Getting ready for Chemo

The port-au-catheter surgery went well, although I had to have the needle inserted into my neck as Dr. Stoeckle could not get it into an artery around my heart. Then I developed a blood clot (no surprise I wouldn't develop something!), so he had to remove the outside stitches around the port on Sunday. I'm on an antibiotic for a week, and it seems to have helped as the clot is draining and shrinking, thank goodness.

I'll have a PET scan done on Saturday to determine the size of the mass, the neck sutures removed on Monday, then meet with Dr. McCoy on Tuesday to discuss the plan-of-action for chemo, which will probably begin the week after Mother's Day. The PET scan will also determine how many treatments I will have to endure but right now he thinks it will be 4. I may not have to be hospitalized for the treatment, too, which would be great.

Please keep me on your prayer lists!

I stopped by my office after lunch this afternoon, and it was so uplifting to see everyone again. I heard again and again how I hadn't updated my blog. So here goes....

I had a wonderful week in Duck, NC, and the icing was the wedding of David and Trisha. I had (STUPIDLY) dropped a television on my right leg about 3 weeks before, which caused a blood clot. It was lanced twice, but was still very painful. So, if I didn't have to be standing, I was sitting or laying down with it propped up. I was able to dance Saturday night, which was important to me! It has drained a lot since being home and is disappearing.

My surgeon will attempt a 2nd port-au-catheter implant on Tuesday. I don't have to tell you the anxiety I have about another surgery, but my veins are so small that finding one is very painful. Please pray that I do not develop an infection.

I should start a 2nd more intense chemotherapy the first part of May. This treatment will require me to be hospitalized (another fear), for 2 days, but I know that is where I should be. If anything does go wrong, I'll be in the right place. I should only have to do this for 4 treatments, so that's good.

I am honored that a Relay for Life team has been formed in my name, so please support that if you can. David is right -- $5 can go a long way -- and as darling Blakely says, "cancer sucks."

I'll try to update again next week.

Support Cindy in Relay For Life

Hello Everyone,

I'm writing to ask for your support. One of mom's closest friends, Cindy Finney, is raising money for Relay for Life. This charity seeks to support those living with cancer, celebrate the lives of those who are winning their battle against cancer, and remember those who lost their lives to cancer.

Cindy is heading up a team called "Beth's Blog Buddies".

Given that you have all supported mom so much by checking on her blog, you are officially a "Beth's Blog Buddy". We ask that you support Cindy by visiting her page and making a donation. It doesn't matter how big or how small your support - $5 can go a long way!

Let's help Cindy shatter her fund raising goals, and continue our support of Mom.

Visit Cindy's page BY CLICKING HERE.