Merry Merry Christmas...

Just wanted to stop by and take a moment to wish everyone a Magical Christmas !  I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends!   I am very much looking forward to spending tonight (Christmas Eve) with friends that I have known all my life.  I love these people as much as my family and they are very much like a second family to me. I feel so blessed and lucky to have known them for over Fifty years!  I love all of them and all the new generations so much!   To the "Thibodeau Family"...Love you all with all my heart!!   Tomorrow, we'll spend the morning with Alex and Acacia and I'm very happy that they are now taking on the tradition of us all being together on Christmas Morning.  We'll go over early and will open all our gifts together and have a casual, but yummy breakfast.  My Mom and Don will also be there, as will Acacia's Parent's (Barbara and Chris) who are know a part of our extended family.  We are so happy that Alex and Acacia are now happily married and will be looking forward to the day they bring some wonderful grand babies into our lives.   Brian will be with us in heart and we'll talk with him, for sure, but it's just not the same as having him home and I do WISH so much that he was here.  I am, however, very happy that we were out in San Diego for Thanksgiving and it was a joy to have him host us for dinner!  I'm also going to be back there for my "Winter Escape" in a matter of weeks!  I'm also so happy that my flights are all booked and that I have rented a wonderful condo, right in the heart of "Little Italy".  I also look forward to spending time with some of his wonderful friends -- Carlo, Meg, Bill, Mosie, Jeff, and all the other great people that work with him at Rare and Fairweather!      See you all very soon.   Big HUGS to all my amazing craft friends too and special thanks to everyone who has been so sweet and kind to me this year.   Living with Cancer has certainly made this year a challenge, and I am determined to keep on fighting..and will hope for a Miracle.   Merry Merry Christmas,   With love,   Lisa

A little fun update...

  All is going pretty well with me.  I have my second "Opdivo" treatment coming up on Tuesday and so far, it's been fine, no side effects of any kind.  I did see my "Oncologist" this week (as she will be away on vacation for 10 days) and she wanted to see me before she left...she's a gem, for sure!  While I was there, I was also invited to attend a wonderful event hosted by the American Cancer Society and a group called "Look Good / Feel Better" !  It was wonderful, I had a nice make-over and we were given a fabulous bag full of Makeup and Skincare products.  I was really impressed and love that so many people do care are those of us battling Cancer.

 Happily, I have been feeling really good lately, (even since I stopped the darn Radiation), that was the worst for me, I think it was FAR worse then Chemo and it made me sicker and more fatigued.  But, that may be because mine was done at a "higher" level, since it was shorter term and most patients...!  I hated every minute and hated the drive even more so..thank goodness that's over!!

    Oh and if I didn't' tell you yet (I forget sometimes). -- I found  I'm going for a new appointment this week, with an eye surgery in my home town and he at one time, my eye doc, and does this surgery all the time, so I am very confident it will go well and in some ways can't wait for it to be done, so I can see better!  If you read my last pot, you'll know that the first consult I had, was horrible, so I'm happy I'm local now and with someone I already know and trust!

  I am all done with my Christmas Shopping and wrapping and all the gifts that I needed to ship out to "Brian" my son in California are on their way.  He also celebrates his 29th Birthday tomorrow and I shipped those goodies off a bit early..hard to believe my first born is almost 30...where does the time go!  I love him so much and have always considered him to be the Best Christmas gift ever!!

  And speaking of Christmas, I have two new pics of my "Girls" to share.  They are all decked out their Christmas dresses, which I love.  You can read more about that on my "craft" blog HERE!!

  These two precious Pups will also celebrate their Birthday on Sunday, and will be three years old!    Feels like yesterday when I first adopted Skye at 14 weeks, and then Zeva the day they both turned 9 months old.   Pure JOY!!!

     Lastly, I am very excited to have planned my next trip out to San Diego and will be going out for 15 wonderful fun and relaxing days in early February.  I rented a great condo in the "Little Italy" are and will be taking Zeva with me, she is also my Service Dog.  I have asked all my friends to come out and visit me, but with hectic schedule, kids and so much more, I'm not sure if anyone can come..which really did depress me early in the week.  If you follow me on Facebook, I am sure you may have read my post about this.  I really felt hurt and was very teary the other day...but NOW, I I'm letting it go!   On the upside, I did find out that my "craft friend, Pat, who I met and roomed with at CREATE in October, may come out.  She has a son, (also named Brian), who lives in San Diego too, so I thought it might to fun to have her come out and we can both meet the "Brian's"!  I don't want to get too excited, but I really  do hope she can come, even if only for a short visit.  Hubby will be home working, and here to take care of the house and Skye...!   He's saving his time off to take me to appointments and such and we hope to go on another trip together later in the year!  It's a lot harder for us both to get away, find someone to take care of the dogs and the house too, plus it's much more expensive, not to mention that he does' like to travel as much as I do...he's much more of a home body and I'm perfectly fine with that!   I was originally planning to go for a full month, but with the new treatments I can't, so this will be the next best thing.   I'm also hoping to go down to Key West with one of my BFF's in the Spring and think that'll be a blast.   She is having hip replacement surgery in January and won't be ready to travel by February, but we want to doing something fun together and her Mother-in-Law, owns a Condo there and I've always wanted to see that area!  I am VERY excited about this idea and hope we can make it happen!  Love you KIM!!  

     Hoping to continue to feel good..I'm finally back to creating, which I love and had missed so much.  You can see more of my recent cards on my Craft Blog too!!

    Wishing you ALL a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and Healthy New Year!!!   Big hugs to you all and thanks for all the prayers, thoughts and support!  

First Treatment with Opdivo!

