# 31 PET SCAN RESULTS AND BRAIN RADIATION FINISHED

BRAIN RADIATION COMPLETE. FOLLOW UP IN THREE MONTHS.

THANK YOU DR WEKSBERG AND THE STAFF AT THE WOMEN'S CANCER CENTER RADIATION DEPARTMENT

SAME DAY I VISITED DR VEYTSMAN AT THE MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT AND SHE GAVE ME GREAT NEWS. I AM CANCER FREE! YAHOO! FOLLOW UP CAT SCAN EVERY 3 MONTHS. PORT WILL STAY IN A YEAR - FLUSHING EVERY 6-8 WEEKS. I know Dr Veytsman is concerned that I am still smoking. I am still trying and won't give up till I'm a quitter. Thank you Dr Veytsman and all your staff for being friendly, caring and personable.

THANK YOU DR VEYTSMAN

THANK YOU RECEPTIONIST CHERYL

THANK YOU NURSE NAVIGATOR AMY AND NURSE JULIE

THANK YOU SCHEDULER BRENDA

THANK YOU SOCIAL WORKER RHONDA

# 30 RADIATION AND CIGARETTE UPDATE

BIG THANK YOU TO THE TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS AT THE RADIATION FACILITY AT THE ORTENZIO CANCER CENTER FOR THEIR FRIENDLINESS AND CARE EVERY TIME I HAVE GONE THERE FOR THIS ROUND OF RADIATION. 

THANK YOU KRISTIN AND TRAVIS

ONE MORE DAY of brain radiation followed by appointment with Dr Veytsman to find results of pet scan done on Monday. Still trying to defeat cigarettes. Halfway there from 50 cigarettes a day. Below is the chart I am on now.

 

AND A BIG THANK YOU to Duck Fart, AT 2001 who is in town for awhile and checks on me every day and brings me food every day. It's been a great help while my energy has been so low during this round of radiation.

# 29 BRAIN RADIATION IS KICKING MY BUTT!

The first day of brain radiation took a while because lots of marks need to be placed on the mask because my head position needs to be the same every time. During my cervical cancer and lung cancer radiation marks or tattoos were placed on my body but now they are placed on my mask. 

I mentioned to the techs that this must be hard for those that are Claustrophobic. They said it is hard for some that are not even claustrophobic. They said I do great. Except for the first day the treatments only take a few minutes.

So far the worst side effect is fatigue. I am only awake about 6 to 8 hours a day. Dr Weksberg said to try and exercise when I feel tired, it may help. He said the fatigue should go away within a few days after treatment ends. Last day is next Wednesday.

On treatment table before tattoos

On treatment table after tattoos

 

# 28 TO THE BEACH WITH MY FRIEND CELEBRATING OUR LIVES

My bestie Carol and I went to the beach together to celebrate our lives. Me beating cancer and her making changes to make her happy again. What a great time with a great friend. Thank You Carol.

We met with friends Tammy and Punch for supper. And briefly with my friend Suzie. All moved there from this area. They have become real locals and are anxious for the tourists to go back home! The worst they say is the bicyclist and bikers who don't pay attention. Suzie told us a story about her getting out of her car and pulling the damn ear phones out of a cyclist ears!! She was cheered by other locals in vehicles near her. Go Suzie.

We also went kayaking in Indian River Inlet, went to a pool hall to practice, and hung out at the campground pool.

I'm anxious to go back again!

Enjoy the video of pictures and video!  

And a big Thank You to the SOBOS Sonic, Lavender, and Wednesday who got the bicycles inside and the kayaks on top of the van for us.

 

# 27 SET UP FOR BRAIN RADIATION

On Thursday, August 4 I had my brain radiation set up done. Dr Weksberg said the MRI showed no cancer but there could be microscopic cancer that isn't seen on the MRI. So, since the type of lung cancer I had is known to spread to the brain, they are doing preventive radiation - low dose, 10 treatments. 

Dr Weksberg told me about the potential side effects of brain radiation - sore throat, fatigue, hair loss and 6 months to a year down the road memory and/or concentration issues. He said, for instance, I will need to make a list for the grocery store. I laughed and said, "I have to do that now!"

He then explained the mold will be over my face. I thought to myself, thinking of the previous molds that were under my body for the other radiations, Hmmmmm!

As the techs started the procedure they said they would be putting a softened form over my face and stretching it. It was a little weird. Felt like Hannibal! When they finished I saw the mold and asked if I could have it. They said yes, it's yours. They said lots of people do fun stuff with them. 

Radiation is scheduled to start after I return from my vacation to the beach.

 

# 26 CLARIFICATION CT SCAN

I talked to three different doctors until I got a more detailed description of my CT scan and I received the CT scan document. Dr. Weksberg gave me a description I was very happy with:

"The cancer I was treated for is gone! There are a few nodules on my lungs that are normal for a smoker that they will be keeping an eye on."

