My God Can

*** WARNING --- Long read!!! Grab a favorite drink and a cookie or two!!! ***

Over the past few months, I have tried to sit and write, but something always took my attention away from my joy of writing. When I went back to read my last blog so I would know where I left off, I am amazed at all that the Lord has done and how He has brought me through each and every bump, pothole, and twisting road on this journey. The joy, the pain, and everything in between.

When I last blogged, I was celebrating my 10-year cancerversary. On November 30, I had the Part B (Avastin only) part of my treatment. If I remember correctly, I still had some bleeding issues when they de-accessed my port, but thankfully it did resolve without me going to the ER!!! My next appointment was on December 21. 

On December 14, I escorted my Dad to the senior citizen luncheon at my former church. It was a wonderful meal & program plus I was able to see many friends who were volunteering to serve. That evening, our church's Women's Ministry had a Night of Service. We made up snack bags with personal note and no-sew blankets for a couple of ministries in Camden, NJ. A fun and relaxing way to celebrate Christmas -- serve others!!! 

I had my labs on December 19 and was disappointed when my CA-125 went up from 137 in November to 207!!!!! WHAT??? That is totally the wrong direction! A PET scan was ordered, and the appointment was made for January 5. After my appointment, I headed up to infusion and had my Part A (Doxil & Avastin) treatment. Everything seemed to go well with the infusion, and I didn't even bleed much after I was done.

Christmas was extremely low key. We watched football & I cooked dinner. Crockpot to the rescue again!!! Of course, I took the week off between Christmas & New Year to "get stuff done" around the house, but I caught a cold and I had absolutely no ambition or desire to leave my comfy chair. I think I overdosed on college football bowl games!!! Of course, I went back to work on January 2 bummed that I got nothing done. 

My next infusion was on January 4. It was just my part B (Avastin only) treatment, so it was a quick in and out. Friday morning was my PET scan. The prep took longer than the actual test and since it was Friday, I didn't think I would get the results in my portal until at least Monday or Tuesday. Boy was I was mistaken!!! I was sitting in my chair watching Sunday night football and in pops my PET scan results. I see many of my fellow survivors hesitant to open scan reports, etc., but that's never been me. I clicked the link and read the report. In my humble opinion, it didn't look too bad. The following week, I went through several tissue boxes due to horrible nosebleeds. I was so over this treatment, the schedule, the frequent nosebleeds, plus all the numbers that should be going down were going up or staying the same.

On Saturday, January 13, the camping ministry that I've been involved with, now Cedarbrook Camp Mid-Atlantic. We celebrated 40 years of a Christ-centered overnight camping experience for boys & girls who have completed 1st grade through 12th grade. Although I can no longer commit to a full week of camp, the friends ("birds") that I've made over the past 39 years will forever be in my heart. 

"Blue Jay" 🩷 CCMA!!!

When I got to my oncologist's appointment on January 18, she concluded the same thing -- my days of Doxil & Avastin were over and we would be moving to a new treatment. Plus, my CA-125 went up again to 264. This new treatment would be different because it was immunotherapy. I would be getting Pembrolizumab better known as Keytruda infusions once every 21 days and I would be taking one Levatinab (Lenvima) pill daily. Of course, all of this needed to be approved by my insurance. Once approved, then I would need to deal with a specialty pharmacy to get delivery of these pills.

I don't know why, but I had a terrible feeling about this treatment. It plunged me into a bit of depression. I felt off. I prayed. I just could seem to shake this down feeling. Thankfully, the last weekend of January was my company's annual meeting in Atlanta. I flew out late Friday morning. Since most of us work from home, it was great to see my co-workers in person. We were "wined & dined" all weekend. Although I didn't win any prizes, I still had a great time. On Sunday, I spent the afternoon with our "Georgia family." As always, it was a great time of fun & fellowship. But all too soon, they were taking me back to the airport for my late flight home. Getting up for work on Monday morning was extremely difficult, but I pushed through that day and Tuesday, and Wednesday. However, I had to take Thursday off. My mind & body was exhausted. I'm so thankful I work for a company that treats me & my health as important. 

