I wish I could express my sadness at the necessary changes made regarding the updates. I know how I would feel if I couldn't get the details on how Rebecca is doing. These details are why I provided this web site to begin with. Many of you have asked for more of an explanation on the changes. Last fall I received an email I knew was little more than crap the moment I read it. This one email was sent to me about a dozen times over the course of the next few days. I have seen, first hand, copies of medical records diagnosing the author of this work of fiction to have a "schizoid personality," also known as schizophrenic tendencies. This person made it their personal mission to hurt Rebecca in any way possible.
My hope is if you care enough about Rebecca to check this site, then you will be understanding of the changes. I know you care as much as I do. But Rebecca has been through enough, without the information on this site being used to find creative ways to hurt her by the mentally ill.
Health wise ... I don't know how to answer that one! A while back Mark took Rebecca to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with a rather nasty stomach virus. Recovery was slow, but progressive, when she caught the sinus virus that seemed to be taking a vacation in most of the Oklahoma City metro population. To describe Rebecca as unhappy would be an understatement!
Rebecca IS doing much better now! There is still no date for the reconstruction surgery. There are some concerns about the muscles I didn't understand fully. Rebecca does have an appointment regarding these on Tuesday.
Non-health related, there are some major changes in Rebecca's life, and some changes she is considering. I will say she is happier than I have ever seen her, including pre-cancer. One change she is considering would include a long term, though temporary, change in address. No further details at this time.
Prayers to keep at heart is the husband of one of Rebecca's breast cancer buddies. He has recently been diagnosed with testicular cancer. The wife is devastated at the thought of her husband going through the cancer regimen. The husband, on hearing the news, looked at his wife (who had no reconstruction) and make the wise crack, "I guess now we'll match!"
Please continue to pray for those around Rebecca as they go through their own struggles. Rebecca cares ver deeply for her friends, hurting when they hurt. Pray also for wisdom as she considers the options of her immediate future.
Hello, it's Joe. There are two subjects I need to cover starting with the question many of you have been asking. What's going on with Rebecca? Why aren't there more updates in the recent months? I'll start with the later though it's not a subject I particularly want to cover. I had another long conversation with Rebecca and her wishes regarding the information I post here. From now on, at most it will be more of an outline with nothing too in depth. There simply is no delicate way to put it. It's because of actions taken by members of her family. It was discovered that one made the inexcusable, and I might add very appalling, action of taking information found on this web site to find out what CANCER support message board Rebecca was using. While this person is diagnosed as being mentally ill, and refuses treatment, it doesn't change Rebecca no longer having a place to go for on going support.
Now for what Rebecca has been going through as of late. As mentioned in the prior update, Rebecca had to tell one of her dearest friends the love of her life had passed on. Rebecca is also close to one of his best friends. This was only the start of Rebecca's friends going through hard times. Another was physically and sexually assaulted by someone she trusted. A few others have also been hard, but none so much as these. Rebecca commented about how the events of the last month have put a new perspective on what her friends have gone through, supporting her, over the last few years.
Occasionally we have discussed Rebecca's fellow cancer fighters. Theresa is no longer with us. She did make it to Christmas and have the balloon ride she always dreamed of. Unfortunately, another one of Rebecca's fellow breast cancer friends may be facing the same. I had the honor of meeting her at the Race for the Cure. She's a young mother who always has a smile on her face and is very active in trying to get new programs started for cancer fighters. Her cancer has spread and the drugs don't seem to be working.
Health wise ... Rebecca has really clammed up since discovering the completely selfish actions of the prior mentioned family member. A 'new' issue in her blood counts have shown up recently. The first double check came back good. Unfortunately it will take a few more checks to rule things out completely. After some soul searching Rebecca started making some changes in her life. Not all of them easy, but she does feel they are for the better in the long term.
Not everything has been bad. Rebecca is back doing something she loves. Helping out in the world of hockey. She's also reconnected with some old friends she hasn't seen in a while. Rebecca's final reconstruction surgery should be in the next month or so. She is very happy about this.
We usually ask for prayers and this update is no different. Besides Rebecca, I want to ask for prayers of those around her. Regardless of whom they may be. I doubt many of us could smile through the month Rebecca just had. The strength I see in her is intimidating at times and I find myself wondering where her breaking point is. I also pray I never find out.
I'm going to let an email from Solid Rock, Climbers for Christ, do all the talking.
Greetings Solid Rockers,
From time to time, there are time-sensitive announcements/prayer requests that fall between our Email Updates. Today is a day for one.
Last Friday, November 24th, Jimmy Ray Forrester of Forth Worth, Texas died in climbing accident in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. Details are still being sorted-out. Here is what we do know - Solid Rocker, Rebecca Knight, was visiting Jimmy’s girlfriend while he was away. She had the unfortunate duty of sharing the news of the death and has been sweep-up into the situation. She is the one requesting prayer.
Here is how you can pray! First, pray for those connected to him – his girlfriend, ex-wife & their daughter (about 4-5 years old), mom (who also lost another son to a brain tumor in recent months), other family members and friends. Second, there are issues surrounding the return of Jimmy’s body that need to be resolved. Most likely, his best friend and climbing partner will be part of this process as well as a family member. Pray that the details are all worked out for this. Finally, there seems to be a Christian heritage in the family. Pray for the funeral service that there is an appropriate honoring of that – especially amongst the gathered community of climbers.
Blessings,
Calvin Landrus
National Director of SRCFC
Ok, I'm not a computer person and have only made one update before. Don't know why no updates have been made.
The Koman Race for the Cure was two weeks ago. Rebecca took second place in the one mile survivors category. Dr. Dooley was helping at the finish line handing out the survivor roses. Rebecca passed two girls trying to give her a rose so she could get one from Dr. Dooley. He's the one that told her she was the second one across the finish line.
One of the local news stations was at the finish line and got Rebecca's finish on tape. Later she and Dr. Dooley were interviewed. There were featured on the evening news. I don't know how to make a link you can click to see it. The web address to watch the news clip is available at http://www.newsok.com/video/text/49021/?template=news/main
Rebecca had surgery the following Monday. Recovery has gone well for the most part. Yesterday she woke up in a lot of pain. Then the VA was a bigger pain. Ultimately Dr. Sawan, the plastic surgeon, gave up getting approval for payment. He told the nurses 'no paperwork' and saw Rebecca anyway. He thinks she has pulled and strained the muscle around the rib cage. The same one they worked on almost two weeks ago. She was sent home to take some pain medications and an anti-inflammatory. Rebecca has no idea how or when this could have happened.
News of no importance, but still funny. Rebecca has picked up the bad habit of rushing out to her car when she leaves. However, she leaves through the garage, and the garage door is slow. She keeps walking into it. She claims she is not doing this as often, but the day I spent with her, it was every time she left her house.
Rebecca had fun at the expense of her youth last Wednesday. She had them divide into teams and compete in a kool-aid drinking contest. Sounds innocent enough until you remember who was behind it. Rebecca didn't bother mixing the kool-aid with water first. She gave it to them dry! The winning team got bottles of water to wash the mix down with.
This web site is supposed to be dedicated to prayers, and Rebecca has a very special request. Rebecca said on of her very dear friends, no name, called her Thursday morning saying she had found two lumps the night before during a self exam. Rebecca would like to request prayers for her friend while she in the limbo phase of not knowing what is going on. A position Rebecca understands all too well.
Rebecca is back in Oklahoma! She got in early Tuesday morning... ok, honestly, she got in Monday evening, but immmediatly took a nap. She only told "worrying" people she made it back after they called and woke her up.
Tuesday, during her doctor's visit, he didn't like "something." She is at the top of the list and will get a call as soon as a spot for surgery opens up. Hopefully there will be a two to three day notice to make transportation plans. This will unfortunately delay reconstruction. Rebecca isn't saying much on this subject. I think it's safe to use past history and say don't ask. She'll talk when she's ready.
Physically, her Father is doing great!
Haven't had much time to talk to her, so that's all I have for now. God bless! JoeB
Happy Birthday to Rebecca's dad! God bless and keep you.
Rebecca got to spend time with her daddy on his birthday... and a great time was had by all. Keep praying for her as she is in Wyoming. I know she is ready to be home...
YEEEOOWSERS!!! I know i'm going to have something wrong or left out. Email from Rebecca sayd things not so good in Wyoming. Rebecca's mother lost her drivers license cuz of seizures and being the hosptal again. She got out this last wednessday.
Rebecca said she was driving back from somewhere and her Mom called paniked. She wanted Rebecca to come home right away. When Rebecca got there, she knew something serios was wrong with her Dad. She talked him into letting her take him to emergency room. Her father had a stroke. Medeum severity recovery is going well. Not too many details. Said she has friends that still live there. And not to worry about her, to pray for her dad. - Mark
A phone call from Rebecca! She's in Wyoming. Trip up kept changing while she was driving. Stopped in Colorado on the way. Has plans to stop for a bit on the way back. Said she didn't get to do the visiting she wanted to do.
Rebecca said she's having a good time hanging out with old friends. Said she's in some ghost town right now. She can make calls out on her cell. Can't get calls in. Ghost town no roaming charges. Home town, roaming charges.
She's staying busy. Helping with the youth at her home town church. Having as much fun with them as she does with her own group of kids. Said she felt like she was home when the radio station she was listening to played a Garth Brooks song, followed by a Pink song, then gave a livestock report.
That place just sounds dull to me.
Can I get a round of applause for mark for learning to use a spell checker! It's about time considering this site is what? three years old now.
This lung thing. It HAS been checked out. NOTHING showing on x-rays. Nothing being defined as no growths, no deformities, no lesions, no anything. It is just a strange vibration in one of the airways. Rebecca described it as being like two pieces of rubber against each other when she exhales. It's not all the time. It hasn't gotten worse. The first time scared her. Now she'll just take a couple of deep breaths, pay attention to how severe it is, then go on with what she was doing.
Not everything has been bad. A week or two ago, Rebecca met Edward Perkins. Former ambassador, changed a lot of U.S. policies. They spoke over coffee at a bookstore and (big surprise) they seemed to hit it off. Now they are exchanging letters. He's on a book tour. Mr. Perkins is also now the proud owner of one of Rebecca's paintings. Beautiful one of El Cap in the sunrise from photo taken last April. No, I didn't get it scanned first. That happens a lot.
To add to the blessed life that is Rebecca's alone. She finally has a brand new computer. Joe found a deal for her that she could pass up. Deal being $200 for a brand new notebook with all the latest. Thing was only put together less then a month ago, but isn't considered the latest model and Best Buy wanted the last one off the shelf. Now she should have any more of the problems she's been having.
Sometime in the next day or so Rebecca will be headed up to Wyoming for a month. Some guy from her church will be in her house while she is gone. Surgery is planned for the first or second week in October.
Tuesday was the last of everything! Glenda had a get together at a local sports bar to celebrate. The circle of hockey friends kept saying how weird it was to be there without a hockey game to watch. Since she doesn't shut up about it, I feel I should tell about what she ate. Rebecca had some kind of cheeseburger with a hickory sauce, onion petals, and bacon. It sounds really good! Available at the Varsity on north 63rd in OKC.
Mark here, I am so glad the lung thing is out. Rebecca sat on this one for weeks before telling anyone but the doctors. Just to many self appointed doctors out there. (yes, me too.) The internet wants us to believe there are proven answers the doctors can't use. I recently provided tech support at a cancer thingy that Rebecca helped organize. The vast gap between wishfull thinking on the net and the reality reaserchers are working with becomes blatently apparent. I wish all those around a cancer patient could experiance a similar meetings. I still regret mentioning such things. Enough said.
Hey all, just spent some time with Rebecca and thought I would update you. First, she has been experiencing a vibration in the main airway out of the lower right lung. It has been officially given a "wait and watch" status. Gemzar is traditionally a lung and pancreatic drug so she was aware from the beginning of treatment that there could be side-affects. Her doctors are aware she is doing cardio exercises -- she doesn't need people asking if that's wise or ok -- and there haven't been any growths, damage or anything showing in x-rays, but if it does, the docs have promised to explore it further. Same goes for the vibration... in fact, if we learn something, we'll post it as soon as Rebecca tells us about it.
Second, and probably more importantly is a little honesty. I know all of you have a great deal of love and concern toward Rebecca and wish her the best. And, I know you all would like for her to be in remission. However, the honest truth is that she is in the highest risk category for reoccurence, it is simply too soon to tell. Once we have made it to five years, then we can use the "r" word, but not until then. Please keep this in mind as you communicate with Rebecca as she is having to live in this reality and is tired of explaining that all is not over just because she is finished with chemo.
For reference, some of the questions Rebecca is tired of answering (and the response she'd like to give):
- Are you in remission?! Usually asked with a big smile... Rebecca would like to say: "No I'm not, but thanks for reminding me"
- So, did they get all the cancer??? Also, asked with a big smile... Response: "No, they thought they'd leave some in for later"
- My aunt/uncle/friend of friend/ex-boyfriend saw on the news/read a book/googled on the internet and found a new diet/vitamin/drug-treatment only found in Mexico/Canada/Italy/some dentist's office in Ohio that "cures" all cancer in a week... Response (never said out-loud): "Please shut up and never talk to me... ok, uh huh, bye-bye"
If it's not too obvious, this round Rebecca has been keeping quiet about alot of issues, primarily because she doesn't want to have to deal with other people's reactions. This is a subject we've covered before and we'll cover again, but please understand I'm not trying to offend anyone. Honestly, we all want good news, but the news isn't always good. And sometimes she doesn't have the answer to every question that we have. Most updates come from just talking with Rebecca in everyday conversation. It often takes a bit of time and a quiet dinner that lasts until after midnight to get all of the details. Fortunately we had a good Chinese restaurant open late that fit the bill. JoeB
p.s. this subject probably needs a more better explanation than I can give at 1:18 in the morning. I promise to write more later.
Rebecca and I have a late dinner planned for tonight. I promise the update all have been waiting for. JoeB
Hello, My name is Brian. I am the boss mentioned occasionally, the one who followed Rebecca to the parking lot when she was upset. This is my first update. I requested the passcode since I feel the need to defend some of Rebecca's actions. I don't want anyone thinking that dear girl simply went off on someone without provocation because she was having a bad day.