Hi all,

    Just wanted to post a little update.  I had my first "Opdivo" Infusion/Treatment on Monday, and so far, so good.  I have not had ANY side effects and have feel pretty good.  Other than my normal fatigue and some nausea, all seems fine.

   I did have a very busy week too, so that's a bonus.  I went on a "bus trip" with my Mom and the the local "Senior Group" down to the Wrenthem Outlets, her in MA.  We had a fun day, although the weather was very cold and the food there was horrible.  I was totally wiped out and not feeling so hot on the way home and did my best to rest and tried to sleep.  It's a 2 hour drive and I was very happy when we were back.  This trip was on Tuesday, just one day after treatment

  Wednesday was a relaxing day....I finished up my Christmas cards, had my nails and and relaxed most of the day.

  Thursday was awful --- Not sure if I told you, but I have to now have Cataract surgery on my left eye after developing a cataract, which come to find out is very likely due to taking Steroids.  I have an appointment set up (after seeing the Retina Specialist last Friday) with the Surgeon today and they were told to book it, so that I could have all the testing / measurements done in ONE appointment, as it's hard for me to make the drive there, since it's out of town.  My appointment as at 10AM, and at 10:30 I was seen my the nurse who totally repeated "everything" I had done last Friday (eye exam, meds review) and so forth...even though the info was only 6 days old.  Kind of a waste of time..she then put in the drops to dilate my eyes and sent me over to Diagnostic,s where the "measurement were to be done....after a short wait the tech came out and informed me that I could NOT be measured, since I had worn my contacts (yes, that's all I have right now) and am using trials in the left to try and see)...long story short...we all think she was wrong now and that she must have some how thought I had "hard" contacts (I don't) and many others who wear soft contacts have NOT had this come up?  UGH!  I was taken back to the waiting area, when I was told I'd see the doc next and be given more options and would have to come back.  It's now 11:30 and the place is packed..the nurse came out, called in a patient and I noticed the lady next to me seemed upset, it was not her (me too)..then she told me HER appointment was for 9:30 (yikes)..and the woman next to her then said hers for 9:45...I knew then I was in trouble and knew I could not be there at least another hour...it's exhausting for me.  I went to desk, explained my upset with the measuring thing and told them I had to leave, as I could not wait another hour (or longer)...!    Needless to say, I am NOT going back there and talked to my local eye doctor today and have already set up and appointment with a new surgery here in my home town.  He's excellent and I know him already, so I probably should have gone to him from the get go, but when the Retina Specialists referred me in her group, I thought it would be fine!! WRONG!!

   Today, is a nice relaxing day....home with the pups and hope to do some 'wrapping', I love to buy my family and friends lots of fun gifts, but boy is it a ton of work to get them all wrapped!  I also need to mail out Brian's gift and his birthday comes first, which is on December 19th, he was my Christmas baby and I always make his birthday a totally separate event...!  Sadly many people I know who do have a birthday near or on Christmas seem to have everything lumped together...but not me..I make sure these are two special and distinct events!

    I also have some repairmen here today who are doing some patching and painting, to fix the mess that he heating installers made last month, when they installed two of the new units in the wrong places.  Thankfully, the company has been excellent and they hired this crew to repair the mess, which includes all the painting too! YA!

    My heart goes out to a dear friend, Jini who is a friend I met though a wonderful online group.  A really kind and sweet gal.  She had to have emergency surgery yesterday for a blood clot that developed near her heart...very scary and more so for her and her family, because her brother died of that condition, very unexpectedly and very young.  Thankfully, Jini's surgery is over and she's now the road to happy and healthier days...!  Please, keep her in your thoughts and prayers!   I am convinced now that the power of Prayer is huge and I know, in my heart it has helped...

   Hugs to all....and hope you are all enjoying getting ready for Christmas or whatever holiday your and your family celebrate!   Have a great week and as always thanks for all the kindness and caring!

and the battle goes on...

  After much thought and after two more Medical opinions, I have decide to try the new treatment specifically on the market for my type of Lung Cancer called "Opdivo".  You may have read my earlier post where I asked for your thoughts on this!

   I also was referred to a wonderful new website that is a forum type site and I read a TON on posts from people who are battling my same cancer, as well as those who have tried and are still taking this treatment.

   I start on Monday, and it will be done at my local Oncology Unit, which is a blessing, since it's close to home.  I will have an one hour Infusion every two weeks and for the most part, I should not feel or have any side effects for at least the first few sessions, which is great since that gets me through the Holidays.  Once I had decided to try it I did ask to wait until the first of the year, but when I learned this and at the encouragement of my Oncologist, who I do love, I will start now.

   I also found out that my vision issues have been caused by a newly developed "cataract" in my left and saw a specialist at Mass Eye and Ear about that yesterday!  It was a relief to know it's not a Retina or more serous issues, but still means surgery and that will be schedule when I meet the surgeon at my next appointment this coming Thursday!  It will be done in early January and that's great as I still place plan to go out to San Diego for a winter escape in February for 3-4 weeks!  YAY!

   On the upside, I'm feeling MUCH better ever since I stopped the Radiation and both my PCP and Dr. Sunkara (my primary oncologist) were very happy that I made it through the seven intense "High Dose" treatments.

    We had a wonderful time in San Diego for Thanksgiving and it was PURE joy to be with both my boys for the first time in years!  Happy Mommy!!

   Hoping you are all well and wishing for a wonderful Christmas season for all! 

Dear Friends....