I am still on my program to quit smoking.

There will be a PT scan soon ordered by my chemo doctor. (The color one that shows red where there is cancer.)

 

# 25 DECISION MADE - THINNING HAIR HAS TO GO ! JULY 25

Didn't like the thinning hair and receding hairline continuing so I made the decision to go really short. Thank you to my friend Tammy and all those who participated in the hair cutting party on July 25 in support of me and cancer. SOBO Hikers Bonnie and Clyde joined in and Tammy's husband Tommy. 

I like it! It's so much cooler in these summer temps in the 90's! 



And here's the video of the hair cutting party! 

 

# 24 MORE ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY WEEK - 67 ON JULY 23

On July 22, not only was it my last day of chemo but some awesome surprises with trail family visits. City Slicka, City Slickah, and SkyHi arrived via the trail hiking northbound and The Colonel and his girl friend were on the way to arrive late in the evening. So I took a nap, longer than I expected. I awoke near midnight and the celebrations began! 

A toast to my birthday!

SkyHi finds himself in a group pic from a Billville feed

Breaking out the apple pie gifted to me from Tambourine

And breakfast at Goodys the next morning

The celebration of my birthday continued the next day going kayaking with my daughter on the Lehigh river. It was the best birthday present ever. We did a 10 mile/6 hour run on the Lehigh.

This video is what I filmed with my camera. There is another video my daughter made with her new gopro. It's the action video of us kayaking. You can see it here.  https://www.facebook.com/trailangelmary/posts/10153984590339121

# 23 CHEMO NURSES AND STAFF, ALL CHEMO TREATMENTS, MY BIRTHDAY!

ON FRIDAY, JULY 22 I STARTED CELEBRATING MY 67TH BIRTHDAY (JULY 23) WITH THE LAST DAY OF CHEMOTHERAPY!

BUT FIRST, 

SUMMARY OF THE THREE DAYS A MONTH OF CHEMO TREATMENTS AFTER RETURNING FROM TRAIL DAYS:

I already wrote briefly about the first month of chemo which fell on the same week as the first week of radiation in April - Post # 12 OKAY, LET'S GET 'ER DONE! But I didn't have the pictures yet of those wonderful nurses that took care of me that first month.

Thank You Megan

Thank You Jodi

Thank You Rita

 And volunteer Tom and his wife Terry who volunteers at the first floor reception desk. Found out while talking with him that he has a bucket list to visit all the National Parks. And his grandchildren love to hike! They both started to volunteer at retirement to stay busy.

Thank You Tom

Thank You Terry

SECOND ROUND OF CHEMO - MAY 2016

This set of chemo was moved from May 18 - 20 back a week to May 25 - 27 because my important blood levels were too low. My white blood count was 2.70. It rose to 3.0 the following week. My magnesium was still a little low at 1.8 and 1.7. Standard is 1.9 - 2.7. I received a new script for magnesium which is extended release. On day 2 I talked to Nurse Megan about the side effect of swelling in my right leg and foot.  She checked for pulse in feet because of potential clots. She couldn't find a pulse manually so she used a portable doppler to check pulse in feet and found a pulse. I received no additional fluids through port but was instructed to increase water intake all day. 

Thank you to my nurses in May - Amanda, Megan, and Rita.

Thank You Amanda

It was an exciting day for Rita because she received a picture text that her 8th grandchild was born. It's a girl - Claire Francis. She bubbled with pride as she showed the picture to all her fellow staff on the floor.

I received a tip from a hiker about quitting smoking - Allen Carr

THIRD ROUND OF CHEMO - JUNE 22 - 24, 2016

This set of chemo resulted in same swelling in my right leg. Nurse Navigator Amy said she knows it is hard for me but I need to try and sit still and elevate my legs! And I was realizing the major fatigue for me except for day 1 of treatment doesn't hit until a week to a week and a half after the set of treatment. 

 

In infusion room

Mobile at chemo center

I had a conversation with Nurse Sherrie about my smoking again and her story made me realize one reason may be that I enjoy smoking. I also told Dr. Veytsman that I was smoking again and she thanked me for my honesty. Apparently not so many patients are honest with their doctors. Don't understand that - how can they help you if they don't know everything! She recommended I use the patch and gum. 

On the second day I decided to leave the needle in the port - seeing if I like it. Didn't!

Thank you to my nurses this round - Sherri and Megan.

Thank You Sherri

ON JULY 13, 2016 DR. VEYTSMAN REVIEWED THE CT OF MY CHEST, ABDOMEN, AND PELVIS WITH CONTRAST.  She asked me how the nicotene program was working for me. I replied it doesn't work at all. She recommended I add the throat spray. She explained that it is not the nicotene that damages my body or conflicts with the treatments but the cigarette smoke I inhale. Nicotene is the addictive product.  She also explained to me how those nicotene products work and drew this chart.

