October Update on Me

For those of you who read this post or talk to me, you know that I was evaluated for a Phase II Clinical Trial for a new drug for cancer. I did not qualify for the trial due to not having a microsatellite instability in my DNA. So as of today, I waded into unsure waters by going back on 5fu with the pump. Last year 5fu infusions left me dehydrated and in the hospital so the doctor stopped it. Since then, up to today I was receiving avastin, erbitux and camptosar. They weren't working. So back to square one, but very closely monitored! I will go to the office evry other week for an infusion of Leucovorin, Avastin and 5FU then before I leave the office the nurse will hook me up to a portable chemo pump that I will wear continuously for the next 2 days at which time the visiting nurse will remove the pump. I can't shower while the pump is connected, but I can live with that. I am happy that the Erbitux is done and so is the Benadryl that keeps me awake! So keep me in your prayers still because of as today this is the last treatment option available to me.

The picture on the right is what the pump looks like, it the size of a small baby bottle. You can clip it to your clothing or put it in your pocket or carry it in a fanny pack.

Sherri ( I have supplied links to the drugs I am on if you care to read about them)

http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/leucovorin.asp

http://www.avastin.com/avastin/index.jsp?hl=en&q=Avastin&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g6g-s1g3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorouracil

Undy 5000

This was the Undy 5000 in Philadelphia. It was a 5K run/walk to raise Colon Cancer Awareness. My team, Team Rainbow Sherbert, walked almost 2 1/2 miles and we raised almost $600.!

Undy 5000

This month, on September 27th I and members of Team Rainbow Sherbert will be participating in the Undy 5000. It is not too late to join us or support my team! Thank you!

http://support.ccalliance.org/site/TR?team_id=3780&fr_id=1180&pg=team

Has it really been 8 years?

May every man, woman, child, every citizen of the United States of America, and even all of the illegals take time today to remember 9/11/01. Talk about a day that will live in infamy. God Bless America and God Bless those whose lives were lost in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville PA. Nevber forget for if we forget it can and most likely will happen again!

What happened to summer?

It seems to me that the calendar just said June, I mean like yesterday! I just happened to look at the calendar this morning and it says September. What? Did I sleep the summer away? I didn't go anywhere, I didn't do anything, how did I miss summer? Is it possible that it hasn't arrived yet?

The latest on me is that I am waiting to hear if I qualify for a Phase II clinical trial for a new drug. In Phase I trials, researchers test an experimental drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects. In Phase II trials, the experimental study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.

Yes, this is akin to being a guinea pig, but I have thoroughly researched this, discussed it with my oncologist ( who suggested it) and I have met with and talked to another oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center where the clinical trial is being done. To qualify for this trial I must have what is known as a microsatellite instability: Mutations in genes that repair damaged DNA cause regions called microsatellites to get longer or shorter, a phenomenon that scientists call microsatellite instability (MSI). Testing for microsatellite instability helps doctors determine whether a person is likely to have a gene mutation that causes hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer . Only people who have this MSI qualify for the trial. My DNA is being tested in Texas and it will be about 2 more weeks before I find out. We have temperarily stopped my chemo, as you must have a 4 week washout before beginning a trial. I am enjoying the break! If I do not qualify there are some Phase I trials to look at or I can go back on my chemo.

Either way I will keep you all posted.

I hope you all enjoyed your summer, I am still looking for mine!

Summertime and the living is easy....

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since the beginning of June! Guess I have been busy with summer activities, like the rest of you. I have been down to Jonesville VA with a mission group from my church, making a home safer, warmer and drier for one family. It just seems that the summer is slipping away too quickly.

As for my health, so far so good. I will have another CT scan this month then some decisions will be made from there as to the course of treatment; continue with the same or try something new.

Overall, I still feel pretty good. I do get tired easily though. I had a bout with a kidney stone and a UTI this summer, but that is in the past also.

From what I have been reading, family wise, it has been a good summer all around for most everyone.

Enjoy what is left for those of you who have more time to enjoy. My grandkids went back to school today, 1/2 day, but start full time on Monday.

Up a lazy river, Sherri

CT results

Hi All,

I saw the doctor yesterday and while he did not have the official written report he got an oral report from the CT department. According to the oral report, there has been slight growth in one tumor (less than 25%) and no growth in the other tumors. Considering that the last CT scan in January had shown that all of the tumors had nearly doubled in size, this was great news! He told me if I feel as good as I look than I am doing great. He still considers me stable and there will be no changes in my treatment.

Overall this is good news, but I still want to see the written report. I am tired today as yesterday was my long day for treatment, but other than that I feel fine!

Hope all of you are enjoying our spring weather, I know I am!

Sherri

I AM DOING FINE!

Hi All,

I know that I do not post as often as some of you might like, but just think, that is a good thing. It means I am out and about doing something! My intentions are to keep going and keep doing as long as I feel as good as I do and as long as I am able!

