Last chemo treatment 12/16/11

Ok, so I believe that most people who know Elizabeth also know that she had her last chemotherapy treatment last Friday, 12/16. Unfortunately, this one was not one of her favorites! Things went as planned on Thursday as Dr. Pallera told us that he was excited about her finishing chemo and moving on to radiation therapy in January. He told us that she would need another scan done in early January to give the most accurate locations for the targeted radiation. We discussed her blood counts and he determined that she didn't need another shot of Neulasta because her counts were high enough to sustain another round of chemo. That was the good news.

Treatment started as usual on Friday afternoon. There was the typical steroid/saline/Emend drip followed by the ABV being injected. So all is well until the dacarbazine drip. For some reason this didn't go down as we had hoped. She felt really nauseous this time. Not sure why but I am super thankful that it happened on the last chemo and not one of the earlier ones. Anticipating a nauseous feeling would have made subsequent treatments miserable. Anywho, she was feeling bad enough to decide to leave her car at the West Clinic. I drove her home and she went straight to bed. I gave her a little reprieve as Anna had cheerleading practice and Lyla stayed with me for the evening.

She rested most of the night with moderated discomfort. Normally she is very active for the first 24 hours or so after chemo but maybe it was just the cumulative effect after 6 doses that really knocked her down. She didn't do much of anything on Saturday. I kept the girls out of her hair and we hung out around the house most of the day. She perked up a little on Saturday night - I suppose as perky as a wounded soldier could be.

My mom came to Memphis to help out for a couple of days on Sunday. I obviously assumed that we would be fine until Sunday - little did I know that her body would play a trick on us! But all was well. She started to actually move about that evening. Anna had gone to spend the night at a friends house on Saturday so things were mostly quiet around the house anyway. I hope that we didn't do anything to keep her up. :-)

On Monday, we went to meet her radiation oncologist - Dr. Marks at Baptist Cancer Center. He was a very nice guy - extremely thorough in his discussion with us on how her treatment will go from beginning to end. They will do an initial set-up on January 6th to mark her spots - with PERMANENT marker! Haha. I'm thinking that maybe they will tattoo her with a map a Jamaica on her chest and Cuba on her neck. Ok, I kid. But they will be there for the duration of treatment. Now, one concern is this...Dr. Marks said she can't put on deodorant under her right arm during treatment as it may irritate the skin that is being irradiated. Oh boy! It's going to be a stink fest. I suppose that I will need to put up with her and her stickiness!!! Lol.

It looks like there will be 3-4 weeks of radiation for 15-20 seconds each day (each business day). Dr. Marks thinks that she is an ideal patient to be completely cured of this illness. Her response to chemo has been tremendous and he was encouraged by her progress. I now fully believe that she will be well in the next 2-3 months.

All in all, things are going great, even with the little hiccup this past weekend. She has been amazingly strong throughout this entire ordeal. She has been a true inspiration to me and many around her. And like she always does...she is back at work doing her thing behind the chair. She makes me shake my head sometimes! Sure do love her!!!

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2012. We have been so blessed to have you all as friends and family. Again, pay attention to your body. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked by a doctor. We are so lucky that we caught the lymphoma early - it made all of the difference in the world. And hug those that you love - for you never know when something could happen to take them from you.

Love to all,

Scott

Thanksgiving and treatment #5

Well chemo #4 wasn't so bad. I was just extremely tired so I slept alot. I was really looking forward to going home for Thanksgiving. So I think that kept my mind off of everything with chemo.  I had not made a trip home since May, so now you can understand how excited I was to get home to see family and friends. Our trip was wonderful! We were able to see all of Scott's family and eat dinner with them. Then headed over to see my mom's side of the family, where I got to see aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in years.








On black Friday we were lucky enough to be able to go out to the
LSU vs. Arkansas game. We had a freaking blast.  As you can see our picture right here.  Really not sure why the guy behind us didn't want to be a part of our picture. Maybe he didn't want to be posted all over the internet. Oops!!! LOL.  Anyway we got to hang with lots of friends and family, and had lots of fun. Saturday and Sunday we spent with wonderful friends we don't get to see very often. Then on Sunday we picked out our Christmas tree and drove it home of the roof of our car.

My work week was great this week until treatment #5 on Friday. I am almost through with my chemo treatments and no one knows how excited that makes me.  I will be finished with chemo on December 16th. Perfect timing to have a wonderful Christmas with the family. I will still have a months worth of radiation starting in mid January, but Dr. Pallera seems to think that this won't be as hard on me as the Chemo.

I am recovering at home this weekend from Chemo #5, and this one is very similar to Chemo #4.  No nausea, just extremely tired. So I have been sleeping alot. I'm able to eat better food this time with out being scared that I going to hate it later. So all in all, pretty good weekend. Thanks to my mom for taking care of me and the girls this weekend.

Anyways, thanks to everyone for all of the love, support and PRAYERS!

Love,

Elizabeth Noel

I thought about waiting until tomorrow but... (11/17)

I just couldn't hold out. I needed to come on here and tell everyone that we received some fantastic news today. Two weeks ago, Dr. Pallera told us that he would like to see Elizabeth's tumors at least 50% percent reduced in size by the end of chemo treatments. Weeellllllllll, guess what? You know it - they have shrunk 90% in just three treatments. It was better than we could have ever hoped for. I know people may say she was unlucky to be stricken with this cancer but no need to dwell on that...well, now we are just damn happy to have this treatment working so great. We are so very blessed!

We went to see Dr. Pallera ahead of tomorrow's chemo treatment (#4 of 6). Her blood work looks great - so good, in fact, that she will not need the neulasta shot on Saturday. Her white blood counts were really high so even with a treatment, they should be ok for the next 3-4 weeks. She received her CT scan at 10:30 or so and we waited. We were sitting in the exam room waiting on Dr. Pallera and she was so nervous that the results wouldn't be that great. I told her not to worry - even if it wasn't ideal we still had 3 more treatments plus radiation. Everything would be fine I kept telling her. Little did we know how great the news would be. Dr. Pallera is so stoic in his demeanor that you can never get a read on him. Sometimes you'd like to just put your hand on his shoulder and say "Doc...just hit us with it, will ya?!?" But I saw a really interesting look in his eye - like he was about to deliver some wonderful news. If you don't know what that news is by now just re-read the damn blog people! Haha. Kidding.

