Message For The Day

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Life may not to be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

Four Chemo treatments down and two to go. Char is doing great! Just a little example of how this can be described objectively...yesterday in Virginia Beach, the day started cool and overcast. Char, Chandra, Sophie and I decided to meet our dear friends the Cagnis at the park for an hour of watching the girls run on the playground. About five minutes before we left, I went to my truck to get Sophie's stroller. Well, in about 15 minutes, the temperature seemed to have risen about 15 degrees and the humidity went off the charts. Obviously, the clouds had been doing us a great service keeping the sun hidden and at bay. I was ready to throw in the towel, pack everyone in the truck and drive. Not Mom...or Chandra. So we set out. Now it is far from a long long walk, but definitely long enough on a hot summer day for anyone, let alone a woman who is in the midst of her fourth and most difficult chemo treatment yet. Did I mention that I was sweating like I just ran a marathon? Mom was just as cool and calm and driven as can be. We made the walk. We watched the girls run and laugh and play. When we were ready to head back, there was a car ready and waiting to take Mom home. Not an option. She was completing the task that she set out to complete...and complete it she did!

The last week had been a rough one. As we have previously discussed, each treatment seems to take a further toll. That being said, Char keeps bouncing back in minimal time and with minimal distraction from her daily tasks, obligations and desires. Since treatment started and since getting back to work, last week held the first day that she was too sore, nauseous and tired to go to work on Tuesday. She spent a quiet evening at home. Wednesday, she was right back at it. This weekend she was: having fun with the kids and grandchildren, cooking, doing dishes, went out for little shopping jaunts twice and went on the Sunday walk all in a 48 hour period. Before anyone starts thinking poorly of her kids, she insisted on some cooking and some dishes folks! We certainly helped and offered but sometimes Mom is just going to do what Mom is going to do and we were booted from the kitchen on at least one occasion this weekend. The weekend was wonderful but flew by as always. She never missed a beat.

Char is enjoying having the energy and taking full advantage of this energy and its role in her rehabilitation filling each moment with activity as she is able. Yesterday before we left, Mom and I set up a resistance, stability and stretching routine for her to begin regaining some core and abdominal strength that she has lost since her surgery. She is ready to go. I expect a call in a few weeks for some progression of this routine.

Overall, things could not be moving in a better direction. CA125 levels continue to decline. They are down to 14 as of her last blood tests. Remember that below 35 is considered within normal limits and she is at 14! CT Scans are showing no new growth or activity. Her white blood cell counts are rising and falling and rising again as well as or better than expected following chemo sessions. Platelet levels seem to have improved overall.

So there you have it everyone. Char is doing GREAT! She has two more cycles ahead of her. By September, this challenging cycle will be behind her. She will continue her study participation for another nine months, but side effects and time allocation for treatment will decrease dramatically. She is certainly looking forward to that day!

Mom, you continue to amaze and inspire us all. You are a true picture of the fact that a strong positive mind, heart, soul and faith does indeed have a tremendous impact on functional and health outcomes for an individual facing any disease or disability. Remember, medicine is there and your Oncology team plays a TREMENDOUS role in your success, but you and you alone determine how any of this will impact your life. We could not be happier with the positive focus, direction and drive that you have chosen for your journey to health. It will get you there and it will keep you smiling in the process. It will remind you to break the rules. It will help you love truly. It will make you laugh uncontrollably. Life may not to be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we should certainly dance!

All Of Our Love,

Your Gang

Past The Turn Around Point And Still Running

So, I continue to be tardy in updates to the blog. My apologies. We have been on the road and catching up from being on the road a lot these days. So now that I have my feet planted...or rather, my rear end planted for a minute, I wanted to give everyone an update.

Char is doing well. This third chemo cycle has been a bit rough. Again the effects of these chemo treatments are cumulative. The body is essentially being attacked by these drugs in an effort to destroy the cancer cells with the understanding that healthy cells are able to reproduce and heal themselves. Each chemo treatment takes a bit more from her "pocket at the toll booth". Have no fear, Char's ashtray, pockets and purse are full of change for these remaining three chemo "tolls". That's right, she is half way there for this Chemo protocol! Well, more than half way there because I am late making this posting.

Char had her last treatment on June 18th. She laid low and slept Thursday evening. Friday she was tired but doing pretty well. Saturday, her Northern Virginia Olsson Clan bombarded her for the afternoon and early evening. She looked great. We had a lazy afternoon and evening. The nausea, stomach discomfort, achy joints and fatigue were really starting to kick in. For the most part, they hung around through Tuesday or Wednesday. Then the joints started feeling a bit better. Sleep came easier than previous treatments but the stomach discomfort has been sticking around for a while.

