Day by Day

On December 20th, Travis and I were meeting Jennifer in San Antonio to do some last minute Christmas shopping. We had gone to a couple of stores, and the last store was Target. As I was paying out I was having a terrible time putting in my pin number. I looked at the guy and told him I was going to faint. Jennifer was right behind me to catch me as I hit my chin and cheek on the counter. Jennifer said I left make up on the counter. I wasn't out long, but was having a very difficult time. It happened very much like the last two times that I have done this. After I black out, I throw up. My blook pressure goes way, way down and I can't talk. Thank goodness my kids were with me and know my medical history better than they know their own. Travis called paramedics and I spent the next 24 hrs in the hospital getting magnesium and potassium. I had just had chemo on the 17th and my body was drained. Of course spending 24 hrs in the hospital messed up my week, but everything turned out fine.

We had a wonderful Christmas as always. This one just seemed more special. Gary did most of our shopping this year (he's been holding out on me). When I would go to chemo, I told him what we needed and he would go to Macy's, because he knew where everything was in the home department. He did a great job and I'm very proud of him.

I had chemo yesterday (30th) and Jennifer and my mom took me. They went out to do a little shopping at Charming Charlies. I go in another two weeks. Hopefully my levels this time will be stable and stay that way.

This is the last day of 2010 and I feel very fortunate to be here. I know I've got a huge fight ahead of me, but I would like to be my doctor's star patient. That comes with a lot of faith and prayer. I wish only the best for everyone this coming year of 2011. Happy New Year!!!!

Susan Hall

The month of November has been extremely busy for me. I had a visit to MDAnderson, which I received a good report, then my birthday which lasted a week, then I had a cousin from California visit me for a week. Now it is time for Thanksgiving. We are cooking at home, but everyone is cooking something to contribute to the meal.

I had chemo last week and I could really tell a difference. I had taken a chemo vacation for two weeks then I had chemo. I could feel it draining my body. I know it is helping me, but it is so hard with the side effects.

This is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and eat lots of turkey!!!

Susan

Visit to MDAnderson

My mom, dad, and Jennifer went to MDAnderson with me for a check up. Every time I go it is for a blood work up and a CT scan of the liver and abdomen. When we saw Dr. Yao, he was in a great mood which is an indicator of good news. He showed us pictures on the computer of my liver when I first went to him and now. The comparisons between June and November of my liver was astounding. The new chemo has really helped my liver and the cancer is still there but is shrinking a lot. It is really scary to see how little control we have over our bodies and how cancer can eat up your organs. I'm very grateful for my doctor and the chemo. But more, I'm grateful for all the prayers that have been sent to God for my recovery. I give all the glory to God for how I'm feeling these days. I feel great, but still get tired. My cousin, Barbara from California is visiting me for my birthday and I am really enjoying her so much. We are both close to our families and have so much in common. We are having my birthday party this weekend at some cabins in Castell near Llano. It is going to be a lot of fun and the weather men say Saturday is going to be beautiful, but Sunday it will be cold. Good timing. Again, thank you for your prayers because that is what is helping me the most. Have a good day.

Susan

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I had chemo and all went well. It's always the after effects that get me and unfortunately I don't remember this one. Travis called me before we got home and I told him I'd call him later. I did, but have no
memory of it and got mad at him for something. This morning I could not find my phone and finally found it on Travis's bed. I don't remember being in there at all. I remember watching TV and that's about all I remember. I don't even know if I ate anything last night.

Fortunately, I feel great today. I'm going to San Antonio tomorrow to see Jennifer. We are going to LaConterra and if I get tired I can always sit down. I will wear my new wig for her. It is amazing how differently you are treated when people know you have cancer. When I wear my wig people aren't for sure. But when I just wear a scarf people are super nice to you and usually give you special treatment. I find that very interesting.
Don't know much, just trying to do better on my blog.

See you soon.
Susan

Dear Friends,
Everything is going well. Whenever you do chemo, there is always side effects. Even though I am doing chemo one day a week, the side effect is my bones hurting. The pain medicine makes me itch and it is hard to get your rest when you are hurting and itching.