Tomorrow is obviously the next chemo treatment. Elizabeth's parents are headed to Memphis tomorrow to help out. Hopefully this treatment and the few days after will go smoothly. They have been ok to date so we are just hoping for status quo. Then we get to FINALLY go back to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. We haven't been "home" in so long. We can not wait to see everyone. It's been too long. And we have sooooo much to celebrate this Thanksgiving - so very much to be thankful for. Family and friends and the outpouring of support to name a few things.

This journey has been interesting to say the least. We are ready for it to be over but know that there are some rough times ahead. That is why I am so happy about today - just proof that things are getting better. I think back to when she first told me about her "lump". We are so lucky to have caught this illness so early - there is no doubt in my mind that the early detection has allowed the chemo to work so well. I know I've said it before but I want to remind everyone - YOU know your body better than anyone. If you feel something that isn't what you think it should be, keep an eye on it. If it's making you nervous, go see a doctor. Believe me, a 2-3 hour doctor's appointment will be well worth the peace of mind and in our case - it was a potential life-saver.

We want to continue to thank you all so very much for all of the thoughts and prayers. They are working! I also want to tell my dear Elizabeth that she is the strongest damn woman I've ever been around. I have the privilege of watching this rockstar on a daily basis. She is just amazing! I don't think that I can accurately describe her in any other way!

I'll update everyone on the chemo treatment this weekend. I've got my fingers crossed.

We send our love to you all!!!

Scott

Chemo #3 update (11/10)

Hi all - I suppose it's long overdue for another update. Elizabeth had her last chemo treatment this past Friday, 11/4. Everything went well that day but it didn't seem to go as smoothly as the last treatment. She felt a little different than the last time but I guess that is just the way it goes with this stuff. Three treatments in and the one thing that we can predict is that it will be a tad unpredictable.

I had my mom, dad, sister, and her boyfriend come up to Memphis this past weekend - so that was fun! We went to a reception for Tiffany and Aspen this weekend, which was absolutely beautiful. Grace and Craig came with us (sister and boyfriend) and LSU made the night even better!!! Elizabeth got to get a manicure and pedicure Saturday during the day - right after receiving her 2nd Neulasta shot. I think that this time it was a little rougher than last as she was a little more "achy" on Sunday and Monday. I am guessing that the Neulasta was the culprit again - though I can't be sure. The good part, though, is that I think that we have found the right combination of anti-nausea meds for her. She seems to be only slightly nauseated for the few days after treatment. It seems as if the Emend is working very well (headaches aside)!

She went back to work yesterday and as expected, enjoyed it! Weirdo. Haha. We are going to watch our little Anna in a cheer event tonight. Can't wait. I know she has enjoyed this so much so we are really looking forward to it. I think I probably like this better than dance recitals - mainly because of choice of music. I also love watching Lyla at cheer practice...she LOVES it! Dances and laughs so much. It'll be a good time, for sure!

As for what's next - well, Elizabeth will see Dr. Pallera again next week. At that point, she will have another CT scan done to see if the tumors have gotten smaller (fingers crossed!). Then chemo #4 will be 8 days from now. Luckily, we get Thanksgiving week off and can FINALLY go back to Louisiana! It has been so long and we can not wait to see everyone. It will be a truly special holiday for all of us and we are just really happy that we can be home to share it with our family and friends.

We are halfway home in the treatment cycle. By the time Christmas gets here then chemo should be done. What a blessing! We continue to say thank you very much for all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. They mean so very much to our family. Also, because I love football so much this story has truly disturbed me - please say a prayer (or keep these people in your thoughts) for the victims of the child molestation incidents that took place at Penn State. Their lives are forever changed and no matter what happens, those memories will haunt them forever. I know that they are singled out but because of the high-profile nature of this incident, it will only get worse for them.

Again, thanks everyone. Have a wonderful day!

Baldness Support.....

    My 15 years old nephew, Derek Couvillion, told me that he would definitely shave his head when I had to.  I was kind of sad to see him shave it because he has such awesome thick hair. I'm sure the girls loved it....lol. So I just wanted to show everyone how sweet he was to follow through with what he had promised. 

Thank you Derek!!  I love you!!! Your the best nephew ever!!!

Baldness is Sexy! (10/26)

Angie, Elizabeth, and Beth at Salon 1550 right after she got her head buzzed!

Hello everyone. It's been a while! I know that I slacked off a little - but I do have an excuse, kind of! I have been really busy at work and I went out of town for 4 days to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's annual meeting in San Antonio. Elizabeth has been keeping everyone up to date though. The big news of the week is easily seen above! She decided that it was time to go ahead and buzz her dome! For the past few days, her scalp had been bothering her so she decided that yesterday was the time that it needed to come off. I think it was a great move...she's pretty damn sexy! I was informed of this decision around mid-day yesterday. I guess you can figure out what that meant when I got home...exactly! I certainly didn't forget that I said I would shave my head but I wasn't necessarily looking forward to it. But given the spirit of the evening and her really liberating experience - what the hell!

She didn't give me much warning. She just took a nice strip of hair right off the center of my melon. Sheesh! Give a guy a warning. It was an interesting feeling - not having any hair left. I am not sure that I love this look but I am definitely glad that I did it. Anna was so intrigued that she thought she should shave hers as well...FAT CHANCE young lady! Haha. Wouldn't that look odd - a family of 4 where the 8 month old has more hair than the other 3. Ha. We talked her off of the ledge and she reluctantly told us that she would keep her hair! She is such a doll. The final product...