    I would truly VALUE your sincere and honest opinion on this  new drug treatment that my Oncologist wants me to start on as soon as I finish my Radiation!  

http://www.opdivohcp.bmscustomerconnect.com/metastatic-nsclc

       It would be the next course of "treatment" for me after the Radiation and would start pretty much right after we get back from Cali. I have read a lot of about it and sadly because it is SO new, there is NOT a lot to read or even a lot of data to look at. It has ONLY been approved by the FDA for a month and that as an accelerated approval...and out of the 500 (clinical trial patients) very few were women or my age...UGH! On top of the that long term prognosis with this drug, MAY only only prolong life for a few months (at best)....and that is ONLY if it works and I am not hit with one of the SEVERAL severe side effects. It can totally wreak havoc on my Immune System and that could potential kill me faster and has in some patients who were treated with this drug. I am pretty devastated to know this is pretty much IT for me and I'm not at all happy with the risks, in my opinion they are far to great and right now I'm about 99.9% certain this is NOT a treatment I will have! I need a TRUE Miracle now...and one that does not potentially take my life even sooner, or make me so immune comprised that I have to spend time in a "bubble" to avoid getting sick. Despite having been sick with chronic illness for the last 15+ years, I've NEVER been one who likes or even wants to take meds..HATE them and would give anything to never have to take any ever again...but in some cases they are best and have helped me greatly. This one...SCARES me big time...and brings me to the time when I feel that I must start to think about QUALITY of life over quantity. I still WANT very much to go out to San Diego for a MONTH this Winter and I want and HOPE my BFF"s will ALL come out and stay with me and help me out! If I start this drug, I will not likely be able ot go or possible ever travel again and I am NOT ready to give that up! If you have time...please read about this drug and PLEASE share your HONEST opinion....not for me...but put yourself in my place....IF you were ME....would you even consider it? Feel free to PM or email me privately! 

Love you all!

XOXO Lisa

The next steps for me...

Posted from Facebook....

   Tuesday afternoon---I guess you might say that I'm very lucky in that respect. It's an Immunotherapy like med and is given via IV, much like Chemo. Apparently the Chemo did NOT work for me and is why my tumor is back and growing faster! Pretty much this is the ONLY hope I have right now ...so PLEASE pray that it will work and the Radiation will help shrink the tumor too! It is pretty upsetting to realize just how deadly this illness can be, especially when the tumors do NOT respond to the Chemo. This drug has been FDA Approved for advanced Melanoma since March and there is a lot of data that shows it can work well. However, with it being such new drug, despite the positive clinical trials, there is just NOT a lot of data or research available. My oncologist, feels it (based on the trails and her research) that it can work well and she has been involved in many of the studies. She was thrilled when it did receive the FDA approval last month. Had it not been approved, I likely would not have been fortunate enough to have the chance to try it..so I am happy about that! Even so, this is a lot to absorb and has made me know realize that my cancer is far more advanced than I knew (or wanted to accept) UGH!

   Update:  I started my Radiation, Tuesday afternoon, that the set up done, the "tattoos" and so forth, the first treatment is on Sacredness and I'll have TEN in a row before we leave for SD.  I'm being "Radiated"at a higher dose, so that I'll get faster results with less treatments.  

   HOPING....and taking one day and on moment at a time...

Lots to do today!!

  By the end of the day, I'll know what my new treatment plan is and exactly when I start and what my long term prognosis is.

   I have an appointment with my local Oncologist at 9;40 am to once again review my CT scans for for her to tell me with the team has decided is the best plan of treatment.  Then later this afteroon, Hubby thankfully will be home and will take my to my first appointment up at the hospital where I will have my Radiation.  I believe today, will be the set-up to get me ready and to determine the sites and such of where there will pinpoint the beam.  From what I have learned, I will have little marks (tattoos) put on me, which is aid in the how they set up the machine each day.   I have wanted to get a nice little "pretty" tattoo for months, but this was NOT what I had in mind!  LOL!

   For now I'm doing my very best to take one moment at a time and do HOPE that once I begin the treatments I will start to eel better.  The nausea is awful and I now it's not from my Chemo, but likely the Cancer and/or from the major change I have had in vision.  My new "Trial" contact lenses are in and I'll be picking those up this morning and HOPE it's the help I need.   This is a huge change from when my vision was checked and I ordered new contacts just five weeks ago.  The good news is that we know it's not from a brain tumor, as that CT Scan was fine - Thank Goodness and I've been told that Chemo or just having cancer can change your vision and that this is NOT uncommon.  I'm also being referred to an eye Doc affiliated with Mass Eye and Ear, but need to know all my Radiation appointment times, so I can call and schedule that visit.  Luckily, this doctor is only a five minute drive from where I will have my Radiation, so I hope to get in ASAP and should be able to call and set it up tomorrow.

    Yesterday, I was so touched by a wonderful "Kindness" package that Jennifer McGuire sent to me.  If you do not know here, she is a top designer in the craft industry and has become a dear friend to me.  I was so happy to see her when I attended the Simon Says Stamp Create event in October and am touched by her wonderful new Kindness campaign, which you can read about on her blog HERE

!

   This week is all about sharing Handmade Kindness with your Community, so today I'm bringing a big bag of "treats" up to the Oncology Unit and I also made them a new card to show my appreciate for how much all those gals and Dr. Sunkara mean to me.  They are some of the most caring people I have ever met and I do feel very blessed that this unit is in my home town.  Now, if ONLY they could do Radiation local..that would be heavenly!  But. I will have to make the 25 minute drive and grin and bear it every day!  Something I am NOT at all looking froward too!

   Hope you all have a wonderful week and HOPE you'll all consider joining in on Jennifer's Kindness Campaign, which was designed to benefit the Kind Campaign..an amazing non profit group put together to help share more awareness on "Bullying".  This group ROCKS...and I was happy to donate to them last week..maybe you can too!!

