Iodine Free

This week a lot of my time has been consumed with thinking about what I can and cannot eat based on its iodine content. Basically anything processed has some amount of iodine in it. I can eat fruits, vegtables and carefully prepared homemade things that usually require an extra trip to the grocery store. I've done pretty well except for sneaking a bite of Xander's cookie and brushing the salt off a pretzel bite at the mall. I've made it 9 days without any chocolate...
The ultimate goal of all of this is to starve the thyroid cells throughout my body (which are the only cells that uptake iodine), so that when I get the radioactive iodine treatment it will act like smart bombs and kill the thyroid cancer. The other part of this is not taking my thyroid replacement meds. This gradually zaps my strength and energy and slows my mental processing. I read today that this process lasts any where from 5 days to 1 month.
On Wednesday I had my infusion, which consisted of a triple dose of Herceptin and a dose of the bone strengthener, Zomeda. It took over 2 hours.
I also went to the Huntsman Cancer Institute this week for a second opinion regarding my next round of chemotherapy which will begin a couple of weeks after the radioactive treatment. I need to wait until the new thyroid medicine kicks in and starts up my metabolism again so that the chemo is metabolize and so that I will have the strength to handle it. The doctors aren't really encouraging further chemo at this time, but I really feel like that is what I need to do. I don't know if I will ever feel like enough is enough, but after this next round they won't give me anything else until more cancer is evident.
I was blessed to talk to a friend this week about her experience when her husband passed away from cancer a couple of years ago. It was a sweet conversation that brought a new level of understanding.
I hope all is well and your life is full!
love, Jeanel

Progress Note

Wednesday was a marathon day. I met with the radiation oncologist, finished the last of my 44 radiation treatments, met with the endocrinologist to discuss my thyroid radioactive ablation and my 3-week iodine free diet. I also met with my oncologist to discuss my next chemotherapy drug and receive my weekly infusion. Good thing my dad was with me!
My skin is red, toasty, and crusty. I am 2 days into my special diet and I crave everything that I am not suppose to eat. Go figure. Bruce is working hard to help me stick to the menu by making homemade bread, spaghetti sauce, and no-bake cookies. Tonight he said that he feels like a 1950's house wife. I got a good one!!
On Thursday Bruce and I were able to go out with an incredible couple who are also dealing with inflammatory breast cancer. We truly enjoyed their company and share a similar heartache.
On Saturday my sister and niece (Sadie) came up to see us. Sadie's 5th grade class raised $500 and donated it to a family in our neighborhood with new quadruplets.
Our Christmas cards are still on my to-do list. Sorry! Hope the new year is treating you all well.
Love, Jeanel

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it is 2009. I hope this year is less eventful than 2008!! We brought in the new year at Suzette's. As always, the kids had fun playing with cousins and I enjoyed the time off. We made it until 11:00, popped some poppers and called it a year. I need to find out the secret to teaching the kids to sleep in!
This week's infusion went better than the last two. The doctor gave me some different anti-nausea meds which worked really well. My skin is getting extra-crispy from the radiation and has started to blister in some spots and look pretty leathery/beef jerky-lie in others. I should be done on Weds, but I might go for 2 extra treatments because of the breaks during the holiday season.
School is back in session and getting back into a routine is welcomed. We enjoyed the family play time, snow, and good eats that only this time of year can bring.
May we all enjoy peace and happiness this year!
Love, Jeanel

Merry Christmas

We had a very Merry Christmas!! Our boys are at such great ages-- the magic of Christmas is contagious. Although we struggled to make it through the 7 minute Nativity video, we enjoyed assembling our nativity advent calendar during the month of December.
Christmas Eve included a 2am wake up from Landon because he was sooo thirsty. At 2:15am he was sooo hungry that Bruce went downstairs to make him a cheese sandwich. At 8am Ryker had to wake Landon up because he was so tired from his late-night escapades.
Landon was so thrilled with his gifts that he thanked Santa repeatedly over the next few days. Xander has put together his puzzles so many times that he wants to race Landon. Ryker loves to play with every one's presents. The boys have done a great job playing together and sharing.
Bruce and I have really loved spending quality family time together during this wonderful time of year. We are so grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior and feel of the love it brings to us this time of year!
Love to you all! Jeanel

Gearing Up for Christmas

As far as weeks go, this week has been quite uneventful. I continued with radiation treatments Monday through Thursday without difficulty. Friday the radiation department was shut down for computer upgrades, which was disappointing because I'll be missing some treatments during the holidays. Hopefully it will all work out in the long run.
We are busy getting ready for Christmas. Bruce and I were able to enjoy a night out together and attend his work Christmas party. The boys enjoy taking turns putting a new character on the Advent calander each night. Landon is so excited to be working on his homemade Christmas presents for his cousins. He also wants to have Santa's phone number so he can make sure he is on the good list. Xander gets out of bed every night and asks, "Is tonight a Santa night?" Ryker loves Christmas music and Christams lights! He also has a hard time keeping his paws off the ornaments. We are so grateful for the snow because it adds so much to the season. Bruce has begun creating his annual sledding mound in the front yard.
We hope that you all are enjoying this blessed time of year. We have received many Christmas cards from family and friends and look forward to hearing from all of you.
love, Jeanel

My Beautiful Boys!!

We had pictures of the boys taken today for our Christmas card. The boys did such an awesome job! Here are just a few!

Let There Be Light (Radiation)

Chemo is done!! and I am feeling better-- tired, but a lot better!
This week was a busy week. On Monday there was bed rest. Tuesday I had my PET scan. Wednesday another echocardiogram and fitting for radiation. Thursday I began with 7am radiation, 8am occupational therapy, 9am physical therapy, and 2pm radiation. Friday I continued the two times/day radition. No wonder I am tired...
I am so happy to let you all know that my PET scan and echocardiogram look great. I am doing the best that could be hoped/prayed for!
Radiation is very tolerable so far. All I have to do is lay there for about fifteen minutes (while everyone else is on the other side of 2 feet of concrete and a 2 ton door-- Not very comforting).
Bruce delivered his last baby on Thursday(he is giving up OB because it is doesn't fit our life right now)just in time to come to my radiation appointment. This weekend he is in Houston at the First International Inflammatory Breast Cancer Conference. I hope he comes back with lots of great info.
On Friday night the boys enjoyed a sleepover at Brooke and Sherman's while I enjoyed some quiet, non-sick time at home. Thank guys!!
I am so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers! Enjoy the Christmas season!
Love, Jeanel