The woman, and entourage, mentioned were less then human in their actions. Rebecca described one man as "practically sitting on me," prompting one of her moves. However, the rudeness when asked to consider those around them was appalling. The comment Rebecca responded to, was in reference to a patient considered to be terminal. This mannerless group voiced a belief regarding who "still had a chance" over someone who didn't. This is what Rebecca responded too.
Regarding everyone's prayer life. Recently, one of Rebecca's friends, not local, has been diagnosed with metatastic breast cancer to her brain. Her name is Melissa. She is in her mid 30's and has two small boys. Currently Rebecca is in pain from blood booster.
We had a lunch time conference call regarding Rebecca. Mark was only one absent. Some of what happened on Tuesday. Not all of it.
where to start this ? ..... ...... basically it was one thing after another
- Rebecca will NOT be running the 5k in the Race for the Cure this year. Her surgery will most likely be a week and a half before the race. She is disappointed, but plans to keep training "just in case."
- For some reason, having the port accessed was unbearably painful. So much so Rebecca actually screamed in pain. Never happened before. The skin around the port is still sensitive and a little bruised. No idea what happened
- With all eyes on Rebecca, someone saw the opportunity to steal $20 out of her purse.
- Blood counts low enough to require a shot. This alone puts Rebecca in tears.
- The Christmas party for Theresa fell apart at the last moment. Bummed Rebecca too. (Rebecca said holding her grandson was the healthiest Theresa ever looked.)
- A 'newbie' in chemo, and her entourage, were making things difficult for everyone around them. Even after politely being asked to be more considerate. Rebecca was the one that had enough. The harshness of what she said is very reflective of how she was feeling. I can't imagine anything like that coming from her. Especially aimed at another cancer patient. She still feels bad for what she said. Other patients thanked her.
- The reactions and mood sent Rebecca moving across the room. Then ultimately taking her infusion pump out in the hallway. Where she discovers the missing money.
- A few more issues in chemo. Health related. More will be know Monday. Please don't assume the worst.
So there is the rest of tuesday as best we put together. And the general consensus of what we feel should be shared. Joe remarked when Mark asked about what happened, Rebecca responded with how she didn't want to talk about it. We'll keep you posted.
It's joe. I spent the past evening with Rebecca and have only now arrived home. I so hate to rain on the parade, but the cheery happy thoughts of August one ended with Rebecca's email. I'm uncertain how much should be posted at this time; however, I promise to find out as soon as possible. Please do not bother Rebecca with details at this time. I believe our concern for her would best be served by simply holding her up in our prayers until further notice.
I realize with cancer it is so very easy to assume the worst. Please do not do this either. At this point in time, it would be best to ... Rebecca once had to wait several weeks to be diagnosed the first time. She then had to wait, and fight for, a diagnosis the VA would accept. Until Monday, consider this another similar holding pattern.
I promise there will be no delays. News will be posted as soon as the details are known. - JoeB
I inquired about the responses to yesterdays email. Rebecca offered her password so I might read them myself instead. I wanted to post some of them for you to read. I am still humbled at the effect she has on others. I pray you are as inspired as I am.
Hi Rebecca. Thank you for the update. The infusion you'll be going through will be at 2:30 my time and while I will be at work you will be in my thoughts and prayers at that time. I also pray that that the Lord will heal you of this terrible disease and that you will be restored to full health. It is good to see you are living a life full of activity and may the Lord bless you in all you do. I will talk to you again soon. Again, you are in my prayers. Steve
I am so fortunate to have you as a friend Rebecca, you have taught me so much in the short months that I have known you. I see a strong, courageous, magnificent, beautiful woman who is full of life, love and hope! Remember this; Your love is a precious thing... Never give away to someone undeserving. Okay, enough of that stuff. I will be thinking and sending my prayers up to Jesus. I wish I were there with you today. If you need anything at all...call me day or night!!!! Love and Light, your buddy! Andrea'
Hey there, Not sure if you have heard this, and if you have, you haven't heard it enough. Watching your life as you go through cancer and how it has strengthened your walk with God has been so incredible to watch. I have been impressed with your spirit and how you continue to give of yourself even when you had little to give. Matthew 12:33 says "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit." My dear Rebecca, the fruit of your life has shown me that you are a total fruit - or good tree - um, good person and good Christian. To say "God had good plans for cancer" is masochistic and I know He certainly is not that - I believe that He took something that could have destroyed you and your faith and made you stronger and in the process showed you some very precious, loving people you have in your life. Climb on... I mean.... Love ya back, joe
Hey Rebecca, I hope everything is going/went well today. I'm happy for you that this is the second to last one. You definitely deserve a break from all of that. Thanks for the kind words about me. I'm not sure I deserve it, though. I look forward to hanging out with you soon. Maybe go to the AF2 playoff game this weekend? I'm thinking of going back up to Canada in a few weeks. This heat sucks! Anyway, stay strong and I'll talk to you soon. Latah, mh
Woooo Hoooo! Second to last means, Honey, that you can do anything! It's been a long ordeal for you and I'm sure more than once you asked, Is it worth it? But it is. There is a great big wonderful world waiting for you. And I am sure there are a lot of things you still want to do. You have certainly managed to stay very active during your treatments. Who else goes rock climbing? Your strength and determination are great examples for others. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and pray this nightmare is over soon! Love, Jane
thanks for including me on your mass mailing. I don't pretend to know what you're going through because I've never been close to it, but I'm still praying for you and hope to see you soon.
It's actually the second. Reading my email late last night I came across something Rebecca sent out before heading to chemo. I felt it should be posted for everyone to read.
Sorry to mass e-mail all of you but I do need to get out the door this morning. Today is my second to the last chemo!!!!! This year long infusion process has not been fun. More than once I've thought about quitting ... I never would have made it this far without the support and prayers from you. Thanks for always being there for me, regardless of what life was throwing my way.
I know my having cancer hasn't been easy for many of you. I also know the ones it's the hardest on are those who never tell me it's hard on them! :-) I hope you know I've always been aware of your fears and I'm sorry you had to suffer as well. Thanks for loving me the way you do.
I especially want to send a special thanks to Lefty and Andrea for teaching me a thing or two about friendship this past year. My world is better with two see-once-in-a-while friends I know are upfront and honest. Especially when compared to one full time friend who could look me in the eye and lie. I wouldn't trade either of you for the 'other' any day. I have a lot of respect for how both of you present yourselves with truth and honesty in all situations.
Love You,
Rebecca
PS If you feel like praying today, infusion should start around 1:30 - 2:00'ish Central Time ... that's "IF" everything goes well today! :-)
This new thing of two pages has been a deterrent for those who make the updates. A compromise will hopefully be found.
Rebecca has been busy! She enjoyed the lower temperatures, low 90's, by going climbing "with the girls" last Saturday. Sunday she went climbing with "some other Solid Rock members."
A few days ago Rebecca was asked to be Godmother to a friends baby. Still has to be discussed with the other parent. Rebecca is already going nuts. No surprise there! Tonight's 'night with the girls' is a puppy shower for Glenda. Must need to be a chick to understand that one? Tomorrow her church is having a big blow out of a carnival. Rebecca was in charge of renting the inflatable fun stuff, like a moonbounce Twister game. With her in charge you know they will be good!
Those who live local might not recognize her. She has a new color. Not her hair. Her sunburn. It's a bad one too!
Two more chemos left. August 1 and August 22. Then an extended trip home. Surgery in October. Don't know how many will be needed. She says it will hopefully be only two.
Been a few questions about the new drug Rebecca is on. It's an experimental concoction for cancer patients. Part speed and part steroids. It's for lack of energy and fatigue. Rebecca says she really likes it.
Prayers. I am going to start by listing Rebecca. I don't know how she is, now, regarding her chemo friend. The one that is going to stop fighting her cancer.
I saw another of Rebecca's chemo friends last night. Another long term'er. He said he is going to miss her when she's gone. Talked about how Rebecca is the one that will come over to talk, cheer people up, make the first time'ers laugh, etc.
According to my boss there is more going on then we know about. Was told not to worry about Rebecca. Just keep being a friend. This got me thinking. I only know Rebecca. Rebecca knows about 30 - 40 people with cancer. Big difference.
Last night was highly entertaining! Rebecca did a lesson on spreading the word. She used twenty, 2 liter bottles of Diet Coke, and 12 rolls of Mentos candies. If you punch holes in the plastic bottles and add the candies the right way, Diet Coke will spray everywhere. The kids loved it! Rebecca was laughing her head off. One deacon asked for the video to show the congregation. I don’t know if we can do videos on this web site. Joe, help please!
Rebecca is still planning an extended visit home as soon as she is allowed. She had a follow up on the new study drug she’s been taking. It’s working very well for Rebecca. A few side effects, but not bad enough she would consider dropping out of the study.
I don't know where to start this one. One of Rebecca's cancer buddies has decided to stop fighting. Theresa, not the one from her church, has chosen quality over quantity for the remainder of her life. She has been diagnosed terminal by three doctors. Theresa just told Rebecca this afternoon. For those of you have visited Rebecca in chemo, Theresa is the one by the door, on oxygen, whom is usually sleeping.
I asked Rebecca how she was taking it. Her words were, "I don't like it, but there's nothing I can do about it." One of my well meaning coworkers thought they would push the subject. What happened was my fault. I didn't intervene when I was thinking I should. At least everyone here knows her and knows what has been going on.
I can't describe what followed. Rebecca blew her top. I've known her for ten years. I've only known her to react to something like this twice. She opened some eyes in the process. Statements made were to the effect of how -- basically that things like that are to be expected when you know a bunch of cancer fighters; she already knows people who have died from cancer; it was just a matter of time before someone decided not to fight anymore; not everyone can put on the 'happy face' like she does; that could easily be her future; she doesn't have anything else to say other than 'I don't like it and there's nothing I can do about it;" and left letting us healthy people know with an altered cranial placement we might realize that could be our future too.
My boss followed her out to the parking lot. He has a soft spot for her so no problems there. Everyone else ... if you are local please be supportive if Rebecca asks for your help with something Christmassy next month. This will be for Theresa. Theresa's first grandchild will be visiting to spend his first Christmas with Grandma.
Was just told "She'll be all right." Don't quite know to what extent. Just keep her and Theresa in your prayers.
Sometimes I can't tell if Rebecca is a genius, or just downright evil! She called in the troops (Mark) today after church. She wanted help building wooden crosses with the kids NOT going to Bible camp this week. THEN she told them the theme of the week was "Pick up your cross and follow me" as Jesus directed several times in the gospels. Rebecca did emphasize it was up to them to choose how much to challenge themselves.
During the cross building the subject came up of seeing just how far they could carry their crosses. Using the treadmill at the gym! The junior high girls were the most enthusiastic about the idea. This should be an interesting week ... ... ... if we get a chance to witness any of it. Mark said he plans to join in on the evening sessions.
Currently the schedule for the 'here' kids is as follows: 9:30 AM for morning lessons and worship, 6:30 PM for evening worship and lessons, and time in between may be used as well. Tomorrow, Monday, one 7th grader is set to challenge herself on the treadmill in-between the AM and PM sessions. I have to say, I don't know who these kids are but I am very impressed with their desire to test themselves this way!
Prayer requests from Rebecca for this week: For the lessons to be lead by the Spirit and be fruitful in the kids lives. For the kids to truly experience God in a unique and lasting way. For the kids to have wisdom and knowledge in answering people about why they are carrying a cross. Rebecca has a $250 budget to spend on the kids this week, pray it be enough. I'm going to go ahead and throw in a special request for Rebecca this week. She will be driving the kids around, and teaching mostly by herself. The lessons are NOT coming from a preprinted source, she is doing this on her own.
I'll try to keep you posted. Hope you like the new site!
I second how gross that bruise on Rebecca's wrist was! Now she has a worse one on her leg. It's from a blood booster last week. Yeah, her counts are down again. She said she bled like crazy from the shot. Nurse told her the needle must have hit a vein. Rebecca did it to herself this time.
Her counts being down this time was a good thing in a way. Now doc's know it's not from working out and climbing. Rebecca is allowed to do both again. Just not push herself. If anyone wants to pray some thanks try Mark, the gym owner. He has been giving Rebecca a discount on her membership through this round. I've heard Rebecca say several times how grateful she is too him. Also the guys who work at the gym.
Rebecca's strawberry plants are up and running! Yum! Can't wait for the tomatoes and basil salads. Ordered one at a restaurant yesterday. It was COLD! Rebecca's right. Nothing beats tomatoes and basil still warm from the sun.
Next week, Rebecca's youth group (called 12:2) will be at summer Bible camp. Rebecca is not going. Said she can't wear her prosthesis all day every day. Rebecca will be doing week long bible studies and activities for the kids who can't go. Would be good to have prayers all around.
Rebecca's car got tagged last Friday. Kids from the youth group did it. Wrote stuff on the windows. You Rock. 12:2 loves you. 12:2 rules. Teenage stuff that shows they accept her. Rebecca said she has a plan to get them back but didn't say how.
Yes, we have kinda been dropping the ball on keeping this current. Anyone that thinks they can do better is welcome to take over one of the 'update monkey' jobs!
Subject of no real importance. My car went on strike. Rebecca loaned me her's. Didn't realize what a chick-mobile she drove! Contents of the console -- Burt's Bees Res-Q-ointment and bar of Poisen Ivy Soap. Nail file and nail polish, pink. Necklace. Really nice silver pen that I might steal. Insurance information. Barf prevention. Sharpie. Old cell phone.
Drink holder -- 2 tubes of pink stuff she puts on her lips. An all weather lip protector. 6 buisness cards from guys trying to pick her up, obviously she's not too worried about where they are. (3 lawyers, 1 doctor, 1 yard care guy, 1 youth minister from out of town) Small tube of hand lotion. A dollar or two in small change. Perfume.
Back seat, or floor behind passenger seat -- Box of herbal tea. Bottle of lotion. Un-opened bag of Goldfish crackers. Small container of dog food, with matching empty container to put water in. Sun block. A few bottles of water. Duct tape? Packing tape? Purple Sharpie? Two Bibles. Stretched out coat hanger?