   Update:  One appointment done and one to go! I will be starting Radiation immediately and mine will be given a higher dose (so that I can get in 10 treatments) before we leave for Cali. As soon as I get back, I will then start on a brand new FDA Approved drug for late stage small cell lung cancer, that is called Nivolumab. It is a drug that I had learned about (when it was in clinical trials) from the Dana Farber Cancer Team (back in April). It just rec'd the FDA Approval in October, so I guess you might say that I'm very lucky in that respect. It's an Immunotherapy like med and is given via IV, much like Chemo. Apparently the Chemo did NOT work for me and is why my tumor is back and growing faster! Pretty much this is the ONLY hope I have right now ...so PLEASE pray that it will work and the Radiation will help shrink the tumor too! It is pretty upsetting to realize just how deadly this illness can be, especially when the tumors do NOT respond to the Chemo. This drug has been FDA Approved for advanced Melanoma since March and there is a lot of data that shows it can work well. However, with it being such new drug, despite the positive clinical trials, there is just NOT a lot of data or research available. My oncologist, feels it (based on the trails and her research) that it can work well and she has been involved in many of the studies. She was thrilled when it did receive the FDA approval last month. Had it not been approved, I likely would not have been fortunate enough to have the chance to try it..so I am happy about that! Even so, this is a lot to absorb and has made me know realize that my cancer is far more advanced than I knew (or wanted to accept) UGH!

Bad News...

 My cancer is back!!!  And as much as I was concerned it would be, it still was so upsetting to her that news today!   The tumor is my lung is larger and grew fast, despite the chemo that I never stopped.  I start Radiation asap, my docs will consult tomorrow and let me know..it will likely be next week.

 I am still going to Cali for Thanksgiving an would NEVER ever give up that trip...I asked if I could start after, but they say I need to go ASAP to save my life.   I'm so depressed and scared but I'll do what they want for now..but will not give up my live to be in a treatment or the hospital every day..if if comes to that...I want some quality of life and to do things on my "bucket list" while I can.

  Please keep me in your thoughts...I'm feel very defeated right now ..and pray for all those that deal with this nasty illness!

Thanks for ALL the love and support!

Scared???

Okay, no NOW I am Scared!!!

    I saw my Oncologist this morning for my typical "pre chemo" appointment, at which time I expressed my concern over being so sick all the time!  I told her her that I have been nauseous a LOT more lately and that I rarely have any good days!  I am SO thankful for those I do have and luckily I felt good when I went out to CREATE.   I was pretty sick on my flight home, but it was a short one and I came home and went to bed! In the past few weeks, I've had some more vision changes in my left eye (I saw my eye doc a few weeks ago and my contact RX changed, but I'm still have issues with one eye).   NOTE: I did NOT have this happen when I had my brain tumor and I do NOT have any of the Symptoms I had then! (Thank Goodness) ----------- 

    I told her I was a bit concerned about my upcoming CT scan and she told me, that she thinks it would be wise to add a Brain CT Scan too, and that would be booked with my others on the 16th!! She did tell me to try NOT worry, that based on my "last" blood work, all looked good and that there would typically be some changes that would trigger her to be concerned! She does feel that I may likely have Gastritis due to the meds and that I must try to eat breakfast first from now one and to increase my Prilosec dose.  I've never been good about breakfast..don't care for food in the early AM and by the time I do feel like eating, it's often closer to lunch..but I promised to try harder and she is also have the Nutritionist come up and meet with me at my Chemo appointment tomorrow! I will try, but UGH..putting food in my stomach, in the morning makes me feel yuk...and when I already feed YUK, it's even harder! But, I promise to try harder and take my meds later........ 

    NOW -- (later in the afternoon), I received a phone call from Oncology and they have pushed up ALL the CT Scans for tomorrow, even BEFORE my Chemo.  I now have to been there at 8:15 and typically my Mom drives me, since I need to take Meds to deal with the CT Scans...!  She is not home and is away (BTW she does not know this, so if you do happen to talk to her before me...PLEASE do not share this, for now)....But, they said, just to take my Ativan right before I leave and take the second i have my "drink" in Radiology, which is brutal...tastes absolutely horrible. I then have a new Brain CT Scan and a Lung/Abdomen Scan"...after that I'll to up to the floor and have my Chemo and by the time that's done, the Ativan will be worn off, so I'll be safe to drive home! As I have been finally "confessing" to friends and family...I am MORE worried than ever and PRAY to God that this cancer has not spread into my Stomach or GI area and is the reason, I'm sick all the time! PLEASE if you have a minute, think of me and think GOOD thoughts, for those of you who believe in Prayer (I sure do), I ask for extra prayers.  

    I have already been devastated by this illness and LOVED the three months that I had in Remission....! HOPING these new CT scan come back just a well promising as those did!  Love you and LOVE that you ALL have been such wonderful supporters! No matter what, I'm still going to San Diego for Thanksgiving and would NEVER change that now.  My next chemo is scheduled  for the first week in December and that's how it shall stay!   I'm SCARED...and not afraid to admit it!

   Thanks for listening and thanks for Caring!

Great News...

  I saw my wonderful oncologist today, (Dr. Sunkara), who I just adore and was very happy to learn that I'm doing well and my blood-work continues to improve.  I was there today for a Pre-Chemo appointment and will be having my Chemo tomorrow morning.

   Since we will be going out to San Diego for Thanksgiving, I was delighted to find out the I am doing so well, that I can now "skip" a chemo appointment or simply have it a week or so later.  I am also super excited because she also told me I can plan to go out there for a month or more, which is something I may do, IF we start to have another awful winter, new in New England.  After last year, and also still dealing with Fibromyalgia and Disc Disease, I truly HATE winter and each year seems to get harder and harder!  I have more pain, feel awful and can never seem to feel warm.   We've heard some "long range" forecast that say we are in for another Winter, just like that....UGH!