Sometime during the next week, I developed a very itchy red rash on my left leg and that leg also started swelling. Of course, the rash was the most annoying when I got in bed at night. Some nights it took me over an hour and lots of lotion to calm it down enough for me to fall asleep. And then the worst thing happened, my right leg felt left out, and the rash broke out there, too!!! I was a mess. Exhausted 24/7. Plus, the lotion didn't really seem to be working. Finally, I called my doctor's office and made an appointment. She was not happy with the leg swelling and set me up for an urgent ultrasound of my legs that afternoon to make sure I did not have any blood clots. She also wanted me to get some blood work done. So, I went home, grabbed the orders for the 12 blood tests my oncologist ordered and drove to the lab. Thankfully, I didn't need to wait too long for them to take my blood. I then drove back to about the same location for the ultrasound. By the time I got there, I had a message on my phone from the lab. Unfortunately, they missed getting enough blood for all of the tests and could I come back before 2pm when they close? I called them back and said that was impossible. They asked if I could come back on Saturday morning. They advised what to do. When I arrived on Saturday, the lab was packed full of people. However, I had priority. I was escorted back, my blood was taken, and I left. I'm sure people wondered why I got the special treatment and didn't have to wait. I could have shown them the bruises, but I just left and thanked God that I didn't have to wait!!! 

My doctor also gave me a prescription for something similar to Benadryl. After taking that for several days, the rash disappeared, and I slept a little bit better. However, the swelling in my legs did not disappear. And, by the way, I did not have any blood clots. 

I finally received the Levima pills a couple of days prior to my oncology appointment on Thursday, February 15. I decided I would take the first pill the morning of what I thought would be my first infusion of Keytruda. Thursday morning came, I took the pill along with my other meds and left for my appointment and infusion. Well, I knew my CA-125 had gone up to 280 and the protein in my urine was still bad, but I was advised that my Creatinine level was high and that they could not start my new treatment that day. However, they did want me to go up to infusion and get some hydration (saline solution) plus, I would need to get more bloodwork the following week because they were moving my infusion to the following Thursday. My oncologist also gave me a referral to a nephrologist. I definitely had to look up what that meant -- kidney doctor. YIKES!!! So, I called when I got home, and the first appointment was on March 21. 

Since I was going to the podiatrist for a toe problem on Tuesday, I could just go to Cooper's lab in that building. Yeah, kill two birds with one stone! I received the results the following morning. I noticed that my platelet count was fairly low and some of the other numbers were not in normal ranges. Then around noon, my oncologist's nurse called and advised me that they thought I should get to the emergency room because they thought I had Acute Kidney Disease (AKD). This was not news I wanted or needed to hear. What made it harder is that I am caregiver for my Dad, my sister, and myself. Thankfully, we have great neighbors and friends that can fill in when I'm not around.

My medical vacation began on the afternoon of February 21. After waiting several hours in the hall of the ER, I was finally moved to an exam room which at least had a TV that I could change the channel. Of course, they took more blood, did a chest x-ray, EKG, and another ultrasound of my legs. Finally, a nurse manager came and said they were trying to find a room for me. Great, the hospital is overbooked!!! She asked if I would be ok with a "room in the hall." What??? She assured me that it would have privacy. I reluctantly said OK. So, at 7am the next morning, I was wheeled from the ER to the Equipment Alcove on the 9th floor of the Pavillion Tower. Now this was slightly better than a broom closet. It was really fun ordering meals to be brought to an overflow room with no windows or door. After seeing doctor after doctor throughout the morning, it was determined from the chest x-ray & a CT scan that I had a large right pleural effusion that needed to be drained. I've been down that road before, so I wasn't too upset. I figured it would take a day, maybe two to drain and I could go home on Sunday. Well, I was rolled up to the pulmonary floor and prepped for the procedure. When the doctor finally arrived, they looked and looked for the fluid, but it was 99% gone. No chest tube for me. God had miraculously removed the fluid!!! Hallelujah! I also had a Kidney & Bladder ultrasound that day. I was released from both the pulmonary team & the cardiac team. 

In order to make my stay a little more "fun," I renamed the Equipment Alcove to Al's Cove. It sounded much better and since I didn't know when or if I would be moved, but I wanted a friendly place. Too bad I could not paint the walls with a tropical scene or bring in palm trees!!! Except for taking more of my blood, Saturday was a boring day. My main excitement was walking around the hall and hearing that they might have found me a real room!!! Then around 2am, the nurse woke me up to say they had a room for me. It would be a shared room in the other tower. After some deliberation, as crazy as it seems, I decided to stay in Al's Cove. It wasn't the best, but at least it was private. 