I've had two friends that just found out about my cancer that I used to work with. I do miss working with my friends, but I don't have time to work. Like today, I go to the doctor for a shot for my white blood count. That will take half a day. My chemo day is Thursday. I'm still chasing my potassium and magnesium. I am trying to be faithful in taking all of my medicine when I should.

One exciting thing I did over the weekend was get a wig. I tried on a lot of them before I picked one. My mistake was taking Travis and
Gary with me. But I talked to Gary before we went in and told him to not say I looked good in everything. He has a good eye with color and we finally found one that looked like me.

Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. I go to MDAnderson on my birthday, November 8-9. I will see if this chemo has helped.

See you later.

Susan

First Great Weekend

I had my first new round of chemo last Friday. It took longer for the first time so they could see if I was going to have a reaction to the new chemo. My dad from Odessa came down to take me. Once again, I am so blessed to have my parents take care of me so Gary and Travis can work. Unfortunately, I did have a reaction. My left side started twitching, like my arm and leg. Once they gave me meds to stop it, I was asleep for hours. I scared my dad so bad because I looked so bad. I'm glad no one was around taking pictures because I'm sure my head was hanging down with my mouth wide open. When I have chemo, my memory is terrible. I can't remember names, and I couldn't write in my date book when I was leaving. I WAS in bad shape. Thank goodness Gary left work a little early and came by to see how I was doing. I think that relieved my dad.

The next day, Saturday and Sunday, I have never felt so good. Especially since December. When I began feeling so bad in January, I would rest and try to recuperate on the weekends so I would feel like working the next week. It did not work.

On Sunday I felt like going to church for the first time in months, went to Lampasas so I could see where Travis was living, went out to eat, and did a little grocery shopping. The shopping did me in, I was tired. Gary did go with me to the grocery store so I wasn't at the store by myself. I usually have a babysitter with me.

I'm sure the chemo is helping, but every time I see people out around town, they tell me that they are praying for me. The last chemo I had, I thought the side effects were going to kill me. My attitude was horrible. I give God the glory to everyone who is praying for me and my family. The next time I go to MDAnderson is on my birthday, Nov. 8. I'm praying for GREAT news.

Thanks again for your cards, letters, thoughts and prayers. Have a great week.

Susan Hall

Since late August and first of September I've had a rough time with the side effects from chemo. The chemo was going to cure me or kill me. I would go three days for chemo every three weeks and my body couldn't keep up. My electrolytes, magnesium and potasium were very low. I was even in the hospital to get infusions. The only good thing was I got a unit of blood. The longer I was in the hospital the worse I felt. I was a HORRIBLE patient. I thought I would have my doctor, but they have hospitalists now, which I don't like.

I did go to MDAnderson last week and received a good report. When I go, I get a blood test, then I go for a scan of my abdomen, which you have to wait for hours. They have a huge waiting room and it is absolutely full everytime I go. Then, I had a day off. We went to the Cheesecake Factory and mall which was fun. I walked a lot for me. In fact, I was sore. My doctor, Dr. YAO looked at my blood test and had me go to the emergency room for an infusion of magnesium. This was before the Cheesecake factory. We didn't get home until 3;30 am. Very tired. I fell into bed. We stayed at the Marriot and they have great beds. The next day we saw Dr. Yao and he said my tumors in my liver are shrinking. He never says how much, but at least they are not growing. He did change my chemo to one day a week. I will have two weeks off before I start again. I was super excited about having the time off. I've just got to have my body keep up with the chemo.

I even went to a Bible study at our church on Wednesday and it was so nice to go somewhere besides a doctor. I was very tired afterwards, but came home and took a nap.

My parents are home and are taking care of themselves by going to their doctors and keeping up with their appointments.

Thank you for your cards, thoughts and prayers.
Susan

blood pressure

Last week was very interesting. There are so many side effects with chemo that I can't even keep up with them. The oncologist in Austin checks my blood every week to make sure that my white blood count is high and not low then they check calcium and magnesium. I was having so many problems with dizziness, weakness, and energy. It always felt like I was light headed and going to faint. Well, that meant that my magnesium was super low.