  So...now with a "Free" Round Trip ticket I have coming from Jet Blue Miles, I know I can plan to go out...and then simply stay for an few weeks or even a month.  Dr. Sunkara told me, she could also arrange for me to have Chemo out there, IF I needed or wanted to stay longer.  Yippee!

  Now, I am HOPING to search for a Rental for a month, in the San Diego "Downtown" area.  Ideally, if I can find a nice furnished 1-2 Bedroom, that's my goal.  I have excellent references and do own my own home, so IF you know any real estate agents of ANY rentals in January or February, Please Share.  Hoping I'll find a place with an extra bedroom or "sleeper" couch, so I can invite friends to come out and stay with me for a week or so.  That way Hubby and even Alex and Acacia.

   I'm so excited and will look up some "people" and places when we go out next month. I am thrilled that Alex and Acacia are coming with us and that I'll be having "Thanksgiving" with both my boys for the first time in a LONG time!

   I'm feeling much better now and back to created and have gone back to designing for the a2z Scrapbooking Store, which I Love.  I went to a one-day card-making retreat - ArtLoftRetreat down in RI, his past Sunday and I'm also off to the Simon Say Stamp "CREATE 2015" big event for 4 days, starting October 22nd.  One of my dear craft friends, from Virginia (Pat Crank) is coming too and we'll be sharing a room at the Hotel when all the classes and events are hosted.  I also have some old friends that live up in Montville (near Cleveland) and they too are coming down to the Hotel that Weekend, so we can get together, have dinner and hang out a bit.  I have not seen "Frank and Karen" in over 25 years..so this is a huge treat.  We have even lost touch for several years and I was lucky to find Karen on Facebook about three years ago.  We've been trying to plan some sort of get-together and has talked about driving to Upstate NY (the halfway point for us both) and meeting for a weekend..but 'driving is still way too exhausting for me.  I'd much rather fly anywhere and be there fast.   I can't wait to seem them and Pat, not to mention be part of this amazing event.

   That's my update and as you can tell I'm still in "Remission" and doing well.  Still have to have the one type of "Chemo" and talk lots of meds, so I'm not 100% yet and don't exactly feel like my "ole" self, but I hope in time that will come back!!

    Overall.....I feel like I've been Blessed with a Miracle to be doing this well in six month.  I still have what is consider "Incurable" but treatable Cancer, which I why I'm doing the Chemo and CT Scans every 90 days.  I have that coming up next and pray it is as good as the last time!  WOOHOO! Thanks again for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, emails and your wonderful SUPPORT!!

Another good month...

  I was so surprised when I popped in here to see that it's been a full month since my last post.  It's been busy month, but also a great month.  I've been feeling great and had my first "mini" chemo as I now call it, these preventative treatments.  I'm actually due for my second one and that will be tomorrow..time sure flies!!

   I've been back to card-making which I had MISSED so much...it's always been my form or relaxation and like a form of therapy for me.   I've also returned to my position on the a2z Scrapbooking Design Team, which I also love.  If you are a card-maker, then please join our latest challenge HERE, or if you love to shop for the latest and greatest from Hero Arts, then please visit our ETSY store.  I'm happy to share my Design Team Promo Code -- LISAH15 -- which will save you 15% on any and ALL orders of $25 and up (excluding shipping).  WOOHOO!

   On top of being back to creating, I'm also delighted to be part of brand new Dachshund Rescue, based here in Massachusetts.  It's called Paw Affection Dachshund Rescue and was created by my dear friend, Arleen Guyan, who was also Zeva's Foster-mom for the first 9 months of her life. She has worked in Rescue for many years and having her own, is perfect for her and all the Pups she and the Rescue will help.  You can find our website HERE and a link to our Facebook Page--hop on over to FB and LIKE us!  I attended my first dog event with the group earlier this month and had a blast.  I'll be off the another one, this weekend, called "Woofstock Dog Festival" and I'm very much looking forward to it.   I also have a little Etsy Store where I am selling wonderful "doggie" items to benefit the Rescue.  100% of the money raised goes directly to Paw Affection, please stop by and do some shopping anytime!!  I want to again thank my amazing "Daughter" Meghan who hand-crafted all the wonderful dog collars in my store.  Meghan is also the owner of "Fold Leather Company" and I adore her and am so proud of her amazing accomplishments this year!  Love you Meg!!

   And speaking of "kids", both of my boys (men) are doing awesome.  Brian is enjoying his very busy life in San Diego and I'm looking forward to our next trip out to see him, which will be for Thanksgiving.  Alex is also doing great and he and Acacia will be flying out to Cali with us so that we can all celebrate Thanksgiving together.  This will be the first time, he and Acacia have been to an Diego and we are looking forward to doing some of the fun things the city has to offer.  We hope to get to SeaWorld, the Zoo and also down to Seaport Village, where I Love to shop.  

   So that's about it for me!  As you can tell, I had a great month and have enjoyed feeling better.  I hope that each and every day I continue to remain cancer free and that in time, I'll be able to stop the Chemo and also slowly taper off more of the meds I have been taking for the last six months. Hopefully, I'll be off the blood-thinners next, which should be soon!

  Wishing you all a wonderful Fall...and hoping you are all well and enjoying LIFE!!  Never take even ONE day for granted, causerie we really do not know what tomorrow may bring!  Cherish every day, something I'm finally learning to do!

  Hugz and love you all and thanks for the continued support, prayers and LOVE....

My Cancer is in Remission!!!

