doctor is cold. That has not been our experience with this person, at all. She has been both professionally and personally involved since Amanda's diagnosis. This was simply the first time that I had been present when it became "all business."
Amanda, of course, handled it with absolute aplomb. In over 22 years of knowing her, I have never seen her cry due to pain. She is, without a doubt, the toughest person I have ever known. Throughout this, the idea of physical discomfort, surgical pain and sickness have never been a consideration to her when discussing treatment. Her only focus has been on beating this. When doctors, nurse and techs bring up the side effects and extra tests that may accompany treatments, her only question is, "Is this the best course to curing me?"
As always, she amazes me with her strength, both physical and emotional. Even when I can see the pressure of living with this in her body is getting to her, she shakes her head, puts on a smile and gets on with her day. Strongest. Person. I know.
Next Monday is her next treatment. It will likely be the next update, as well. In the meantime, please send some good mojo Amanda's way. Thanks!
As IU is a teaching hospital, a resident was in the room at the time. The doctor who had done the last two biopsies asked Amanda's permission for the resident to do the biopsy, and Amanda allowed it. The next few minutes were a bit of organized chaos. Doctor and resident began speaking about Amanda in clinical terms. While they manipulated her body and viewed the mass on an ultra-sound, all the while the doctor walking the resident how to work the biopsy knife, the nurse was asking Amanda to confirm her name and spelling. As the biopsy was underway doctor and resident were focused on the procedure while the nurse would periodically check in with Amanda to make sure that she was okay.
I do not mean to make it sound as though the doctor is cold. That has not been our experience with this person, at all. She has been both professionally and personally involved since Amanda's diagnosis. This was simply the first time that I had been present when it became "all business."
Amanda, of course, handled it with absolute aplomb. In over 22 years of knowing her, I have never seen her cry due to pain. She is, without a doubt, the toughest person I have ever known. Throughout this, the idea of physical discomfort, surgical pain and sickness have never been a consideration to her when discussing treatment. Her only focus has been on beating this. When doctors, nurse and techs bring up the side effects and extra tests that may accompany treatments, her only question is, "Is this the best course to curing me?"
As always, she amazes me with her strength, both physical and emotional. Even when I can see the pressure of living with this in her body is getting to her, she shakes her head, puts on a smile and gets on with her day. Strongest. Person. I know.
Next Monday is her next treatment. It will likely be the next update, as well. In the meantime, please send some good mojo Amanda's way. Thanks!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Day 1 of Treatment
A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single, no, two... okay, three needle sticks. Amanda's port was surgically implanted last Friday, so, after letting it heal for two days, today it was time to put it to use. Unfortunately, when a foreign body is placed under the skin, the skin protests by swelling to unheard of sizes. It also likes to become bruised and tender. So, after two sticks with the small needle failed, Nurse #2 came out with a blunted knitting needle and got the port to flush. Had this been any other patient, there may have been much screaming and passing out, but Amanda does not abide such wussery. She made one quick, tight fist, then was ready for treatment.
For those unfamiliar with cancer treatment, like me, I'll take a minute to walk you through our experience. We were taken to the Infusion Center and given a short tour. There were complimentary snacks and drinks followed by a series of suites, more like open cubicles. Each contains a chair and an infusion kit, basically an over-sized IV stand. After the port line is started two nurses come over and begin a small act of "Who's on First" involving one asking Amanda what her name is, then repeating it to the second nurse. Nurse #1 states the meds that Amanda is about to receive and Nurse #2 confirms or denies this. While it seems a bit of overkill, I certainly appreciated the checks and balances, as did Amanda.
Her current regimen of treatment is the result of her willingness to take part in a study. Rather than a full course of both antibodies (Herceptin & Perjeta) and chemotherapeutic drugs (Carboplatin & Taxotere) that is standard with her form of disease, HER2+, this study is attempting to see which patients respond only to the antibodies. They know that, in some cases, the antibodies alone can shrink HER2+ tumors, but they have not yet determined what type of patient and why. So, Amanda is helping them to figure this out. What this means is that, if we are very lucky, she will show progress without having to have chemotherapy added to her infusions.
Today, being the first course, meant that she was learning how her body will react to these antibodies. While she thankfully showed no allergic reaction to either antibody, the Herceptin did cause her to get chills. The nurse was able to counter-act these with a small dose of a narcotic which got rid of the chills, but made Amanda nauseous. However, she was able to finish the course of Herceptin and leave on her own two feet.
Overall, it was a tough day, but Amanda is tougher. She has, throughout all of this, kept her compassion, as well as her sense of humor. She has many more days ahead of her, but I am confident that she will never lose those two components of her personality. Cancer is a bitch, but I've seen Amanda when someone cuts her off in traffic. Cancer doesn't have a chance with her.
For those unfamiliar with cancer treatment, like me, I'll take a minute to walk you through our experience. We were taken to the Infusion Center and given a short tour. There were complimentary snacks and drinks followed by a series of suites, more like open cubicles. Each contains a chair and an infusion kit, basically an over-sized IV stand. After the port line is started two nurses come over and begin a small act of "Who's on First" involving one asking Amanda what her name is, then repeating it to the second nurse. Nurse #1 states the meds that Amanda is about to receive and Nurse #2 confirms or denies this. While it seems a bit of overkill, I certainly appreciated the checks and balances, as did Amanda.
Her current regimen of treatment is the result of her willingness to take part in a study. Rather than a full course of both antibodies (Herceptin & Perjeta) and chemotherapeutic drugs (Carboplatin & Taxotere) that is standard with her form of disease, HER2+, this study is attempting to see which patients respond only to the antibodies. They know that, in some cases, the antibodies alone can shrink HER2+ tumors, but they have not yet determined what type of patient and why. So, Amanda is helping them to figure this out. What this means is that, if we are very lucky, she will show progress without having to have chemotherapy added to her infusions.
Today, being the first course, meant that she was learning how her body will react to these antibodies. While she thankfully showed no allergic reaction to either antibody, the Herceptin did cause her to get chills. The nurse was able to counter-act these with a small dose of a narcotic which got rid of the chills, but made Amanda nauseous. However, she was able to finish the course of Herceptin and leave on her own two feet.
Overall, it was a tough day, but Amanda is tougher. She has, throughout all of this, kept her compassion, as well as her sense of humor. She has many more days ahead of her, but I am confident that she will never lose those two components of her personality. Cancer is a bitch, but I've seen Amanda when someone cuts her off in traffic. Cancer doesn't have a chance with her.
What is this all about?
On 10/13/14, we learned that Amanda has breast cancer. Unfortunately, at that point, that was all we knew. After a week of not know what exactly she was facing, we finally learned that she has HER2+ breast cancer.
This site is meant to be a place for information on her progress as she kicks this disease in the ass and out the door.
The title, "Embrace the Suck" was suggested by Amanda's mom and is a perfect summation of how we have decided to face this as a family. Rather than lament a "why me" attitude, we are embracing the suckiness as one.
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