Work has been a good distraction but is tiring as well. Char is being very good and following Dr. McCullom's orders of rest in the evenings if working during the day. Again, this strong lady only missed two days of work and was right back at it on the Monday after treatment. I think that the days have been taken as slow as possible. I know that everyone at work is really looking after her. She is able to perform most duties without leaving her desk so that helps as much as possible with the fatigue factor. I do have to alter my few times a day "Mom Call" schedule in the evenings. She is hitting the rack earlier which is great news considering the insomnia that she has been dealing with until this point. As anyone does, she looks forward to Fridays for the prospect of a relaxing weekend.

During her famously titled "Vampire Appointment", last week's White Blood Cell (Infection Fighting Cell) count was quite low. Her Oncology nurses and team gave her lots of pointers to help her make healthy and strong decisions to avoid infection/germ promoting activities and assist her body in its healing process. It sounds as though she has been playing by the rules and it seems to be paying slow dividends.

She has had some stronger days and some tired not super hot days over the last 2 weeks. Yet, she continues to inspire us with her upbeat attitude and overall position and mindset in dealing with these trying circumstances. Once in a while she may sounds as though she could use a nap. Occasionally she may kick her feet up in the recliner and take a deep breath. Once in a great while, she will say she needs a nap or heads to bed early. Aside from those small instances, you would hardly know that she was going through all of this.

Now, in an unintentional effort of saving the best for last, the CA125 level tests that Char takes after each chemo treatment cycle are showing excellent results. Normal levels for CA125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) are under 35. After surgery but prior to her first chemo cycle, her CA125 level was in the mid-200s. After her first treatment cycle down to an incredible 32 which is within normal limits! But hold onto your hats kids...after treatment cycle number two...Char was running with the age of the High School Grads at the sweet number 18! So things are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. It has in no way been easy thus far for Mom. She knows that there are even greater challenges ahead with the coming treatments, but she is doing great. She is fighting, and working hard and healing well.

You are doing so very well Mom. You are so strong. You are so resilient. You are so amazing.

We love you very very much. Sweet dreams.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang

Back To Work Already?

So this whole "Chemo Thing" is becoming a bit old hat for Char already.  Ever had one of those days where you feel like you are on the set of Groundhog Day with Bill Murray?  Well, that about summarizes Char's Chemo side-effects comings and goings.  At least there is some method and routine to the side-effects madness.  

Since her last round of treatment, Char has done great.  The side-effects came on a bit earlier and some came on stronger, but overall she continues to be doing beautifully.  At her initially weekly blood test, or as Mom calls it, "my vampire appointment", her white blood cell and platelet counts were rather low.  By her second blood test post Chemo, everything is on the rise and she is ready for treatment number three this Thursday, June 18th.

With a bit of prodding on her part, Dr. McCullom has agreed to clear her to go back to work as long as she is able to flex time and get the rest and recuperation time that she needs after each Chemo treatment.  So she is diving right in on Monday and getting back to it.  Char is looking forward to more return to normalcy and is excited but a tad anxious I am sure.  Again, she likes to take big bites at getting herself out there.  Take note that she is returning to work three days prior to her next round of treatment.  I simply have to laugh because our family does nothing if not time things perfectly. ;)  

This week will be busy and exhausting I am sure.  Calls and emails will certainly continue to be so very appreciated but please be patient if not returned in a super timely fashion.  Something tells me that Mom may be finding some early nights to bed this week.

Mom, you are doing wonderfully.  You look great.  Heck, you had more energy than me on Friday with the four kids!  Keep up the fabulous work.  You are a beautiful and amazing woman and an inspiration to us all.  We love you.  Sweet dreams.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang

Rough Couple of Days But Better Every Day

So round two was a bit rougher than round one. Thursday brought sleep. Friday was restful and tired but good. Saturday was busy, relaxed, nice but tiring. Saturday night and working into Sunday the rough spot came. Sunday seems to be the day that brings the symptoms following a Thursday round of chemo. Aches throughout joints, painful muscles, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and overall flu-like symptoms tend to hit by Sunday morning. They reared their ugly heads a bit earlier this week setting in later Saturday evening.