At some point, we will be able to look back and laugh a lot about this experience. It has certainly been an interesting time in our lives but we just keep rolling with the punches. With winter coming, I'm not sure how this is going to feel. I know that I felt cool wind hitting my scalp this morning. Fun times.

Updating everyone on Elizabeth's condition...she did really, really well this time. Chemo was not fun but she started taking Emend this time. It is an expensive anti-nausea med from Merck. It worked much better than the last drugs. She felt really good on Saturday and just ok on Sunday. However, compared to last time, this day was light years better. She was able to eat a little and stayed up much longer than I expected. She even stayed up to watch the Saints play although the game was such a blowout that the Colts put her to sleep!!! Haha (Robbie and Christina - you guys are taking the "Suck for Luck" thing too far. You don't get bonus points for losing by 55!) Monday was a good day and Tuesday was even better. She is back in the saddle at work today so I am sure that she is enjoying work, as usual! The Neulasta shot that she has to get (because her blood counts were too low) was given Saturday morning. The nurse told us to give her Zyrtec while taking the Neulasta - I suppose that there is something in an antihistamine that mitigates the bone pain! I think it's more anecdotal than hard science but it seemed to work. She felt some pain in her back and neck but it wasn't near the horror from stories that we had read. I plan on reading more about the reason why the antihistamines work with it but for now we're just happy that it helped (or seemed to)!

I know that I speak on behalf of Elizabeth when I say that we appreciate everything that you all have done for us! It means so very much to us. I wish there was something that I could say that could properly explain it but words do this feeling no justice. We are so thankful that we have such an amazing group of friends and family. I also want to say thank you to Elizabeth's mom for staying with us for the past couple of weeks. You have been a tremendous help to us and our girls. I can't thank you enough.

Again, we love you all.

Until next time (which won't be as long as this past time),

Scott

A Good Chemo Day (Treatment 2)

This was me taking a picture of myself receiving chemo today (you can tell by the cord coming out of my chest...lol).. I can't believe I am sharing this pic with everyone. WOW, my forehead looks huge....lol. I promise my hair is not receding that much yet, just a bad camera angle.

My chemo session went as good as it could have gone today. It was a boring 2 1/2 hours. Scott was good company, but he was on his I-pad looking up LSU stuff on tigerbait.com most of the time. So I just entertained myself by writing in my journal and playing on facebook.(and I took pictures of myself as you can tell) Fun, fun.

Thank you for all that participated in getting all of the pictures together, so that my wonderful friends Rhonda and Rance Little could make me a very memorable scrapbook. Looking through it made me a little teary eyed I'll have to say. Brings back alot of memories. It means the world to me that my Louisiana friends and my Memphis friends teamed up somehow to make that happen. I don't have the words to say how much it really means to me. The only thing I can say is that I FREAKIN' LOVE IT. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Love you all for being so sweet to me and my family,

Elizabeth Noel

I Think I'm Losing My Hair!

So I wanted everyone to see my sweet girls (and me.) Today was the first day that I figured out how to post a picture on the blog. So from now on I might be posting so more pictures of me during this journey. So get ready.....lol.

Tomorrow is going to be my second chemo. (Hopefully!) I am so ready to get this one over with.

 I am now starting to lose some hair. Every time I run my hands through it I have hair in my hands. I am really thinning out right where I part my hair, so today I parted it on the other side. Then one of my girlfriends at work today found a really thinning(balding) spot on the back of my head. As much as I have prepared for this, I'm going to really freak out when I get some big bald spots or it starts falling out in clumps. I'm thinking next week will be the week for shaving the head. I will definitely post pics of that. Scott said that he would shave his head with me, I wonder if he will go through with it though? He keeps asking me questions like, "So honey, how close will I have to shave it?" I told him BALD, and he starts making faces like he's scared...lol.  So I will make sure to post pics of the faces he makes as I am buffing and shining his really big bald head.

Well I'm sure Scott will update you all this weekend on how I am doing and feeling after my treatment.

I am going to leave you with this quote that someone (you know who you are) sent to me this week after reading my last blog.
"When you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Elizabeth Noel :)

2nd day of chemo......NOT!!!!

Well today didn't go exactly as planned, and if anyone really knows me I freak out when that happens.

Let me start by telling you that my brother Darren wanted to come up here this weekend to come with me to my 2nd treatment of chemo (and to see my sweet girls). So he and my nephew Derek drove up here on Thursday morning. Darren drove me to work today so that I could take care of a couple of my clients, then came back later to pick me up to accompany me to the West Clinic. I tried to schedule my chemos for after lunch on Fridays, so that I can work for a while on those mornings.
 My appointment was at 12:30pm. They called me back to draw my blood soon there after. Then we went back to another waiting room to wait to be called back for chemo. After about 15 mins, a nurse comes out to break the news to me...... She tries to explain to me in the nicest way possible that my white blood count numbers were too low to receive chemo today, and that we have to come back next Friday now. (WHAT???) Naturally, I was so upset. I couldn't hold back the tears. My poor brother didn't know what to say. I have planned and arranged my schedule now through December.(I know that sounds crazy, but my life revolves around a schedule. ) So I immediately think about my appointment book at work. This stinks!! I hate more than anything not being in control of my schedule. I just want everything to work out perfectly,(impossible right now i know) and there are many bumps along this road. Ultimately my health comes first, and my sweet clients do understand. I know I have to adjust and get used to this craziness, but it does't mean I have to like it. (ugh!!!)They are now planning to give me a blood booster shot on the days following my chemo treatments to hopefully prevent this from happening again.

I went back to work later today. Amber and I had to reschedule all of my clients that are on the weeks I am suppose to be receiving chemo now. Thank you Amber. Your the best!

This week is going to be better from now going forward. I just know it. (My hubby comes home from a conference tomorrow.)
Thank you everyone for being so supportive though this emotional time. I really appreciate all of the prayers too.

Love you all,

Elizabeth Noel

Doing Great......Thank You!!!