She stated I need all three to get close to the nicotene satisfaction from a cigarette. And it will not work if I am smoking. So, I conclude what will work FOR ME is to quit and then use these products to remain a non-smoker. I have the patches and gum, need to purchase the throat spray.

Thank you to Odie and LNTracy for going with me. I was nervous! Dr Veytsman showed me the scan. I couldn't see the differential she was saying but basically I still have a little cancer but it is on the run!

 

FINAL ROUND OF CHEMO - JULY 20 - 22, 2016

This set of chemo I had swelling in my right leg immediately after treatment but elevated my legs ALOT all three days which resulted in no more swelling. Yahoo! Thank you to my nurses this round - Megan, Jodi, and Susan.

Thank You Susan

And Thank You to volunteer Brooke. She volunteers because she is a nursing student and her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last August in her 30's.

Thank You Brooke

 

BIG THANK YOU TO THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT INFUSION SPECIALIST AND THE RECEPTION AREA STAFF WHO ARE ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND SMILING.

Thank You Receptionist Dianna

Thank You Candace

Thank You Deanna

Thank You Medical Assistant Michelle

 

BLOOD TEST RESULTS SUMMARY 

GROUP PHOTO ON MY LAST DAY OF CHEMO. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR CANCER PATIENTS. AMAZING!

 

 

# 22 LIVING ALONE AND FIGHTING CANCER

MY RADIATION DOCTOR DR SOOD SUGGESTED I WRITE A POST ABOUT WHAT IT IS LIKE LIVING ALONE AND DEALING WITH CANCER. SO HERE GOES. 

The toughest time was while going through radiation twice a day and sometimes with chemo treatments in the same week. radiation and chemo tire me and nothing else gets done. so my housework and laundry, etc were getting way behind. But the great help of the trail community helped me get caught up. Mostly due to the word being spread by Matthew "Odie" Norman of the Hiker Yearbook, hikers were just stopping in to say Hi and ask if they could do anything. It was amazing.

 

At first quitting smoking was a big challenge but I was moving along well. I was almost (within a few puffs a day) a quitter. But now I am smoking again. But I won't give up because of the encouraging words from my daughter Tina, my doctors and nurses,  friends, and several hikers who have faced the same challenges and given me words of encouragement and tips. 

 

The financial challenges were also high at the beginning because of the increased costs of additional mileage on van, many additional supplements required, additional cost of certain foods I needed to eat, and cost of nicotene gum not covered by insurance until I got financial help from the American Legion Auxiliary National Emergency Fund.   And a Big Thank you to those who gave me gifts and sent cards, especially Angela "Phoenix Rising" Coates.

 

There are some times when I feel very alone and over-whelmed. But at the same time there are also times I am glad for the quiet. I try to understand that everyone has their own lives and they are busy too. 

 

There have been some big disappointments that were due to my lack of energy to not keep an eye on things better and/or take care of something immediately which resulted in my new pool case and two new pool sticks that were a gift along with all the accessories I owned valued in total at about $500 being stolen out of my van either in Duncannon or Damascus. Also stolen off my balcony this week was my DoTerra Essential Oil order valued at $125. SAD!

 

It means more to me than he may ever understand but I would like to thank Shane "Jester" O'Donnell who made sure I had fun! and was such a big help in the work that needed done before, during and after the Billville magic along with the other Billville members who were here. The other Billville members present were Harold "Over the Edge" Frederick,  Erich "Bustace" Shellenberger, my daughter Tina Mumma, Noah "Honey-Do" Osner, Matthew "Odie" Norman and LNTracy newest members, Chris "Colonel" Rodgers who has dual membership with Riff Raff! also the one known as which one doesn't belong in our pictures, newest members also currently hiking south "Cuffs" and "CQ", new member "Toasty Buns" currently hiking North. and Herb "Beekeeper" Brown. 

 

The main reason I believe I stay strong and focused in this challenge is to keep going as normal as possible still doing the things that bring me joy.  And following Doctors instructions. Remembering what one of  the women told me at Dr Moritz office, "This is not a death sentence, we'll take care of it." is a great help and knowing that the doctors really care about me and are keeping a close eye on me. 

 

People look extremely confused when I tell them I was blessed with cervical cancer. But to me it was a blessing because I accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. If it weren't for the cervical cancer follow up PT scan I would not know I have lung cancer till probably it was too late because there are no signs or symptoms for lung cancer. Signs and symptoms are very minimal in the very late stages. 

 

 And I believe in the power of prayer. So all the friends from near and far please continue your prayers for me and others who face such challenges. And may God bless you and keep you in return. 

Love,

Mary "trailangelmary" Parry