Apparently we really are having a baby! I was getting a little worried!
We saw Dr. Charles around noon today and she gave us several options. I know I was looking at her like, "Seriously? You're going to give a pregnant woman options? I can't even decide what to eat for breakfast!" After hearing her out we decided to go home and talk about all of these choices...I'm sure Dave was just about ready to take me to her house and let the doctor help me sort through the quote unqoute options, but he let me talk aloud through each one and we came to a decision together.
So...drum roll please...
I am being induced on Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. That is assuming he doesn't come on his own before then. I've quickly realized that I have no idea what this process entails and that searching frantically on the internet is probably not the best option. I'm about 2.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I have no idea what a balloon catheter is or what it will feel like to have my water broken so if you have induction stories of your own to share, please do! But only if they include blissfully painless memories!
We'll keep you posted on any updates!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tis the (political) season
Ok still no news on the baby front, other than we are STILL anxiously awaiting the arrival of little Marshall. Mandy has been fighting off a cold, which I feel really bad about because she cannot take anything to help relieve symptoms! So if everyone can chant with me "Marshall, Marshall, Marshall" LOL.
With less than 60 days to go before the general election, we want to encourage everyone to GET OUT AND VOTE this year! Regardless of your political views, and regardless which side you are for, I think it is safe enough to say, this year your vote matters. Here in Ohio, you have until October 6th to get registered. In Franklin County you can register or check your registration by going here (http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/voter-services/), in Delaware County - (http://www.co.delaware.oh.us/boe/voter.asp). Please check with your state or local municipality about registering to vote (if you are not already).
Also, be certain to tune into the Presidential and VP debates. They are
Presidential Debates
Jim Lehrer, Sept. 26, at Ole Miss.
Tom Brokaw, Oct. 7, in Nashville
Bob Schieffer, Oct. 15, at Hofstra.
Vice Presidential Debate
Gwen Ifill, Oct. 2, at Wash. U in St. Louis
My biggest interest in this election is more about Health care and Education. Mandy's may be different as we all have our own personal agenda's when selecting our leaders. As was mentioned on the Stand up 2 cancer program, insurance only pays for 3% of clinical trials (fortunately my clinical trial fell within that 3%). Ask any oncologist, lab tech, doctor, or nurse and they will tell you this about cancer -- a clinical trial is your best bet to be cured! For this very reason, I eagerly want to hear how each candidate will "CHANGE" the insurance industry to meet this. I am hoping since both candidates have been impacted by cancer in their lives, they are going to push through some ground breaking legislation to remedy this.
Lastly -- The big game is this weekend (OSU vs USC) and without Beanie in the line up for the first time in a long time I don't feel hopeful about our chances. But of course I will still be cheering for them like a mad man... GO BUCKS!
With less than 60 days to go before the general election, we want to encourage everyone to GET OUT AND VOTE this year! Regardless of your political views, and regardless which side you are for, I think it is safe enough to say, this year your vote matters. Here in Ohio, you have until October 6th to get registered. In Franklin County you can register or check your registration by going here (http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/voter-services/), in Delaware County - (http://www.co.delaware.oh.us/boe/voter.asp). Please check with your state or local municipality about registering to vote (if you are not already).
Also, be certain to tune into the Presidential and VP debates. They are
Presidential Debates
Jim Lehrer, Sept. 26, at Ole Miss.
Tom Brokaw, Oct. 7, in Nashville
Bob Schieffer, Oct. 15, at Hofstra.
Vice Presidential Debate
Gwen Ifill, Oct. 2, at Wash. U in St. Louis
My biggest interest in this election is more about Health care and Education. Mandy's may be different as we all have our own personal agenda's when selecting our leaders. As was mentioned on the Stand up 2 cancer program, insurance only pays for 3% of clinical trials (fortunately my clinical trial fell within that 3%). Ask any oncologist, lab tech, doctor, or nurse and they will tell you this about cancer -- a clinical trial is your best bet to be cured! For this very reason, I eagerly want to hear how each candidate will "CHANGE" the insurance industry to meet this. I am hoping since both candidates have been impacted by cancer in their lives, they are going to push through some ground breaking legislation to remedy this.