Well......I am now in the middle of my week off from chemo. I have been back to work this week, and I have felt completely normal. These past few days have been great. Working, taking care of the kids, running Anna here and there, all of my normal daily activities have been easy for me this week. It does feel awesome to have complete control of things, even if it is just for a short amount of time. I'm pretty sure I will be receiving chemo next Friday, so I will be living this feeling up all week. YEA!!! 


Also, just wanted to thank everyone for keeping us fed so well. We appreciate all of the meals we have been receiving. I tell you what, I am getting very spoiled having dinner brought to us every night. I don't know what I'm going to do when I actually have to cook a meal again.  No but for real, it has been so nice not having to think of whats for dinner every night. So thank you to everyone that has pitched in for our meals. 


And one more thing..... Thank you to all that have been sending me all of the sweet texts and thoughtful emails. I have not been able to respond to all of them, so just know that I am getting them and they do all make me smile and lift my spirits when I receive them. So keep'em comin!!! 


Love ya'll bunches,


Elizabeth Noel

Creatures of habit (10/5)

For the past few weeks, our lives have been semi-chaotic. Between the doctors' visits, treatments, tests, family coming up to see us, etc., it seems as though we have been going 90 miles an hour. By going all out for the past few weeks, it has made them seem to drag on - like we've known about this for months. It just feels like we were on a runaway train for a while. That has all changed this week. I've gotten back to a normal routine at work and so has Elizabeth. She has been feeling great and has enjoyed both days at work so far. She came home last night with a huge smile on her face - which immediately told me that she was back to normal. Other than a little residual pain in her left shoulder from the portacath, I think that she is all healed up.

The girls seem to have slid right back into their routine as well. Lyla is doing great - great at causing us to lose sleep. Not sure why but she sure has chosen a really ideal time to get at twice a night. *Sigh* Anna is being a fantastic big sister. She helps out around the house and more than anything, she entertains Miss Lyla when we are busy. She has taken baths on her own and just acted a heck of a lot more mature than I thought she would. She is pretty amazing.

I named this entry "Creatures of habit" mainly because I think that is what makes us tick. Throw anyone into a situation that isn't routine and there will be an adjustment period needed - one that some deal with better than others. This little curveball has been anything but routine and has forced us to deviate from the norm...from the comfortable. That's why these past few days have been so great - we have slipped back into a little routine. A comfortable routine. I like this routine - I like this comfort, especially at a time like this. I know that things will be a little chaotic next week - I leave for a conference in San Antonio next Wednesday and Elizabeth has round 2 of chemo on Friday - but I am confident that we can get back to our comfort zone fairly quickly. We've done it so far and will do it again next time. At least that is the goal.

I want to thank everyone again for the kind thoughts and words. I know that Elizabeth has been anxious about getting back to work and getting back to her element. She loves her job so much...an almost-scary type of love. But I am glad that it makes her happy and keeps her mind focused on things other than her illness. I am sure that the rest of the week will sail by and she'll be tired from overextending herself. Haha. That's her M.O. - who am I to argue? I'll lose that battle anyway so I'll just sit it out!

Lastly, here's a quote from Yogi Berra, the undisputed king of ridiculous quips:

"If you come to a fork in the road, take it!"

Ummm, huh? Which way should we go Yogi? Lol. Ahhh, he doesn't know! Anyway, it's Wednesday..so I need to feed and bathe the girls before Elizabeth gets home! Creature of habit, ya know?!?


Until we meet again,

Scott

Can't sleep tonight...(10/3)

I was just laying in bed watching Elizabeth sleep (and the end of the Tigers/Yankees baseball game). Ok, so my eyes were mainly watching tv but it didn't stop me from peaking over a few times to see her resting comfortably in bed. I wanted to go to sleep but I just couldn't. Tried but no luck. When I am sitting there quietly, my mind starts to wander all over the place and start thinking of random things. Tonight though, my focus is more on Elizabeth. What is it that makes her so special - so special that God has asked her to bear this burden of cancer? Certainly He knows that she is of superhuman strength, right? Of course. (*see end of message for little known fact about Elizabeth) Certainly He knows that she is a fantastic mom that loves her two kids more than anything in this world, right? Of course. Certainly He knows that she is the consummate professional - one that would do whatever it takes to be the best hair stylist that she can be, right? Of course. And lastly, He knows that she is the best soul mate that anyone could ever ask for, right? Undoubtedly so.

I want to describe Elizabeth to those that may not know how remarkable she is. She is always there for our family...no matter the time or effort required, she will go above and beyond what should be done. She makes and takes time to take care of our girls and to attend all the functions that go along with them. She teaches, nurtures, listens, corrects, and loves our girls with hesitation. And she ain't a half-bad cook either. :-)  Does this sound familiar? Does your spouse do this for you? I bet the men that read this will more than likely agree knowing a lot of the ladies that read this blog. So I ask myself if I am doing enough to help her - not just right now, but always. She doesn't complain (to anyone but me and occasionally those at work, haha)...hell, she hasn't complained one bit about getting cancer. It's just not in her DNA. I guess what I am ultimately trying to say is that this whole experience (the little that we've gone through up to this point) has taught me that I need to be a better husband and father. I wasn't bad (at least I hope not) but I can strive to be better. She deserves it. I bet most moms and spouses deserve it. 

Moving on - I guess that I am going to have do to something BIG to be a bigger inspiration to my girls! How can I top a rock-star, cancer-survivor mom? Ha. I think that being a cancer patient and survivor is about as cool as it can get. You went toe-to-toe with an illness that should take your life. You suffer through toxic treatments only to come back for more. This, just a couple of weeks after you swore off chemo. Then you patiently sit around and do scan after scan, test after test...all the while praying that there was a reduction in your tumor size. Guess what, next round! Lose your hair, hate food, lose weight, feel weak! All of these things make a cancer patient an unbelievable human being...one that can conquer any battle that life throws at them. For so long, I had hoped that Elizabeth would look to me for leadership and inspiration...but it is I that now turns to her for those same things. She is quite the woman - quite a wife, quite a mom, quite a friend! The best friend that I could ever hope for. 