Like I said, subject of no importance. I was just boared this afternoon. Memorial Day proved to be interesting. A guy from Texas that Rebecca was climbing with took one heck of a fall. He was able to walk out, but the doctors put him in a wheelchair. No bones broking, but messed his feet up pretty bad. Ligaments and tendons. She says he's doing better. She went climbing twice that weekend.
Rebecca had one nasty bruise on her wrist from another heart scan. She has to have an IV but her port can't be used. They also have to use a large needle. Guess this is hard on her chemo fried veins. The vein in her wrist busted. It was kinda nauseating looking. She has an appointment on Monday with the onc. There is talk of checking her heart with ultra-sound because the needles issues are so hard on her.
There is talk of doing her almost final surgery in August some time. This is to replace the exapander with a permanant implant, and a reduction on the other side.
Health wise -- Every time Rebecca starts working out she drops a few pounds but her blood counts drop too. Every time she's told to stop working out she gains a few pounds and the blood counts go back up. Doc doesn't like the yo-yo thing, so she's waiting to be done with chemo ... which is when she might have surgery. I know she's frustrated with the whole thing. Rebecca's been wanting to RUN the 5k at the Race for the Cure this year, and hasn't been able to train properly. To date, she has accomplished every goal she has set for the Race for the Cure. We'll see ...
BWAAAH HAAAA HAAAA HAAA HAA HA!!!!! Oh this is just too funny. I don't post often, but I just heard this story from a relative that attends church with Rebecca. It HAS to be told!
The youth at Rebecca's church had an auction of services, such as lawn mowing and baby-sitting, to raise money for bible camp. Rebecca offered to be a tour guide for some light hiking. Nobody was interested. So she changed it to 'make an apple pie,' that generated interest!
This past Sunday evening, Rebecca delivered her homemade creation. During the Bible study, the congregation was tortured by the aroma of the fresh from the oven delight permeating through the room as it cooled. The couple claiming the prize, wrote out the check. However, the check was for twice the amount promised.
When asked about the amount, the elderly gentleman answered with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. "Oh the first half is for the pie. The second half is for her (Rebecca) NOT taking me hiking!"
Mark here - I'm jealous. Rebecca got to go climbing last Saturday and I didn't. Seems only 'the girls' were invited! She does have a really cool bruise to show for it. I got a picture of it to post. I took the picture tonight so the bruise is six days old. It's impressive for someone whose so girly most of the time! Looks even cooler in person.
Joe got the art gallery up and running. Link is over on the left. It's under the other site links. I like the originals better.
Not many stories about Yosemite on here. It was a blast! It started out cold then it got wet. Rain and lots of it. Still had good days too. Last day out Rebecca sandbagged all of us. 200 foot crack with some great sceanery. She cruised the thing like she personally made it! I noticed by the rope that she was moving pretty fast. Frasure (posh English accent) looked down and said "She's doing quite well, very beautiful in fact. She practically floats when she climbs."
Other Yosemite stories include a bunch of Canadians that fell in love with her. One was calling Rebecca his "future wife" when she wasn't around. Other Solid Rock, climbers for Christ, were great. Everyone hit it off great. Rebecca and Samantha exchanged recipies. Rebecca only climbed twice but took off with the car to explore some. Once she left with my climbing gear still in the car! To quote something we said a lot on that trip "oops!"
This is Joe. Sometimes I wonder if Rebecca does things just to give me a headache. Trying to figure out how to take conversations with her, and politely make updates on her 'girlie parts' will do that to you.
To start with, Rebecca's mother is doing quite well. Rebecca said she was up and about within three days of her surgery. Rebecca joked about her mother getting a pacemaker for an early Mother's Day present.
I picked Rebecca up at the mall on Sunday. She walked out looking very nice in a long white skirt, and brown top. Then she showed me the white gauze and tape bandages she had on her arm and leg. She really needs to be complimented on her ability to accesorize an outfit! She said she went climbing "with the girls" the day before, and didn't want any Neosporin to get on her church clothes. And the bruise on her leg is rather impressive too!
Today was another visit to the plastic surgeon for an addition to the expander, under the pectoral muscle. Here is where the headache sets in. Last night Rebecca was concerned the expander might be leaking. No danger as it only contains saline, but would slow the reconstruction process greatly.
Dr. Jaffers took his time with a physical exam, and checking the expander. His first comment was that it 'looked smaller.' He concluded Rebecca somehow managed to rupture the scar capsule around the expander. The expander has shifted slightly,but will not effect the final outcome. When asked if this was a bad thing, he answered "This is a non-thing."
The only explanation Rebecca could think of was a time she was struggling to get on a "flakey boulder" and her foot slipped. The force of the fall was taken on the chest. One side has give, the other side doesn't. Dr. Sawan was called in to double check everything. His comment was, "Reconstruction through rock climbing ... what's next with you!"
I have scanned some of Rebecca's art work; they will be available for viewing shortly.
I do not have the details and I did not talk directly to Rebecca. Highly reliable grapevine (mark) says her mother had heart surgery on Monday. It wasn't an emergency but wasn't planned either. Please send an email to the Monkeys if you know what is going on.
Was also told Rebecca's blood counts are back up, but one (white cells?) was still low. But not low enough for more shots.
Mark also said that one of Rebecca's friends' houses burned to the ground. Again not a lot of details.
I don't think I'm off in saying prayers are needed for those around Rebecca.
First off, Joe, you got things a little wrong. Rebecca was in Yosemite for almost two weeks. This explains why she didn't answer any of my calls. She got back late last Saturday and taught Sunday School the next morning. When I asked why she has been nonexistent this week she had a good excuse.
The annual health conference for women with cancer that her doctors office puts on that she helps out with is having a few last minute problems. She said all but one of the businesses that promised to donate thank-you gifts for the doctors and speakers, and the door prizes, all back out at the last minute. So Rebecca has spent this week pounding the pavement, in her words, begging people to help out. She added how much more generous small business owners were. When I asked who backed out man did I hear a tone in her voice that I have never heard before. Said she couldn't say but she would 'very much like to ... on the evening news!'
Rebecca said the Yosemite trip was fun. Wet and cold, but fun. She promised to tell me more about it, but she has to get up early tomorrow (Friday) and get things ready for the women's cancers health seminar on Saturday.
Oh yeah, Rebecca said she had a bunch of the post cards with her art work. Mark -- scan it for us would you?
Just a quick update about Rebecca. She got news on Tuesday that all of the significant indicators in her blood counts were low, except for one. Not really good news, but the doctor did give her the OK to go out of town -- he said the change and the event might do her some good. If you are curious, Rebecca is going to be in Yosemite through the weekend. The Solid Rock Climbers for Christ organization is having a training session and board meeting. You can follow this link to find out more. Please pray for her blood levels to where they need to be and for safety as she travels. God bless, Joe.
This is going to be long. If you plan to just skim over this, please just make a note of the following. If you invite Rebecca for dinner, or a visit, please try to avoid feeding her anything "fortified" or "enriched". Anything with vitamins artificially added.
Before anyone starts in about "vitamins are good for you!" Yes, we know. Rebecca knows this too. HOWEVER, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal has put a new light on vitamin SUPPLEMENTS. Please note: I said "The Wall Street Journal" not one of these anti-medical establishment web sites. The information for this article came from many different studies, sources, countries, etc. There is no way to post the whole article. The following will be word for word what was printed in WSJ.
QUOTE: Last year, the cancer journal CA reported that antioxidant supplements, including vitamin C, should be avoided by patients being treated for cancer. Scientists have found that cancer cells gobble up vitamin C faster than normal cells, suggesting that any protection vitamin C gives might be even greater for tumors than normal cells. In 2001 scientists showed that cancer cells may become resistant to chemotherapy drugs after treatments with vitamin C. "It's a mistake to think that cancer cells don't like nutrients," says Gabriella D'Andrea, oncologist with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and author with the review. END OF QUOTE. In the next paragraph was listed beta carotene, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
QUOTE: In a test tube, high doses of a single antioxidant can turn bad, evolving into pro-oxidants -- meaning they start to oxidize and create free radicals, causing the very problem you were trying to prevent.
QUOTE: (and my personal favorite) "The psyche of the U.S. population is that a nutraceutical can't be harmful and might be helpful, so why not take it?" says Dr. Klein. "That thinking is just not correct."
QUOTE: ... consumers today often scarf down vitamins at levels that are more like a pharmaceutical dose then something found in nature ....
QUOTE: The University of California - Berkeley Wellness Letter, from the same institution that discovered the vitamin in 1922, last year said it no longer recommended vitamin E supplements because of the data showing no benefits.
Nutshell of the whole article would be to get vitamins from foods by following a healthy diet, NOT taking vitamins. Something Rebecca already does.
Yes, we, Rebecca included, all remember the large amounts of vitamins the nutritionalist had her taking. Along with what some well meaning friends (myself included) showed up with at her door after reading something on the internet. No blame or anger from Rebecca, and she asks that we not beat up ourselves either. She does plan to take the article, and some firm words, to the nutritionalist. After she's had some time to think it over.
The look on Rebecca's face when I talked to her told me this subject is off limits for jokes. But boy does fate have a sense of humor sometimes! At the Blazers final home game on Tuesday, Rebecca was enjoying a conversation with one of her female hockey buddies. It was the third period, Blazers were winning, couldn't have been better ... when Rebecca looks up to see a goalie, from the men's league at Iceland, headed her way. After the game, Rebecca described the encounter this way ... "I was accosted by a drunk goalie I haven't talked to in over a year, trying to tell me about ALL the research he's done and what vitamins I need to be taking! LOOK! HE GAVE ME A LIST!" Then she added how, "At least the list was understandable and not slurring."
Mark -- two words, SPELL CHECKER!
it's mark. Joe is out of town and I still don't spell good. The Rebecca from Colorado showed up with her two offspring. Activities of all kinds going on last weekend! The girls got some genuwine Mike McEwen trading cards and even got the big guy to autograph them! Little one (heather?) was pretty excited. Said she never met anyone famouse before, and was rather concerned weather or not "Is he a hottie?" Ice skating followed. No hockey games?
What else? Jewelry making at a little store. Set up Rebecca's new tent at the Backwoods store. Oh, that's the special delivery joe mentioned earlier. Seems somebody else out there belives in Rebecca's calling to missions in Yosemite. She is prety determined to go as soon as her health allows.
Oh yea, back to the girls visit. Elmer books, tea parties with barbies, meat loaf, and goat cheese. And dreaming about a trip around the world.....first stop, shopping in Paris, Japan, Astralia, Japan, Tibet ( Everest base camp) , Egipt, Alaska, Germany, you get the idea.
Rebecca submitted three drawings as post card cadidates for the women's health conferance. One of them was on the '1 in 7 women getting breast cancer' theme. Six women in the back ground watching. The 7th woman is wound up and looks ready to just whack the heck out of a pinkc ribbion pinyata. For the last lady, Rebecca used a picture of a major leuge baseball player up to bat. (hint) She'll know on Monday if any of the three get used or not.
Rocky just has a way with words of wisdom sometimes. Monday she called saying she learned something that was worth passing on. I put her on speaker phone so the hole breakroom could hear. The wisdome, "Don't eat chips and salsa when you are driving cause it's really stupid. Just like drinking and driving" Last night it was "Food poisening sucks more then chemo!" On that note, she's feeling better, still a little light headed. Food poisening and anemic are not a good combo.
It's Joe. I've visited with Rebecca several times this past week. I just got off the phone with her. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Becky, from Colorado, and her two girls, Heather and Savannah. The girls are on spring break from school and have been waiting very impatiently for months to visit their favorite Auntie.
Thanks to being an expert witness in a trial, I have been in the downtown area the past two days. During a lunch break I was able to stop at the chemo ward yesterday. Rebecca has moved from her usual spot to the chair the elderly gentleman used to occupy. I believe she is taking his passing harder than she is admitting. She still tears up when she mentions him.
Rebecca called from the grocery store late Monday night. She was upset and standing near the Brachs candy. She was trying to decide if she should purchase the 'special chocolates' she always gave the elderly gentleman. I reminded her of her promise to the little girl who first gave her one. Before I arrived Rebecca had gone around, again, sharing them with anyone who wanted some and telling the new patients the story behind them. One caregiver pondered the story, declared how "It's in the Bible that wisdom will come from the mouths of babes," and decided her husband will have them every time he came in. It's a very precious story. I'll post it in the next couple of days after I get caught up at work.
Some sort of special delivery arrived at Rebecca's house last night. All she would say is, "You have to come see it!" Rumor has it from the same place as the 'early Valentine's Day gift.' Still no details on that? Anybody!
Side note: Rebecca is rediscovering her love of the arts. She's been doing small postcard sized oil paintings. I looked over them, you can clearly see her progression as she relearns techniques she hasn't used in years. On Monday she was asked to consider submitting three for possible use by the Cade Cancer Center. She has until Friday to get it done!
It's about 5 in the morning and I just got off the phone with Rebecca. I will never stop being thankful for free minutes on the cell phone. Rocky and I have been friends most of my adult life and I still don't understand how she can have the outlook on life that she does.
Last Wednesday someone died (didn't catch who) from heart problems. Singles for Christ had been sending her email updates and she had been praying for him for months. During this time she thought it had been one person but found out the next day it was someone else.
Sunday Rebecca found out one of her cancer buddies (no name) has received some very devastating news. This woman's cancer has metastasized to her lungs. For those of you who don't remember this was how Rocky lost her friend Michelle, befriended in 8th grade track, a little over two years ago. Becca is not taking the news about another friend having mets in the lungs very well.
Yesterday when Rebecca walked into chemo, one of the 'regulars' wasn't there and she was told he wouldn't be returning. Here is the story of the friendship He and Rebecca shared ...
This gentleman was old enough to be Rebecca's Grandfather, and started his first chemo treatment a week before Rebecca did. Rebecca was actually there that day asking one of the nurses to check what time she was on the schedule.
While getting a Coke out of the fridge, Becky asked him if he wanted one. Got him a blanket, asked if there was anything else she could do. Talked to him about how to deal with some of the side effects. Gave his caregiver some advice. Then danced out saying she looked forward to seeing them again.