Lastly -- The big game is this weekend (OSU vs USC) and without Beanie in the line up for the first time in a long time I don't feel hopeful about our chances. But of course I will still be cheering for them like a mad man... GO BUCKS!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Stand Up
I know many of you have probably saw the advertisements about Stand Up To Cancer that is happening this Friday Night September 5th on all 3 major networks. In case you haven't :) this post is to alert you about this event. I will be posting in the next few days about the advances in treatment for my particular disease. And as you will soon see, it seems for many cancers we are very close to finding cures (including forms of lymphoma). The SU2C site http://su2c.standup2cancer.org/ has some great information about how they are seeking to raise funds for cancer research and finding cures.
If you haven't already, set your TiVo, DVR's, VCR's, or just simply tune in on Friday night.
If you haven't already, set your TiVo, DVR's, VCR's, or just simply tune in on Friday night.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day Lies
Dave and I were really excited yesterday because I seemed to be having contractions. They weren't crazy doubling over contractions, but they were strong enough that you could see and feel my stomach ball up tightly and then release after about 30 seconds. They also seemed to be fairly consistent. So, I went to bed thinking...well, maybe tomorrow morning I'll wake up after a good night's rest and Marshall will be well on his way. I mean it is Labor Day! It only seems appropriate to go into labor!
Unfortunately, this day was obviously misnamed because it is around 5:00 and Dave and I are getting ready to make a homemade pizza. Something I'm assuming I wouldn't be doing if I was in fact having a baby! At this point, I'm guessing they were Braxton Hicks contractions. Oh, well...perhaps tomorrow.
At our last doctor's appointment, we were told that I was still 1cm dilated and that unfortunately she couldn't feel his head. So...we are going in this Thursday to see if he is breech or just positioned a little funny. Obviously if he is breech, I'll be scheduled for a C-Section. Although I've seen this video and it looks fairly horrifying, it does have its perks. The first being that it's scheduled! That means I get to show up with my cute pink suitcase at the chosen time and hopefully there won't be too many surprises. They other perk is I don't have to naturally deliver a baby with a giant noggin! I don't know how many of you have taken a good look at my husband's head...but it's really big. Don't get me wrong, it's handsome and all...but still really, really big! Of course, there are plenty of downfalls to a C-Section as well...I'm just trying to look on the bright side.
Chances are Marshall's either as stubborn as his mother or as laid back as his father and neither of those characteristics seem to be making him in any hurry. Dave and I will keep you updated on the pregnancy progress. And...if any of you know how I can get in touch with the person who named this day...I have a bone to pick with him!
Unfortunately, this day was obviously misnamed because it is around 5:00 and Dave and I are getting ready to make a homemade pizza. Something I'm assuming I wouldn't be doing if I was in fact having a baby! At this point, I'm guessing they were Braxton Hicks contractions. Oh, well...perhaps tomorrow.
At our last doctor's appointment, we were told that I was still 1cm dilated and that unfortunately she couldn't feel his head. So...we are going in this Thursday to see if he is breech or just positioned a little funny. Obviously if he is breech, I'll be scheduled for a C-Section. Although I've seen this video and it looks fairly horrifying, it does have its perks. The first being that it's scheduled! That means I get to show up with my cute pink suitcase at the chosen time and hopefully there won't be too many surprises. They other perk is I don't have to naturally deliver a baby with a giant noggin! I don't know how many of you have taken a good look at my husband's head...but it's really big. Don't get me wrong, it's handsome and all...but still really, really big! Of course, there are plenty of downfalls to a C-Section as well...I'm just trying to look on the bright side.
Chances are Marshall's either as stubborn as his mother or as laid back as his father and neither of those characteristics seem to be making him in any hurry. Dave and I will keep you updated on the pregnancy progress. And...if any of you know how I can get in touch with the person who named this day...I have a bone to pick with him!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Light the Night
As many of you know, Dave is done with treatment for the month of August and has the entire month of September free from The James. In lieu of eight hour treatment days we decided we should have a baby! ha ha
You will notice the next few posts will have more to do with Marshall's arrival and less to do with cancer. We will also be giving you information regarding Light the Night. This is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual walk to help fight blood born cancers. Dave and I are excited to round up family and friends in support of such a great cause.
Light the Night is Saturday, October 18th at Fred Beekman park on the OSU campus. The pre-walk festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the walk is at 7:45 p.m. This is the Michigan State game so no worries about missing a good game (no offense Emilie). There will be music, food, and family activities. And, of course, the grand appearance of the world's cutest new born baby!
I'm going to be honest....I hate collecting money. I don't like the idea of getting pledges or carrying around envelopes full of cash and checks. So, we're going to make this easy. We have found someone to make Team Hall t-shirts inexpensively. If you are interested in walking with us, and we hope you are, it's $15.00. ($4.00 will cover the shirt and the other $11.00 will go to the fundraiser) The night of the walk we will give you your t-shirt to wear.
