Home from Hospital
 

I want to thank Marie for keeping everyone informed while I was hospitalized -- also had no computer. My computer crashed last week right before I went into the hospital but as of today we have a new computer and are back in touch with the world.

As you know I had another bout with pneumonia and spent a full week in the hospital. After getting antiobiotics (3 different ones), steroids which made my blood sugar go up which required small insulin injections, breathing treatments, 2 units of blood plus Procrit shots to try and get hemoglobin up, electrolytes off kilter so was getting potassium, daily blood draws, CTscan, bronchoscopy, etc. etc I was finally released on Friday. It feels great to be home! My plan is not to go back to the hospital. Was afraid that I'd have to come home with oxygen but thankfully I passed the resperatory test. Your oxygen level with exertion has to drop to 88 to require oxygen - mine was 90. My level at rest is 96 so that's great.

The TCH has stopped working for my lung mets so as of Monday we will be starting Tykerb/Xeloda. I have an appointment Monday at 2:30pm to pickup my pills at the oncologist's office. I'm not sure how I feel about this but I guess taking a bunch of pills should be easier than getting an infusion every week. We will do the Tykerb/Xeloda 8 weeks and then get scanned to see if it's working. Please pray that this treatment combo will just knock these pesky mets to the curb!

Now I have to start reading up on Tykerb/Xeloda. I must admit I've read some but not enough that I feel very educated about this treatment plan. I would appreciate any words of advise, wisdom from those of you who are on this treatment plan and what I can expect. Here we ago again -- into the unknown.

I'm maintaining my positive outlook, exercising (walking), and eating well. Having cancer is like a roller coaster ride - has it's ups and downs and then of course must throw that severe curve to you.

You are such a wonderful group of women/men and I don't know what I'd do without you. You've been here for me since the beginning and I couldn't ask for more concern, support and love. Thanks for being here.

Yaaaaayyyy!!!
 

The "Kate-ster" is back! You are such a part of this site, that when you have to take a timeout, we all suffer. I missed seeing your beautiful face with that little "chipmunk" on your shoulder.

I think The Lord listen my prayer's today at church .....you are back .......

Katie, you probably already know, one side effect of Tykerb and Xeloda is the diarrhea. Nikki's dosage of Xeloda was 3 pills (1500 mg) in the morning and 4 pills (2000) mg in the evening. She was not on Tykerb and Xeloda at the same time. Her onc. stressed while on the Xeloda that if she had any side effects, like hand and foot syndrome, or diarrhea, to call the office immediately. Xeloda can be adjusted up or down, depending on your tolerance. I know with the Tykerb and Xeloda, it's alot of pills all at once, but maybe if you take a nausea med. beforehand, it may help. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Bill

Kate.....WELCOME HOME!!!!
Aloha, Maryanne aka harrie

Kate,

Hugs, prayers and loads of positive thoughts being sent your way.

Karen

Kate - I will certainly share with you EVERYTHING I know about the beautiful combo... I have been on it almost a year now, and tolerating it really well.

Kate, Its great that your back home. You've been through so much lately. In fact far too much. I must admit...I LOVE your plan, its excellent...which is to NOT go back to the hospital. :) I'm holding you to that. I happy to hear your taking good care of yourself. I will be praying hard for you that this new chemo kicks some mets butt.

Sending you warm healing thoughts and prayers.

Chelee

Kate
It is so good to see you back...hope the new treatment does the trick...if Brenda is any indication, the combo should supercharge you.....you remain in my thoughts and prayers

Hi Kate! So glad that you are home and will get the new "pills" on Monday. There are lots of trips to the unknown in this journey, but it helps to go on those trips with such wise and loving friends! You've got so many friends here. I can't wait to hear from you that the treatment is being tolerated well and is beating up those bc cells! I miss you on the days you can't join the back and forth chats! Lots of love, ma

Kate - Good to see you back home and on the computer!! I have to say your post gave me nightmares/flashbacks. One time, (at bandcamp)a nurse spilled a cup of water on my laptop (idiot). Zap!! I spent 10 days disconnected from the world! It was horrible, so I truly understand!! The broad spectrum of antibiotics and steroids (enough to warrant insulin) is also very familiar to me. I am VERY happy not to be on steroids or taking the insulin anymore. I love your plan of staying out of the hospital!!! I am on the same plan!!! I've been on the Xeloda for 3 weeks now and am tolerating it very well. I did have a few bouts of diarrhea though. Drink LOTS of water and don't forget the rice and bananas. Use lots of thick hand cream for the hands and feet. Good luck and keep up the good work!! Keep your sense of humor - best medicine.

Kate, let me add my good wishes for you. So happy that you are home and equally happy that you're connected to us again! As always, you have a plan and a great attitude, just try to stay out of that hospital, we miss you so much! Love you and praying everyday for you.
Hugs

Wow Kate,

I'm sure glad to hear you are back home after such a rough go in the hospital. I am sending my best healing thoughts and prayers your way and hope that this new combo will get you on the road to NED.

Kim

Welcome Home
 

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you continue on your journey. I know the new meds will do the trick.
I also know how glad you are to be home and out of the hospital.
Keep us informed as things go forward.
Glad to see your beautiful smile again.
Emelie

WELCOME HOME, KATE! You crashed and your computer followed. But both back up and running! YEAH! Please, enough with the hospital sleepovers, et al... Your last tx plan didn't work, so the heck w/that. NOT FOR YOU. Now, you're on a new path! I am sending hugs and prayers into cyberspace, both just for you. Time for the ca cells to surrender and for you to start posting about good reports. We're all here cheering you on and waiting for happy news from you, Kate. So, go get 'em, warrior queen!!
With love, Andi

So glad you are back home and with a computer!! I wish you the total
best with the new treatment. Take care.
patb

Welcome back, I am sorry to hear you been so sick. I hope your new treatment plan works well for you.

Welcome back! Glad to see (read) you are feeling so well - (from the well-written e-mail.) Keep up the good spirit and thanks for sharing.

Kate!
 

So glad to see you here and safe and sound at home. You are sorely missed when you are gone. No more hospitals, no more crashes. Fini!