My next CT scan is this week, 5/28. I will let you all know the results as soon as I know them!

I hope you are all having a great holiday weekend. Please honor our veterans and if you see one at the mall, or at the local grocery store, take a minute and say thank you!

Love to you all, Sherri

Happy Memorial Day

IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER. IF YOU CAN READ THIS IN ENGLISH THANK A VETERAN! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. WHETHER YOU BELIEVE OUR INVOLVEMENT IS IMMORAL OR NOT, PLEASE SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE FOUGHT AND ARE STILL FIGHTING TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY FREE!

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Inspiration for the Poem
In the second week of fighting during the Second Battle of Ypres a Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2 May, 1915 by a German artillery shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae. John was asked to conduct the burial service owing to the chaplain being called away on duty elsewhere. It is believed that later that evening John began the draft for his famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'.

Time and how it flies!

I can't believe that we have already entered the middle of May! The days just keep flying by. There really is not a whole lot new to report. When I saw the doctor this week, he said he considers me "stable" as my blood work has been stable for 3 months, I am tolerating chemo well, and I have full liver function. I will be getting a CT scan latter this month to see how things really are. Depending on those results will depend on what route we take with my chemo. I still feel good, although I must admit, some days after chemo I feel really crappy. The steroids they give me with the chemo affect my sinuses and make my head feel like it is wound tight. But that passes and I still feel good.

Nothing else to report at this time. Will catch up with you all again soon.

Sherri

May Day and other things...

Today is May first and with that comes mental images of days long ago when we danced around the Maypole in school. Yes, I know that is showing my age. I remember in my elementary school, Glenmount #235, Baltimore MD, going out to the playground, where streamers were hanging from a large pole. We got to grab the end of one of the streamers and weave in and out as we danced around the pole. Even though the first day of spring falls in March, many, including myself, look at May first as the official first day of spring. The weather finally becomes springlike, the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the snow is gone (if you live in the right climate).
I am happy that the warm weather is finally here. Spring is a wonderful sign of hope and renewal! I have still been having work done around the house, this time more painting. I fianlly got smart and hired someone to finish the painting instead of trying to do it myself. It is almost finished and I will have my house back in order. No visitors until it is!!!
As for the rest of my life, I just got back from Las Vegas last week. No I did not win any money, nor did I lose any! I am not a gambler. I went to Vegas just to see it, as I had never been there before. I saw a couple of shows and enjoyed the sights.
My chemo is marching on. I still go every week. My oncologist just had a baby and I am seeing one of her associates, whom I must confess I like better and am considering asking to stay with.
On a happy note, my CEA levels have gone down. This is a good indication that the chemo is having a good effect, however, the CT scan I will have in May will tell the real tale. You can read about CEA tests at the following: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cea/test.html
I am still busy as usual, always on the go and that is the way I like it. I rest when I am tired, but will keep up my lifestyle as long as I am able.
Not much else going on at this point, Happy May Day! Sherri

Welcome Spring!!

Even though the warm weather hasn't caught on to the fact that it is now spring, I know the days will be getting warm soon enough. As we head into spring things are going well with me so far. I am seeing a new oncologist, since Dr. LePar is on maternity leave until August. I am seeing Dr. Jason Damsker and I really like him. Actually, I have liked all of the doctors I have come in contact with through Abington Memorial Hospital.

I seem to be tolerating the Avastin so far, my next CT scan isn't until May. I have been having a lot of trouble with pain in my feet, on the top where the foot bends. Turns out to be nothing but our good old friend Arthur (arthritis). Not much that can be done for it, I have been put on a short term dose of Prednisone (7 days), may have to get cortisone injections and possibly new orthodics in the future.

I am still feeling well, still have my bouts of diarrhea, and stilll have trouble sleeping on Monday nights. Considering all of the possible side effects I am not complaining, at least not too loudly! I am looking forward to a trip to Las Vegas on 4/21 and will let you all know how much I loved it when I return.