All you need to do is let me know you are interested and I'll even register you. Shoot me an email at manda_cadri@yahoo.com and I'll let you know our address and what information I need from you. I need to know how many walkers we have by Friday, September 19 so I can let the t-shirt guy know.
As a side note, we understand that many of you have families that might want to walk. We understand that $15.00 times several family members is expensive. Please don't feel like you need to donate that amount per person. You can donate $1.00 per person and come walk with us...we just want your company and support.
You should know that The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers other items for larger donations. I don't want to make this confusing, so I'm just going to say this...if you would like to make a larger donation, an additional $25.00 will get you an illuminated balloon and an additional $100.00 will get you a Light the Night t-shirt and balloon. Certainly I'm not telling you these things because I want you to feel obligated...but I also didn't want you to wonder why you didn't get a pretty balloon. :)
Hope this finds all of you well and ready for fall. Dave is counting down the days until Ohio State kicks off and I am cleaning out drawers and sweeping behind the fridge! My doctor assures me it's called nesting and it only means Marshall is this much closer! YIPPPPEEE!
You will notice the next few posts will have more to do with Marshall's arrival and less to do with cancer. We will also be giving you information regarding Light the Night. This is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's annual walk to help fight blood born cancers. Dave and I are excited to round up family and friends in support of such a great cause.
Light the Night is Saturday, October 18th at Fred Beekman park on the OSU campus. The pre-walk festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the walk is at 7:45 p.m. This is the Michigan State game so no worries about missing a good game (no offense Emilie). There will be music, food, and family activities. And, of course, the grand appearance of the world's cutest new born baby!
I'm going to be honest....I hate collecting money. I don't like the idea of getting pledges or carrying around envelopes full of cash and checks. So, we're going to make this easy. We have found someone to make Team Hall t-shirts inexpensively. If you are interested in walking with us, and we hope you are, it's $15.00. ($4.00 will cover the shirt and the other $11.00 will go to the fundraiser) The night of the walk we will give you your t-shirt to wear.
All you need to do is let me know you are interested and I'll even register you. Shoot me an email at manda_cadri@yahoo.com and I'll let you know our address and what information I need from you. I need to know how many walkers we have by Friday, September 19 so I can let the t-shirt guy know.
As a side note, we understand that many of you have families that might want to walk. We understand that $15.00 times several family members is expensive. Please don't feel like you need to donate that amount per person. You can donate $1.00 per person and come walk with us...we just want your company and support.
You should know that The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offers other items for larger donations. I don't want to make this confusing, so I'm just going to say this...if you would like to make a larger donation, an additional $25.00 will get you an illuminated balloon and an additional $100.00 will get you a Light the Night t-shirt and balloon. Certainly I'm not telling you these things because I want you to feel obligated...but I also didn't want you to wonder why you didn't get a pretty balloon. :)
Hope this finds all of you well and ready for fall. Dave is counting down the days until Ohio State kicks off and I am cleaning out drawers and sweeping behind the fridge! My doctor assures me it's called nesting and it only means Marshall is this much closer! YIPPPPEEE!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Live Blogging
Hey all -- since today is going to be my last treatment until October, thought I would sign on and put everyone in the seat with me today :) It is now 9:10 and I have been here since 7:50. The fun part of the day actually.. they start the IV access line and draw a couple tubes of blood, today however they had to draw five additional tubes to type me for the potential of a bone marrow transplant (more on that later). Since today is Mandy's first day of school, my brother is here with me today. I have not seen the doctor or anything as of yet, but will update everyone once things get moving here.
Ok... I'll save the PET scan results for Mandy to write about (she does a much better job than I do explaining everything), but it is now 10:50 and I have spoken to the doc and just got my first med started. First up Epratuzumab ... this is a very small bag that runs in in about 1/2 hour. So what else.. my brother is sitting here eating Wendys and talking on the phone at the same time. Who says that boy can't multi-task. Check back again shortly ... will let you know more.
Lots of visitors today. Had Momma Bear, Dusty, Pastor Dave and his wife Vicki. One of the nurses asked if it was my birthday, to which my brother said "nope he is just liked :)". Treatment is now over and once again seems to have went without any hitches (other than just pure grogginess from the Benadryl).