We all celebrated Madison's Birthday on Sunday. Char was not about to miss it. As you can see from the pics, she looked great. She does not seem to let on or show too much discomfort from the symptoms. As I have said numerous times, she is a trooper! We all had a very nice time at Madison's party. Deby and Ernie did a great job and the hospitality was wonderful. The kids had an absolute blast! There were water balloons, a Slip and Slide, water cannons, you name it and if it pertained to kids and water, it was covered. Mom had a very nice time. As the day progressed, she became visibly fatigued and went in for some cool air and some lounging in the recliner and air conditioning. It was obvious that this just drove her nuts. She wanted to be out with everyone else. Ask my Mom or my wife and they will tell you for sure, I am a sap when I am not feeling well. I am either angry and frustrated fighting and pretending I am fine or I have my head under the blankets not to see the light of day...and we are talking about a cold. ;) Not Mom, she was mad that Heaven forbid, three days after CHEMO...she was having to take it easy. All I have to say Mom, is WOW, good for you.

Sunday evening, Mom did exactly what she needed. She went home and she slept the evening and night away. Monday came and the achiness began to simmer down. Now it was time for the fun stomach pains and discomfort. This took most of Monday and into Tuesday to subside. But don't you know it, by Tuesday afternoon Mom was running around with Sherry visiting friends, going to lunch and grocery shopping. Amazing, simply amazing. Now please note, I am an Occupational Therapist. It is my job to get people up and participating in their daily lives even when they are just status-post surgery or in the midst of dealing with an illness or disease. It is truly amazing how the human body, the human mind and the human spirit are connected and any one piece can have such a dramatic impact on any outcome for the entire person. Simply incredible. Amazing Mom. Your mindset, your determination and your tenacity are a force to be reckoned with...but somehow in depths of my brain where my stubborn little boy memories are stored, I have always known this. ;)

So today is a good day. If history repeats itself, Friday may bring the sniffles and a bit of a cold. These do not compare to the rough spot which Char is over the hump of for this cycle. Mom, we are praying for sixteen days of rest, recovery and good feelings from here on out. Two down. You are a pro now. You know you can handle it. You can handle it, you can laugh at it, and you just keep doing what you are doing. You are obviously doing it right! We are all very proud of your courage, your determination, your spirit, your sense of humor and your unwaivering faith.

We love you very much! Sweet dreams Mom.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang

Second Round Down

Today Char had her second round of Chemo and initiated the official Biotherapy/Placebo intervention portion of her clinical trial.  While her day was long and tiring, it went well.  She says that she feels a bit more fatigued and shakier than after her initial treatment session.  This could be cumulative effect of treatment, simple duration of treatment and time sitting throughout the day today, introduction of a new intervention or any combination of all of the above.  At the end of the day, she sounds great and was able to eat and drink throughout her treatment today.  

During these long days of treatment, Char is making some new friends.  Many of the people who she is meeting are also in the midst of their battle with Ovarian Cancer.  This is a positive thing as they are able to share so much experience, information, support and perspective with each other. Through her work with the Stephen Ministries, Char has provided much support for many individuals in troubled times of health and well-being.  Last night it seems that the support that they provide for others opened a new door for her.  The church that she attends is the meeting place for a support group called HUGS that is for women battling various forms of Gynocological Cancers.  The schedule could not work out better for her as it corresponds perfectly with her Stephen Ministries meeting schedule allowing her to participate in both.  She plans to begin attending at the next available meeting.  While those near and dear to her are able to provide so much love, encouragement and support, we are unable to share any true perspective or experience specific to Ovarian Cancer.  We are very grateful that she has found this opportunity.   

Mom had her follow-up from her surgery with Dr. McCullom this week.  Her blood results continue to show positive trends.  Her pertinent levels are increasing as would be expected.   Overall, he said that she is progressing very well.  He is not ready to release her to return to work quite yet.  Thankfully, Char's company has been and says they will be very accommodating with her throughout her treatment.  We are obviously very grateful for their flexibility and understanding.  It is an enormous stress relief for her.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.  We are so happy to continue to be providing positive news on Mom's progress.  She truly is a trooper.  This Ovarian Cancer did not choose a weak and complacent adversary.  Our Mom is in it to win it. ;)  

Mom, we love you and are so proud of you.  We pray that you continue to feel minimal effects from these treatments and continue to experience the best possible results of your efforts and treatments.  We love you, love you, love you!

All of Our Love,

Your Gang      

Proceeding With Confidence

Courage has been defined as proceeding with confidence even when you're really scared and don't know at all where you'll actually wind up. These women have such courage in abundance. Their confidence comes from knowledge, information, thoughtful action, a sense of partnership with their health care teams, and hope. Why not hope? Statistics exist, but you're so much more than a statistic. When you don't know the outcome of something, all endings are possible. That is a kind of freedom.