Weeks later, he told her he originally thought she was one of the nurses. Was surprised the following week when they hooked her up to one of the infusion pumps. Then was speechless when they talked later and she told him it was her second go-round with cancer. He said watching Rebecca's attitude was what stopped him from living in fear. They became "chemo friends" which was easy to do since they had the same schedule.
Whenever he saw Rebecca walk in, his face would light up, and he would hold his hands out for some of the chocolates Rebecca takes for the other chemo patients. I was fortunate enough to see this once. He loved getting those little chocolates.
When they were both awake they confided quite a bit in each other. When Rebecca was stabbed in the back by a friend she trusted, last December. He listened. Even reassured her that slapping the guy "was the proper and lady like thing do." Asked if the friendship was "worth grieving over if they can look you in the eye and lie?" And seemed to put much of it in the perspective it needed to be in.
That's as much of the story as I remember. I asked about making sure someone went with her, to chemo, incase it happened again. Rebecca declined saying she spent more time with the other patients when she didn't have someone with her, and "It's not like this (Herceptin) makes me sick and I need a ride home or anything."
Rebecca might have some more good news soon. Same story as before ... she doesn't want to give out details until she knows more. No, it's not health related.
Hello Everyone, this is Joe again. Had a lovely dinner with Rebecca after church on Wednesday. The trip to Colorado seems to be just what was needed ... even if she did pick up a cold bug along the way. Rebecca got to visit two of her dearest friends, Amy and Colorado Becky. It sounds like she made several new friends and was able to start building memories with them. A few old friends from high school planned to drive down and visit, but were unable too.
Her face lit up when she spoke about the conference. Rebecca couldn't say enough good things and is already voicing hope for getting a scholarship next year. She had so many stories to tell, there is simply no way to repeat them all. She won some kind of gift basket. Then gave away most of it to friends who didn?t win anything. If you are local and belong to any kind of womens group, please contact Rebecca and let her know if you would like her to come talk about early detection and breast cancer. She would like to practice with smaller more informal groups.
Odd as this might sound, if you are in the market for a hairbrush, please consider the "ouchless" hairbrush by Goody. The profits from this one hairbrush go to breast cancer research, and they do this without a lot of publicity. I have to respect a large company for doing this. I've lost most of my hair but might go get one for myself!
Still no word on where the Valentines Day present came from. A few rumors are floating around, but nothing confirmed. She?s good at dodging subjects when she wants too!
Duh! I knew that.
Wise up Mark! It was the prayers FROM Rebecca's church that made the EFFORTS of her hockey pals so successful!
I actually spent time with Rebecca last night. I know it's been awhile but Ive gotton in troubel before when I made several wrong updates. Now I can make an accurate one.
She's taking off tomorow to spend a few days with Colorado Becky and her girls before the conference. WOO HOO I GET HER HOUSE! Single girl houses are way supeior to single guy houses. Speaking of 'single girl' she's started wearing a sweet leather jacket a few weeks ago. I asked her where it came from and she told me "it was an early valantine's present." Me - from a guy? Her - nods her head and adds how she loves the jacket but would have picked money for the trip. no details on the guy. If anyone has details let me know I would love to post them.
I have no early valantine day details, but I do have valantine day details. The Blazers has a morning game. She went and took a friend from church. At the game she got hit by a puck and had the bruise to prove it. After she went for quick lunch. Then to chemo. Late but she had called from the game.
Now this doesn't make any sense. Rebecca put her $$$ need on her church prayer list. ONE person asked if she had what was recommended for the conference. She mentions the $$$ issue to a few of her hockey friends and they raise over $200 with several saying they wished it was more. Rebecca made some way good chocolate chip cookie bars and handed them out at games. It was her way of saying thank you for the money and the ticket freebies her friends have been rounding up.
Rebecca has a lot in head right now. Amy, in Colorado Springs, will be attending the conference too. It's work related for her. Her boyfriend is in Iraq right now. A few weeks ago his group was hit with one of those road side explosives. He wasn't with them and is un hurt. One friend is having some personal problems. One more friend is having a biopsy done next week. When you ask what to pray for the first thing she talks about is the youth at her church. She is worried about several of them (home stuff) another got arrested for curfew after he made a bunch of good changes. There's more but you get the idea.
Physically Rebecca is cleared for full workouts now, or kinda is. They want her resting heart rate for comparison but everyone keeps forgetting. Trainer at the gym has her on a program and she is being very monitered. Her upper body strength is very uneven. hmmmm imagine that! So she gets very watched on certain exersises. I joined her last week. I learned under no cercumstances should I give her a hard time. She knows how to change the stair climber from level 4 to level 8 with one button. I don't know how to change it back. Man pride reallly bites sometimes. Rebecca did bring me a bottle of water during the cool down.
I don't have much time left for lunch. All kinds of plans going on with the conference. Just got word Amy, in Colorado Springs, is getting let off the hook at work and gets to attend too. Amy's grandparents are sending some chili for the girls. Turns out the Blazers are playing the Eagles not too far from Denver. Glenda and a couple other Blazer fans are planning to go. Some friends from high school are planning to drive down and visit on Sunday before she leaves. Spoiling the girls, Mike and Colorado Becky's kids. She'll be busy I'm sure.
Rebecca is doing good. We went climbing again on Saturday. Another guy from Solid Rock, climbers for Christ, from Texas joined us. Had a good time. Rebecca slipped on some dead grass and almost fell at one point. She didn't thankfully. Rebecca did some kind of pretzle yoga on the hobbit. It worked. She yelled a few things at me when she was rappeling down and discovered my rope had been dragged through a cactus. I didn't know this and promised to go first next time. And my lunch break is over. Later!
This is Joe. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Groundhog's Day! Rebecca phoned last night requesting 'a good friend to IHOP with.' In Rebecca speak this translates into, "Can I dump all my troubles on you?"
Rebecca has been working with a group of teenagers, mostly from non-Christian homes. She's been praying for more of chance to reach out to them, talk with them, for them to turn to her for guidance. When I asked her what happened, she replied with, "Oh, God took a big ol' bucket of what I asked for and dumped it over the top of my head!" If you'll make a note to yourself, please remember these kids in your prayers. And of course remember Rebecca in her role of leader as she tries to reach out to these kids.
Now for the good news briefly mentioned last week. Rebecca has received a partial scholarship from the Young Survivors Coalition to attend a conference in Denver on February 24-26. Her scholarship was granted for the 100% participation in fund raisers and community outreach and education her doctors offices has been involved with. This conference is for younger women affected with breast cancer, while she is required to attend the classes on more effective outreach, she will have several sessions in which she can pick what she would like to go to. Rebecca still has a financial need to cover the expenses not covered by the scholarship. (example: only half the room is covered)
Side note: If you are trying to email Rebecca, she is having computer problems and I have not had the chance to go check it out. Sometimes it works, other times she reports "I can't even move the cursor around the screen!"
After Saturday I am wondering if "The Workout Nazi" is actualy Rebecca's alter ego and she doesn't know her personality split! She suggested I go to the gym with her. Never doing that again. She even looked me dead in the eye and asked "you've never worked out with weights before have you?" IT WAS AN HONEST QUESTION! Weights, yes, showed proper form, no.
She had more chemo today. ALL of her blood counts are back to regular. Everything in a normal range.
Don't know for certen what is going on. Rebecca called me earlier today. Said she 'may' have some good news in a couple of days. She wouldn't say anything else. Just to spread the word that a celebration dinner might be needed real soon. If you are in the OKC area, please make a non-specific note of it please.
It has been requested that a correction be made. The annual Christmas phone call, from Steve, does not come from New York City, but from Long Island (pronounced Lowng Eyelan.)
I had a very pleasant dinner with Rebecca, and a couple other friends from church, last night. Rebecca started the meal by putting some of hers on everyone's plate saying how we "HAVE to try this!" With so little left on her plate, we all gave her some of ours. This turned into a table wide everyone try everybody else's dinner. My favorite part, when it carried over to desert!
Rebecca is doing amazingly well with her workouts. She borrowed a heart rate monitor this past week. The results had her questioning the accuracy of the monitor. Rebecca has been working out at what would be considered very good for an extremely in-shape person. She still needs to work on the length of time she can keep this up, but good just the same. Yes, she plans to double check with her doctors.
Recently Rebecca started helping out with the high school aged kids at her church. So far it's mostly teaching the girls Sunday School, and being around and available for them to talk to on Wednesday nights. Things seem to be going very well.
I didn't get to see it first hand, but the imitations of Rebecca in church this past Sunday are quite funny! The day before she went climbing for the first time in over five months. As it was phrased to me, "She was ok (ha ha) as long as she didn't move!" It's rumored that her chiropractor had a heck of time working on her on Monday, and later that night was able to use a friends hot tub.
Next Tuesday, the 24th, will be another chemo day. Please pray her blood counts balance out.
Rebecca is slowly doing better. I'd say she is about on track for the sucker punch to the trust system she took. Still going to they gym and incresing her workouts. Said she forgot how good it feels to wipe herself out. She's using the stuff she did last month with the "workout Nazi" (this term is a complement) as the blueprint for stuff she's adding. Even checked out a book on how to add to the workout. She's eating better now to. Not great but better.
Tuesday night was a trip seeing her at the hockey game. During the second intermisson she and Nolan were doing some fancey ballroom moves INBETWEEN the rows of seats. The rest of the crowd was just standing up and dancing to the Village People. Those two were impresive! Earlyer that day Harvey gave her the guy thinkage on how to handle the recent backstab. She took his advice and said it made her feel reely good about herself. It showed at the game.
Rebecca saw Mike again for the first time in months Wednesday night. His team of little guys, and one little girl with a ponytail out her helmet, played some during the first intermisson Tuesday. She felt bad when i told her she walked past him at the hockey game and didn't see him. So she fixed up some raveoli for him and took it to the rink. Turned out he didn't relize she was at the game either. He didn't recognize her with this longer curlyer hair on her head! I think it's fair to say he still has a positive effect on her.
Joe offered to give the computer mouse back to her. She said no thanks. That it was 'rather peiceful' not worreing about emails, but that she would pick it up this weekend. One of the off ice guys ran into Rebecca today when she was running errends. He offered to leave tickets for her if she wanted to go to any of the home games. That seemed to make her day.
A more detailed account of how Rocky is doing physically was requested. She has had severe nausea for about a week now and can barely eat or hold anything down. Smaller amounts of food once or twice a day is all she's been able to handle. I know of at least two days when she didn't eat anything.
Dr. Tfayli was very sweet to Rebecca when she went in for her appointment today. He commended her for she has handled everything up until now. He also added how surprised he was it has taken this long for her to fall apart with a recurrence in such a short time frame. Officially, her nerves are shot but this is ok as long as things are taken care of properly.
Rebecca has been given a three week prescription for something to help her sleep. This is yet another medication with a strong warning about how easily addictive it is, and two pages of warnings. Some approved activities were suggested, including; "a trip to Grandma's," "a bed and breakfast with a good book," and "any relaxing environment with a good friend." When I questioned what she thought she might like to do, Rocky answered with "Oh, I used those free passes to get tickets to tomorrow nights (hockey) game. WE'RE PLAYING WICHITA!" Bed and Breakfast with a book ... hockey game ... I guess they are about the same???
I promise to keep everyone as up to date as humanly possible. She has her phones back, but not her computer mouse.
Got a phone call from Rebecca today. She needed someone to pick her up. Seems her blood pressure is much higher than normal and all over the charts. A Dr. will be checking her out tomorrow. She was sent home with orders to do nothing and a gift bag with another round of blood boosters. Actualy this comes as no suprise. I talked with her after the New Years eve hockey game. Several things in her life ganged up on her at the same time. Includeing a person she thought she could trust. Miss sunshine was visibly upset and "Ready for this year to be over with." Bad enough she didn't stay for the fireworks and went home to enjoy a quiet new year's with Oscar.
When dropping her off I stole the computer mouse, deringered the home phone and hid the cell phone. Prayer, rest, peace and quite will work wonders. Don't worry Joe and I will be keeping a close eye on her. We will happily to pass on good tidings, Untill the mouse is returned, online activity is Joe or I. (Joe can spell gooder)
Rebecca hasn't been feeling too good today and has been asleep most of the afternoon. She did visit some with Zina and have lunch with Mark Nation. When I asked if she had any other plans for the evening, she answered "Hot tea and a fire in the fireplace."
She did report having such a wonderful time at the hockey game that doing something today wasn't much of a priority for her. Eldon made her a small loaf of some kind of fancy bread with nuts, that Rebecca plans to put some candles in and use as her birthday cake when she fixes a cup of hot tea.
I didn't know this but every year on Christmas Rebecca gets a phone call from a guy in New York City. Something like he dialed a wrong number or something, and they just started talking. A tradition that has been carried on for many years. She said it's something she looks forward to every year.
Eldon and Beverly (see original photo gallery) are taking Rebecca to her first hockey game of the year! I know she had breakfast at Nana & Bobba's (Amy's Grandparents) and I think she had about three different places to visit before going to Eldon and Beverly's. Beyond that, I don't know much.
Merry Christmas, and since I can never say it enough ... thank you for caring enough about Rebecca to check this web site and keep her in your prayers.
Anyone that needs a good laugh go visit Rebecca! Yesterday she took a friends visiting sister, some former national level & Olympic athlete, to they gym with her. Today, she can barely move and is calling the woman a "Phyco Aerobi-Nazi" but she said it with a smile on her face.
Rebecca just stopped by for a minute since she was on her way to the hospital. For someone else this time. A friend of her's is having gastric bipass surgery today and she wanted to spread the word to pray for him and his surgeon.
Christmas at Rocky's is usually so pretty. Normally there is a big (artificial) tree that looks like it came from a magazine. All done up in gold and lacey stuff. Ballet barbies dancing across the fireplace bookshelf thing. Stockings hung up. Some kind of candle christmas tree thing, and other foufy stuff ...
This year, Charlie Brown is going to get REALLY MAD when he finds out his tree was stolen! Rebecca has some SCRAWNEY waist high thing! All six of the ornaments she bothered to put on it are right next to the trunk because "they were too heavy for the limbs." Her two favorite ornaments are sitting on the floor next to it for the same reason. Don't know why the change, I didn't bother to ask.