When I went in Monday they were going to get blood from my new port. The thing was I was sitting down and was blacking out. I didn't even know they got blood. Also my blood pressure was super low. When I stood up my blood pressure went even lower. They wanted me to sit in a wheel chair, but I was unresponsive. When I did sit down, unfortunately, I threw up. By this time, they had brought Travis and my mom in. They asked Travis if this was normal and he said NO Way. After being evaluated, I was given an IV of fluids.

I had to go the next day to get an IV of magnesium. It was an extremely busy week, but if that's what it takes to keep on chemo schedule, I guess I will do it. I felt better after the fluids and magnesium. These are just some of the side effects of chemo.

I go tomorrow for a doctor visit and they will check my blood to see if I'm ok for chemo. If everything is ok with my blood, I will do chemo. I'm very fortunate that the chemo does not hurt, it's just the side effects that I do not like.

My mom has been here taking care of me and making sure everything is running like it should. Please pray for my parents. They never dreamed that they would be taking care of me like this. They have seen me in different stages or different side effects. I've only been sick three times this two weeks but they don't like to see it. My dad will come to MF and take me to chemo. What would I do without them?

Everyone: take care and see you around.
Susan

I know it has been a long time since I wrote on my blog. A lot has happened since the last time I wrote. When I went to MDAnderson in July, my white blood count was low, so I didn't get to do my chemo. I had to take shots for a week to get built back up. So, I decided that with traveling, trying to work with schedules, I would do my treatments in Austin. I thought it would be easier on everyone. My main Dr. is still Dr. Yao in Houston and he gives the orders. It is working out pretty good. I'm not disappointed at all. When I was on Houston in July, I had a scan and it seems that the cancer is not growing at this time and my liver function is improving.

I also had a port put in so doing my chemo or infusions would be easier. My veins have just given out. Dr. Yao did not want me to do it but said we would talk about it, but I had do to something. It was my executive decision to do this. They are my veins and I can take a lot of pain, but getting a vein to work was so painful. Unfortunately, my veins are crooked, small, and like to roll.

Last week I had to go in for a in infustion of Magnesium. It was very low and it was a three hour ordeal.

Last time I had chemo was at the end of July and my Dad took me for two days. It wears everyone out. There's nothing to do but wait for hours. He went for a walk and someone asked him if they could help him find his car!!! He stayed for about a week then my Mom came. I'm very fortunate that they are able to help me. They run circles around me.

I had to get a new washer and dryer!!! Gary actually went by himself and bought them. I'm not real picky when it comes to a washer/dryer and they get delivered Tuesday PM. I'm very excited, but not about how expensive they are.

The next time I have chemo is Aug. 16-18 then I go to Houston Aug. 31-Sept. 2 for scans and follow ups.

Since I have chemo every three weeks and never know how I am going to feel, I have had to take Disability Retirement. I never dreamed after 12 years that I would be retiring. But I'm kind of excited. I always get the kids who are behavior challenged and I won't have to deal with that any more. Yea!!!!

Thank you for your sweet cards, visits, food, and prayers.

Susan

Big Week at MDA

It is Sunday and we are getting ready to go to MDA on Monday. We are cleaning house and have been washing clothes, so when we get back everything will be clean. My mom has been here, so she is a great motivator. I get a blood workup then that evening I'm getting a CT Scan on my abdomen. Then, I see Dr. Yao on Tuesday at 1:30 for him to give me my results from the tests. Our wish and hope is that the tumors are shrinking. I'll take any little bit of good news that I can get.

We are still staying at the Rotary House that is connected to everything that I go to, so we are not waiting on shuttles and sometimes it is so late when I get through with chemo the shuttles are not running. It is very convenient to stay where we are. Last time it was when the hurricane came through and I was so glad we stayed there. People were complaining that they didn't have their umbrella with them and I was just thanking my lucky stars I didn't have to get out in the rain. I'm always concerned about my immune system, especially after chemo. I can't get sick!!

