Saturday, August 27, 2011
Genetic and Weather Forecasting
When the oncologist at MSK recommended at her first visit that Cathy should see the geneticist, we were speculating the reasons for this suggestion. In the area of cancer research, it appears that genetics is the latest forefront and some newer treatments have come about due to this research.
Cathy had a visit with the geneticist and recently got the results from some tests they did. They tested for two genetic mutations: Lynch Disease and MYH Associated Polyposis (MAP). The tests came back negative for both which we consider good news. There would have been more serious implications for Carrigan if they found a definite genetic mutation. Although this doesn’t answer a lot of questions regarding the origin of Cathy’s cancer, it may help researchers as they work on unraveling cancer’s mystery.
Cathy’s latest chemo session this week went well. Although the oncologist said that sometimes they see more side effects with treatment #7, fortunately Cathy didn’t fall into that group.
In the meantime, athough Cathy and Kyle moved away from Florida, it looks like they didn’t get away from hurricanes. It sounds like NY is going to get hit by Hurricane Irene while she stayed away from Florida. We are preparing for high winds and heavy rain but hoping it won’t be as bad as they’re forecasting.
Monday, August 8, 2011
New Routines and Familiar Faces
Cathy’s next chemo session (this Tuesday) will be her third one at Phelps. Besides a calmer and shorter day, another plus for Phelps is that Cathy is seeing familiar faces each session (although it's not quite "Cheers" - where everybody knows your name - yet). We all tend to thrive with a routine.
As for the routine at ‘blue house’, Carrigan has been enrolled full-time at the daycare center for awhile now. Since that was her routine in Florida, the transition has been very smooth. Her teachers have commented that, “It’s like she’s always been there.” She talks about her friends at school and surprisingly also talks about the friends she had in Florida. The full day schedule is not only good for her but also gives Kyle time to take care of other pressing matters and Cathy time to rest. Recently, Carra’s crib was converted to a youth bed. She didn’t leave much choice when she climbed out of her crib for the first time and she’s adjusted quite well to the change.
Cathy and Kyle have to remind themselves that ‘summer’ in NY has a different meaning than in FL. They have to plan activities to take advantage of the weather before we head into the cold winter weather. So far that has included trips to visit family, reunion with Cathy’s college friends, a visit to a local animal farm and playing in the backyard ‘kiddie’ pool. Hopefully, they can squeeze in a few more things before summer ends and before Kyle finds a job. The job search in the northeast is very different from FL as there are no county school districts but many districts within each county. Ideally, he would like to teach social studies in a middle school or high school. Kyle says this is the first time in 13 years that he may miss the opening day of school and it’s making him feel a little melancholy.
Coming up soon is a visit from Nana (Kyle’s mom) who will get to see them in their new digs and especially to spend time with Carra. It’s difficult to give OOO & XXX over Skype!
As for the routine at ‘blue house’, Carrigan has been enrolled full-time at the daycare center for awhile now. Since that was her routine in Florida, the transition has been very smooth. Her teachers have commented that, “It’s like she’s always been there.” She talks about her friends at school and surprisingly also talks about the friends she had in Florida. The full day schedule is not only good for her but also gives Kyle time to take care of other pressing matters and Cathy time to rest. Recently, Carra’s crib was converted to a youth bed. She didn’t leave much choice when she climbed out of her crib for the first time and she’s adjusted quite well to the change.
Cathy and Kyle have to remind themselves that ‘summer’ in NY has a different meaning than in FL. They have to plan activities to take advantage of the weather before we head into the cold winter weather. So far that has included trips to visit family, reunion with Cathy’s college friends, a visit to a local animal farm and playing in the backyard ‘kiddie’ pool. Hopefully, they can squeeze in a few more things before summer ends and before Kyle finds a job. The job search in the northeast is very different from FL as there are no county school districts but many districts within each county. Ideally, he would like to teach social studies in a middle school or high school. Kyle says this is the first time in 13 years that he may miss the opening day of school and it’s making him feel a little melancholy.