L-R: My call button - Penny - My "private" bathroom

On Sunday morning, I met with a nephrologist regarding my kidney function. He had looked at all my numbers and tests and determined that I had a classic case of Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA). What a mouthful!!! He also said I would need a kidney biopsy to verify the diagnosis. Therefore, I would need to be off my blood thinner for a least 24-48 hours before the test and of course, no food after midnight. Plus, my blood pressure would need to be much lower than it had been reading since I stepped foot into the hospital. About 1pm, I found out that a room on the same floor would be open and it would be MINE!!! I felt so blessed to have a private room with a bathroom, a window, and a TV. Thankfully, a friend came to visit and brought me my laptop, some necessities, some hugs and fellowship. 

Overnight, I was awoken several times so they could draw more blood, my favorite thing. NOT!!! Usually, you start seeing doctors around 9am, but not me. The first doctor I saw was my oncologist around 7am. Then it was a parade of doctors throughout the morning. I think I saw at least 5 before noon. And what do they all do??? Listen to your lungs and your heart and ask how you are. I wish they would get together and decide who would see me on which day. But then again, I would be bored. I also got to talk to a few more first year medical school students.

This is what I wrote on my Facebook page on Tuesday - "Unfortunately, I did not have the kidney biopsy today due to my blood pressure being too high. Trust me, I was not happy. I was frustrated and missing my family and cried ugly tears with the world's smallest tissues to wipe them away!!! They have now put me on some additional BP meds that will hopefully keep my BP lower for the rest of today and they have already rescheduled the biopsy for tomorrow AM." So, I ordered some lunch and resumed my boring life in the hospital and prayed that my BP would be low enough on Wednesday. So of course, no food after midnight, but I did save something from dinner so I could eat around 11pm.

Wednesday morning, my BP was lower, but not where it really needed to be. So, they gave me some additional meds through my IV and it did get my BP low enough that I could get the biopsy. I was rolled down to the radiology department where I waited and waited and waited. Finally, it was my turn to get the biopsy. After getting comfortable on the table, I was administered the stuff that puts you in la la land. It's called conscious sedation. It was a lovely time. Finally, I heard them say, "Put a band-aid on it." I thought that was code for gauze and tape. When I finally got back to my room. I reached back and found out that it truly was a regular band-aid. However, it was not even a fun one, just a boring brownish color. Oh well, biopsy over and time to order some food!!! I also found out that they send the biopsy out to another lab, and it would be about a week until they had the results. Of course, my nephrologist appointment wasn't until March 21. Oh, the waiting. Oh, the time to worry. Oh, the time to trust the Lord!!!

Now it was time to go HOME!!! No more tests. No more blood draws. No more hospital food. And no more talking to a bazillion doctors every day!!! I finally was told I was going to be released around 8pm. Really??? Did I really want to leave in the middle of the night??? And then my decision was made. I got a bloody nose, and my BP went sky high. By the time my BP went down, and my nose stopped bleeding, I decided to stay another night at this "resort." In the morning, I had another nosebleed and they decided to do a blood transfusion to give my numbers a boost before going home. After finding out my blood type, and getting a match, they hooked me up and started the transfusion. It would take a couple of hours, but then I could go home.

I was sitting in the chair, and I moved my hand that had the IV in it to put the footrest up and guess what happened??? My IV started leaking. YIKES!!! I called the nurse back and they stopped the transfusion, cleaned me up, and removed the IV. Then, they had to bring in the most experienced nurse in doing IVs and it took her 3 times. Finally, we got the blood flowing again. And then, it was time to get my release papers and really go home!!! It's true. There's no place like home.

This is my left arm & hand the day I left the hospital!!!

I had already called work and let them know I would be out for the next week to recover. I also had an oncology appointment on March 7 to find out what's next for my cancer journey. On Monday morning, believe it or not, I went to get my blood drawn. The poor phlebotomist had a real challenge find a vein to access. I received my numbers in my portal the following day. They didn't look too bad to me. Even my CA-125 went down to 267 and that was incredible since I haven't had any sort of treatment since the beginning of January. During my appointment, my oncologist also did a very painful biopsy and then sent me up to infusion to receive some additional hydration. I should get the results from that biopsy at my next appointment on April 11 along with a new treatment plan. My oncologist also recommended that I not go back to work until after my appointment with the nephrologist.