Thanks for all the love and support. Again, it means the world to us! 

Scott

P.S. - She had a good day in case anyone was wondering :-D. She felt great - like normal. She'll be back at work tomorrow slicing and dicing hair. I know that she is excited to see everyone. 

As for the * earlier - many do not know that this little lady was a powerlifter in high school! I wasn't kidding when I said she was strong...like really strong. She was a Louisiana state and national powerlifting champion in the 97lb weight class (and 112lb or 114lb - something like that). I know, I was quite surprised myself. Her mom still has all the trophies and stuff. She's part loving, part ferocious beast! Haha. 

Saturday and Sunday (10/2)

After a nice few days with my mom in town, I guess it's back to reality around here. Ha. She has been a big help and hopefully we won't need her for the time being. The family visits have been great so far and have really helped us try and get through the early parts of this treatment plan with as little difficulty as possible. As far as Elizabeth goes, she is feeling much better today. Yesterday was better than Friday - as Friday was a BEAR! I know that she felt bad all day and it just stinks watching someone you care so much about feel that way. She ate really well yesterday evening and had a nice night of sleep. She woke up in a good mood this morning and for that I am thankful. Anna even got to sleep with mommy last night as I took the couch. Anna was playing "loving mother" last night and she seemed like she needed to be there for Elizabeth. At least that's how she perceives things. Love that kid!

I know we wish things could have been different and we could have gotten to go to Josh and Rachel's wedding last night. Looked like a great time and we are both upset that we missed it. I hope that they had a great evening. Elizabeth and I wish them all the best in the world.

Elizabeth is off today and tomorrow and should be really rested for work this week. The future Friday treatments may present a bit more of a challenge but I think having Sunday-Tuesday off will be manageable. We'll just keep doing what we're doing...taking this thing one day at a time. I guess that what everyone has to do with a situation like this.

On another note...that LSU - Alabama game on November 5th is going to be EPIC. Man, these two teams are good. We are hoping for a nice cap to the football weekend here as the Saints kick off in a little while against the Jags.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Kiss your kids (or significant others) and tell them you love them. It means more than you could ever know.

'Til next time,

Scott

 

Chemo update (9/30)

Hi everyone. I just wanted to drop all of you a quick line about Elizabeth. As you probably already know, she had her first round of chemotherapy on Wednesday. She felt pretty good yesterday - even went into work and played at the salon for half a day or so. Overall, I think the first 24 hours went about as good as could be expected. She slept well last night so that was a good thing (thank goodness for phenergan!)

Unfortunately, she is feeling all that good today! Booooo! She said she is nauseated and has a headache! I know that she is really fatigued so when I left for work she was going to try and lay down for a while. The other anti-nausea medication - zofran - has slightly mitigated the symptoms for now but she still feels uneasy. I know this is the downside of chemo so it's likely just the first of many days over the next few months that will be kind of rough for her. I am hoping that she will bounce back pretty quickly - she has been drinking lots of water and eating as much as she can - all good things. We bought her some chocolate shakes (Ensure and Special K) and I think she'll try those out if she doesn't feel like eating very much.

I guess that this comes with the territory but it sucks! I desperately wish that I could trade places with her but I suppose the best that I can do is help her out as much as possible. She's a tough woman - more than she knows so she'll be fine in the long run. I know that so many have texted or messaged her over the last few days. If she hasn't sent anything back - just know that she has tried to keep up. I'll see if there is anything that she needs me to follow-up with when I get home from work.

I'll keep everyone updated on the next 24-48 hours. That's all for now folks!

Adios,

Scott

First day of chemo in the books (9/28)

Soooo....I know everyone is dying to know what the doctor said. Well, I said lots of things today! I know, a pat on the back to myself (Ph.D...not THAT kind of doctor, right?!?) Ok, ok, ok I give in. The oncologist came in (about 90 minutes late - surprise surprise!) and talked to us in his typical low-key, level-headed manner. This guy wouldn't change demeanor if the building was on fire...at least it seems that way! Ha. He first told us that there was no lymphoma detected in the bone marrow. Yay! Then he gave us the BUT! But we also did a PET scan and unfortunately there were enlarged, active lymph nodes in the neck (right side) and under her right armpit as well a few tumors in her chest, around her lungs. ANNNNDDDDD....just spill it already Doc! Fortunately there were no signs of lymphoma in her abdomen, groin, organs! Sweet! Elizabeth and I were both ready for at least Stage IIA. That's what we were praying for! Ask and (sometimes) ye shall receive! He said the nodes in her neck were very small - he wouldn't have even recommended getting the ones on her left neck biopsied because they were so small. He said that we caught the cancer early and that her chances of a full cure were really good...90+% or so.

The long wait was worth the news, all things considered. Although it may seem strange to others, we feel blessed that this was the news today. I can't begin to thank everyone for their support of Elizabeth. She has been such an inspiration to me and I hope that one day her fight will help others in her situation...she will have such a great story to tell! Dr. Pallera stated the same thing we were initially hoping for...3 months of AVBD! And I made a mistake a few posts ago. Apparently ABVD will be given all at once every two weeks. Not the AB on day 1 and then VD two weeks later. All at once - oh joy! He wants to do another scan in 6 weeks and another after the cycles are over. If all goes well, then radiation would start within a month of the end of chemo. However, we will meet with the radiologist and go over the risks of radiation versus a few more months of chemo. Still a toss up for me but we'll just see how she feels after the first 3 months.

I must say, the people at West Clinic are AMAZING! From the nurses to techs to patients...all wonderful! I suppose that it helps that the patients are all going through a similar situation. They are all willing to share their stories and give advice. What a blessing to have people so willing to make your journey that much more comforting! Truly an experience that we will never forget. I can assure everyone of this...cancer patients are some of the strongest human beings on this earth! Maybe not brute force but inner strength that can only be called upon in the most dire of times! When all things seem to be dark around them, somehow they see that little ray of light and focus solely on it. For that ray of light is hope and without hope then they are just existing...not living.

