Tykerb/Xelolda Update
 

Hello to everyone,

Well, I got home from the hospital Friday at around 5:00pm, oxygen in tow. Not exactly what I wanted to bring home with me, but all the same I'm home and it feels great to be here.

My electrolytes are still a bit off so we're taking medication for that. In addition to Zofran, Phenegran and protonex for the nauseau and immedioum for the dirrehea I seem to be doing ok. I have severe heartburn but the nauseau is under control. I'm still on steroids and am being gradually weaned off the Prednisone. So many pills to take a day and certainly not enough time in the day to get them all in. Seems like I'm turning into a real pill popper!

I must admit that the worst thing is the fatigue. Do you think I should finally listen to my body and try and take it easy??? Being a Type A personality it's very difficult for me to just sit and wait for results.

I have an appointment Monday morning to see my oncologist and at that time we will sit down and discuss our long term goals. We will discuss how we are going to monitor my progress with this combo. My oncologist has mentioned that she may want to give me Ixempra the week when I don't take the Xeloda. I say -- go for it -- let's hit these vicious mets with all we've got! I know it takes longer to notice whether this combo will work since it's pill form.

I want to thank everyone for your wonderful words of encouragement and support and especially for all the prayers being sent my way. I don't think I ever realized how much I depend upon you guys for guidance and support. You are a truly amazing group of people.

I may be laying low for a few days trying to recover some of my strength but am in no way leaving this wonderful website. I know talk is cheap -- I say I'm going to take a break but somehow everytime I walk by the computer it just seems to call out my name.

Any ideas on what I can do to help overcome this extreme fatigue would be appreciated. I hold each and everyone of you close to my heart.

I want to especially thank Karla (Kavy) for keeping you posted on my progress and also calling me every night relaying all your wonderful words of encouragement.

I have found that though life you develop few friendships but develop many acquaintances. Here on this site I have met women and men who I consider very dear friends who hopfully one day I'll be able to meet in person and give them a great big hug for being here for me.

I' happy to read your post ...very happy ..I going today to the church and like everyweek I will ask ask and ask for all of us ...and about your post I believe you 100% because that is what I fell about our dear sisters ...and wish one day to meet everyone and give them a hug too and I sure that with your temple and strength you are going to get out from this situation ...soon very soon

Hugs
 

Hi Kate,

I year ya........about this site and group of "friends!" They truly are that, aren't they. A family really. We may not always agree or see eye to eye on everything - but hey, what fun would that be........we'd be like little robots if that were the way we are - BUT like family - through it all we stand together supporting and loving one another through whatever it is we need.

I am supporting and encouraging you dear friend. Yes, listen to your body (that type A personality - geez, are we all that here? Haha) Rest sweet girl....................pamper yourself...............and let others pamper you.............get well, please.

Prayers said for healing and peace today.

Love to you....

Mary Jo

SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU KATE! Sorry. I was shouting. I am just sooo glad you are home! Even if you brought a *souvenir* w/you. Let it serve as a reminder that your body is asking for you to cut it a break -- and relax! Read something inspiring. There's a great thread in KEEPING YOUR MIND OFF BC w/a super list of books that Sisters recommend. Choose your category. You know I love the spiritual ones, but there's lots there. SIT DOWN. And exercise your mind. Let your body heal, please. Looking forward to the day I get to meet you in person and get to give you a REAL hug. For now -- here's a cyberhug, Kate. Filled with love...
http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/clip_art/gstres/celebrte/hug BTW -- what are you doing for the heartburn? Prilosec is great. Doc says if need be take 2. For me, 2 is often needed. BUT DEFINITELY -- stay away from anything that starts w/an M! (I learned this the hard way!) M means MAGNESIUM. Which is not good if you're experiencing bathroom drama...

Andi

Kate,
We are a family here. When one hurts we all hurt. When one rejoices we all rejoice. Welcome home!

Many are keeping you and your doctors in our prayers.
Rest and recover, sweet friend.
Donna

Welcome Home Kate !
 

Kate, being a fellow Type A personality, all I can tell you is just listen to your body, and rest and relax all you can. I know it's difficult, but in order for you to heal, the body needs to rest. Even if you just lie down on your couch and watch TV (something light and funny, no heavy stuff!!) you will be amazed at how peaceful this is.

I am praying for your complete and speedy recovery.

all the best
caya

There's no place like home.... missed you glad you are "home again with us"

Hey Kate! Thanks for the update http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif Always nice to be back home eh?
Take it easy Sis.
Hope Lily is going well on her Tykerb/Xeloda too!
Lots of love my sisters
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Blessings
Hermiracles

Dearest Kate,

Glad you are back in your own home. It is good to give our bodies a rest from all the tough treatments we have to go through. I continue to pray for you everyday.

I hope that you are able to have a little fun on St. Paddy's day.

Love
Tonya

Hi Kate! Glad you're back home. I wish I could help more, but the protonix is for heartburn, I believe, and like the Duchess Andrea said, prilosec is good too. Nikki would pop a Tums or a Gas-X as needed and that seemed to help her too. I'm glad the nausea is under control. I know you already know this, but for the fatigue, drink lots of water, rest often, and eat smaller meals more often, low on fats and protein for right now. Fruits, veggies, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, but remember the BRAT diet too. Hopefully the immodium will work. Love ya, Katie, Bill

Kate , glad you are home again. I think you should definitely listen to your body and the docs and rest. Sometimes that is the best medicine.

Kate, welcome home! I love the picture Mary posted, the RUBY SLIPPERS say it all :)

Rest, rest rest!

<3 Lolly

Kate, I know you are glad to be home. Just take it easy and do anything that you think sounds good. I personally think that KitKat candy bars help with fatigue :)

Love,
Beth

Kate,

So glad you are "home sweet home". Nexium is great for heartburn, if its an option.

Kate, I can just picture those pesky mets retreating! Hope you feel better soon.

Kate,

My advice....take it easy and take care of yourself...oh how I understand the fatigue. Give yourself a break. So glad to see you are home.

Nice to know you are back. Take it easy and rest. I know things will be ok.

Love the Ruby Slippers! That says it all. Now all I have to do is learn to kick my heals together and away we go. I'm chasing the elusive NED and just have a funny feeling I'm going to meet up with him someday soon.

Kate
The new Tykerb Diva that you are...you will not only meet up with Ned, You'll be dancing with him! Wear the Ruby Slippers.
Sending much love and as always lots of prayers...heal fast dear Kate!

Dear Kate,
It is so wonderful to see your huge smile again....
Like everyone else - I am thrilled you are back home.
You are so funny - yes the computer is addictive isn't it?
Often I have to wonder how we managed with out the inter-net?

Glad you are back on the site - we missed you.
Your body is speaking Kate - and need extra rest, so you will
have to slow it down girl....(you type A's are tough to handle) lol

Can anyone give you a great foot massage? That is so comforting
and works like a sleeping med for me. If I were closer to you
I would be glad to offer my services...

Yes, Kate you have a great idea there about seeing each other,
until then I am sending you a huge hug...right now!

Love,
Jean