-Gilda's Disease: Personal Experiences & Authoritative Medical Advice on Ovarian Cancer

Written by: M. Steven Piver, MD and Gene Wilder

Apologies to everyone for my extended absence and lack of blog updates. I assure you that moving forward, if there is not an update for a period of time, it is because Char is doing GREAT! No matter what chaos may encompass our lives, if there are wonderful updates or new concerns regarding Char's well being, I promise, all of you who follow so closely and care so dearly will never be left in the dark.

Today is a wonderful day! Mom went for her second round of blood tests with her Oncology team. All of her pertinent blood levels are exactly where they would like them to be. Basically, this means that Char is kicking ass. ;) Sorry for the language Mom, but there is simply no better way to define how well you are doing.

Thursday, May 28th Char will have her second round of Chemo and this is when the Biotherapy/Placebo from the study will be introduced into her regimen. Mom's only complaint about this upcoming event is that it means an extra hundred minutes or so in the chair on Thursday. Thankfully, her team is fabulous and she is kept very comfortable and is very well taken care of. We will continue to keep her entertained with books and music, though at times a nap may be just what the doctor ordered.

Over the weekend Char was a bit under the weather. She is not sure if it was simply allergies or a cold that she was dealing with. No matter, she kicked it in no time. Sleep continues to be a fair weather friend. Short periods of sleep seem to be getting her by. I think it is simply a case of a mind and body too used to nonstop action trying to catch up with a slightly altered pace of life. Don't be fooled, Char is not sitting at home on the couch. She may not have signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon or be putting in 80 hours between work, church and grandchildren quite yet, but her medical regimen keeps her quite busy. Luckily, she is finding plenty of time to restfully enjoy her family, friends and loved ones as well!

Mom, we are so proud of your continuously growing courage and confidence. Each day your strength, drive, focus, optimism and open mindedness continue to amaze me. I know that for you...all endings are indeed possible.

All Of Our Love,

Your Gang

Feeling A Bit Better

The last couple of days have been a bit blah for Char. Sleep has not come easy. Nausea sneaks up a bit too early for the medicine that helps to keep it at bay. Achy flu like symptoms seem to have become a bit prevalent these last few days. She certainly is not letting it keep her down. "Well, I cannot really complain. It's not like I thought I would not have any side effects at all. Besides, Dr. McCullom said I would be sore for six to eight weeks after surgery as it is. That was before chemo. Maybe I don't feel like dancing, but not like I ever have anyways!"

Tonight, Mom is feeling better. Not as sore, not as nauseous, a bit more rested. Her spirits are great and she is keeping herself busy for sure. She has been out enjoying time with "Her Ladies" a.k.a. Sherry and Grandma A, a few times already this week. She is enjoying her lively Grandchildren Lindsey and Jason. She has a steady stream of welcome supporting phone calls. She has a regular entourage of family and friends keeping her busy and keeping her within their protective wings. Annie is playing a bigger role in the house but seems to be taking to it without complaint. "I think she may even be enjoying it", Mom says with a little giggle. Mom's always run a tight ship when it comes to a clean house, so Annie must be doing great for all of the compliments Mom has been paying her! Deby is a regular at Mom's for a visit or some help or a ride to wherever or whatever she may need. Least I forget Paco and Lucy...well, suffice it to say that they are just thrilled. They have their Mommy there with them most of the day and all of the night to snuggle and cuddle until their hearts are content.

It is such a blessing to see that a true sense of family and community still runs strong in our world today. Thank God for it. The wagons have circled and the village is looking out for one of their beloved. Simultaneously, with no thought and no effort, this experience is bringing all of us closer together. All of a sudden the tedium of everyday headaches seem to be so much less important or dire than before that they may have taken away a moment to catch up with family and friends. While I certainly wish this bonding and enlightenment was happening under very different circumstances, it is definitely a truly welcome element of positivity.

Mom, keep up the incredible work. You know we are here for you no matter what you may need. We know that you are a do'er and are not about to sit and let others do what you can do better yourself anyways. If there are those moments that you could use a helping hand, know that there are many many hands just a phone call away. If there are those moments that you could use an ear or a kind word, know that there are plenty of chatty folks amongst us ready to share all of the latest scoop to make you laugh and plenty of eager ears to listen to whatever you may need. To all of those hands, all of those chatty folks and all of those eager ears, thank you for all that you are doing and all that you would drop anything to do for our Mom.

Mom, may tonight bring you restful sleep. May tomorrow have you feeling yet even better. May Friday bring you a good appetite so that a few of "your boys" can take you out for a nice lunch with laughter filled stories of our younger juvenile ways that much to our surprise, you always had the hand up on! We love you Mom. Sweet dreams.

All of Our Love,

Your Gang