I want to thank everyone for the phone calls, cards, sweet thoughts and prayers sent my way. Prayer is what is going to save me.

Have a good week everyone!!
Susan

Getting ready for Houston

Hi Everyone,
I am getting ready to go to Houston again. We leave next Monday and I want to feel better organized this time. I left half of my makeup in Marble Falls and that just seemed to set things in motion.

Thank you all for your prayers on Facebook. Someone said I needed to have a sense of humor that it really helps. If you could see me without my hair and just my little cap, you really need a sense of humor. It is pretty funny.

Monday I have my blood testing and my CT scans of my abdomen. Please pray that everything is shrinking and that I get a good report. I've been having problems with my stomach and I hope it's not my liver. I'm probably just very anxious about my trip to Houston.

Thank you for your prayers and cards. They mean so much to me.

Susan

2nd time to MDA

Before I went to MDA the second time, I got very sick with fever and we didn't know where it came from. I just know I didn't feel well at all.

Dr. Yao said my liver function was improving, so he thinks the chemo is working. I really hope so. I feel so much better this time after chemo than I did the first time. I have so much more energy and I am not near as weak. My chemo is still 8 hours long for three days which is long, but I sleep most of the time.

Next time I go, we take blood work, then we take CT scans of my abdomen. My prayers are that the tumors are shrinking. After I talk to Dr. Yao, I take my treatments. I asked him how long my treatments would be and he said we would evaluate every two months. He is all business!!!! As his PA's say, he is all cancer doctor.

We are staying at the Rotary HOuse which has a skyway and is connected to everywhere I need to go. Even when I shut a building down, I just go to my room, and if the gold carts are running, then Travis pushes me in a wheel chair.

I don't know if I told everyone, but I did try to save my hair, but the girl who cuts it tried to save it short, but it kept coming out. It is as short as you can get. When I was in Houston, I bought some cute little hats that color coordinate with my clothes. Sometimes, I'm self conscience, but this is real life and I can't worry about everything. A friend gave me a small cross before I went to MDA and I'm all about prayer. It is called a Clinging Cross and it fits into your hand. It is the coolest thing. I know I don't have to use it to pray, but it seems to make me stronger.

I am very fortunate that both of my kids, Jennifer and Travis went to MDA with me this time. I didn't want Gary to miss work. My kids are super supportive and are very positive. Right now the plan is to go to MDA every three weeks to get my chemo.

I will refer people back to my blog on FB. Thanks for reading.

Susan Hall

MDAnderson

Friends,
I apologize for the delay in the blog. Gary, Travis and I went to Houston on Monday, May 31 to be ready for the next day to see my new doctor. His name is Dr. Yao. He has a team of Physicians Assistants who are wonderful. His head PA is Jeanette and calls me frequently to check on me now that I am home.

The first day I went through another round of testing. The new CT Scan shows that the cancer in my liver has grown since April, so this is an agressive cancer which he will treat aggressively.

When I had another consultation on Thursday, he wanted to start Chemo that day, which I was ready to do what this doctor suggested. He is treating my pancreas and liver, which my Austin oncologist was treating only the pancreas. So, my chemo consists of 8 to 10 hours for 3 days. It gets pretty old but I'm doing what it takes to save my life. There were a couple of nights that we closed down the building because my treatments take so long.

The chemo makes you very tired and I've been sleeping especially right after the chemo. I'm beginning to be myself since I've been home.

My parents came this weekend and my mom will stay here with me in MF for awhile. My dad went back to Odessa this AM so this will give him a break also.

My hair is beginning to thin, so if you don't see me for awhile, you may see me with a turbane. It will be cooler this summer without hair. I always sweat so much but especially my hair.

I will try my best to keep this going for everyone. I don't want to lose you so please be patient.

Thanks.

Susan Hall

Chemo

I had my first round of chemo therapy today. I will do 8 hours a day for three days in a row every 3 weeks. Jennifer is coming tomorrow.

