Brownie update

[Brownie3321]

Hi everyone!!! It's been a long time - too long since I have been here. I wanted to log on and post an update to let you know I am still around.
I just got back from Hawaii with my fiance, Luke. We had a really great time. I did spend the first day I was there in the ER because of the side effects from Doxil. I was taken off of Doxil a week before I went to MAui because I had experienced hand/foot syndrome REALLY BAD. My feet were awful, very blistered, red and purple, painful, bad rash and really just plain terrible. I also had this painful rash ALL OVER my body. They didn't know if the Doxil or Avastin caused this skin rash. Whatever the case, they took me off of Avastin as well. When I got to Maui, I was in so much pain with my feet - I couldn't even walk and the rash had started to spread everywhere so Luke took me to the ER. Once I got there they hooked me up to IV pain meds and got me started on steroids. For the first part of my trip, I was in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable. After a week I was able to enjoy myself a bit because my feet started to get better.
I have now been without any chemo for a month and a week. I'm in limbo right now because I really would like to take a break from all chemo for awhile. My onc is not too crazy with this idea, so I had a PET scan today and will know the results on Wed. I'm not sure if the cancer is growing, stable, or what it is doing but I need to know before we make any real decisions on what the next plan of action is.
I;m just very tired you all. Tired of chemo, tired of cancer, tired of my life revolving around cancer. I would love to concentrate on my busy, busy salon and just take a break from cancer.
A very special woman to me who was 20 yrs old and fighting ovarian cancer died from this terrible disease last week and it hit me VERY hard. I stayed away from Medhelp because I just couldn't handle any more bad or sad news. It really breaks my heart when I hear that one of us has passed.
I hope all of you are doing okay - better than okay - WONDERFUL!. I miss you all. I promise to email some of you personally in the next few days, I just wanted to write an update since it;s been so long.
I'm thinking and praying for all of you EVERY day. With love, Deandra

[crecco]

Deandra,
   I too am sorry for the loss of your friend and for the hand-foot syndrome interferring in your vacation. I am wishing you the best results from your PET scan.
Hang in there hon.
   Love Chris

[TrudieC]

Deandra, so good to hear how you are doing.  I'm glad you got away to Hawaii and at least got to enjoy some of it.  My condolences on the loss of your friend.  Fingers are crossed for good results from your PET.  You deserve a break.

Hugs, Trudie

[Lafnatitall]

Deandra...I soooo understand about you wanting and NEEDING a break from the whole cancer "spit".  I also need to let you know that your determination and drive is very much so needed by me...I have so much respect and admiration for you.  You basically helped me make up my mind regading leaving Salt LAke City for San Antonio for better care.  I know "hang in there" sounds so trite to you right about now...so I will only say, keep dancing my friend...even if it's to a slow song every now and then to give you a break from the Cancer Jig.

Rhonda

[justscore]

Like everyone else, I am sorry you lost your friend.  I too am praying for good news for you on Wednesday.  YOU DESERVE some good news!!!!!

Heidi

[JC145]

I am so sorry about the loss of your friend ... that really hurts.  Also, I wish I could give you some wise words of advice on the drug reaction.  Can't they manage it better with steriods during treatment.  You've really had a rough time and a break from chemo sounds great.  Who knows, maybe the beast will sleep for a while.  Good luck Weds.,and keep us posted.  Will keep you in my prayers.  Judy

[vegas2cr]

Hi Deandra,  I was so happy to see your post.  That certainly was an awful reaction you had.  I am glad that your trip though turned so you could enjoy it.. I am hoping you have a good PET scan and can take a long break from Chemo.. I am terribly sorry that you have lost a friend... I hope you will feel better soon.. I will be praying for good results for you... Hugs Ronni

[lvfrogs]

Hello Deandra,
It was sure good to hear from you. I am sorry that you had such bad reactions to the chemo and glad that they were able to help you so that you could enjoy that time in Hawaii. I will be praying for a good PET scan - it would be so nice if you could just have a break from chemo for awhile. and I am so sorry to hear about your friend, that must have been so hard. I will keep you in my prayers. I too plan on watching the show tonight and I hope that millions are watching and that everyone donates.  Take care of you!! Hugs, Colleen

[cirella]

Hey Deandra!  Thank you for coming on to say hi and give a little update.  I knew you'd been in Hawaii and it sounds like once you were able to get that rash under control a bit you had a good time.  I'm happy to hear that.

I'm praying for positive news on Wed!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.  

I will be watching the Stand Up To Cancer tonight, too.  I will also make a donation in honor and memory of those living with, fighting against or who have lost their battle to cancer.

Take care and hugs,
L

[Hazel30]

Hi Deandra, I was wondering about you and how you were doing. Sorry to hear about your reaction to chemo drugs.  I hope that is under control now.  Hopefully your PT scan shows good results and your doctor has a great treatment plan for you and possibly a little break from everything.  Sorry to hear about your friend, it is very heart breaking to hear when people loose their battle with this horrible disease.  Take good care of yourself and enjoy life.

[gma718]

I am so glad to finally hear a post from u...I am sorry you had that rash and that it affected your trip..but thankfully you were able to enjoy most of it...I had sent you a PM and look forward to hearing from you soon. I am hoping you are feeling better now and that your pet-scan comes back with great news! I am not doubting it!!!! I am extremely postive for you! I too, am at a loss for words regarding Jessie..im beyond speechless! Please let me know what the next plan if action is..My prayers and thoughts are continuosly with you..Love ya and Miss ya!!! Gia :) P.S. I will be watching the stand up to cancer tonight and sending a donation in honor of you and all the others fighting this @#$% DISEASE!