Stopped by the chemo ward during my lunch break. Rebecca's red blood cells are not going up the way they should. When Rebecca got this news she went from happy-go-lucky, to looking like she was going to cry. She had to take more of those super painful blood boosting injections, and hopefully things will be better next time. If her RBC's don't go up on their own more aggesive measures will be taken. For now they are just giving her body a little more time to heal on it's own.
I am very guilty of not realizing just how hard on her these things are. When her mood changed so dramatically finding out she had to have more shots I thought it was the lack of progress that was getting to her. Then I watched her give herself the thing. If her face RECEIVING the shot is any indication of how painful the bone pain FROM the shot is ... all I can say is I am an awful friend for not offering to buy the more potant pain medication, she has to pay full price for, and letting her get the free stuff from the VA.
Uh ... call me stupid, but there seems to be something omited from the November 29th post. I know I got at least three messages that day telling me her new nephew had been born. It took me a while to figure out what she was talking about because all she said was "IRA IS HERE IRA IS HERE!" I couldn't remember anyone named Ira or why they would be visiting. Turned out here actually ment 'born' and not so much Oklahoma City as South Carolina. It's a fine art to understand her sometimes!
So, let me tell you what the holiday season is like in the presence of Rebecca ...Last Thursday three of us went to see the OKC Philhamonic Christmas show. In the middle of the first act she she whispers ... "Oh somebody is going to get in trouble ... look (pointing up to the cat walk) they forgot the directors doughnuts!" Sure enough, way up in the rafters where only Rebecca would look, was a Dunkin Doughnuts box! That got a smile from us.
Second act, the curtins open and before any music can start Rebecca mentions "Hey look, the snow drifts have handles. I've never seen that before. Must be an Oklahoma snow drift!" I tried to elbow her in the ribs and got the arm rest instead, she found that rather funny. Then she mentioned how much her Dad could have used snow drifts like that after a couple of blizzerds.
End of the second act - The performers start the curtian call and Rebecca whispers "Hey, I'll bet you $20 they get a standing ovation!" This is a no brainer. Oklahoma City ALWAYS gives a standing ovation no matter what. Rebecca started a count down, 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... and sure enough the crowd seemed to stand up on her cue! Oh but it didn't end there!
The performers sang two more songs, and the crowd down below (we were dead center in the balcony) STAYED STANDING UP! Rebecca could not stop laughing at this. We were trying to ignore her. Finally, I tried again to elbow her in the ribs and this time got the corner of the arm rest. THAT HURT! Nolan, trying not to laugh, told both of us to knock it off. So Rebecca stops her giggling, like it had an on/off switch, get really serious, puts her hand over her heart, and starts the Pledge of Allegance! Wouldn't you know it, there WAS an American flag just barely noticable. About half the balcony was as patriotic as she was, and joined in. The show eneded, again. On our way out we overheard several people mentioning what a nice touch the Pledge of Allegence was, and how 'they didn't hear the start of it, why did they do it during a song?" We did our best not to laugh. Rebecca just smiled at us.
And now for tonights story. Rebecca stopped by. Conversation went to Hickory Farms cheeses, crackers, beef log, etc. We end up driving to the grocery store for a small gift set. In this box was something named "Chedem". Cheese spread? Cheese? Fancy flavored velveeta block cheese? I don't know. But Rebecca goes into full scale chedem mode! "What's Christmas without Chedem!" Much as I hate to say it ... she's right. How many Christmases have YOU had without a similar product from Swiss Colony, Pepperidge Farms, etc? So we finish off the small platter she fixed for everyone. Then she declared Christmas season to be over now that the Chedem was gone. We threw wadded up paper napkins at her.
Yes, I know it's been almost a month since I posted an update. Yes, I could have called Mark and asked him to do it, and I didn't do that either. A few weeks ago I heard a song on a radio station and it kind of hit home harder than I wanted to admit. You may have heard it, the words go like this: "between the red cells and white, something's not right ... but we're going to take care of you ... 6 chances in 10 it wouln't come back again ... this is the strongest drug that's been approved ..." Try listening to that on your way to visit Rebecca in chemo on your lunch break. All the concern and worries about Rebecca's red and white cells hit me full force when I heard that song. It's easy to forget the magnitude of what she is going through when you are around her, she's always upbeat and happy! Anyway, I apologize for not making an update or passing it off on someone else sooner.
Good news is we shouldn't need to worry about her blood counts anymore. The Gemzar is now done! This also means the pain is gone too! Herceptin will be every three weeks for the next nine months. This plan has changed since Rebecca first started. Some study came out showing the once every three weeks had slightly better results than the once every week plan.
The expansion process is almost done. Today Dr. Sawan, the head reconstructive surgeon, said today addition, plus one more, and Rebecca should be ready to start the more permanent reconstruction.
In other news: Victor came to visit and brought his little girl to visit her 'Auntie' for the first time. Rebecca celebrated Thanksgiving with Zina and they watched Charlie Browns Thanksgiving Celebration. Just for laughs, Rebecca rearranged some of Joe's (not the web master) kitchen when he was hosting a birthday party. Mark reported the cake Rebecca made for the party was HIGHLY received by all. (said to be YUMMMMMYY!!) First triple dose of Herceptin was last week, she took it well. Today was her first Tuesday 'off' of chemo since she started.
Andrea Johnson from Texas, not that an official competition was declared. Oh, it's November 3rd by the way. Andrea sent Rebecca a card that Rebecca felt deserved a place on the front door instead of the living room wall with the rest of them. The card has a drawing of Van Gogh's Room, inside the room depicted in the painting. The actual room had stuff thrown about and books piled up on the floor, not seen in the 'real' painting, with a caption about how 'like most creative people, Van Gogh didn't notice the clutter.' When I saw it, I was laughing so hard I almost fell over the little retaining wall near her front door. Housework is an area where a slow decline has been noticeable since starting chemo again.
This weeks blood counts:
WBC 2.4
GR# 1.1
RBC 3.54
Hgb 10.7
Plt 362
A little messed up, but Rebecca was able to receive both Gemzar and Herceptin on Tuesday. A Mr. Matheny from her church took her to all her appointments, and was there to hold her hand when the loopy meds hit.
The day before chemo is usually when Rebecca is feeling her best and when you will see her the most cheerful. This week was no different, except she was very excited about a gift from her church. They ordered The Outdoor Bible for her to use when she is healthy enough to start getting out some more. The Outdoor Bible is the New Testament printed on a waterproof material, and divided into six different sections that fold up like a map. It's made to hold up under the stress of being outdoors -- in a back pack, in the rain, etc. Monday night, Rebecca took it to her churches fall festival to show, and thank personally, as many people from her church as she could.
AS USUAL ... Rebecca had being a missionary in Yosemite on the brain! She said something about how ...'I still don't know where I will be staying or how to pay for it, but I KNOW I will be using this (holding her new Bible) when I get there!'
Don't know if this is good news or not, but ... Rebecca's hemoglobin counts has FINALLY dropped low enough for medical intervention. She has been at 11.1 almost since the beginning, they are now at 10.9. While not low enough to be a concern for most people, even chemo'd, Rebecca has been there so long it was decided they would give her injections for this as well. Don't know the name of the drug since Rebecca threw out the info without bothering to read it. But that might give you an idea of how she is doing.
On the flip side, the inability to heal for so long could be why her pain has been increasing to be as bad as it has. This past Saturday was the worst she has had to date. Rebecca called Mark asking him to take her to the bookstore for coffee. While there she ran into a guy she goes to church with and just could not get his name right. He was could tell by her speech and color, wiped out white, that she wasn't doing too good and just let it go. With any luck, this new drug might decrease the pain levels.
When we talk about her pain levels, there are two different pains we could be talking about. (above was about both) The first is the pain from the blood boosters. Any bone containing 'spongy bone material' where bone marrow is produced, vertebrae, and long bones such as leg and arm, will be the source of pain. Theory is the drugs cause and inflammation type effect causing pressure from within the bones. Turns out there are actually nerves there. In Lance Armstrong's book, he calls them bone flares, and describes it as "a pain so deep no drug can reach it." The second pain is in her abdomen. These only last about thirty minutes or so, and she only has about 3 - 4 episodes after each Gemzar infusion. However, these will have her doubled over and in tears.
New drug strange side effect - Rebecca's legs go numb very easily. (?) Even just curled up on the sofa with her knees bent can cause it. Not much is going on in Rebecca's life right now. She's not climbing, doesn't get out much, and mostly stays home. We have pitched in and gotten her the NHL package on cable. It's a strange deja vu to tuck her in, on the sofa, with her meds, barf pail, ginger ale, etc. and watch her fall asleep with the remote sliding out of hand and Oscar eating what's left of her ice cream.
Current blood counts :
WBC 6.4 - very good
GR# 4.2 - very good
RBC 3.72 - not super bad
Hgb 10.9 - low enough for medical intervention, FINALLY!
Plt 116 - slowly getting lower, not bad though
Again, if you need help understanding these, please click on "FACTOIDS" to the left.
Yeah yeah, we didn't do any post chemo updates last week. Let me just explain that Rebecca's throght swells up because of the allergic reactions to the gemzar and she doesn't like to talk much. Plus she gets out of breth fast.
Last week Dr. Tfalyi told Rocky she had the strongest heart he's ever seen. This was from her last heart skan. Said most realy healthy people her age have some test score in the 50s and she registered in the 70s.
Yesterdays chemo ... Rocky had to make a very hard decision regarding her medicatians. Basically she had to deside between lower blood counts, or pain that doubles her over and brings her to her knees 3 - 4 times a week. She picked the blood counts to make sure she would get chemo on time and this means better outcome in the long run. Might pray for the pain side effects, frm the blood boosters, to not be so bad.
This weeks blood counts, with less blood boosters and less pain ...
WBC 3.4
GR# 1.7
RBC 3.66
Hgb 11.1
Plt 381
Again, if you don't udner stand these, the link for FACTOIDS will
explain. As you can see, the week with less blood boosters did lower
her counts, just not enough to have to post pone the chemo. Rebecca
figured it's almost over so she could handle the pain.
RACE FOR THE CURE!!! Was last Saturday. Very subdued compared to years past. Rebecca needed a lot more babysitting, and wasn't even sure she would walk it at all. Terry ran the 5k while she waited at the finish line. Some volanter gave rebecca the 'finishing' rose even though she wasn't walking. Turns out there are a lot of husbands that wait at the finish and hand the rose to thier wives as they walk across. one of them tole Rebecca they felt like the walk belonged to thier wives, and that watching them cross the finish line was what was most important for them.
These little talks got rebecca thinking she wanted to make a go at it after all. So when Terry showed up, she told him the 1 mile was going to be his cool down. Terry had to run ahead and tell the workers to wait since they were already taking down the 'start' line and balloons. Rebecca went part way, then cut across and got back on course. This was about all she could handle physically. Some of the husbands now with wives, waited to cheer Rebecca at the finish.
When the survivors were asked to come down on the baseball field, the woman she met last year was sitting down by the steps waiting for Rebecca! Said she had tried to contact Rebecca through the Komen Foundation, but privacy issues prevented it. So she was determined to sit and wait to see if she could find her this year. This really made Rebeccas day!
Rebecca ended up, not by choise, standing right behind the announcers for the ceramoney. Me being the eight foot clown was able to be near the front and see what happened! Rebecca, being rebecca, was making her usual little comments and everyone near her was trying not to crack up laughing. The people doing the ceramoney kept loosing their place, and finally one guy very good naturedly, asked Rebecca to please stop before they made fools out of themselves, but told her he thought she was hysterical. This was a morning radio DJ who is considered the funniest guy on OKC morning radio.
To answer everyone's emails asking 'why aren't there any new updates?' Our site host, Tripod, had a "glitch." That was what it said when we accessed our file manager (where we make updates).
Rebecca has done VERY well on the Neupogen. Her White Blood Cell counts are in very normal, healthy, limits. WOO-HOO! Now, we need prayers for her hemoglobin's. These have been just marginally above needing a medical intervention for a few weeks now. Hemoglobin's, I think, are what carry the oxygen to the cells, and helps with repairs when needed. The long term depleted supply is taking it's toll on Rebecca.
Also needing prayers is her left shoulder. Something in this process has caused her shoulder to turn in somewhat, like a really bad slouch. This is causing neck pain, that causes headaches, etc.
Rebecca's hair has been slowly thinning, but her hair is so thick you can't tell. Except her now curly hair keeps getting fluffier!
Today, she was singing "I'm going to Yosemite, I'm going to Yosemite ..." When I asked what she was talking about, she reaffirmed her dedication to being a missionary out there. Also said she and God have been having some long talks about it, and where she needs to focus her studies and her heart to get ready.
Oh, speaking of Yosemite ... Terry, her regular climbing buddy and one of her best friends, flew out to Yosemite for a week of climbing with Jimmy, from Texas. Rebecca picked Terry up at the airport when he got back. Most people hold up signs welcoming people home. Not Rebecca! She held up a sign reading "YOU DON'T BELONG HERE!" Terry found this to be hilarious. Guess that's why they are friends!
The NHL is back in action, thankfully, giving Rebecca something to fall asleep to every night.
TODAY: Gemzar and Herceptin and an addition to the expander. Rebecca has requested fewer updates on the reconstruction process, saying "There is such a thing as too much information" and that there was already enough personal details about her on the internet already.
So how's Rebecca doing? Let's talk about her eating. As you may remember, her first battle with cancer she mostly ate onion rings with marinara sauce, washed down by a fountain Coke in half ice, with pain medication and anything with cinnamon and sugar for desert. Occasionally there was a sampler basket from IHOP thrown in.
How does Rebecca eat now? Try about 180 degrees from where she was last time. Last week she made homemade bread, and her house smelled wonderful! Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto with a piece of lemon squeezed over. Chicken broth with spinach, sometimes with pasta and Italian meatballs thrown in. Nutella and banana sandwiches. Breakfast is usually an egg or two, and grapefruit with a piece of (real) buttered toast, but the bread has to be fresh bakery (Rebecca - Have you read the list of chemicals they put in bread to keep it "fresh"!) Get the picture? It was a lot easier to feed her last time, but I like seeing how she's eating now.