So, in closing for today, our journey (mainly Elizabeth's but I'll tag along) begins! We are hopeful that everything turns out like we want but are ready to take things in stride should something go off-course. We have the greatest family and friends that anyone could ask for! Believe me, your thoughts and prayers are making quite an impression on Elizabeth! We can't say thanks enough!

I'll drop in the next post to give everyone the 411 on how she feels over the next few days! I suppose chemo won't be all that fun but we are 16.67% of the way home! I know, I know...I'm a freaking math nerd! Oh well, you guys love that! That's it for tonight. Check back soon!

Again, with much love,

Scott

Portacath day

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on how I was doing......

I now have my portacath put in for easy access for receiving my chemo, and all the other blood drawing things that I will be doing in the next several months to come. I have taken my meds and been icing the area since I got home from the hospital. I am still feeling fine, I'm just a alittle sore....ok so maybe alot sore, but I'll survive. Scott did homework with Anna. Then bathed and fed both kids. He has been a wonderful help to me lately. I'm sure when he has to wake up with Lyla in the middle of the night to fix and feed her a bottle, I'll hear him mumbling a few choice words under his breath.....lol. He is convinced that she wakes up way earlier every night he has to get up to feed her than she does for me.(funny huh?) What he doesn't know, is that he is normally snoring, with drool coming out of the side of his mouth when I have to wake up with her every other morning with her.....ok, ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating about the drooling;)

Tomorrow is the big day.  I will meet with my oncologist (Dr. Pallera) to go over my PET scan results, find out my staging, and receiving chemo for the first time. I'm packing up all the things that everyone has been telling me to bring. Books, I-pad with some movies and earphones, blanket and some sour candy so I can't taste the chemo. Hopefully I have it all covered. If anyone can think of anything else for me to bring, text me. They might laugh at me if I come in there with some rolling luggage though, so trying to pack lightly.

I love everyone so much!!

Elizabeth

Ahhh...the week of hell (9/25)

Well, I am certain that this week HAS to be better than the one that just ended. First, the news of Elizabeth's illness, then I've been sick (little thing, I know!), and then we found out that my grandfather passed away yesterday! Man, things seem to snowball when it's going bad! I don't want any pity - heavens knows that there are others in this world that are dealing with far worse than I am. It's just been one of those weeks destined to make my bottom 10. Our grandpa (GP for short) was one cool cat. He was kind, giving, and loving of all of my cousins and I - a big teddy bear. I guess what I'll miss most was watching him and Anna play. Gosh, he loved her soooo much. It was a privilege to call him my grandpa and for all the time I got to spend with him, I will be forever thankful. I know that he is in a better place, especially since the last year or so had been a struggle for him. See ya on the other side, GP.

On to the weekend - so far so good. Although I haven't felt good, Elizabeth has. She is dealing with the biopsy quite well. Much better than anyone could have expected. Of course, she worked all day yesterday. She sure does love her clients! She has been just a little sore - so I guess I am now not the only pain in her ass (although she may disagree)! My sister, Grace, and her boyfriend, Craig, came up here on Wednesday. I can't begin to thank them enough. It has been so helpful to have them here - and quite a good distraction from the chaos in our lives right now. We got to watch the LSU game last night. In typical LSU style - we made it close and then dropped the hammer! Love this team. They make me smile (and bite my nails)! We are getting ready to watch the Saints game - and I'm getting ready to take down Rance in fantasy football. When you read this Mr. Little - you'll be on your way to 1-2 whilst the man, aka Scott, goes to 3-0. Does anyone care about my fantasy football team? Didn't think so...oh well. Had to throw that in there. Karma will likely laugh at me and we'll both be 2-1 after the weekend.

The week ahead will be a stressful one - doctors appointment tomorrow, Elizabeth's surgery to place the port Tuesday along with GPs funeral, and then chemo starts on Wednesday. But you know what - we are just going to tackle this thing head-on! No doubt that things have been bad but it makes us appreciate the good ones so much more. How could anyone ever know if things are bad if they haven't been good before? Well, we have had a blessed life so this puts it in perspective for us. Although losing a family member is awful, we got to know him and love him for so long. That is something that a lot of others don't have and for that we are grateful.

In leaving I want to share a saying that I read on another blog, a guy named Jeff Guyer, who lost his battle with sarcoma in June. His blog was the inspiration behind me doing this for Elizabeth. It seemed therapeutic to him and it has been for me. He used the quote, "Breathe in hope, Breathe out love!" I love this quote. Hope you do too!

Bone Marrow Biopsy

I just wanted to drop a line to everyone and let you guys know that her bone marrow biopsy went extremely well today. I was very nervous about the procedure - mainly because I didn't want the entire treatment program to get off on the wrong foot. I had heard some not-so-wonderful things about this procedure and I was afraid that it would be a lot more painful (physically) than many of the things that she will have to endure. However, she made it through like the champ that she is. She told me (in a very loopy state) that she didn't feel much at all. The sedatives had her in la la land. I just smiled because my prayers for her comfort were answered today.

We'll keep you posted on other things. She is having her echocardiogram done right now. That should be pretty easy. Heck, most things seem easy for her - from a physical standpoint. She says she can't tolerate that much pain. I just laugh. She never cries or moans about pain...she is one tough little cookie. Love that woman.

That's it for now. I'll check back in soon.

Keep sending those prayers and good thoughts this way...they are helping tremendously.

Thanks everyone,

Scott

First Appointment at West Clinic...

Today was the first time that I walked into the West Clinic. (the cancer facility in Memphis ). It was very tough for me. There I go again feeling sorry for myself. I just looked at the people in the waiting area and I immediately felt like I didn't belong there. It was filled with nothing but old people and completely bald cancer patients. Like I said before, I don't feel sick!! It's hard to believe that you have cancer when you feel totally normal. I am really working hard trying to be very positive and to put everything into God's hands. In these beginning stages it is a little difficult, because there is still some unknowns. Until I get my PET scan results, I won't know if the C is just in early stage 2A. Just praying every second that it is.

