March 1, 2007

  • Hi my friends!!


    Long time since I've posted anything.  Life has been very full and busy and at times overwhelming. 


    I had a heart stress test in December (read about that here).  I was injected with a radioactive type of dye.  One that would "light up" my heart muscle when they scanned it.  Then in January my gynecologist changed one of my prescriptions, which caused me to ache all over and fatigue rather easily.  After 3 weeks of it, I was able to change it back.  However, since that time, I have caught every little bug that my kids have had or been exposed to.  YUCK!  Just keeping up with the mundane everyday things has been quite a challenge.  I believe my immune system was suppressed after receiving the radioactive dye.  I don't know that for a fact, but it adds up.  I haven't had strep throat in YEARS and right now I'm taking antibiotics for it.  I'm hoping this will be the last thing I catch!!   Keep your fingers crossed.


    The girls are doing well.  Stormy has been performing at concerts and events and contests.  Both Stormy and Lovebug will be performing at the New Genre Festival on March 10th.  You can read more about it here.  I'll be there helping dress the audience in "costume".  My only worry -- I don't know what to wear!!!  Whaaa!!


    Spring seems to finally have arrived.  Daffodils are blooming around the neighborhood, but not in my yard.  I'm hoping to start planting soon.  I have 10 strawberry plants waiting to be put in bed.  And I've been planning, herbs and flowers and a few vegetables.  Unfortunately, I may have to postpone a garden this year.


    My sister, who is 13 years my senior, who took me and my brother in to care for us after our parents died, was diagnosed this week with small cell carcinoma.  This is the worst type of lung cancer you can get.  The best odds I have found for this type of cancer is: only 6% of those diagnosed with this type of cancer make it beyond 5 years.  Those are really shitty odds if you ask me.  If you do nothing, you die.  Quickly!  Operation is not an option.  Chemo is recommended.  Clinical trials are highly recommended.  I quote:  "All patients with this type of cancer may appropriately be considered for inclusion in clinical trials at the time of diagnosis."  At the time of DIAGNOSIS??????  Geez!  That is not encouraging.  I also quote:  "Regardless of stage, the current prognosis for patients with small cell lung cancer is unsatisfactory even though considerable improvements in diagnosis and therapy have been made over the past 10 to 15 years."  <heavy sigh>


    I am mostly numb about this news.  I still don't really believe it.  I think it will sink in more when we visit the oncologist on Tuesday.  I have been utterly distracted.  I wonder what lesson is awaiting me.  I wonder if I need to begin planning what to do with her estate.  I wonder if this is all worry for not.  I wonder if I am strong enough to have faith. Enough faith. I wonder why this could possibly be happening to us.  To her.  Hasn't she learned all the hard lessons already?  Haven't I? 


    I will probably be posting more, if for no other reason just to vent.  I don't even know where to begin on dealing with all of this.  I wonder if anyone does?


    Love to all,


    Trina

Comments (5)

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. I hope things turn out to be okay. My brother has a friend who was told he had a few months to live and every year he celebrates his total remission with a big bash. I think my brother's been playing in the band at the party for quite a few years now, and plans to do so for many, many more. I'm sure your support and faith mean a lot to your sister right now -- take good care of yourself and know that I'll be thinking of you.

    And, on a garden note, hooray for strawberries. Our crocuses are blooming but not the other bulbs yet.

  • I am also very sorry to hear your sister's diagnosis.  That is a heavy load for you all to bear.  I think you should plan for faith and life, yet also it wouldn't hurt to do some estate planning, power of attorney and living will paperwork.  None of that is wasted time and it doesn't mean that you are being negative or unfaithful.  It means that you are making the best use of the information you've been given.

    Please keep updating us about your sister and yourself.

    They found cancer in one of my husband's old kidneys that they removed back in late January.  They've done scans and say that cancer has not spread to the lungs, liver or bones, but he's always at a higher risk now and will be scanned every six months.  He is healing well and will be doing 5 weeks of radiation therapy, to reduce the risk of local recurrence. 
    Percentages can be frightening and confusing.  We've found the oncologists to be straightforward, but sometimes they don't have any more answers beyond those annoying percentages and choices.

  • I am so sorry about your sister, Trina. I can understand how overwhelming this must be. No wonder you are numb and distracted. Keep writing, venting, whatever you need. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

  • Oh Trina..I'm so sorry this inconceivable twist has been put into your life, and that your sister is going through this. You do have the strength, you'll find it... may you recognize and know it as you go through this time, one moment at a time.

    Much, much love and inner strength to you and your family.
    May your blog help you sort through things as you go.

    We'll be here with you.

    Love,
    Kristy

  • {{{{Hugs}}} to you and for your sister. I hope she can beat this. She CAN most definitely, positively be in that 6%! Keep that faith and positive outlook for her and with her. Hugs again. :heartbeat:

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