Keep warm, Sherri

Happy 90th Birthday American Legion

American Legion Birthday March 15 - 17, 1919


The American Legion was born at a caucus of the American Expeditionary Force in Paris, France. This caucus was the result of a proposal by Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. to a group of representatives of A.E. F. divisions and service units. Roosevelt’s vision resulted in the founding Paris caucus of March 15 – 17, 1919, and subsequent organizational caucus held May 8 – 10, 1919, in St. Louis, MO. His unwavering service during these vital times won him the affectionate title, “Father of The American Legion.” As the weary, homesick delegates assembled for that first Paris caucus, they brought with them the raw materials with which to build an association of veterans whose primary devotion was to God and Country. In the minds of those veterans of the A.E.F. were a number of lofty ideals, uppermost among them: 1. Creation of a fraternity based upon the firm comradeship born of wartime service and dedicated to fair and equitable treatment for all veterans, particularly the disabled, and the widows and orphans whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for freedom. 2. Maintaining national security for America, including a universal military training program for the prevention of future world conflicts; and 3. Promotion of patriotism and the combating of materialistic and totalitarian ideologies that recognize neither the honor nor the dignity of the individual. It was at this Paris caucus that The American Legion received its name. The honor of naming the new organization went to Maurice K. Gordon, then a major in the 36th Division and later a judge in Kentucky. A controversy had developed concerning the name, and it was Gordon who made the successful motion to label the fledgling group The American Legion. While lofty principles were expounded at the Paris caucus, it was decided to leave the definition of permanent policies for a later and more representative meeting to be held in the United States. An executive committee of 100 members was named to complete the organization in the A.E. F., while a sub-committee of 17 returned to the United States to promote interest among those who had already returned to the States. Even though The American Legion was formed overseas, organizers realized members of the armed services had no choice whether they served in the United States or overseas. Accordingly, it was decided that membership in The American Legion should be open to all who served honorably in the armed forces in World War 1.

Mother Nature is Menopausal

They say, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature", but she sure has been playing tricks on us! I guess she has been having hot flashes and that would explain the roller coaster ride between warm and cold we have been experiencing. I say Enough already!

My treatments are moving right along these weeks. I did notice after my thrid treatment with the Avastin that the rash got a bit more intense on my face, along with a bright red color. It also spread down the body, all the way to the ankles. And speaking of ankles, mine have been giving me a lot of aggravation. Well, technically, not the ankles, but the top of the foot where the foot bends. I don't know all of the medical terms for the different parts, but it is either the muscle or the bone that is giving me problems. Some days it is so bad, I cannot walk but a few steps. According to my oncologist it is not related to chemo. Now, she is the expert, but I have my doubts. Anyway, I will be seeing my primary this week to get a referral to the podiatrist. I am sure this will mean more xrays. I don't care what they do as long as they can relieve the pain.

My oncologist is going out on maternity leave almost immediately. This is her first and it is a girl. She won't be back until August. In the mean time, I will be seeing one of her associates, whom I have already met and I do like him. I will be able to keep my chemo schedule on Mondays, which was important to me.

Not much else going on in this end of the world. I have been getting some work done around the house, painting, new bathroom fixtures, new windows, and some kitchen remodeling. Still have more to get done though. Need more painting done, getting some new carpeting and some outside work done. Had my dogwood tree trimmed today. Tree guy told me the tree was at least 40 years old.

Looking forward to the warm weather, so I hope someone slips Mother Nature some hormones!

Keep warm, Sherri

Hat Trick Monday

Today was my third triple treatment. This makes for a very long day for me. I arrive for my appointment at 8:30 am and finally walk out a little after 1:00 pm. And of course I usually have trouble sleeping Monday nights, therefore the very long day!

The only thing new right now is that I have been experiencing pain in my feet right where the foot bends at the top of the foot. Some days it is so bad that it is difficult to walk. So now I have to go see the podiatrist.

I am still holding my own, however, busy as ever, or as busy as my body will let me be. Until my next report, remember the following:

"Happiness is a place between too little and too much"

Thanks Robin! Love, Sherri

Hooray for Fasnachts!

"Fasnacht Day," more properly called "Fastnacht," is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. This was the established beginning of the 40 days of fasting during Lent. It is a folk tradition dating to the Middle Ages, a Catholic custom that has survived in Protestant Pennsylvania.
On Monday, dough was put out in straw baskets for raising, then cut in squares and deep-fried in fat, not baked. Served with hot coffee at breakfast, the popular way to eat them was to split them in half and spread with honey. (Today they often come coated with confectioners’ sugar.)
In the old days, this was a chance for everyone to gorge on good doughnuts without reprise, for the lean days would now follow. And the proverbial "dunker" could dunk doughnuts to his stomach’s content. The making of fasnachts helped use up fat and sugar prior to fasting.
"Gruna Dunaschdawk," to those well-versed in Pennsylvania German folklore, means Green Thursday, the day before Good Friday. It was an occasion to eat something green to insure good health for the coming year.
"Kaofreidawk," or Good Friday, immediately following Green Thursday, had an even deeper religious significance. While others of her household were at church, the good "haus frau" (housewife) undertook the time-honored task of boiling and decorating many eggs. When dyes were unavailable, eggs were colored by immersing them in boiling water in which onion skins had been placed. Mother would also prepare the many table courses of food for the breaking of the fast on Easter morning.
Adapted from the booklet PENNSYLVANIA DUTCHLAND by Robert Lash Robbins and Ralph R. Smith, and other sources.

Not an Anniversary, but a Milestone...