I went for my MRI yesterday and had my follow-up appointments today and I am so HAPPY to tell you AL that my CANCER is gone.  Both the lung tumor and the brain tumor are now basically tiny 'blips" on each image, the swelling in my brain is also gone and I am now pretty much  considered to be in "Remission"
I am SO very thankful and grateful.,...not only to my entire medical team, but to my family, my life long friends and all the wonderful gals/guys I have met though the world of creating.  Each of you has played such an important part in helping me fight and WIN this battle.   I love you all so much for the kindness you have shared with me and want you all to know how much it means to me.
I've been showered with good thoughts, lots of love, prayers and support and I am 100% sure that this has all played an vital part in me winning.   Yes, I still have to be followed and all my docs will continue to monitor me very closely, but I'm on the road to recover and it feels fantastic.  I see my local Oncologist (Dr. Sunkara) on September 1st, as my last follow up with her, but will NOT need any more chemo or radiation, at this time.  I'll also be scheduled CT Scans in six months and then will follow up with my Brain Team, at Lahey in Burlington and Peabody!
To say I am delighted is not nearly early...it's almost like I am living in a dream and this almost seems surreal..but its' NOT...its' TRUE and I could NOT feel more blessed or happy!
THANK YOU all for all you have done!   Every word has touched me greatly and I adore each and everyone of you for being here for me and I know you'll continue to support me as I continue to beat this!   I'm a HAPPY and very LUCKY girl!  I swore I would NOT let it win and I would NEVER give up!   Being upbeat and as confident as possible has also played a huge part in this!

BIG HUGS and LOTS OF LOVE!!

Some happy News!!

Hi Friends.....

Sorry that I'm behind in updates, I try to keep up, but after a wonderful trip to San Diego, I ended up being pretty darn sick and was on basic bed rest for about ten days.  The good news is that I'm now feeling so much better and my docs think the illness was a side effect of me coming off of steroids.  I am now back on them on a low dose and think this is exactly what I needed. As for some more WONDERFUL news, I had three CT Scans earlier this week, to check on my Lung tumor to and make certain that this nasty cancer had not spread into my abdomen or pelvic region.  The results were excellent and I found out that my lung tumor is now GONE!   Yippee!   I'll be followed very closely, but for the next few weeks, I do NOT have to have any CHEMO!   Again a great thing.   I see Dr. Sunkara, my local oncologist on September 1st, and at that time, we'll decide what, if any more treatments will may take. I am also being scheduled for a Brain MRI (which for me, has to be done under sedation).  I'm one of those people who is so extremely claustrophobic that I go into an intense Panic Attack, IF I even try to have an MRI of my head with being "out".   I even failed miserably in an OPEN MRI, whcih was a horrible and very frightening experience for me.  I've learned to be able to now tolerate CT Scans, which as you may know are MUCH more open...more like an open do-nut versus that dreadful tube.  Even so, I have to take "Ativan" but it works for me and allows me to have that test, which is also MUCH faster and easier than any MRI. CT Scan do now show nearly enough detail of Brain tumors, although I had one in July which did show that my tumor had shrunk...again, YIPPEE!  Now it's time to have the MRI and get the absolute best pictures so we can determine how the brain tumor responded to the specialized radiation I had done back in May.   I will be admitting as a day surgery type patient to Lahey in Burlington sometime this week and have a follow up appointment with both my Brain Physician's - Dr. Omeara and Dr. Dempsey at Lahey in Peabody this coming Friday, August 21st. In the meantime I can't wait to feel a bit better so I can get back to creating...I MISS it so very much and am looking forward to that.    I also wanted to share some more exciting news about a new Dachshund Rescue that I am now a part of.  It's called Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue and was opened by a dear friend, Arleen Guyan who was previously with the rescue where I adopted Skye and Zeva.  Arleen is a gem and a wonderful assent to the Dachshund community.  He has fostered many dogs and is such a kind and caring woman. I've become very attached to here and am honored to be one of her volunteers.  I'll be attending events with her in the Fall, will help with Fundraising and also as of today have -re-opened by ETSY Store where I'll be selling goodies again to raise funds for this wonderful group.  You can LIKE us on Facebook at this link, or also visit our Website! I also am selling custom leather "dog collars" that were designed for me by Meghan Golden Eastman (my wonderful Daughter), who is the owner of Fold Leather Company.  These custom collars are designed a wonderful soft "Italian Leather" and the most suitably designed for small dogs like Doxies, Chiweenies, and Chihuahuas etc. .    All funds raised from the sale of the collars will go directly the Paw-Affection.  We will also be selling them soon in my Etsy Store, our eBay Store and also at the Dog Events we attend.  A list of the events were are attending can be found on our website.   If you would like to donate to this amazing new rescue, you can do so also on our website, using the PayPal donate link.  If you would like to buy one from me directly, please send me a message at leezza@gmail.com - or at Purple_Place@verizon.net and I'll send you a PayPal invoice.  Each collar is adjustable, with a hidden snap closure, please contact me for exact sizes, as they were designed for smaller dogs
  For a limited time, I will sell them to my online friends for a cost of only $22.00 which includes FREE USA Shipping!  If you would like multiple collars, please ask me about a discount!!

Paw-Affection Fundraiser Custom Dog Collars

All proceeds will be donated directly to: I am truly honored to be part of amazing new Dachshund Rescue and am confident that we will be placing lots of wonderful dogs into new loving and caring homes.  For information on working with us, adopting one of the Paws-Affection Dogs, please visit our site!   We are also looking for new Foster homes, Volunteers and people who want to adopt and help in any way you can!     Thank YOU!! Hugs and love,

A little Break!!

   After my good news, I have been taking things a bit slower and am taking a little break from my blog for the next couple of weeks.