Exhausted

Yesterday I was having tests run for 12 hours. We did not leave until after 9:00. I have slept most of the day today. I really like Dr. Yao. He is very straight forward. He wants to start chemo ASAP. There is still a discrepency in test resuts and lab work. I go back in at 8:30 tomorrow to go over the new test results from Tuesday. I have my list of questions ready.

MD Anderson continued

We made it to Houston. There was alot of traffic. I go in at 9:00 in the morning to start my tests. It's going to be a long day!

MD Anderson

Hi everyone! This is Susan's daughter, Jennifer. Her computer is broken so she has asked me to blog for her. She says, "I had all intentions of working next week, but Md Anderson has called me and wants to see me! Gary, Travis and I are leaving Monday and checking in Tuesday. I have been told to expect to be there 3 to 5 days. I am seeing a very well known doctor, James Yao, who has a wonderful reputation in the gastrointestinal division. There is a discrepency with the Austin pathologist and their pathologist as to where the cancer originated. On the first day I have a full day of testing, most of which I have already done. I am really looking forward to doing it a second time! ; ) "
Susan will be calling me to update her blog while she is there. We will keep you posted!

I guess you have figured out by now that if I don't write in my blog, that I'm not feeling good. I've been sick since May 13 but am beginning to feel better now. My doctor wanted to wean me off of my steroids, but I just can't do it. I get sick and run down and just not human. So I'm on half of a steriod and am beginning to feel better. I am also extremely weak, but I think that is my blood sugar and I go to a class on Monday with my new little meter and an education class on what to eat and not eat. Hopefully this will help. So, my calendar is already filling up. I still can't drive by myself so Travis or Gary take me. Thank goodness that I have a family who takes care of me. Jennifer will help during the summer when she is not teaching.

My treatments are going to be paid for now. Gary called our BCBS rep and she gave him a number for my doctor to give the prescription to. They are shipping it to me, so after another education class at the doctors I should be starting my treatments. MDAnderson did call me today and if everyone did their job I might already be there. I know they ordered the biopsy to be sent to them but something delayed them.

We are still getting bids on our AC unit, so we are getting closer.

Thursday I do not go anywhere but I go to my oncologist on Friday. I will let you know what she says.

See you all later.
Susan

When it rains it pours

I've been sick since Thursday. I can't seem to turn a corner. My oncologist wants to start treatments ASAP, but the nurse was going to send me info on treatment and I still haven't received it. I would really like to read about it before I do it.

I go tomorrow for the big dye test to see if I have any tumors on any other organs. It is a two day tests, so I'll be busy. Thank goodness Gary is taking me because I can't drive.

Dr. Bala is weaning me off my steroids, they are for pain. Well, last night I woke up in the most terrible pain I've been in. It was like I had had surgery without any pain medication. It was my liver and that is one reason she wants to start treatment. I took have a steriod this morning and I'm feeling some better today, but I'm still in my gown. I'm a pro at resting.

Then, last night Gary opens the bedroom windows and turns on the fan. I am thinking, it must be cooler. This morning he tells me the AC went out last night. We need a new unit any way, but as far as time issues are concerned, another time would be better, but all we can do is replace it. Thank goodness we can.

I'll report to you tomorrow on my test. Should be interesting.

Susan

List of talents

I woke up today going to eat healthy. I ate an egg and wheat toast. Good for me. Before I knew it, I was feeling sick. I tried to not get sick, but I did. I had done this before, and went to work, so I thought the rest of the day would be like before. I'm getting very close to school and I feel like I'm going to get sick again. I'm looking for a place to pull over and I can't find a place, and I still feel sick. I always have something in my car to drink, and I have a big glass. Well, new on my list of talents is: you can throw up while you are driving. Thank goodness it is bile. I've done a lot of weird things in my life, but this is on the top list. When I got to school, I threw up again. This was a first time to throw up 3 times. I shouldn't have even gone to school, but I guess it is my work ethic. I did end up going home and have been resting all day. IAfter my nap I drank some Ginger Ale and threw up again. Four times today. Scarey!!!

