Chemo starts tomorrow

So the biopsy came back clear!
I still have to do consolidation chemotherapy for four months.
I start tomorrow morning at 8, first they do an hour of nausea medicine and then four hours of chemo. Doc is going with me. I go back every day this week. I also have to drive to his office every other day AFTER treatment to see if I need blood transfusions or platelets. I drive a jeep AKA...gas guzzler! although it drives really nice in our weather!
I am really anxious about chemo, I cant sleep and honestly I just wanna stop treatment and go back to work and say "I'm ok!" I'm scared and irritated and a lot of emotions are going on, its hard to keep them straight. I have this port, like, permanently stuck in the right side of my chest I hate it so much. It's for medicine and blood draws, so I don't have to be poked.
I start school next week, all of my classes are online. I got all A's during the fall semester and I worry that I will be too weak or out of it to give it my all this semester.
I thought after this year I would stop seeing bills in the mail, and NOW, holy crap! I only see bills in the mail and they are intense.
I really want to stay positive and may just decide to go back to the hospital for treatments. It would much more convenient. This is going to be another true test of what I can endure.

4th Bone Marrow Biopsy

Yesterday was my 4th bone marrow biopsy. Instead of being put under and doing it in the hospital, my oncologist performed it at his office and I was awake the whole time. Of course, they gave me some good drugs. Doc (boyfriend) held my hand the whole time and it was done in minutes. It hurts more now than during the procedure!
On Thursday, I will find out the results...meaning I will know if I am in remission. I start chemo on Monday the 10th no matter what. I pray I am in remission! I am nervous to start chemo because I feel like my body will become really weak, then build itself back up, then in February I will do chemo again, and my body will become really weak again and build itself back up. This will go on for four months. I just kinda worry my body will give up or something after so much torture!! At least I am young, I guess. I saw so many elderly people at the Oncologist's office hooked up to chemotherapy and cant imagine how their bodies respond to it.
My friend, Janel, said she would come with me to do chemo one time. I really wish Doc wasn't leaving because I definitely need a chemo buddy. But I know it's for the best because he has a better job opportunity. Hopefully I wont feel too alone during this time!

New Year

So, on Monday, January 3rd, I go in to my oncologist's office and get my fourth bone marrow biopsy. This is where he sticks a huge needle into my lower back and into my bone and collects marrow. It hurts very much, especially afterward. I usually bruise for a few weeks.

Also, DR leaves for Twin Falls to start his new job this very same day. I'm really sad he is leaving, but I'm very proud of him for getting this job and sticking to the decision to go down there.

I'm really nervous about the consolidated chemotherapy. Instead of being in the hospital, where I was being monitored all the time by professional nurses, I will be going home after the 3 hours of pumping chemo. I have to take care of myself. I hope I don't get any infections or fevers. Not cause I don't wanna be in the hospital, but because I just don't wanna get sick!!
I am supposed to start my four online classes for CSI on January 18th and I just hope I can really concentrate on school work, and not cancer.


CacieAcie

Cacie's Journey

Cacie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on November 21, 2010.  AML is a cancer of the blood cells.  When she was diagnosed she was working full-time and going to school full-time in Twin Falls, Idaho.  Unfortunately, she wasn't eligible for medical insurance until January 1. 

She spent four weeks in the hospital, where she received her first 7-day 24-hour treatment of chemotherapy and multiple blood and platelet transfusions.  She had three bone marrow biopsies and many other tests and procedures to help diagnose, treat and fight the leukemia. 

Cacie's prognosis is very good, she will begin her consolidated chemotherapy treatments in January and will continue through April.  Fortunately, she will have insurance coverage for these treatments.

Family and friends have asked how they can help.  We've set up this blog as a way to continue to update you on Cacie's progress.  We've also added a way to accept donations to help pay for the medical expenses incurred while in the hospital.  By clicking the donate button you will be able to help financially.  You do not have to have a PayPal account to donate.  You can donate using a credit card or debit card or if you do have a PayPal account, you can log in and donate that way.  This is not a tax deductible donation.

No amount is too small.  The money collected will be used to pay her oncologist, radiologist, anesthesiologist, cardiologist, prescription and hospital expenses incurred in November and December.

Cacie was able to be home for Christmas, which was an answer to a specific prayer!!!  This meant that her platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells had returned to normal levels.  The doctor had predicted that she wouldn't be able to come home until after the first of the year.  Cacie, Rocky and I thank all of you for your prayers and continued prayers.