Gemzar has Rebecca looking a lot closer at the foods she eats. Because it is primarily used in lung and pancreatic cancer, it wreaks havoc on the digestive system. Rebecca has very little energy. She still acts like herself, cheerful and energetic, but wipes out pretty fast. If she tells you she needs to sit down you have about two minutes before she konks out.
Rebecca has a nice healthy white blood cell count again! Counts are as follows:
WBC 5.6, YYYEEESSSSS!
GR# 3.1, also something to celebrate!
RBC 4.08, low, but not scary
Hgb 11.8, low, but not bad
Plt 232, no worries
Terry took her to her first appointment, then they went for a sandwich at a hospital cafe, before dropping her off at chemo. Nolan picked her up after, and made sure she had the one big healthy meal while the anti nausea meds were still going strong. Guess there was a scare when Rebecca first took a bite of food and ended up in a lot of pain when she swallowed it. Took a few minutes for it to pass, and she was able to finish just fine after that. She said she was thinking how good the food looked, and the thought of leaving it there to visit the ER was just more than she take.
GOOD NEWS! Don't know about the blood counts yet, but the VA has changed Rebecca's status. She has been promised medical care for life. No word yet if this will include the non-FDA approved treatment she is already getting.
So I stopped by Rebecca's this past Labor Day weekend. Made a reference to how brave I thought she was. She rolled her eyes, said "Yeah, I'm getting braver by the day ... read this!" and handed me some info downloaded from the internet. The Neupogen she was given to boost her blood counts is made out of the Escherichia coli bacteria. You've heard of it, it's also known as THE E COLI BACTERIA!!!!! Yes, the same stuff that we hear about in the evening news.
I don't get it. I don't understand. I don't care. As long as it works and keeps Rocky healthy through this. For those of you who want to look it up, visit http://www.neupogen.com/pi.html and read the second paragraph.
Today's schedule:
10:30 VA surgery clinic, another possible expansion
11:30 - 12:30 or so, leisurely lunch downtown
1:00 Chemotherapy ...
- first, bloodwork, if all is good ...
- saline starter
- meds to counter allergic reactions to Gemzar
- Gemzar
- saline
- Herceptin
- Call Nolan for ride home
- Saline to ensure nothing left in port line
- Go home to sleep
No idea what will happen if her WBC's have not gone up. Will have blood counts posted as soon as am able.
Normal limits for WBC (White Blood Counts) are 4 parts per something. Rebecca's WBC is at 2. Another number that indicates an ability to fight off infections is the GR#. Normal low is 1.6, Rebecca is at 0.5. These are dangerously low, please pray they go up. She was given a new blood boosting drug, Nupogen, that she can take three times a week. She did not receive the Genzar (traditional chemo) this week, but did get the Herceptin. Chemo schedules are very important. Being delayed can mean a less effective outcome.
Other counts as follows:
RBC - 4.23, low, but in normal limits
Hgb - 12.1, low, but in normal limits
Plt - 212, now worries, this is a very healthy level
The pathology report came back with some great results. Nice sparkling clean margins, with only one lymph node coming back positive for cancer. This one was below the ones she had taken out in the first surgery. So there was no where for cancer cells to travel out of this one. ALL OF THIS IS VERY GOOD NEWS! There were some other things on the report that we are waiting for clarification on.
It looks like the side effects from the Genzar are going to put Rebecca through what all of us expected last time. Rebecca called Genzar, "An evil excuse of a chemo drug." Yes, that bad. The plan is to give her some kind drug to counteract the side effects BEFORE they give her the Genzar. Hopefully it will work.
In other news: The friend and baby Rebecca was worried about did safely make it out of New Orleans. All her relatives, Aunt Cherry & Uncle Al and Uncle Doug & Aunt Marilyn, were also safely delivered through the storm.
It's been a rough week for Rebecca. Mostly she just slept the whole time. Already she says the side effects are worse and that she would rather be bald again. Yesterday she did get out and go to the store, and fixed a 'real' dinner for herself. Real being saffron rice, chicken, squash with onion and red pepper, and asparagus. That's a far cry from the girl who called me last week asking for a burger, that she ate half of then wrinkled her nose saying "this isn't good anymore."
Rebecca is starting to show some of the allergic side effects to the Genzar. Hopefully these will not get any worse.
Chemo of Genzar and Herceptin again on Tuesday. Nolan will be taking care of her transportation.
Chemo started today. First Rebecca had the first 'expansion' done. It was reported to be declared "VERY painful" to the point of feeling it down her arm and in her hand, then going numb from the added pressure on the nerves. This was after a dose of oxycotin, the stuff Rush Limbaugh became addicted too.
A few friends showed up, with food, to the chemo ward for a small
party. Glenda, Mark, Lynn & Bill, a few others had planned on being
there but were unable at the last moment. Balloons really brightened
the place up and put smiles on the faces of other cancer patients.
Rebecca's starting blood levels are as follows:
WBC - 4.0
RBC - 4.23
Hgb - 12.0
Plt - 328
Definitions, along with what is considered normal counts, will be on the factoids page soon for those of you who don't understand the abbreviations
Genzar, the traditional chemotherapy, is reported to wreck havoc on the WBC and RBC, but is even worse on the Plt. Rebecca's blood counts will be checked weekly.
Rebecca was fairly perky and up doing things until almost done, then you could see her slowing down, and she mentioned being dizzy. Let's plan on keeping phone calls down until we know how she is going to react to this new chemo drug.
The first dose of Herceptin was today. This is the one she will receive every week for a year. Thankfully, it will not (PRAISE GOD!) have bad side effects the way traditional chemo does.
All I know about how Rebecca is feeling right now, is the dizziness when Bill & Lynn were taking her home, and saying she would probably sleep the rest of the day.
Tomorrow is "officialy" Day one of Rebecca's treatments, so I figured today was Day Zero.
Ever here the expresion "hell hath no furry like that of a woman scorned"? I think Rebecca is a little confused. For her, it's "hell hath no furry like when she finds a worm in her prized basil plant." (Rumor has it, Aunt Jane act's the same way to squirlles in her tomatos.) Now keep in mind, this plant is waist hi, and would be marvolus on it's own even if it had no uses. Add in Oklahoma heat and sun, and I think you get the idea.
No word if we will still be treated to that wonderfu dish of her's when we stop by ... a vine ripe tomato (off her tomato plant that's as tall as she is) with a little drizzle of olive oil, and torn up basil, sometimes with goat cheese, sometimes served hot with the cheese melting over the edges of a sliced tomato and a little brown on the edges. OK, now I'm about to start yelling!
Chemo tomorrow. I'm slowly starting to understand why US World Report referred to Herceptin as "The Rolling Stones of cancer drugs." To add to what the prior post was explaining about it - The Herceptin binds with the HER2 proteins. There are HER2 proteins on EVERY cell, but the regular cells are safe from harm because of the lower counts on the outer shell. The "monoclonal antibodies on the cancer cell's surface identifies it as an abnormal cell." The body's immune system, actually attaches to the herceptin. When the HER2 is pulled into the cell, it takes takes the wife (herceptin) and kids (Natural Killers, NK, from the persons immune system) with it. Herceptin stops it from reproducing, or healing itself, and the NK are able to then recognize it as a cancer cell and destroy it. Regular cells, again, are safe from the body's immune system.
The 'traditional chemo' is used to weaken every cancer cell in the body, to kind of jump start the Herceptin and the NK cells. (Rebecca will not be on it for as long as she was last time) This using the body's natural immune system is the big break through, that caused a bunch of cancer doctors to react like a bunch of kids at a Rolling Stones concert.
Rebecca's words (I wrote it down as soon as I could) "The Rolling Stones were just a comparison. I can think of something far greater that's actually at work with this."
Where to start? Many appointments were made on the 16th. Wait, let me back up a little, my sticky notes are out of order. On the 15th Rebecca managed two 'kiddie climbs' at the climbing gym, and part of an easier regular climb. It was reported that she was barely using her left hand, and when she did it was only for balance. She left more then one person shaking their heads in disbelief ... when things were said like "I can't believe you did that" or "You were amazing!" Her answer was how "That was God and his grace," adding, "I was just praying up there."
The appointment ON the 16th with plastic surgery; Rebecca has not healed enough to start having more saline added to the expander under the pectoral muscle. Something that didn't bother Rebecca at all!
Chemo will be starting next Tuesday, the 23rd. The schedule will go in 21 day, three week, cycles. The new drugs will be something called Genzar, and of course the new wonder drug Herceptin! That was the one with all the amazing results, and the study phases being cut short because of the great results.
On the 21 day cycles:
Genzar - Will be given on days 1 and 8. So two weeks
on, one week off. We think (don't hold me to it) this will be for four
cycles, so 8 total doses. There is an 80% chance Rebecca WILL NOT lose
her hair. While a 'nice' thing, Rebecca referred to it as 'making a
deal with the devil' because of increased side effects that come with
it. The blood counts, both red and white this time, almost 100% of
people have the vomiting, something Rebecca has been very blessed NOT
to have to deal with so far, along with a list of others. Neulasta, the
$7008 blood booster, will not work in this case, but the Amgen company
has another one for her ... Nupogen, which she can take more often. No
word yet on how much that one will cost.
Herceptin - Also known as Trastuzumab, will be on days 1, 8, and 15. Once a week for a period of ONE YEAR! Rebecca wasn't too thrilled with this, but she met another woman with recurring breast cancer who put things in perspective for her. Now, for those of you who have never met Rebecca or had the chance to really get to know her, there's something you need to know to understand this story. Rebecca has an amazing ability to keep a straight face when NOBODY else on THIS PLANET could. Keep this in mind as you read on.
Rebecca usually goes right into whatever she is talking about, but this time she didn't. So I asked "What's going on with her?" expecting to hear some horror story of this woman possibly being terminal or something.
Rebecca then began to tell me how this other woman was first diagnosed in the 70's when the only surgical option was a radical mastectomy, plus in those days chemo was given months apart and lasted for SEVERAL years. No reconstruction, implant or using muscles from the tummy or back. Then she was diagnosed, again, on the other side a few years ago. At that time she was very happy to learn about the reconstruction available, and chose to use a combo from her tummy and back. Now, the cancer has come back on the original side on the chest muscle. Picture Rebecca being Rebecca, with the straight face thing ... She tells me how this woman was just flabbergasted, and said "I just don't know how to tell people I'm going to have a third mastectomy!"
This woman is reported to have a personality very similar to Rebecca's, and they hit it off big time. She was very interested in Rebecca's memory foam 'girl thing,' as we are all laughingly calling it now. They exchanged phone numbers and plan to get together again. I really don't know if I will be handle sitting in a room with both of them if they get chemo together.
So Herceptin ... works in three different ways in women who are considered HER2 positive, like Rebecca. First I'll explain some medical jargon so you can follow along. The HER2 GENE (Human Epidermal growth Receptor 2) is actually something all of us have. This is what signals the nucleus of a cell to split. In breast cancer, there will be too much and is referred to as the HER2 receptor, OR as the HER2 protein.
The way Herceptin launches it's attack: First, Herceptin binds to the HER2 proteins on the tumor cell surface. When the HER2 proteins are pulled back into the cell with the Herceptin attached, it is unable to grow or divide. Second, the Herceptin seems to attract the natural killers in the immune system, making it possible for the immune system to kill off cancer cells. Third, when working with traditional chemotherapy, though they work in VERY different ways, the two drugs almost have a partnership. The traditional chemo damages the DNA in the cell nucleus of tumors (fast growing cells). Then the Herceptin prevents them from healing, or repairing themselves.
The year long administration of Herceptin is where all the great results are coming from. It makes it almost impossible for any cancer cells to survive and keep going, as was the case with Rebecca's cancer coming back so quickly.
Rebecca had the dranage tube pulled out on tuesday. If you hug her, be careful not to hurt her. The tube came out her back over by her arm. She complaned about people hugging her and them hitting that spot with ther hands. It's still bleeding some that should tell you how sensitibe it is.
A quick run down of everything ...
-- She still needs pain pills threw the day, but not as many. Without the pain pills she is miserable.
-- One day she didn't take any pills, and drove down her street to
another Rebecca's house. Relized she shouldn't be driving and will wait
longer to try agan.
-- Had heart skan on Wednesday and other Rebecca drove her. That new
drug can 'sometimes' cause heart problems so Rebecca's heart will be
very watched.
-- The two scans Rebecca had think it was one for bone and another of
the torso came back good and showed no cancer anywhere else. That fiest
PET scan showed that the cancer may have spread to INSIDE the chest
cavity ie, very bad. This is what those scans were checking. The
lightning that hit the VA during the first one is what might have
caused the problem. Rebecca was being herself agan and needed to deal
with that relity herself before she told us about it. But all is ok and
that is not the case. No worrys there.
-- Chemo will start week after next. Dr. Tfayli will be out of town,
but will not let himself be the reason for another delay. Say a prayer
of thanks for him would you!
-- Rebecca still has to sleep sitting up, sorta. This could last a long
time. She doesn't like it. Said even after sleeping sitting up it's
painful to get up in the morning.
-- the 'gummy bear' implant has been approved by the FDA but will be
limited who gets it and the determining factors aren't picked yet. The
doc said he could go slow with the expanding until they know, saying
rebuilds are always top of the list on things.
Last night she called for a ride to the food store... I don't know why this girley stuff always lands on me to post.. but she looked relly, um, "normal" when I picked her up. I coudnn't figure what was up and wasn't about to ask. That's the kind of thing a guy can get slugged. But she expland at the store so I guess it's ok to put here. One of those breast cancer sites had direction on how to use those pricy memoreyfoam pillows and make, a, girl thing... this is a girly subject, I'll let one of them ecplain it!
In the words of a woman -- I personally find Mark's update rather amusing and wish he had finished! Rebecca was given directions on making a "girl thing," as Mark so eloquently worded it, out of a Temper-pedic pillow. The original, and higher priced, temper-pedic material is heat dissipating, that other memory foams do not do, along with the softness and stress reliving properties. This makes it ideal for women going through the long, slow, and painful, process of reconstruction through an expander, and why she is able to wear it so close to surgery.
