Home from Hospital

[tousled1]

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.