For those that can't wait for Mandy --- the PET scan results were positive. A quick back note about PET scans -- Dr. Blum had said early on a PET scan with Follicular lymphoma is not a very good indicator. PET scans show tumor activity and since FL is a very slow growing cancer it can take a while for a PET scan to show any reduction in activity. The CT scan (which is scheduled for October) will tell more about how this treatment is working. With that said, the PET scan today did show a reduction in activity. YEAAAAHHHHHH!!! A PET gives an SUV score. The report today showed almost every node had been reduced by at least 2 SUV points from the prior PET scan. She was very encouraged with the results and really didn't want to read too much into this. A key point she made about the PET scan, I can be in complete remission and still show activity in a PET scan. Dr. Blum is a very encouraging person and was more wanting to talk about Mandy and Marshall and D-Day (Delivery Day). I think she is just as excited as we are that the little guy is coming.
Ok... I'll save the PET scan results for Mandy to write about (she does a much better job than I do explaining everything), but it is now 10:50 and I have spoken to the doc and just got my first med started. First up Epratuzumab ... this is a very small bag that runs in in about 1/2 hour. So what else.. my brother is sitting here eating Wendys and talking on the phone at the same time. Who says that boy can't multi-task. Check back again shortly ... will let you know more.
Lots of visitors today. Had Momma Bear, Dusty, Pastor Dave and his wife Vicki. One of the nurses asked if it was my birthday, to which my brother said "nope he is just liked :)". Treatment is now over and once again seems to have went without any hitches (other than just pure grogginess from the Benadryl).
For those that can't wait for Mandy --- the PET scan results were positive. A quick back note about PET scans -- Dr. Blum had said early on a PET scan with Follicular lymphoma is not a very good indicator. PET scans show tumor activity and since FL is a very slow growing cancer it can take a while for a PET scan to show any reduction in activity. The CT scan (which is scheduled for October) will tell more about how this treatment is working. With that said, the PET scan today did show a reduction in activity. YEAAAAHHHHHH!!! A PET gives an SUV score. The report today showed almost every node had been reduced by at least 2 SUV points from the prior PET scan. She was very encouraged with the results and really didn't want to read too much into this. A key point she made about the PET scan, I can be in complete remission and still show activity in a PET scan. Dr. Blum is a very encouraging person and was more wanting to talk about Mandy and Marshall and D-Day (Delivery Day). I think she is just as excited as we are that the little guy is coming.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Uneventful=Good
As all of you know, today was Dave's weekly treatment at The James. We arrived bright and early and ready to go! I'm quickly learning to plan as though we are going on a camping trip. Today I packed a cooler (pregnant women don't leave the house without snacks:), a pillow, and enough schools projects to keep me busy throughout the day. At one point I had nurses and other staff members helping me trace, cut, and color various bulletin board decorations for Oak Creek. I love a good day of multi-tasking!
Dr. Blum started off the day with her standard exam of Dave's lymph nodes. She believes they are still shrinking, but not as quickly as after the first treatment. This is what she predicted would happen at Dave's last treatment. Dave will have a Petscan next Monday morning to evaluate the lymph node response up to this point. We should know these results next Wednesday.
Dave continues to tolerate treatment well. Other than being incredibly sleepy from the Benadryl they put in his IV, he didn't have any other symptoms. He even went to work out this evening!
All in all, today was uneventful and frankly, we are okay with that. :) Next week will be very busy for us. As I said earlier, Dave has a Petscan Monday. On Tuesday, we meet with the bone marrow transplant specialist. On Wednesday, he has treatment. On Thursday, we go to my doctor to check on Marshall and somewhere in the middle of all of that I am starting back to school! Like I said, sometimes uneventful is good!
Dr. Blum started off the day with her standard exam of Dave's lymph nodes. She believes they are still shrinking, but not as quickly as after the first treatment. This is what she predicted would happen at Dave's last treatment. Dave will have a Petscan next Monday morning to evaluate the lymph node response up to this point. We should know these results next Wednesday.
Dave continues to tolerate treatment well. Other than being incredibly sleepy from the Benadryl they put in his IV, he didn't have any other symptoms. He even went to work out this evening!
All in all, today was uneventful and frankly, we are okay with that. :) Next week will be very busy for us. As I said earlier, Dave has a Petscan Monday. On Tuesday, we meet with the bone marrow transplant specialist. On Wednesday, he has treatment. On Thursday, we go to my doctor to check on Marshall and somewhere in the middle of all of that I am starting back to school! Like I said, sometimes uneventful is good!
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