   I am headed back out to San Diego for a wonderful little vacation and to spend more time with both Brian and Meg.  This is all about total rest and relaxation and I am really looking forward to this trip.

   I'll be back early the first week in August and hope to have more time them to post more often and keep everyone updated.  

   I had Chemo this week (7/21) and it went great, with not ill effects now that I have the Zofran to take. I think that is the perfect anti nausea med for me and hope it will continue to provide me relief from the nausea and side effects.

   Have a wonderful week and please know I'm thinking of you all and happy for all the continued support and caring thoughts that continue to come my way!

Super News!!

Even though I am still NOT 100%, I do feel SOOOO much better than the day I ended up in the Hospital...and the findings from the CT Scan done that day were wonderful news, as I found out "yesterday' that the Brain Tumor has also decreased in size...a VERY good thing,.

  WOOHOO!  Both tumors are now smaller, which means that BOTH treatments are working. I'm having a follow up Open MRI for my Brain on August 25th, at Lahey in Peabody and will have another "Chest" CT Scan in about a month, as long as all continues to go well.

   While this is ALL great news.  I never eel like myself any longer and every day I feel kind of Yuk and that is taking it's toll on me this week. I would LOVE to wake up and feel kind of "good again" and that never happens.  It takes a good hour or so just to feel halfway alive and I always start the day with some nausea and a dull headache...not to mention the "Stiff" pain of living with Fibro.

  I try so heart o be upbeat and positive and I am, but I sure would LIKE to feel better and ever since that horrible day, I have not woke up ever feeling as good as I did before.  Not that even those days were perfect, but they were a A LOT better than now.

  Please bear with me, as I try to figure a way to feel like ME again  !   Thanks for the support and caring thoughts..they mater so much!

A rough week....

   Wow!  The battle has been a true challenge these past few days and I have been feeling just miserable.  Lots of intense nausea, light headiness and even some headaches...all on top of relentless fatigue not to mention and pain and stiffness of being in bed this much with Fibro too!  UGH!!

     Waking up this morning and feeling the worst ever, I knew it was time to seek more medical care and I started by calling the Oncology unit where I have my Chemo.   Chris, one of my nurses knew right away by my voices and symptoms that I needed to get in and I then slowly worked on getting dressed, getting Hubby home to drive me and taking care of feeding the Pups and such before I left.  I got there about 10, which as the plan and was started on IV Fluids, which Dr. Sunkura had ordered for me.  Unfortunately, she was at "Beverly" (one of the other Lahey Facilities)m, today and was not here in Gloucester, but she was only a phone call away and still took great care of me.  I also have Zofran (an anti nausea med) by IV and then she ordered a Head CT Scan to make sure the swelling was not worse.  I recently have been tapering off the "Steroids" and this can be a side effect of that.   Once the IV's we in place and I have the Zofran, I started to improve...and boy did that feel great.

   Took a few hours, but I am so happy I went and wound NEVER wait that long again.  The longest part was getting the "Pre-Authorization" fron my insurance, but once that came through, I had an appt in CT for 1:30 and that went well. I admit I am a bit apprehensive about this as it's the first CT of my head/brain since I had my Radio-static Radiation and that was planned to be in another few weeks.,..so I am kind of nervous, but HOPING the results will be good.  I will have them in the morning, so keep me and them in our thoughts!

    Now its' about 7:18 PM and I've had some Chicken Soup and still feel good...which is a good sing and I can eat and keep food in and NOT feel worse.  I've also taken more fluids and now have a new RX for Zofran which for me works and sadly the Compazine, was NOT helping ONE bit...so from now on I opt for Zofran and HOPE it will always work this well.

    Getting ready to go to bed early and excited that I did NOT have to cancel any plans for tomorrow..because I have cancelled quite a few in the past three days and really want to feel well and be back on track.  One week from now I hope to be at Fenway Park for the Billy Joel Concert with five of my Best BFF's.    We are taking a limo into Boston leaving from here at 3 PM....so excited and will make sure I'm feeling good, so I do NOT miss this event, which has been planned for days now

  Hugs to you ALL and thanks so much for your continue support and caring comments...they really mean so much to me!

THANKS a Million!!

Fantastic NEWS!!!

  The TUMOR has shrunk!!!  Yes, it is true and we were ALL thrilled to hear this news.  I had Chemo # 3 on Tuesday and was delighted to find out that we had this good news first.

  I am also excited because its' so soon and was not truly expected.  Now I hope that it will c continue to shrink more and maybe I will not have to have up to 20 more treatments?

 I'm also excited to have booked my next flight to Cali and will be off to visit Bran and Meg on July 29th for a very relaxing visit...ALL rest time and meg and I plan to go to the beach or hanging at one of the Hotel pools!  We'll use hats and an umbrella for me and the weather should be perfect

  Special  thanks for tall the KIND wishes, prayers and thoughts...!   I believe they all helped !!!

 

CT Scan was so EASY!!

  ...After the hassle the other day, I was so happy to go today and find that my CT Scan was a breeze.  Patty and I were there a bit early, but once I was called in, I was in and out in about 10 minutes.  The actual Scan took only about 5 minutes, once I have the IV in and the Tech was ready.  I simply closed my eyes and followed the "instructions" the Scanner "spoke" to me.  Such an a relief.

   We left and I took Patty out to lunch at The Azorean (Yummy local place), which was excellent.  I also thanked HER and her son, Steve again for bringing me three huge lobsters yesterday. I made the best Lobster Roll and still have enough meat for two more!    I will be back at the hospital Monday for my Pre-Chemo lab work and will also get the results of the SCAN.  Tuesday, I have my Chemo and will plan to bring card stuff with me, so I can create, while I am there!  I really do no mind Chemo, but do get a bit bored, IF I do not have enough to keep me busy!