I called Dr. Bala's office and they will call me tomorrow. I also called MDAnderson and my case worker was out too. She is supposed to be in tomorrow. I will follow up tomorrow.

Thank you for the food again, so my boys can eat. There's no way that I can cook right now. The food is a lifesafer. Thank you for your prayers and cards.

Third Week

The first doctor I saw today was my oncologist, Dr. Bala. She is getting very impatient with the dye coming from Europe. She is wanting to get started on my shots soon. I'm getting impatient with MDAnderson, but I will be calling tomorrow until I get an answer. My bone scan came back negative which is good. I asked her why some people have surgery and some shots. I have too many lesions on my liver but we will be treating my liver later with radiation. That's the plan right now.

Then I saw a new PCP, Dr. Pegamy in the same building. Dr. Bala had tested my blood sugar and it was high so she's making me see a PCP. I'm glad she pushed it because he did a urine test and I have glucose in my urine. It's another side effect from my pancreas but I'll do anything to feel better. I've had days where I couldn't drink enough liquids. I'd have the sweats day or night, and I would be shakey. He gave me some pills to help me and I will go to classes to help me with my new meter and education to eat correctly.

So, basically I had good and a little bad news. My prayer is still for God to remove this cancer from my body. I want my faith to be renewed everyday to believe that He will take it away. Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and especially the food for my family.

Time off

I know I haven't posted anything in several days. I've been tired from Teacher Appreciation Week, book fair and all the excitement from the kids. My parents we extremely generous and I cannot thank them enough.

This weekend has not been my best. I hardly ever throw up at night but Saturday evening I thought I would eat a salad for fiber. Well, what I'm learning about my body is when it doesn't want something it gets rid of it. I've eaten so much salad this week, but not on Saturday.

Then I get up this morning, and I take my meds with milk, just like they tell me to do. I think what I did wrong when I was making my breakfast, frozen french toast, I bent over to look in my fridge and that's when I began to feel bad. Threw up my milk and pills. Go figure. I'm calling the nurse tomorrow and let her know what is going on.

I did feel bad this AM, but we had made plans to go to San Antonio to eat at Pappasitos (my favorite). I did feel better getting out of the house and getting my mind off of myself. We did a little shopping but just enjoying being with my whole family. My kids and husband are wonderful.

I did do something that I hardly do, but even when I'm sick I milk it dry. I had left my son-in-laws present in the car and Gary and I were playing on who was going to go get it. He asked me why I wasn't going to go get it and I told him: I have cancer. I thought Krishna (son-in-law) was going to die. But you have to have a sense of humor. Gary, the gentlemen got the present for me.

Came home, rested and watched Amazing Race. Wonderful show. I wanted my Cowboys to win so bad.

Another busy week at school, and I really need to focus on reviews and testing.

See you later.

Susan

Two Weeks

Today I had my bone scan. My husband took me and I'm so glad he did. After they injected me with the dye we walked out of the building and I'm thinking: I can't believe this is happening to me. At times, I'm still in shock.

I talked to the radiologist about the dye. There are only five nuclear reactors in the world. One is in Canada, but it's been shut down for a year. The others are in Europe and we are still having trouble getting the isotope for the dye. My appt. was for Friday, but they called and wanted me to come in before it spoiled.

I knew it was going to be hot today, so I wore long shorts to school. It was only 98 degrees in Marble Falls. I had a little boy, tell me I looked like I was going to go play tennis. I told him I wish I was going to play tennis, but I was going to the doctor.

I'm praying now that they do not find any tumors on my bones. The kind of cancer I have is very, very rare. It is called a neuroendocrine tumor which is on my pancreas. On one website that I read, it said that only 100 people in the US have this kind of cancer. I go in for one more tests with the isotopes from Europe, which is scheduled May 17 & 18. But my doctor is really creative and thinks of more tests all the time. Doesn't bother me.

I continue to thank you for your prayers and cards.