The next day, I had my hospital follow-up appointment with my primary care physician. We talked through my BP issues, and I found out that I have a systolic heart murmur. Who knew??? We'll just need to monitor it and make sure it doesn't get any worse.

The two weeks leading up to my nephrologist appointment in some ways went quickly and, in some ways, dragged. It was great to be able to take a long nap every day, do my taxes, and catch up with some paperwork.

Finally, nephrologist appointment day!!! What would the results of the biopsy show? What would I need to do? In my mind, I play a game called worst case scenario. I think what would be the worst thing that could happen, then anything less is great. Well, it was more than great it was truly answered prayer. The biopsy confirmed what they thought in the hospital, I have Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA). Apparently, my Creatinine level peaked in the hospital and from my last blood test, it is on the way down. And that is a very good thing!!! So, he changed some of my medications and said see ya in 3 months. Praise the Lord!!!

Now you are all caught up with what's been going on in my life. Outside of all the medical stuff, I have been doing research on a book idea that the Lord gave me, taking care of my Dad & sister, and writing this blog post. I've probably forgotten a few details, but I have not forgotten all the prayers that were said on my behalf and all the encouragement through texts and Facebook messages.

You now know what I've been going through. I don't know what you are going through, but I pray that you would trust God with whatever you are going through. I love this song that came out the beginning of January by Katy Nicole & Naomi Raine. It's called "My God Can." Please take a few minutes and really listen to the message of this beautiful song. It also contains my life verse -- Philippians 4:13.

Prayer Requests:

April 4 - Labs - Please pray for a lower Creatinine level and a lower CA-125.

April 11 - Oncologist appointment - Please pray for wisdom regarding a new treatment regime.

Only by His strength,

Sandy

The Good, The Bad, and The ER

On the morning of Thursday, November 2, I went for my CT scan. I really did not know how to pray. Of course, I wanted a clear or fairly clear scan, but since my numbers weren't going down, I was hoping something would "show up" that could be easily "cured/fixed/taken care of." Unfortunately, I was unable to get an appointment with regular Cooper Radiology and was given an appointment with University Radiology. I picked up the yucky contrast on Halloween. I guess that was my trick or treating for the day. I drank one bottle on Wednesday night at Bible Study and one bottle for breakfast the next morning. Then drank a little bit more once there. Since this wasn't my normal radiology location, they would not access my port and had to play hide and go seek with my veins. After trying my right elbow with no success, they finally found a vein in my right hand and the procedure could begin. The actual scan went well, but of course, I sneezed and hoped I didn't mess up the image. The tech said all looked good and I was able to leave and head for the bathroom, then go home and EAT!!! The tech advised that I would probably get results in 24-48 hours. 

That afternoon was my 2nd gel shot in each of my knees to get them ready for cold weather and better movement. Finally, back home and a nap!!! On Friday, I had lunch & fellowship with a friend. Of course, no results on Friday means nothing until Monday. Bummer. Saturday was filled with normal house stuff, college football, and naps. Church on Sunday, then football in the afternoon. While watching my Eagles, I get a notification that my CT scan results have been posted. Sunday night??? Really??? Well, the Eagles won and according to the results, my CT scan was good and no major changes. 

THAT WAS THE GOOD!!!

On Tuesday morning, I woke up early to get to the lab when they opened at 6:30am. Again, it was a two-poke morning. Once in the left arm and once in the right. Just call me a human pincushion!!! Now, I needed to wait another 24 hours to get those results. Wednesday morning, I received the lab results in my portal. They were not the results that I was praying for. My CA-125 was significantly higher and the protein level in my urinalysis was not good either. Both of these results could derail chemo on Thursday.

Sometimes during these times, the stress of this journey just gets to me. I throw a personal pity party and then get mad at myself because I don't trust the Lord to get me through and then I cry and ask for forgiveness. God picks me back up, puts me on my feet, dusts me off, and reminds me that He's got me. I'm so glad that the Lord has been with me every step of this journey. 