It's my understanding that more than one person has been caught off guard. Even though she is still in pain from the mastectomy, she is able to appear the same in her appearance. She's very happy about this and said it's helped her a lot emotionally.
Rebecca has been eating very well, this is the good news. She even joked that the food (from the ladies at her church) is almost worth getting cancer for.
Last two or three nights, Rebecca has woken up asking for pain medication. Last night was the worst so far. Even though she still has to sleep semi upright, the pain was so bad she couldn't lie back at all. Instead she had to lean forward and rest on the arm of her big chair. Terry said Rebecca complains about the pain "being different" and changing. She has a follow up appointment tomorrow. The drainage tube may or may not be removed. I'll spare all of you the details on this subject, but it's not a pleasant thing for Rebecca. She still has to use her right arm to move her left arm.
Today the secretary at Rebecca's church stopped off at Rebecca's favorite sandwich shoppe, then called to see what Rebecca wanted for lunch. Sounds like they had a nice visit. Rebecca even got dressed and went with her as she ran a quick errand, but Rebecca is still not to a point she could go out much (drainage tube).
Rebecca is still mostly just sleeping. Amy's Nana took the cause of feeding Rebecca lunch to the ladies from their church, a different person will be bringing her lunch until next Monday. Evening meals are just kind of informally being rotated around, and breakfast depends on who stays with her at night.
Something that makes no sense to me; yesterday was the day that would be the most painful for the muscles, so why did they let her go home and make her go through it without the stronger pain medications!
No word on how she is today. Rumor has it she's going to try to get a ride to the hair stylist to get her hair washed.
Mark says her car is fixed, for now. Harvey, her chiropractor, is giving a temperpedic pillow to her. Rebecca found some kind of instructions on line to make something to help ease the pain she'll be in with the expander. Oscar is said to be very protective right now. Anita is still checking up on her. Nothing negative has been said to me, except how she couldn't get any sleep yesterday cause people were calling to check in on her. She was kind of laughing about it, and commented "Can't people care enough to let me sleep!"
Yesterday, Rebecca found out one of the dogs she occasionally baby-sits for passed away. Mark said she's more in shock and confused about it than anything. Mark also said Rebecca wanted a request for a prayer for the puppy's owner, and also the other puppy, during this time.
I'm not so sure Rebecca was ACTUALLY in a hospital. She said the food was good? She's home now and Amy's grandparents, Nana and Boba, will be bringing her some lunch tomorrow. Some orginazation out in California makes little pillow for ladies who have just had a mastectomy. They hold the pillow between the arm and the body to prevent rubbing and give a little extra padding. Rebecca was given morphine every couple of hours, now she is itching like crazy coming off of it. Was told to take benadryl for 24 hours until it passes. Rebecca very much liked the morphine as she was able to move her arm around her full range of motion which is very prevenetive of scar tissue. There's so much I'm trying to figure out what all of you would be most interested in hearing ...
The little medical marking tatoo, left over from radiation, that she hated so much was removed. Little extra thanks to Dr. Dooley for that one! Dr. Sawan, expecting things to be a little difficult on his end (recontruction) called in one or two of his buddy's to help out, so three plastic surgeons total. They were even able to put in 100cc of saline in the expander -- expander, like an empty balloon they will keep putting saline in until the skin is stretched enough for an implant. Rebecca truely is a one of a kind! She joked on the phone about how with the $150k spent on her breast, it could at least be round instead of an upside down rounded trapazoid! (this is expected to eqalize out in time)
Emotionally - she said she gave her self a 'crying headache' in the wee hours of Monday morning. Took Oscar for a drive with the top down on her car until she felt better. Pre-operative, she held it together until they started taking her to the pre-op room. Anita was crying and hugged on her. Mark wished her well, hugged her. Mark and Anita left for the waiting room. Then Terry leaned over to hug her. The guy transferring her, noting the state she was in, said he would see if someone could stay with her, and let them know in the waiting room. When the guy started to push her bed, Terry saw the look on her face and just followed her in, not about to leave her alone for one minute. Leaving Anita and Mark wondering what happened as they missed the last exchanges.
After emotions -- Rebecca said she was kind of surprised how un-tramatised she was at seeing herself. She wasn't as covered with bandages as she thought she would be. The 100 cc meant she didn't need the compression, the liquid took care of that. But ... I'm going to say let's go ahead and pray on this subject. Rebecca has been heavily medicated since the surgery. Once her head is clear it might not be the same. Hope you understand what I ment by that. It's hard to express thoughts sometimes.
That special bond that climbers share when they regularly hold each other's lives in their hands (literally) is very evident between Terry and Rebecca right now. Terry slept on the floor of Rebecca room on a small small sleeping pad. Getting up several times in the middle of the night when she needed something, and doing what it took for her to rest comfortably. This included rearranging items she thought were in her room. Remember, she WAS on morphine.
Another climber, Julie, happens to be a respiratory therapst. Over the phone she was able to better explain a breathing apparatis Rebecca is supposed to be using. The nurses directions were not very good. Little extra thanks to Julie for that one! Once arriving home, the first person to call was another climber / cancer survivor. He wanted to know how she was, and provided the support only another survivor could. Little extra thanks to him on that one! Rebecca's car ... she once said she prayed for that car more then she prayed for her health. The main radiator fan went out, highly important when in idle in traffic, a rather needed item around OKC. Mark is trying to fix it and will try again tomorrow. Little extra thanks to Mark for that one!
Misc. FYI's -- Talking leaves Rebecca very out of breath, almost a semi gasping. If you call, please keep it short! Also, she has to sleep in a sitting postition so she will be in her 'big chair' in the living room for a week or two. This afternoon, Terry had to un-plug one phone, and turn the ringer off on the other just so she could sleep. I'm going to guess Amy's grandparents might make arrangements with some other members of her church for meals. Rebecca is NOT capable of fixing much for herself right now. Oscar is clinging to her side, of course.
Prayers -- healing, that's a given. The medications effect the, um ... ability to use the restroom. Might seem like something tacky to mention, but stop and think how you would feel if it was you! her car. a few of Rebecca's friends are having a hard time with her cancer coming back. her emotions as she comes off the heavy medications.
PRAISE - the 'comfort pillow' making ladies out in California! the 'extra' plastic surgeons! Julie! Mark! Anita! Terry! Dr. Dooley! prayer warriors who remember Rebecca! Nana and Boba!
WOW, BOTH surgeons,
Dr. Dooley and Dr. Sawan were very pleased with how things went.
Despite a late start, the ER needed the OR, what do they think this is,
a hospital? Actual time in surgery was slightly less than expected,
also a good sign. The surgens even thought Rebecca could go home, IF
she really felt up to it. Rebecca decided a little R&R would be
best. (yea)
She was transported to Presbeterian for the night and will be returned to Oscar's watchful care tomorrow.
Today's Schedule:
7:30am - Report to hospital.
9:30am - "Scheduled" time for surgery to start, we've seen what can
happen with this one already. No word on how long it will take.
Overnight - Stay in hospital, unless she just snaps out of everything
amazingly well. I'm going to guess (Oklahoma) Mark (?) will be making
the updates throughout the day.
I was just politely reminded that I'm a chicken -- even at the zoo. But think about it, how strong can those fences really be? So, yes, any story about a bear that isn't behind some wimpy, reinforced iron fence with some big moat around it, is going to get an over-reaction out me. It was spelled out for me that it was Rebecca who wanted this trip. Rebecca was the one who wanted to walk out instead of waiting till morning, and after the 'meeting' Terry let Rebecca go first and he was carrying the food, so he would be the target. Thank you Terry, and I apologize for how I reacted.
They bailed on the climbing due to how they were feeling. They were almost to where they were going to sleep when both realized they were making little mistakes they don't usually make, and not feeling 100%. At that time they desided it was better to bail rather then risk getting worse and making bigger mistakes. Thinking it was a combo of heat, altitude, and physical exertion. Walking out was choosen to get Rebecca to a lower altitude incase she was getting altitude sickness, not wanting her to get worse before surgery.
I want to know what monkey said how 'we should just suppport Rebecca in whatever she needs to do to get ready for surgery' so I can have a few words with you face to face. She's home. I'm talking to her over the phone as I type this. I'll post details later. Apparently those two had to bail on the climbing and walk out, as in UP 1000 vertical feet through a gully in the dark of night. THEY HAD SOME KIND OF ENCOUNTER WITH A BEAR! This put them into high speed, pushing themselves hard as possible, and stopping only long enough for Rebecca to throw up from physical exertion. So after I have a few words with Terry, I want a few words with whomever said to support this excursion!
Yesterday, at the base of the two day, multi-pitch, big wall climb Rebecca paused, with that infectious enthusiasm in her voice, to send greetings to us poor earthbound flatlanders.
Rebecca is on the third day of a three day headache, that?s headache spelled with a VA and an OU (medical)
Surgery Update: August 1st Everet Towers, Check in at 7, show at 9:30. Somehow a change in local didn?t seem important enough to mention to the patient, resulting in another hectic day sorting things out. Who else would like to de-stress with an anesthetic counseling session and 3 hours of paperwork 2 hours before the offices close.
Pray for Rebecca and her guide as they head off to a relaxing big wall adventure, in preparation for surgery.
Surgery is six days away. Please mark on your calenders to pray for BOTH surgeons, Dr. Dooley and Dr. Sawen, the annethesiologyst (anyone know how to spell that?), the nurses and assistants, friends in the waiting room, her family who can't be there, yourself and how you are feeling, and protection of the muscles pectoralis and latisimus dorsi and corresponding nerves.
Sunday night, the climbing community held a small get together to show their support for Rebecca. About 20 people invaded her house bringing food, and bearing gifts. Debi and Terry gave her shirts that button up in the front, and Nancy raided her closet giving her two shirts and one entire outfit. Strange thing was how they were all color coordinated like they all went shopping together. Rebecca say's she really likes everything, and even wore one shirt yesterday.
Rebecca had an appointment with Dr. Tfayli, oncology, yesterday. Originally it was schedualed as a follow-up and Rebecca was told to 'just keep the appointment'. Dr. Tfayli WAS NOT happy about the lack of communication and the hold-up's with the VA. Despite planning to be on vacation, when Rebecca will be starting chemo again, Dr. Tfayli promised he would make as many phone calls as needed to start her care as quickly as possible, adding that he would not be the cause of another delay. Herceptin WILL be used in combination with another chemo drug to be determined later. There is even a chance that she might not loose her hair again!
If you are reading this in the morning hours of Tuesday the 26th of July, say a little prayer would you? Dr. Tfayli wasn't happy with the PET scan done at the VA, and ordered additional scans. There will be 2 or 3 this morning, and Rebecca had to fast starting at midnight last night.
Rebecca got home yesterday. She didn't say much about why she went home. She is talking about her nephew, Ira, the first pictures were taken of him this past Monday. Ira is due to greet the world sometime later this year.
Surgery is just a little over a week away. In that time frame, Rebecca plans to do her first 'big wall' climb. 'Big wall' being defined as multi-day, and spending the night tied to the side of a cliff. Whatever she needs to do to prep herself for what she's about to go through, even if it's something we don't understand or agree with -- let's support her in it. She has enough going on without having to defend herself or how she feels.
The card drive is going so well! I can't thank all of you enough! What really blows my mind is the amount of suport from total strangers. Rebecca knows about it now, and her face is fun to watch. She's excited about her daily card before it even get's in her hands!
No details on the surgery yet. Just Aug. 1, at Presby.
Rebecca didn't give any details, but she's flying home to Wyoming tonight and will be back Thursday.
It is about time ... little master mind planning, a threat to go to Senator Tom Cole if no surgery date was set by 1 pm today. Ok, I'm trying to figure out how to tell this one. Important thing -- Rebecca will be having her de-cancering surgery with the start of a rebuild on August 1, at Presbyterian. The rebuild will be done in phases, and could take around a year. If I have been reading right about that new drug Herceptin, that also takes about a year. Every three weeks. Yeah I thought that too.
How it all happened. I don't know all the details. Rebecca threatened to go to a Senator if nothing was set by 1 pm today. Everything was finalized at 1:41 pm. No Senators needed, the threat seemed to be just as efficient. The VA was trying to get things set for Dr. Dooley to be able to perform surgery there. Why they didn't just approve her to go to Presby to begin with? I don't know. Yesterday, it came up that they didn't even have the special operating stuff he needed, so all the delay red tape was an even bigger joke than normal VA idiot stuff.
STILL no word on when surgery will be The mess is as follows: Dr. Sawen is the only plastic surgeon Dr. Dooley will work with. Dr. Dooley cannot work at the VA. Dr. Sawen does do work at the VA occasionally. Because he is a "VA" doctor, Rebecca had to see him at the VA. Because she was seen by him at the VA, Presbyterian (sic) will not let surgery be schedualed unless she is a patient at their hospitial. So she can't have surgery at the hospitial her main Doctor can work because Dr. Sawen didn't see her there. She can't have surgery at the VA because Dr. Dooley can't work there... Did you follow all of that?
Rebecca had her first real hair cut today! It looks really good on her! The back, between her ears, is stacked and thinned out to showcase her new curls. The top and sides were left long, it's six inches long now. Also has really light bangs that just kinda fall wherever. She loves it and said "I feel like a girl again!"
Rebecca has started contacting the 'approver people' and if needed, will start using the Senator support chain from before.
Rebecca is back, said she had a great time in Wyoming with the exception of some expensive car trouble. Keep praying for that convertibe would you. She had an appointment with some new doctor on tuesday. He'll be working on her for about a year. No word on when surgery or chemo will be.
Rebecca is in Wyoming visiting family until next weekend
Rebecca is pretty happy. Thanks to the VA delay she WILL be going to Wyoming for fishing, camping, rock climbing, and the like. Her Uncle Doug and Cousin Gilbert will also be there. Terry will be helping her drive.
Those of you planning to help Rebecca out, take her to chemo, bring her food, whatever, you may want to consider taking out some extra insurance! Remember how a train derailed near her house after her first chemo infusion? Well, lightning struck the VA hospitial during her PET scan. I personally saw it as a message from God to the VA.