Susan

Mrs. Grouchy

Since my infusion for my calcium, each day is getting better. I'm not nearly as tired and I'm not shakey. I just want this to last.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. The kids love to make their teachers happy. I received flowers and poems today. I had a student tell me today that I had been grouchy. I said, well, I really don't doubt it, I will try to do better. Well, he wanted to do some filing for me this afternoon, and it was so funny, because he looked at me and said, those kids will just not get quiet. I can't concentrate on what I'm supposed to do for you. He said, now I know why you get grouchy. Kids are so funny!!!

We are watching "Dancing with the Stars" and I love to show off. I went to another room and came back in dancing. It's been months since I felt like doing that. Please pray that this lasts.

I go see the vampires tomorrow, then heading to school.

Going back to 1st day

As you know I found out April 21 that I had cancer and what a shock it was to me. I had had my liver biopsy that Monday and when you have a biopsy you know something pretty serious is happening. So, my kids and husband were with me when I got my news. To see the tears in their eyes nearly killed me. I knew it was serious before we even heard the news. But my wonderful Dr. Bala explained everything so thoroughly that it really calmed them down. We knew we had so much info to get to know where the cancer originated. But deep down, I already knew. When I went out into the waiting room where everyone was waiting for me, it seemed like everyone was still in shock.

Emily Faggard, was in the building going to her dermatologist and asked if she could come up with us. I said yes, of course, you are part of my family. She took it real hard and told my team that evening.

Here comes the hardest part: I had to tell my parents that their daughter has cancer. Cancer is on both sides of my family and a lot of you know that my Mother had a colostomy in 1978. I learned from her years ago that you can't give up and your attitude can make or break you. My dad was working that night, and I wanted to tell them together, but my mom new I had a doctor's appt. She kept calling and I would ignore it. Finally, I took her call. It was the hardest thing I've ever done telling her that I had cancer. She took it so hard. She was upset and crying. The news was still new to me, but it killed me that she was so upset. Then I called my dad when I knew he was going to be home. I caught him in the drive way of his home. He took it better, but still telling my dad that I had cancer, nearly killed me. He was very encouraging and told me he had learned since he retired that "bad things happen to good people." That he knew men that were so close to God, but things still happened to them. I told him to go into the house and take care of Mother. I know it was hard for both of them, but I think since they have gone to the doctor with me and have seen me this weekend, that they feel much better.

Then, my son Travis was planning to move to California on May 6. I absolutely hate to be the cause of plans being changed. So, I told him your plans are not cancelled, just postponed. It will happen. I'm a big girl and can do this. My daughter, Jennifer lives in San Antonio and teaches, so if I need any one, she can be here.

I have felt very good today, so maybe the infusion for my calcium is kicking in.

I've had several people tell me that they cannot comment. Do any of you have any suggestions. I've told people to log in and they say they are, but if you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Nona Fox, thank you for the brisket, potato salad, beans and banana pudding. You outdid yourself!!!

Doctor's visit

I had a very important doctor's appt today. My parents from Odessa and my husband and kids were there with me. What a great support team!!! The doctor still maintains that the cancer originated in my pancreas. It is a 9cm lesion and that shocked me. The cancer could have been in my body for as long as 10 years. It is a VERY slow growing cancer, thank goodness and that is the good news. It is NOT the pancreatic cancer where you have months to live. My cancer is treatable and I will probably take SHOTS at HOME!!! I am so excited. My doctors were so excited.

What we are working on now are the symptoms that I am having from my pancreas and liver to make me feel better, then after all of my testing and MD Anderson, I will take my shots. I honestly feel that MDAnderson will come up with the same results. We are concentrating on my pancreas first, then my liver.

I'm just so excited about the news. I may not live till I'm 80 yrs. old, but you never know. God can make anything happen. So, keep the faith.

I appreciate your prayers, cards, and words of encouragement.