Coming up soon is a visit from Nana (Kyle’s mom) who will get to see them in their new digs and especially to spend time with Carra. It’s difficult to give OOO & XXX over Skype!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Good News from the Nutritionist
Cathy had an appointment with a nutritionist at Phelps this week. Despite fears of food logs and eggbeaters, Cathy was pleased to hear that her diet does not require significant changes. The goal is to keep Cathy's weight normal and boost her immune system. This requires protein. And protein, of course, is found in many of the favorite foods that Cathy had feared would be banished to the "do not touch" part of the refrigerator. So, with the blessings of Cathy's nutritionist... bring on the eggs, cheese, peanut butter and definitely the meat!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Quick Update: Good CT Scan Results
Cathy got good results from her CT scan! Doctor said things looked improved from the baseline so we'll continue on with the same treatment plan for now.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Better Snacks
The trip to Phelps MSK in Sleepy Hollow, NY, was a great (under the circumstances) experience: it is much closer than the MSK Outpatient Pavilion in Manhattan; parking is free; it is a pretty ride over the Hudson River (through Tarrytown and the quaint village of Sleepy Hollow); and they have better snacks.
We have always had confidence that Cathy was receiving the best treatment with Sloan Kettering but trips to the Pavilion became very trying. Cathy might have a 2:30 appointment but not see the doctor until 5:30. The workers were rushed. It was noisy. And the days often became 12 hour events, which obviously, is not the most conducive means to heal Cathy.
At Phelps MSK, the whole procedure was much calmer, warmer and pleasant. We really think this is an important step in our cancer journey and are very fortunate Phelps MSK exists.
Up next is Cathy's first CT scan since her chemo treatment began. She will have the scan on Tuesday and we should know results by Thursday or Friday. So far, we have been going on circumstantial evidence (e.g., how she is handling the medicine, keeping her weight up, any fevers and so on) to assess how her healing is progressing. We will be looking forward to the scan to get some hard evidence of what effect the chemo is having on the growths in Cathy's body. We will of course update you as soon as we know.
We have always had confidence that Cathy was receiving the best treatment with Sloan Kettering but trips to the Pavilion became very trying. Cathy might have a 2:30 appointment but not see the doctor until 5:30. The workers were rushed. It was noisy. And the days often became 12 hour events, which obviously, is not the most conducive means to heal Cathy.
At Phelps MSK, the whole procedure was much calmer, warmer and pleasant. We really think this is an important step in our cancer journey and are very fortunate Phelps MSK exists.
Up next is Cathy's first CT scan since her chemo treatment began. She will have the scan on Tuesday and we should know results by Thursday or Friday. So far, we have been going on circumstantial evidence (e.g., how she is handling the medicine, keeping her weight up, any fevers and so on) to assess how her healing is progressing. We will be looking forward to the scan to get some hard evidence of what effect the chemo is having on the growths in Cathy's body. We will of course update you as soon as we know.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Change in the Routine
Cathy’s last chemo treatment was rescheduled from last Thursday... but for a very good reason: she is going to start receiving treatment tomorrow (Tuesday) at MSK’s affiliate in Sleepy Hollow, NY located on the campus of Phelps Memorial Hospital.
The initial appointment at Phelps with the oncologist and the drive over the river to Westchester gives us confidence that this change will be good. We had mentioned before that Team Cathy was hoping for changes that could make the chemo days less tiring - and this is the one we wanted. Since the facility is less crowded, time spent waiting for treatment will be reduced. Also, it’s a shorter drive to Phelps with free parking - a major bonus. We’ll let you all know how this goes.
The initial appointment at Phelps with the oncologist and the drive over the river to Westchester gives us confidence that this change will be good. We had mentioned before that Team Cathy was hoping for changes that could make the chemo days less tiring - and this is the one we wanted. Since the facility is less crowded, time spent waiting for treatment will be reduced. Also, it’s a shorter drive to Phelps with free parking - a major bonus. We’ll let you all know how this goes.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Little things (and lots of them) mean a lot
With thanks to so many good friends in Florida who helped pack boxes and load the truck, Kyle was able to make it back up to NY the night before Cathy’s chemo session. On his way North, Kyle was able to stay at his mother’s in VA and to also visit with his sister and family. Since Michael and Gary volunteered to provide a storage area, Kyle drove to PA before continuing to NY. It was a very long day for Kyle but he achieved his goal.
