New Mexico Baseline Scans

 Dr. Tafur, my new oncologist, wanted to have updated CT and MRI results at the start of my treatment with him.  Thankfully, I did not have to drive to Lubbock, but could have the tests done in Lovington.  However, unbeknownst to me, I apparently needed to show my "Power Port Card"?!? Never ever in Texas was I asked for such ID.  

"Do you want to run home and get it?" I couldn't even think of where in the actual world this stupid piece of cardboard would be.  In a box? In a recycling center in Frisco? There was no telling.  They would accept my word that I have had all of my Covid vaccines + booster, but they couldn't take my word that the device in my chest was indeed an official Power Port, capable of withstanding the liquids required for scans.  No evidence from my cancer journal or cancer blog would suffice.  

The only solution would be an IV.  

Not only was I frustrated with the whole situation, but I was not looking forward to being a pin cushion for needles.  My veins look good, but they roll or blow.  99% of the time.  The ONLY 2 people who have been able to properly access one of my veins, without pain and on the first time,  have been my husband and his brother, both CRNAs.  Even before cancer, this has been a problem.  Prior to every surgery, every procedure, and every birth, I've been the victim of painful IVs.  Apparently, I have a bit of PTSD in this area, and reacted like this: 

The head nurse, Audra, was called in and listened to my literal sob story.  She assured me that she was very good at this.  I explained again.  She raised with numbing meds and the use of an ultrasound for the process.    

She was very good and got it the first time.  

I was still unhappy with the whole thing.

Let's get going on these scans.  

I'm upset and hungry.  

When you're hangry, what's better than a *delicious* shake?

The don't do vanilla here, though.  

Bring on the flavored water drink, which tasted like watered-down cough medicine.

Not my favorite.  

CT scans went fine. 

 I was still teary when I checked-in, and the kind woman at the desk came out to bring me some Kleenex and ask if there was anything else she could do for me.    

After that was finished, the tech walked me down to the next scan: MRI.  I haven't done this test in quite some time, as my UT clinic didn't have one of these machines.  

MRI tech, Bud, was so kind.  He chatted and asked what had gone wrong for the day and assured me this would go quickly and then I could finally get some lunch.   

Some days are better than others.  

Today was a rough one.

However, there were so many amazing people who gave of themselves to help with my frustrations.

This place still gets a stamp of approval.  

Time to keep on going.    

Enhertu #13 + Zometa + Seeing the New Clinic

I came to chemo by myself today.  

This hasn't happened in a LONG time, but it was just fine.

(Pay no attention to the potentially confused/negative look on my masked face, as it has more to do with trying not to have the squinty eyes from the sunlight streaming in through the waiting room windows!) 

I met my new nurse team and got the lay of the land.   All was wonderful.  There's all kinds of amenities and freebies to explore.  Free lunches, free snacks and drinks, my own personal tv, a community puzzle/game table, and a whole bunch of swag for the first time.  I almost felt like a celebrity.

My labs were just fine, and I was ready to go.  

The only downside so far is that I no longer have my own, private space.  It seems as if I got a little too used to a private treatment room for the last few years.  This clinic is back to the large group setting, an open patient situation, where all patients are in a community setting.  (Mostly, it's no big deal.  It's just difficult when Abuelita has her phone of highest volume, speaker calls for her entire treatment time and  the whole place can hear niteo (the grandson) screaming and crying at the top of his lungs.  

Soon after that, I remembered that I had a spare set of ear pods in my purse, and all that loud familia convo was blocked out of my nearly perfect day.  

Then, the bonus for the day was getting to go back to the private shopping space for survivors.  I got to update my head gear with the newest on turbans and turban decor, as well as my choice in a room full of new heads.  Here's the first day's choice, and there is promise of more.  

I think I'm gonna like it here!  

I plan to get these foot prints into the desert and start continue walking this cancer journey with hope and faith.  The first question I get asked after someone learns that my family and I just moved here from the Dallas area is, "Why would you come here?" as if here is the worst thing that anyone could possibly endure.  I am loving the smaller, simpler life. There are plenty of ups and downs, but that happens anywhere you go.  Life is never perfect.  Truthfully, I don't know all of the reasons why we felt we needed to move here, but I know it was an answer to prayers. We have moved more than the average family, but we have learned much from each of these adventures.  The best advice and example from a dear friend was to "Bloom where you're planted."  No matter where you are or what your circumstances may be, put on a smile and start growing where you are.  Discover the area, get involved, be nice, and look on the bright side.  It will be amazing how life can thrive.

P.S. Any ideas on names for this gal? 
 

My Heart

In this new place, we are continuing to get a starting place for all of my stats.  Today was an ECHO for the heart.  Cardiomyopathy has been looming since the very beginning, due to the types of drugs that fight my Her2+ cancer, so this test is nothing new.  I had a lovely tech who was all about asking questions and hearing more about my story and reminded me why I share.  I love having reminders of the blessings and to find the everyday miracles.   

I haven't received results yet, but I'm not too worried.  My heart is not in the highest, tip-top shape, but it's still ticking just fine and dandy for someone fighting cancer for so long.  

I forgot to get the shoe shot, but I'm still ready to keep on tickin'! 

 

New State, New Cancer Place

I am so glad to have found a place that can work to further my treatment.  Dr. Cole was able to refer me to a hospital setting in Lubbock, TX, that is connected to a smaller hospital closer to home.  It worked out perfectly that Stephen was off the week of my first appointment with Dr. Tafur, my new oncologist.  It's crazy that this is my first male cancer doctor!  He has a lot of greatness and girl power to live up to, but he seems to be up for the challenge.  

There was quite a bit of waiting, which wasn't Stephen's favorite thing, but I'm so glad he was able to be here for the initial appointment.  What a help it was to have his medical brain to help me recall my long list of procedures and surgeries and medications over the years.  It's getting more and more difficult to keep everything in line by the date and in the right place on my overall cancer timeline.  

I met some great nurses and staff, and got all my vitals for the start of this new point in my journey.  Things seem fine and promising.  Dr. Tafur is sending my blood for further genetic testing, as there have been new discoveries since I was first diagnosed.  I also discovered that I have officially lost height on this path.  I started at 5'6".  I am now 5'3.5".  However, to make myself feel better, I will rely on my math teaching background and choose to round up.  I've cut 2" off my height, which is the wrong direction and makes me even more aware of the miracles that have been blessed down during this journey.  I am grateful  for life and for the ability that I still have to be active and walk uprightly.   It's miraculous that I am still able to be aware of and thrive, especially with my health history.  How blessed I am for the care and concern for the oncologists that have pushed this onward.  I am thankful to still have more people leading me on.  

I continue to move forward---one step at a time--to fight this and become the woman I am to be.