Infusion Day

August 25, 2008 - What a long day!! This procedure was to take only 90 minutes and we were at the Huntsman Center for 6.5 hours. Since it was my first infusion we didn't know the ropes and it was very crowded. The lab had to draw more blood after they got the I.V. in and then the blood had to be tested for specific values before they could mix up the Chemo (this is a form of Chemo, not the traditional Chemo and has less side affects). Once the mix was done then they called me back and put me in a nice reclyning chair with a TV attached to with cable. Mom and Julie sat in chairs next to me and kept me company which I really appreciated because this was one day I didn't want to be alone.

My nurse Laurel came around giving us instructions on the medicines and to make sure we were comfortable. She was fantastic and very funny. She gave us so many ideas for car hiking since I cannot hike anymore. So, our next family adventures locally will be car hiking to places like Mirror Lake and Alpine Loop.

A volunteer person came around every 1/2 hr with snacks and drinks so we were not in need of anything except for the day to end, it was very exhausting. I also started the other drug on Monday of which I take every night. The daily pill will have a few more side affects but nothing we can't handle. My next infusion is 9/16/08 and they swear that one should only take 60 miniutes since we have the routine down.

8/28/08 All in all I feel pretty good. This morning I went for an injection in my right shoulder for severe pain that has been lasting for about 2 weeks. I won't be able to have any surgury on it because the medicine lowers my immune system and healing process for any cuts, surgeries (which are out of the question) or anything that breaks the skin or gums.

I am so thankful I have my family and friends while going through this. My heart goes out to those who have to do it alone. Thank you and I love you all very much....

Silly Michelle in my go cart at Target

Looking Good Mom (Zion, ILL)

UPDATE: BACK HOME IN UTAH...

Well, mom survived the hospital and was released after 5 days just in time to go to the visit with Julie, shell and I to see the Oncologist Dr. Thompson. This visit was pretty informative but only confirmed what I already knew and that was to have my treatment at home with the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We make an appointment with Dr. Akerley (my Oncologist) with some questions we had after the visit in Zion, Illinois. We all felt better with the road we are going down. We are starting off with the study drugs and if I don't react to them or if I get worse during treatment then they will discontinue the drugs and start me on chemo right away which by the way has a 30% treatment rate.

So far this is what I know and I am going to be honest. My cancer has metastasize through parts of my body staying within the chest region which includes both lungs with several nodules. it has spread to several lymph nodes from supraclavicular region on both sides down along the abdominal was and near the liver but not in it. My cancer is pretty aggressive but we are praying and with faith hope that the study drugs can hold off the chemo for awhile. According to the Doctors I could live anywhere between 1 to 5 years, without any treatment they give me between 6 - 8 months.

My first infusion is tomorrow 8/25/2008 at 9:30 am. Mom and Julie are going with me. It will take about 90 minutes. I have this infusion every 2 1/2 - 3 weeks and then I take another medication (pill form) everyday. They say that the first 4 - 6 weeks I will go through my teen years with a breakout of zits and rash which can be very painful. They said that my body is reacting the way it should if I break out with the rashes (YUK).

One of my greatest blessings right now is that I am able to spend quality time with my family which has been a heart felt need of mine for quite sometime. My family means the world to me and I love them very much. What a great support system I have between family, friends and co-workers. LaRohnda my best friend and definitely part of the family is making sure all needs are being met one way or another. She has also been such a great support and digging up a lot of information for increasing our knowledge and comfort.

I have no fear about this and I have a strong sense of peace and comfort that I can't explain except Heavenly Father has His arms wrapped around me constantly. I have a strong testimony and know that I am loved and being taken care of. Julie has quit her job to be my caretaker which she continues to emulate selfless love.

I will continue to update with reports and pictures so be on the look out. I will not go through a day without expressing my love and gratitude so that I can go to bed without regrets. All my love, Rhonda

A Day in the Life Hi there, thanks for coming to Rhondas blog to see whats happening in yet another interesting day in the life of Rhonda. The author of the day is me, Michelle, her 'little' sister, visiting from Washington State and offering humor in any way I can find it during this stressful time...and I have no problem finding it. It may seem a bit irreverent to some but it's what we do when we are togetherLets start from the begining....no... how about April 2008. Rhonda thought she was suffering from a cold or cough or allergies that did not seem to heal or go away on its own. A bad coughing attack and concern by LaRohnda sent her to the ER just after our family reunion in July. Doctors and tests have ruled out the above mentioned as the cause and on July 31st declared lung cancer as the source. To be more specific Adenocarcinoma. You can imagine the shock and surprise that we all felt for Rhondas future. Without losing hope we all came together to go and search for a plan of attack. The first stop was The Huntsman Cancer Institute.Tuesday, August 12th was the first visit to an Oncologist. Dr Ackerly at the Huntsman was very helpful, kind and hopeful as he explained the stage 4 cancer that Rhonda would be dealing with. Although he could not offer a cure for the cancer a treatment plan sounded hopeful and encouraging for the immediate future. A new study that has been doing very well for this particular cancer is producing good signs and a longevity without going through chemotherapy. The study involves two medicines that are normally done after chemo and are FDA approved for treatment. The trick to the study is that these medicines are being used together/simultaneously before the chemo and not after the first two chemo treatments like usual. One mediction is infused every three weeks and the other is an oral medication taken daily. The side effects include a nasty rash (like acne) throughout the facial and neck area that will peak and then start to clear after 4-5 weeks into the treatment. Patients in this study have been able to work and play throughout the treatments and continue to plan a future as long as the treatment is succesful in keeping the cancer from growing.So, August 13th we all fly to Zion, IL (Chicago) to have another consultation with the American Cancer Treatment Center. Rhonda and Mom fly first, Julie and I fly in the afternoon and LaRohnda comes in late. The morning brings a new concern with Moms leg flaring up with a Phlebitis attack. We take an early morning trip to the ER and have her checked out and admitted for pain control and vascular concerns. Mom had surgery a few weeks prior to the trip and needed to slow down and rest and watched...a picture is forthcoming. We left Rhonda and LaRohnda to get to the clinic appointments and tomorrow will be another day in the life of Rhonda and her mother. Rhonda has been a pillar of strength and faith to us all. She is cheered and encouraged by all her friends and family and is enjoying life each and every precious day...may we all!
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