On the other hand, I have a absolutely wonderful husband that has been my rock through all of this. I thank God everyday for giving me such a wonderful person to go through this with me. My family is been extremely supportive, and have been rearranging their lives for me. My girls are what keep me strong. All I have to do is just look at them and I instantly have the energy to keep on truckin'.  The one thing that makes me the most sad, is that I don't want Anna, at 5 yrs. old, to see me sick. She has a very mothering nature, and will be trying to take care of me.  It's just hard realizing that for the next several months I won't  be able to be the mother I want to be. I do know my kids will be well taken care of so I am trying to block those negative thoughts when they come. 


Tomorrow is my bone marrow biopsy. I hate pain, so I am scared. Big needles suck, but I guess I better get used to needles...right? Until next time.........I'll leave you with alittle inspiration I read in a book today.


"when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself."


Elizabeth

Elizabeth's update from today (9/22)

Hi all - be on the lookout for Beth's first post. She wrote something about her first trip to West Clinic. It's really good.

Scott

Just a few thoughts! (9/21)

Interestingly, I never really set out to do a lot of posts on this blog. The main purpose was/is to update everyone on Elizabeth's condition. Having said that, I know that one day someone may be going through the same thing that we are so I thought it might be good to just do a little brain dump and let everyone know what's going through my mind as we approach the starting line.

Each day that passes with the news that your loved one has cancer brings a weird dynamic. I feel stronger yet more nervous. Maybe nervous is the wrong word - maybe its anxious. I have great faith that while this will be an arduous journey we will prevail. I am ready to start the journey and amazingly, Elizabeth is as well. She has been so strong through this process, it has left me stunned. You always look at others that are dealing with tragic things in their life and wonder how you would feel if you had to trade places with them. I've always, and I mean ALWAYS, been in awe of how people respond when diagnosed with cancer. It is like a braveness comes over them that astonishes me. I've felt that with Beth...she has taken the news like a champ. She's ready. Let's not get it twisted...we have our moments. But they are much further apart than I imagined.

So - I have to confess that I am slightly obsessed with being prepared for this ordeal. I can't begin to tell you how many blogs, journal articles, and message boards that I have read over the past few days. Ok, so I'm a nerd! I feel like there is so much I am missing even though I've read so much. I want to make sure that I am prepared...not so much with Elizabeth. I want to make sure that I stay steady and as close to grounded as I can be. It's almost an OCD-type condition. Haha. Man, I need to play a round of golf or something. What I have learned, though, is that everyone responds differently. So, we'll take it one day, one treatment, at a time. Seems like the best way to approach this.

For anyone that reads this one day and has a major issue in your life...remember to take a deep breath and realize that there are others who have been there and have pulled through. Every story that we read of those that have made it through cancer treatments and are living and loving life gives us a major jolt of inspiration. And each of these stories keeps the positive vibes flowing. That, combined with our trust in God, will see us through.

I want to continue to thank everyone for the support. I have talked, texted, emailed, facebooked (is that a word? Lol), and communicated via carrier pigeon (you know who you are...don't deny it!!!) with sooooo many people. You have all warmed my heart and filled Elizabeth and I with joy. You always feel that a lot a people are in your corner - and then something like this happens and you see this overwhelming show of support. It's insane! You all make us smile. Thanks to all for staying strong for us.

I'll try and leave with another good quote...this time from Winston Churchill. "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference!" What a great quote for us to live by right now! We will stay upbeat and we promise to keep a great attitude about this illness.

Much love peeps,

Scott

P.S. - I didn't send any letters using a carrier pigeon. But it would be ultra-cool if I could, right?

Another quick update 9/20

Just found out that Beth is scheduled to have her PET scan on Thursday morning at 7:30. This will go a long way into determining the stage that the cancer is at. We are, obviously, very hopeful that it is just a Stage II. I think that we'll probably get the Echo done that day as well. We are doing the bone marrow biopsy on Friday morning at 8:30. Say a little prayer for her this day. This is a fairly uncomfortable procedure and the hope is that the cancer hasn't spread to the marrow. My fingers are tightly crossed (along with my toes)!

The big news...chemo begins next Wednesday. (I am taking deep breaths just writing it!) This is what we want but the reality is slapping us square in the face! Well - time to take the bull by the horns. Grab a Bud Light cuz "Here We Go!"

Ok...last thing for the night. We have had soooo many people ask what they can do to help. So, Elizabeth's really dear friend, Misty O'Conner, set up a thing for people to bring meals to us during her treatments. Now listen...I am not sure if Misty thinks that my cooking will speed up her cancer progression or something. I'm starting to get offended. Not really! Haha. If you feel that you must do something like this then I suppose bringing Beth and the kiddos something to eat wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. The website is TakeThemAMeal.com - you'll have to search for our last name (that's NOEL (that's for you Bamber!!!) and use the password 9487. I am not that naive to believe that we couldn't use the help from time to time so if you want to do that - then I guess feel free to do so. We only like Ruth's Chris Filet Mignon...wink wink! Just kidding, of course. We'd appreciate anything (though your kind thoughts and prayers are best!)

Again, thanks for all the love and support. You guys and gals are the bestest!

Scott

First Doctors Visit

Hi all - we got to meet our oncologist today. His name is Dr. Arnel Pallera. He is a very nice man - probably in his mid-40's. He seemed very kind and gentle which made Elizabeth and I feel a nice level of comfort with him. On to the juicy details...

Dr. Pallera wants us to do an ECHO (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echocardiography), a PET scan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positron_emission_tomography) and bone marrow biopsy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_biopsy) later this week. The reason for the short turnaround is because he wants us to begin chemotherapy next week. We were a little surprised that he wanted to move so quickly, but we can't fault him for wanting to get rid of this "stuff" so soon. We are obviously happy about that. I believe that Dr. Pallera wants what's best for us so I believe that his approach is aggressive but correct. We will likely have more answers later this week as we do the final "staging" of the disease. Dr. Pallera believes that we are at least at Stage II. Not exactly what we wanted to hear but I think that I already knew this - strictly because I knew it wasn't just in one or two nodes.