First, let me post an update as to my treatments and how I am feeling. So far, other than being tired and the ever present rash, I am weathering the addition of the Avastin. I did have a follow-up with my surgeon today. It was a normal check-up to make sure that my port is okay and to see if everything else is still working okay. I have been experiencing some pain near the original incision site and today I found out that it is due to a weakening of the abdominal wall in the surgical area. It is a common occurrence and could lead to a hernia, but if I take it easy, that could be avoided.

As for the milestone, it is one year ago today that I was diagnosed with cancer. It is interesting to relfect on how my life has changed since that day a year ago. I cannot even begin to put into words all the changes in my life, attitude, and outlook. Believe it or not, it has been mostly for the good.

I look forward to the coming year and all I have planned.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. Please continue with your prayers, they mean so very much and have so much power!

Keep smiling, Sherri

1+1=3

This week's treatment added in the Avastin. It was administered over a period of 90 minutes. This was addition to the Erbitux, which takes an hour to administer. Also, this week, my magnesium levels were low so I had to have a magnesiusm infusion, which took an hour to administer. So it was a long day for me on Monday. My appointment was at 9am and I was finished at a little after 2pm. Magnesium affects your nerves and muscles, so it is important to maintain certain levels. I now take magnesium supplements every day.

The joy of this all? All three chemo drugs and now the magnesium, can cause diarrhea. So you should all go out and buy stock in Immodium! Today is the first day that I am not cramping and having a reserved seat in the bathroom.

But, through it all, I still feel good, still have energy and I am still doing all I want to do. For this I thank God and all the prayers for me.

Oh, not sure about the hair thing right now. One of the side effects of the Avastin is hair loss, so the hair growth I have been so happy to have may become a memory. Time will tell.

So aside from weathering this bitter coldness, all is well in my corner of the world.

Sherri

It's All a Crap Shoot

Well, the results are in and we have a winner (so to speak). If you discount skin that is flaking and shedding like a snake, fingers, toes and heels that are splitting for no apparent reason and a lovely rash that comes and goes at will, then we can add in the test results that come with a mixed review, all of which leads to this crazy run-on sentence that seems to be going nowhere.

The answer for the skin is just to keep moisturizing, the rash, well that I just have to live with it.

The test results: the cardiac evaluation was great; my heart is strong and healthy. The CT scan showed that there has been no spread of the cancer, however, the tumors are enlarging, so there is progression of the cancer. The blood work results; my blood sugar is perfect so there is no apparent cause for the two low readings (below 70) unless they were a false reading. My CEA (cancer antigens) continues to rise, but slowly. Some people with cancer have a CEA in the hundreds, mine is still below 100. The rise is consistent with the progression, but not consistent for the disease.

Next course of treatment: Next week we will add in Avastin with the Erbitux and Camptosar. This lovely cocktail is given with 2 Tylenol, anti-nausea meds, benadryl and Atropine (for diarrhea). All of this, along with my regular meds, makes me almost a walking drugstore.

So, this is the end of the road (almost). The Avastin is the last treatment available to me, due to the previous problems with other drugs. There is the possibility of desensitizing me to the Oxaliplatin and trying the 5FU again (although more carefully monitored). It's all a crap shoot anyway.

So that is where things stand about now. I still feel great, still am able to do the things I want and still have energy (most days). I am not in any pain, am not nauseous or incapacipated in any way. So all of your prayers and well wishes are working - keep 'em coming folks!

If you are interested in reading about the Avastin you can go here: http://www.avastin.com/

Sherri

HGTV and Philadelphia Homeless Veterans

All you have to do is vote at HGTV for Philadelphia. Help bring this money home!

In partnership with Rebuilding Together, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the 2009 campaign will highlight historic veterans’ group homes in eight U.S. cities -- Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Tampa. Online users can visit HGTV.com/changetheworld to vote for their favorite projects.

Voting will be active from January 1, 2009, to March 2, 2009. The two selected cities will be announced during the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 special, airing on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The revitalization activities for the two selected cities may include new insulation, appliances and windows to make the homes more energy efficient. The “befores and afters” will be featured in an HGTV special in October 2009. For the markets not selected by popular vote, HGTV will make a $5,000 contribution.

Update

Well, so far since December 30th, I have had a nuclear stress test, an echo cardiogram and last week I had another CT scan. The results of the tests for cardiology show that I have a very strong heart. There is no sign of any heart disease, all valves and arteries are functioning well. I will get the results of the CT scan in 2 weeks when I see the oncologist again. I am still getting the rash from the Erbitux though.
Not much else to report at this time. I have been experincing being tired again after treatment, but I think that is due in part to the Rozerem I am taking to help me sleep on Monday nights. I am trying to find a happy medium here. I have to try taking 1/2 the dosage. It works very well, but leaves me too tired the next day.
I am getting ready to get some work done on my house, so that will keep me busy for a while. Nothing else going on these days.
Sherri