   Thanks to you all for the happy notes and well wishes.  I'm so happy ti twas so easy and HOPE that Dr. Sunkara sees the results we all hope for, she's fantastic!  Lucky to have her on my team!!

Dr. Sunkara - My Oncologist

"Love her"

    PS:  Special thanks to "Clare" from the Hero Flickr Group who did this fabulous BLOG Design!  I LOVE it and hope you will too!  She rocked it!!
 
    You can visit Clare's blog HERE!!  She's a superstar card-maker too and has been "Published" many times!!

My first CT Scan !

   I am scheduled to have my first CT Scan, since starting CHEMO!  It will be tomorrow morning and then I have a follow up with Dr. Sunkura later tomorrow afternoon.   NOTE:  My appointment with Dr. Sunkara, went well!   She was happy with how much better my feet are "wearing my compression stockings" and said that it will still take weeks for them to totally come down.  

  

   However, once I am off the "Steroids" (two more weeks), that things will slowly improve!  My Chemo is all set for Tuesday and I'll go in Monday to for Pre-Chemo labs!  She's awesome!  I truly love my Oncologist and highly recommend her to anyone in my area, who may need this type of care!!   Keep your fingers crossed for some changes!   I dread the CT Scan, but will take a med and Meg will bring me!  It's great having her here, even if for such a short time!  Love her!!

  

  UPDATE:   Due to some problems in the CT Department and after waiting over an HOUR, I had to leave and reschedule this Scan.  Looks like it will now be Friday afternoon.  I'll update MORE 

once it's done!!

My ETSY Store and Fold Leather Company!!!

  My Etsy STORE -- ThePurplePlace --is now open and is all about Fundraising!  ALL the products being sold will raise funds for my favorite local Dachshund Rescue! I will be adding more products soon including some fantastic Dog Collars, created by Fold Leather Company! 

  My wonder "Daughter"  Meghan Golden is creating them as I type this and they will be handcrafted from her fabulous Italian leather.   

   They will be available in Black and a rich Dark Brown.  Each collar is 3/4" and the lengths are perfect for a smaller size dog.  We will also offer larger sizes for all dogs and each collar is adjustable a hidden snap close and "brass" look hardware! We also will have some listed at Fold Leather from time to time.  

   In the meantime, you can visit her store now and order yourself a wonderful Wallet, Satchel or Handbag! If you would like me to order for you, just send me a message with the product and your color choices etc.  I LOVE them all and have one of everything! You can stop by and see mine anytime! 

The Tallahassee Wallet!

The Boston Wallet!   Available in FIVE COLORS!!

The Albany Bag

"Mosie" with the fabulous "Albany Bag"  a personal favorite!

    PS: NEW products are coming soon!!!  --  

Backpacks, laptop bags and more! Happy Shopping!

Come to my ETSY Store and SUPPORT a Local Dachshund RESCUE!

I am hosting a special SALE in my ETSY Store to help fundraise for my favorite Local Dachshund Rescues.   Please visit my store and see what we have to offer!  Currently MOST goodies are perfect for "our Doxie Friends", and I will be adding MORE craft goodies soon.
ALL the proceeds will go to help RESCUE more sweet Dachshunds (and the like) who need a loving and caring home!
THANKS so much for stopping by! My store is named after my blog here and is also called
ThePurplePlace!!

Chemo # 2

   Had my "updated" blood work today and will have my second round of CHEMO tomorrow!  I'll try to come back and update this post too!

   We had a SUPER trip to Cali and LOVED every minute!  I feel so lucky I could go and now will look forward to going out for Thanksgiving and taking my son Alex and his Companion, future Fiance' with us!  We've booked all the flights and it will be so FUN to be together with Family!  Meg too, of course!

     Thanks to everyone for all the caring thoughts and WELL WISHES!   

   Chemo so far has been a breeze and I HOPE it stay this way!

    UPDATE:   Chemo was great, I had "Kelly" as my nurse, who was someone I knew back when I worked at AGH, so it was nice to catch up.  We have kids the same age and our two oldest graduated the same year.
  
    I also met with Dr. Sunkara pre-Chemo, which I will do at each visit.  She is so nice, LOVE her!  She wants me to start wearing "Compression Stocking" daily and I am also slowly now tapering off the Steriod Meds -- YIPPEE!  I have also called and am working on an appointment to get my new stockings from, "Fittings by Faith" a local gal who makes them custom, in Salem, MA!  I had the RX already from Dr. Pearce, so this should be easy.  I'm tentatively going to see her on Thursday for measuring etc.  I had to take "MOLLY" to her meet and great with her vet - Dr. Hammond at 10am, so I'll plan to see Faith right after lunch and hoping Mom will go for the ride.

   On the way back I want to go to Marshall's Farm stand to get some of the super containers that Karen has been creating.  I want some for my side yard/stairs, which is shady and she has put together some awesome containers for SHADE!   Exactly what I want.
   
   My next Chemo is May 30th, and I have a CT Scan the week before on the 24th with a visit that day with Dr. Sunkura again.   HOPE we sign some GOOD changes on the SCAN.  Keep your fingers crossed.

    A special THANK you to Clare, who is a Graph Design student and fellow Hero Arts Group member.  She is going to work on a new design for this blog, ALL for FREE!  How cool is that!  It will be like a "school project" for her.  IF you are interested in having her do something for you, please see her POST over in the Hero Arts Discussions!

      That's it for now --- I am working on cards for challenges this afternoon and tomorrow our new FENCE will be installed!  WOOHOO!   VERY happy about that!