Monday June 27

Kalmus beach, Hyannis

Monday, June 27, 2011

Hello Everyone!

     I have been chronically tired and a bit unsteady on my feet the past 2 weeks but I try to enjoy the rare days when I feel well. I sit on my front and rear porches and soak in the weather even though the spring in Boston has been grim.

I had 2 weeks off but I still dread going for my chemo treatment today! My blood counts were good and 2 other indicators were very positive which tells us that the Gemzar chemo is working well. My oncologist, Dr. Chi, was very pleased with these indicators and my weight has been stable too! We discussed aligning my chemo treatment with my week vacation on the Cape July 8-15^th and decided to reduce the chemo dose by 20% and to treat me today. This will give me more than a week to recover before Cape Cod beach time. I was treated in area B (no private rooms available) with 7 others being treated (assaulted) by chemotherapies for various cancer ailments. This is a very depressing experience so I try to keep busy/distracted by reading.

     I look forward to enjoying my Cape Cod vacation and pray that I have the strength to get to the beach often. I think my mother will join Don, Jake & I for a few days. Beach time, grill time and relaxing on the Cape will be very therapeutic for me! The sand through my toes, the sun in my face and the sites, sounds and smell of the ocean makes me very happy!

Jake starts his job with the Brookline Teen Center project with Paul Epstein (Theo’s twin brother) and he will be doing fundraising for this big project which will break ground for construction this September.

I am thinking and living positively!

With much love!

Bren

p.s. Happy July 4^th weekend!!!!!

Kalmus beach at sunset

Monday, June 13 update



I am looking forward to the Cape!



Monday, June 13, 2011

Hello Everyone!

     I have had a very serious case of scanxiety! I had a MRI scan of my brain last Monday to see how my disease was/wasn’t progressing. So I have been very anxious about my digital destiny as read by my oncologist today. But, I got GREAT news as my brain lesions have gotten smaller and some aren’t even visible. The Gemzar chemo seems to working and I had a treatment again today and the dose was increased by 20%. My relief is cathartic and I even have earned a week off from treatments from my oncologist, Dr. Chi!!!

     Jake will be returning Tuesday from his road trip to the music and arts adventure in Tennessee – Bonnaro Music & Arts Festival. Don & I have planned a big welcome back dinner party! We can’t wait!

I am thinking and living positively!

With much love!

Bren

p.s. Go Bruins & Red Sox!

Bonnaroo bound in 2011



Monday June 6 Update

Hello Everyone,

    What a busy time with Jake’s prom and high school graduation!

 I had an MRI imaging of my brain on Monday. I really dislike MRI’s because they put you in a very tight, enclosed capsule for several minutes and this is very uncomfortable and terrifying as I am very claustrophobic. So, I took 2 doses of a very strong sedative – Lorazapan which makes me relaxed and loopy. This is the only way I can tolerate the process. My images will be read and I will consult with my doctors next Monday on the progress of the lesions on my brain. I have some very difficult decisions to make depending on the results. More details soon.



How lucky are us Bostonians!



I have been following our Red Sox and Bruins and have been enjoying the fun ride! Jake left on a weeklong trip with 5 buddies to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.  He checks in daily and is having a great time!

I am thinking and living positively!

With much love,

Bren

 Me and Boy Wonder - Jake

Tuesday May 30th update



Cheers from Epcot @ Disney in 1995



Hello friends and family!

I had a chemo treatment on Tuesday because my blood counts were great and I even put on 1 lb. so my docs were happy. I had the luxury of a private room for my treatment and was accompanied by Don and my mother. We scheduled blood counts and a MRI for this coming Monday and NO chemo-yay!!!

This week is a busy one with Jake's senior prom and his graduation on Sunday. I have been following our Red Sox and Bruins! Thanks for visiting. Graduation pics next week :)!



I am thinking and living positively!

With much love,

Bren

Lindsey & Jake