Susan

One Week Anniversay

One week ago, April 21, I found out I have cancer. It seems like forever. In one week, I've had more blood drawn and had scans, etc.and they are still not through. I'm totally exhausted. I went today to get in infusion for my high calcium levels. They said I should feel better tomorrow. I also had a lady from the Cancer Society talk to me about what they could do for me. I told her I've only known from one week, and I do not know what I need. I don't know anything about my treatments and if I did I do not know how I will respond. She was a principal that had breast cancer, so we have a lot in common. I hope I see her again. My next big appt with Dr. Bala is Friday, and I think my entire family will be with me. More and more info keeps coming in from the pathologist resports.

I went to school this morning, but couldn't last. I was shakey and sweaty, and those are symtoms of high calcium. it's like a little wine is good for you, but a lot of wine isn't. I will be back tomorrow!!! I will be ready to go full speed, so watch out kids!!

I had a former student respond to my blog yesterday, and it really got to me. His words of encouragement meant the world to me. It's really funny the way the kids just know your whole personality.

My parents are coming tomorrow and I'm like a little kid that is so excited to see her parents. I hope I look good tomorrow. I'll just have to use more Mary Kay. I've got the tools, so I'll use them.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and I really get a kick when someone describes my personality!! So funny!!! So far, I've just been down one day. And, I've only known for one week.

Busy Day

This week in school is TAKS week, so we have to keep all kids very quiet. They did very well, and we don't even have specials for three days, so we took them outside to play. They loved it.

After school, I went to get a mammogram. Lots of fun. Just checking everything in and on my body.

There is a very good reason why I am so tired. The doctor's office called me late this afternoon and said that my calcium levels are higher than they were last week. I've been told that when your calcium levels are high that it makes you very, very tired. So, tomorrow afternoon I go to get an infusion of "something." That will take a couple of hours.

Next, my doctor wanted me to get a test ASAP that takes nuclear radiation dye that comes from Europe but can't get here for the volcano.
The soonest I can get an appt. is May 17 & 18. Isn't it sad that the US is dependent on Europe to get nuclear dye for testing? I'm really learning a lot.

Today my kids made cards for me and they were so sweet. Some kids talked to me about my cancer and told me stories of people they knew who had cancer. They know it is serious and they were all concerned about me coming back next year. I told them that I would be back: better than ever.

I also had some Mary Kay business which made me feel like the old "Susan."

Thanks for your cards and prayers. They mean so much to me.

Long day

It has been an extremely busy and long day, but productive. Had a great day of teaching!! Travis took me to work today because I had set up a meeting with my student's parents to explain why I had been missing so much work. I told them I had been very sick and that last week I found out I had cancer. I hope they took the news well and that the school is trying to take care of their children's best interest. Travis drove me home and I was so glad, because it has been a long day and I am tired.

My gastro doctor called me this morning and his reports say that it is a slow growing tumor in my pancreas, which he says is great. I am still getting scans all over my body and tomorrow I go for a mammogram.
I would give anything to be able to say how my treatments are going to go but I know nothing right now. I could do Chemo or shots!!! I know I can beat this!!!

Reason for the Blog

April 21, I found out that I have cancer. Quite a surprise to say the least. I want to keep an account of what has happened and what is going to happen in the future.

Since January, my stomach hurt and I thought week after week that it would go away. It did not. I went to my gastro doctor and he did a CT scan on my stomach and intestines. What they did find was lesions on my liver and a lesion on my pancreas.

I was referred then to an Oncologist!! Never in my wildest dreams would I think at age 54 that I would be going to an Oncologist. Her name is Dr. Bala and I love her so much.

I went to Dr. Bala on Friday, April 23 and gave blood to the vampires and then talked to the doctor. Her news was not good. I was very tired and everything just hit me. It was weird, because it hit all of my family that day, that I actually have cancer.

Today was one of the best!!! Emily, Traci, Whitney, and my daughter Jennifer came to Marble Falls!! We sat on my front porch, went to the Bluebonnet for lunch. Traci wanted to go to True Value. Then we went to Fresh and Fruiti for "Ice Cream." Went back to my house to sit on the front porch. The weather was perfect!!

I look forward to many more days like this. Enjoying every moment!!

Last night I signed up to go to MD Anderson in Houston. If I don't try this I will regret it. Just waiting to hear from them.