Considering the anxieties that naturally go along with waiting for someone to arrive safely from a long journey, we’re glad to report that Cathy’s latest chemo went well and followed the pattern of previous rounds with one key difference... Up until now, the routine has been for Cathy and Kyle to visit MSK on a Thursday and then return the following weekend (after 48 hours) in order to bring back the empty canister (O'Bello) and allow technicians to remove the tube from Cathy’s port. During this last session at MSK, however, Cathy and Kyle were taught how to remove the tube themselves and did so without a problem. Since the empty canister can now be exchanged when Cathy goes in for her next Thursday chemo session, removing the tube at home saves Cathy and Kyle from having to make that weekend return trip. It’s little things like this that are a big plus.
In terms of side effects from the chemo, they have been mild so far - a touch of nausea, ‘tingling’ in the extremities, sensitivity to cold food - which Cathy has been handling very well and matter-of-factly.
The day at MSK was another long one but it allowed for an extra bonus this time. Cathy’s brother, Ken, visited with Cathy and Kyle at MSK after work and brought gyros from Gyro II (located across from Madison Square Garden and a popular pre-game stop for many New York Rangers hockey fans). Whenever Cathy attended Rangers games, she always looked forward to the gyros as much as the game so this was a real treat.
The "blue house" (NY) has been a beehive of activity since Kyle's return. The moving truck was unloaded, boxes moved and unpacked, and furniture arranged with invaluable help from Ken and brother Glenn. Team Cathy is still unpacking and finding every available storage space possible but as the pile of boxes in the living room slowly but surely shrinks, we know we’re almost there.
In the meantime, Carrigan has been delighted to ‘rediscover’ (and be reunited with) her toys as well as some favorite books; enjoys playing with her tea set and riding her tricycle; and is happy to be sleeping in her own crib again. For their part, Cathy and Kyle seem equally relieved to be back in their own comfy and familiar bed as well.
This move was also a big incentive for Cathy's parents to finally start to clean out and discard accumulations of almost 50 years! Frank and Marcia warn that this is what can happen when you never move (and are sure many blog readers are nodding their heads in agreement and sympathy right now)!
Considering the anxieties that naturally go along with waiting for someone to arrive safely from a long journey, we’re glad to report that Cathy’s latest chemo went well and followed the pattern of previous rounds with one key difference... Up until now, the routine has been for Cathy and Kyle to visit MSK on a Thursday and then return the following weekend (after 48 hours) in order to bring back the empty canister (O'Bello) and allow technicians to remove the tube from Cathy’s port. During this last session at MSK, however, Cathy and Kyle were taught how to remove the tube themselves and did so without a problem. Since the empty canister can now be exchanged when Cathy goes in for her next Thursday chemo session, removing the tube at home saves Cathy and Kyle from having to make that weekend return trip. It’s little things like this that are a big plus.
In terms of side effects from the chemo, they have been mild so far - a touch of nausea, ‘tingling’ in the extremities, sensitivity to cold food - which Cathy has been handling very well and matter-of-factly.
The day at MSK was another long one but it allowed for an extra bonus this time. Cathy’s brother, Ken, visited with Cathy and Kyle at MSK after work and brought gyros from Gyro II (located across from Madison Square Garden and a popular pre-game stop for many New York Rangers hockey fans). Whenever Cathy attended Rangers games, she always looked forward to the gyros as much as the game so this was a real treat.
The "blue house" (NY) has been a beehive of activity since Kyle's return. The moving truck was unloaded, boxes moved and unpacked, and furniture arranged with invaluable help from Ken and brother Glenn. Team Cathy is still unpacking and finding every available storage space possible but as the pile of boxes in the living room slowly but surely shrinks, we know we’re almost there.
In the meantime, Carrigan has been delighted to ‘rediscover’ (and be reunited with) her toys as well as some favorite books; enjoys playing with her tea set and riding her tricycle; and is happy to be sleeping in her own crib again. For their part, Cathy and Kyle seem equally relieved to be back in their own comfy and familiar bed as well.
This move was also a big incentive for Cathy's parents to finally start to clean out and discard accumulations of almost 50 years! Frank and Marcia warn that this is what can happen when you never move (and are sure many blog readers are nodding their heads in agreement and sympathy right now)!
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