I have been doing a bunch of reading (unfortunately not about LSU football or Saints football) and have come across a great blog about a young woman's experience with ABVD. ABVD stands for Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine. Yikes! These just SOUND toxic! However, this is the tried and true, gold-standard for treating Hodgkin's. It is what has been used for 40 years and nothing has garnered better outcomes. They've tried but ABVD is very successful. Jenny's blog is great...it really taught me a lot and will help us in knowing what to expect with chemo. If you want to read more about her experience, you can find her blog at http://hodgkindisease.wordpress.com/.

Dr. Pallera thinks that if the cancer remains classified as Stage II, then he would likely only need 3 cycles (4 weeks per cycle, treatments given every two weeks) of chemo and 4-6 weeks of localized radiation. The ABVD is given two drugs at a time with each treatment occurring every two weeks (so the AB on day 1 and the VD (not the STD!!!) on day 15). I've read that the treatments take a few hours and that she will be tired afterward! I suppose I'll play nice and let her rest for a couple of days after!!! Haha. We hope that the hair loss will be minimal but we are being proactive...wig shopping might be fun! I know this much - if she loses her hair then mine is coming off too. We are in this together! All in! Ok, just Beth and I are all in - I don't think we'll be ready to shave Anna or Lyla's head just yet! I just hope that Anna doesn't cut Lyla's hair one day...no sense in us shaving hers! Obviously, we want to keep the number of treatments to a small amount. The same holds true with radiation. Dr. Pallera told us that 15-20 years ago, it was standard to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma with radiation only. The success rate was great but the long-term side effects were more severe and that risk of secondary cancers went up. Chemotherapy with lesser, targeted radiation has the same success rate with much more effective long term outcomes. And our goal is not to be alive in 5 years...it's to be alive to see great-grandchildren! And we will. I know we will.

This weekend was a roller coaster - high, low, and everywhere in between. We were nervous and still are but we now have our map sketched out! After this week - it will become much more defined. We are thankful for the absolutely stunning display of support you all have given. It makes me smile big and wide to know how many people are out there pulling for her. I promise this to everyone that reads this blog and loves that precious angel - I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that by this time next year she is cancer-free and living a normal, healthy life. Hell, she is going to outlive me - mark my word! And I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!

Thanks again to everyone. I will let everyone know when the treatments will start. We'll know more late this week.

I'll leave with this:

The great Roman poet, Horace, once wrote, "Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous times would have laid dormant."

I have no doubt in my mind that this great challenge will bring out the very best in Elizabeth for she has many talents that she doesn't realize. I, for one, can not wait to see how she amazes me next!

Until next time...au revior!

Scott

Quick update 9/19

Hi everyone - quick update. I thought we'd be able to see the doctor today but no dice. However, we have an appointment with Dr. Pallera tomorrow at 12:30. We are so thankful to have great friends and family that made this appointment happen so quickly. Special thanks to our aunt, Danita, and Tiffany for making the calls and getting us in at West Clinic.

And to everyone that has said a prayer for Elizabeth or kept her in your thoughts - we can't say thank you enough. We've talked to so many people and can just feel the outpouring of support. We appreciate it so much.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next update...hopefully tomorrow afternoon. We can't wait to meet Dr. Pallera and start our road to recovery.

Thanks and much love!

Diagnosis Update

Hi everyone. This is Scott - Elizabeth's husband for those that don't know. I wanted to start a blog so that we could keep everyone up to date on her status and the things that we are dealing with. I hope that you enjoy reading this blog because it won't be one of doom and gloom. We are tackling this thing head-on and we will beat this thing. I know Elizabeth is a very strong woman and she will have this minor setback licked in no time. On to the diagnosis...

It's Hodgkin's disease (aka Hodgkin Lymphoma). It seems to be the most rare form of lymphoma, but is most common for her age group. Luckily for us, the prognosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is really good and it is a blessing that she doesn't have one of the many types of non-Hodgkin's. The cure rate is really outstanding so that has us in good spirits.

Recently, Elizabeth discovered that she had some swollen lymph nodes in her neck, specifically the one located behind her right collarbone. We saw a doctor and she began a round of antibiotics. There was no change so we went to see another doctor. He took a CT scan of her upper neck and chest and found a few of her lymph nodes enlarged. He couldn't biopsy it so we had it removed on Tuesday, September 13th. Then we played the waiting game. Unfortunately, on Saturday September 17th, Dr. Ellis called and broke the news to me...Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It certainly wasn't what I wanted to hear but I know deep down that this wasn't the worst news. I reluctantly waited until Elizabeth got home from work (I certainly didn't want her to drive home knowing this news) to tell her.

We talked for a good portion of the night. We had an interesting conversation but mainly focused on staying positive and remaining upbeat. We both know that positive thinking and prayer will keep us on the right track. We know we will beat this and that is the most important thing. I suppose that it is a good thing that we know people in the medical industry as we have several people that are trying to get us in at the West Clinic here in Memphis. We have heard great things about this clinic and are looking forward to meeting our doctor and determining the ideal treatment plan. I think that once we know what the path is then we will feel better about the whole thing.

So, that's where we stand - here on Sunday September 18th, 2011. We appreciate all of the kind words, support, and prayers. And when this is all said and done, we will look back on this journey as one that was a life-changing event. But this life-changing event will be one that makes us so much stronger.

Stay tuned folks - it's going to be a bumpy ride but we are ready. We love all of you very much. Please check back often because I will keep this blog updated so that everyone can just log on and check on Elizabeth. I'm already so proud of her and I can't imagine what I will feel over the coming months because she never ceases to amaze me.


Our best,

Scott and Elizabeth Noel