One of Rebecca's rock climber friends, I don't know that they are actually friends so much as they just know each other, really impressed me with his attempt to be supportive and encouraging. He told her that maybe getting a VASECTOMY wouldn't be such a bad idea and could improve her climbing! Pointing out things like less weight, and being able to get into something called a sqeeze chimney easier. Rebecca just nodded her head and told him thanks for the encouragement.
For those not familiar with the purpose of the Flying Monkey Association, I would like to introduce who we are and what we do. For those who are familiar with us, there some things I would like to go over.
The Flying Monkey Association was formed shortly after Rebecca was diagnosed with cancer. Several people had done things that were in no way supportive of Rebecca's needs, and could be classified as hurtful. Such as insisting on eating at a restaurant where there was NOTHING Rebecca could eat, and focused only on what they wanted to do, delaying Rebecca being able to eat according to her needs for several hours, and later that day someone came to her house and talked for over two hours about the people they knew who had died from cancer.
Needless to say, by that evening Rebecca was an emotional mess. Cancer is hard enough for her without actions such as this. That night, we, the FMA, organized. Our sole purpose is to protect and care for Rebecca in her times of physical or emotional need, putting her first even if it meant stepping on toes or getting people mad at us. The name came from her T-shirt that reads "Don't Make Me Get My Flying Monkeys!"
One of the initial things that was very hard for Rebecca was the constant questions. Yes, we all care about her and want to know what is going on; however, Rebecca is a whole person beyond having cancer. Nobody talked to her about anything EXCEPT cancer, leaving her to say, in tears, "Nobody talks to me about anything anymore but a cluster of cells that are trying to kill me!" This is when Web Master Monkey, Joe, created this web site. We, and Rebecca, understand not everyone has the ability to access the internet.
Over the past week, MANY of you with computers and internet access have been asking questions already covered by this web site because they 'just wanted to hear it from Rebecca.' STOP IT NOW! It does Rebecca no emotional good to be forced to go NEEDLESSLY over and over this. Rebecca knows the needs of those who care and she will, and does regularly, bring up a chance for you to ask more details in normal conversation. But unless you are one of her closest confidants, the details she is comfortable sharing will be posted here for you to read.
Here are some topics to talk about it:
- Planned birthday present from her brother.
- Gardening; did she save the oak tree? Rose of Sharon tree in bloom, strawberry plants, etc.
- Her baby twin cousins, she carries their picture everywhere.
- Trips and travel, Yosemite, Puerto Rico, and soon Wyoming.
- One of her friends featured in Alpinist 11, on news stands now, on page 76.
I think you get the picture. I am not trying to make anyone feel bad. Just trying to keep Rebecca from being distressed more than is necessary.
This post will have nothing to do with Rocky's health. I'm just doing some random thinking on my lunch break after reading Us News & World Report. Good recommendation, thanks, I also recommend it to our faithful Rebecca Prayer Warriors.
The new 'wonder drug' being hailed mightily by the medical and media world is Herceptin. Though US News was informative, it wasn't the clearest on if it's too little or too much of the protein HER2 that is the problem; therefor, since Rocky is HER2 positive, I'm going to assume too much is the problem, and accept that I may be wrong. The little side bar on page 67 also leads me to think too much is the problem. Also from this side bar is the statement that the "NEWLY DEMONSTRATED BENEFIT" is defined as "Cut risk of cancer return by 52% when combined with chemo vs. chemo alone." I very much liked reading this and knowing they are already discussing it's use for Rebecca.
Wonder Drug #1, Neulasta, came in at $7,008 per dosage. A dose being 6, count them, SIX LITTLE MILLIGRAMS! With four cycles being the norm for chemo, this 'should' bring Wonder Drug #1 cost totals to $77,088, with the end count being 11 dosages should, and I'm assuming again from what I have read, Rocky again have another round of chemo.
This brings me to the area I am actually thinking about. What in heavens name is THIS wonder drug, Herceptin, going to cost!
Rebecca's 'planning meeting' with Dr. Dooley was today. I will talk about that, and I will restart the 'The VA is a bunch of mindless idiots, is the stuff that comes out of their mouths for real,' thinking for all those who take the time to read this site. Speaking of this site. Never noticed Tripod (site host) counts for us the people who check this site. Yesterday was 14, but in the past month 668. That is a real testament to how many of you Pray 4 REBECCA! Sorry, couldn't resist.
If you watched the news yesterday you heard about some new drug for breast cancer. Rebecca is a prime candidate for that drug they were talking about, Herse ... something. In a strange twist it is a lucky and good thing that the recurrence is of the invasive cancer not the other kind. I didn't quite get why, but it's good somehow. For those keeping medical details, the tumor is HER2 positive which means some kind of protein, and hormone receptor negitive as in too many girlie hormones like Lance Armstrong.
Oh hey this is a good week to buy US News & World Report. You will get a good education on the drug Rebecca is a good candidate for, and get some other (I.E., better then Monkey School) info on breast cancer, research, treatments, and stuff. So check for it at the news stands.
Ok, the plan of action is modified, another word (I think), mastectomy with rebuilding at the same time. After talking the options with the Doc, they both think a saline implant. She could use her tummy but (HER words NOT mine) she 'didn't want a boob that disappeared everytime she lost weight.' Cause her weight still fluxuates between 140 and 125. Using the tummy moves fat around and her chest would come and go with her weight. She's not interested in taking the risk with silicone even though it would look more real. Said she isn't taking any risks with her health if it leaked.
Now my favorite subject of Idiots. The VA ... the approver people at the VA asked the Doc's office why reconstruction needed to be done at the same time. The pocket of skin thing was explained, they still asked if it could be delayed until later. Guys, I am a dude and I try not to listen to the details unless I can't avoid it, but even I under stand that one.
Rebecca will be getting a PET scan on Thursday to make sure Oscar and Thor are ... no wait, it's not for her pets, it's a total body MRI thing to see if the cancer spread anywhere else. And that kind of is stupid sounding to me cause of the grief they gave her over the original MRI they wouldn't accept. Plastic surgeon appointment will be on the 28th of June. Oh, something else the VA 'didn't get' was the time needed to order the implant BEFORE surgery. No word on how close the new areas are to the muscles, but the Doc's not too worried about it and said they will check during the operation.
I was just reading back through the first updates when Rebecca was first diagnosed, and realized how everything is almost exactly two years after the first time. Thankfully it's being taken seriously this time and not ignored because of her young age. I don't know how many of you know this, but a doctor actually found the tumor 8 months before she was diagnosed and told her how at her age 'it was nothing to worry about' and to 'keep an eye on it.' This is the same guy who diagnosed her with hypochondria four months before when she kept going in for dizzy spells, fatigue, almost passing out in dance class, sudden weight changes, etc.
I doubt there is anyone who has not heard Rebecca say this, I know I rarely go more then three weeks without hearing it, but I want to say it too ... Ladies, do you monthly breast exam. Guys, you have a monthly exam too. I don't want to watch anymore of my friends go through what Rebecca has.
OK, enough of that. Rebecca got in LATE last night due to flight delays from rain in Florida, missed flights from delayed flights, etc. Despite being wiped out from a long day of travel, with nothing but bad airport food to sustain her, she was still her usual self rattling off stories the whole way home. I really liked how she told about why rock climbing girls from Wyoming are NOT MADE TO RIDE WAVES!! Guess when she did FINALLY catch a wave (the RIGHT way) AND managed to stay on the board, she had no idea when or where, much less HOW to stop. So the wave helped out by tossing her up on the sand like a beached whale. Only not as gracefully.
Other stories included fish eating bread out of her hand while snorkeling on a coral reef; tours of fortresses built in the 1500s, the rain forest, a fully restored (complete with working water powered machinery) coffee plantation from the 1800s, old San Juan, small twisting mountain roads, the home of the people who brought rum to the world, one of the worlds largest caves (home to the worlds oldest and biggest stalagmite) and the sink holes around it (I'm going to come back to this subject later), and the main plaza of Ponsay (?).
Back to the cave thing. Please bear with me and remember that I am not Rebecca and lack her ability to tell things in a way that makes you feel like you are there with her. The cave was super big and dark and towards the back was one of the sink holes (a place where the roof collapsed a long time ago). It had started raining after they got inside the front of the cave, so when they got back to the sink hole the rain was coming down, and the whole area was covered with rain forest type vegetation. She talked about the mist, and the sunlight reflecting off the rain. A very deep crevasse with the underground river showing below, and a very large spider in a new web covered in condensation. She said there are pictures and I'll try to get the on the web site.
I like posting stuff like that the most, but ... this is supposed to be about her health. Dr. Dooley, who told her to go and have a good time and even recommended some places to eat, scheduled an appointment for her on June 7. While she was gone, Rebecca called one of her medical team to get the necessary paper work approved for a plastic surgeon. Rebecca is talking about a complete mastectomy with reconstruction at the same time. Over the phone they agreed that this sounded like a good idea and said they would get started on it. As soon as I, or another member of FMA finds out details of the pathology and the game plan, we will post it for you.
I know I have said this before. I know other Flying Monkeys have said this before ... thank you for caring enough about my friend to check this site and keep her in your prayers.
I heard from Rebecca a few days ago but haven't had time to post an update. Sounds like she is having a wonderful time in Puerto Rico! She told me about wave riding with fins and a board in the warm waves...about seeing a big fish and yelling "FISH! FISH! FISH" (and thinking something about piranas).. and eating lots of plantains. She said she really liked plantains. Yesterday she left me a message on my phone about a really funny story but she hasn't called back.
She told me that before she left she had heard from Dr. Dooley and the biopsy results were not good. She doesn't know what is next but has a meeting scheduled with her Doctors when she gets back. Till then, she's resolved to not worry and have a good time.
Keep God informed with your prayers,
Terry
oooooh ... I so do not want to write this update ...
Rebecca returned from her trip with a sparkle in her eyes that I have never seen before. She says she 'experienced God in a way she never has before,' and very excited at the thought of returning. While she was there, she was interviewed to be a missionary out there. But I will come back to that subject later, in a nutshell, there is no where for her to stay, no way to pay for it, and her church is broke. Other than that all living is already covered.
Now for what I don't want to talk about. Rebecca had her routine follow-up appointments this morning. The mammogram showed something that wasn't good and it was biopsied immediatly. It is VERY close to the chest muscles, not breast tissue. This could be an extreme not good, or it could be not much but be prepared either way.
REBECCA WILL NOT KNOW THE RESULTS FOR SEVERAL DAYS, AND MAY NOT UNTIL SHE RETURNS FROM PUERTO RICO ON JUNE FIRST. SHE HAS NO OTHER INFO TO GIVE, DO NOT ASK.
When she told me this afternoon, I could tell she wasn't up for the endless repeating of no info that everybody wants to know. I'm still at her house and she is doing better, she was kinda shakey when I showed up. Rocky hasn't even needed any pain medications yet.
Results could be known as early as Thursday, or as late as June 2nd. Rebecca is fine with waiting this long, so I guess we get to be patient too. She said something to the effect of how if it was fast growing or really bad they would know before she left, and that was the only way she would skip her trip.
Rebecca does seem to be doing ok right now, she's not stressing about it, and even said something about how she knew she was going to spend the rest of her life waiting for 'the other shoe to drop' and it might as well happen sooner than later. Pray anyway.
Rebecca reported a couple of times from Yosemite.
Nights were cold but the days were warm enough she had a blast. She really enjoyed the ministry and got to meet and share with different individuals she encountered.
Currently her plans are to leave tomorrow, keep down the pace of the return trip, and be here by Friday.
I spoke with them around 11:00 AM CT. They were near Bakersville. Feeling much warmer after a cold and wet night. Right now it looks like Yosemite Valley, the area they were trying to avoid, will actually be warmer than the one they had chosen to set camp. Unfortunately, it will be wet when they arrive. The valley had rain all of today and it should continue into tonight.
At this point I have no idea as to whether she will have a signal for her cell phone, so this might be the last posting until Monday or Tuesday. But, I can let everybody know that the first, official, trip casualty has been identified. It was a Jackrabbit.
Yesterday Team Rebecca (I've given up on keeping everybody's names straight. I know I do not have that problem with hers ... most of the time.) left for Yosemite at 7:00 PM. They kept awake by trying to figure out hockey team names for the towns they found along the way (guesss one had to be there). At 1:00 AM CT they made it to their first stop, a campground where they set their sleeping bags and spent the remaining of the night.
Around 2:00 AM Rebecca was awakened by the lovely chirping sounds of a very confused bird. I understand the bird is still alive but, it took a lot of self control from Rebecca so that the bird was not the first trip casualty.
She woke up around 6:00 AM but stayed in bed until 7:00 AM. Something about it being too cold. Just to think that she is headed to an area affected by a cold front. mmmm
On the bright side. They might encounter temperatures slightly warmer than expected. The Southern edge of the front appears to be just North of Yosemite Valley. This means that the Valley might not be as affected as originally thought. They might have temperatures 10 to 15 degrees warmer than expected.
Keep them in your prayers. We will keep you posted as they call in and give us updates.
First, here is her upcoming schedule; Late April she is hoping to go to Yosemite, in CA, to attend a class on sharing her faith with other climbers. May 22, she will be flying to Puerto Rico and meeting a family who has been praying for her, and offered a LOT of support. During the time that she was run down from being sick and in pain for so long, they offered to let her borrow their beach condo to relax. A ticket was purchased for her, and she'll be back June 1. Sometime around June 17, she will head up to Wyoming to visit family, and her Uncle Doug and Cousin Gilbert, from Alabama, will be visiting at the same time,
The class in Yosemite -- Please keep this in your prayers. Rebecca said sharing her faith with climers is an area she feels she has been struggled with. Some of us are already seeing obstacles being thrown in her path, and her main concern is having her heart and mind where they would need to be. Her second concern is getting things (money, pet sitter, etc.) together so she can go. FYI The class is being taught by a professor from Golden Gate Seminary.
Rebecca read the following verses the night before being told of the cancer:
I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave -Acts 2:25-27b