On Thursday morning, I got ready to head to my oncology appointment, hopefully followed by chemo. My regular doctor is out on leave, so my appointment was with her Advance Practice Nurse. She is one of my absolute favorite people on my care team. She was a good shoulder to cry on and we shared a few laughs, too!!! She told me that because the CT scan was good that sort of trumped the CA-125 number. I reluctantly, agreed, but I still want to know why it keeps going higher. UGH!!! 

THAT WAS THE BAD!!!

She released me to go up to infusion for my Doxil infusion and if my blood pressure and another urinalysis was ok, then I could also get my Avastin infusion. After hugs, I made my January appointment and headed up to the infusion floor. Of course, my blood pressure was a little high and my urinalysis came back higher too. But I had some peanut crackers & water, and my blood pressure came down enough and the head of gynecologic oncology okayed me to get both infusions. 

The day progressed as usual and soon it was time for me to go home. The nurse came and flushed my port and then de-accessed my port. As usually, the put some gauze over the site and put a piece of tape over it. Easy peasy. I gathered the few things I brought with me and left. As I was waiting for the guys to bring my car around, I glanced down and saw that the gauze was completely soaked in blood. YIKES!!! Just then, my car arrived, and I figured I had a little bit of time to clean up at home before going to get my 3rd round of gel shots in my knees. 

By the time I got home, the site was still bleeding. I cleaned the site, put a band-aid on, grabbed a snack and headed to the next appointment. By the time I got into the exam room to wait for my shots, I looked at the site and sure enough, I had bled through the band-aid, a few places on my t-shirt, etc. When the tech came in to give me the shots, I asked for help. She left and found a colleague who is a trauma nurse. Between the two of them, they put a pressure dressing on and I decided to head back to MD Anderson and see if they could get it to stop bleeding. 

By the time I drove back to MDA and went back to the infusion floor, I spoke to the receptionist, and she called back and thankfully, my nurse, Marisa, was still there. She brought me back, removed the now blood drenched dressing. She grabbed gauze and applied a LOT of pressure to the site. The problem was, she kept grabbing gauze and I kept bleeding. I was also a curiosity to all the nurses still there. They tried ice. That didn't help. Finally, another APN was there, and she said that if it didn't stop in 5 minutes, I would need to go to the ER and they would be able to the bleeding. So, they put another pressure dressing on and I called home to say I would be a bit late. Then I posted to Facebook asking for prayer. I left the infusion floor, got my car, and headed to the parking garage for the hospital. I parked my car and I feel like I walked a mile to get to the other end of the hospital where the ER walk-in entrance is located. 

THE ER!!!

After the initial check in, I was seated in a quieter area until they came to take my vitals. I was then escorted an even quieter area. Yeah, I didn't have to sit in the fishbowl with the sea of humanity. After a few minutes and some more questions, I was taken to an exam room so a doctor could see me. The doctor finally came in and took a look at the site. All I can say is .... PRAYER WORKS!!! I had stopped bleeding!!! I couldn't believe it. After about 5 hours of bleeding, it just stopped. Thank you, Jesus!!! The doctor sent a nurse in who cleaned me up and put on a new pressure dressing. The doctor came back to make sure I was okay to leave. The only thing that I needed was dinner. They got me my discharge papers and I was out of there. Of course, I had to walk another mile to the other end of the hospital and the garage. I called home to say I was on my way to pick up dinner and I'd be home soon. 

Today, November 20, is my 10-year cancerversary. Ten years ago, I had no idea what a diagnosis of ovarian cancer meant and would I even live to see this day. The one thing that never, ever changed was my faith in Jesus Christ -- my Savior & Lord. It states in Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." What a comforting thought that although MY situation may change, MY health may change, the world around me may change, HE NEVER WILL!!! 

Here's a small snapshot of what I've been through over the past 10 years, by the numbers:

2+ weeks inpatient @ Cooper Hospital

several trips to the ER

25-30 (approx.) CT scans & 1 PET scan

39 rounds of chemo & still counting

numerous blood & urine tests - I've lost count

and many friends who have lost their battle with cancer

BUT, the things I can't count are:

The number of prayers that have been prayed on my behalf.

The number of hugs given to me (and keep them coming)!!!

The number of encouraging texts, emails, and Facebook messages

The number of blessings

AND the number of answered prayers - big & little!!!!!!! 

If you are reading this, you are an important part of my journey. I may never get to thank you in person but THANK YOU for being on my team!!!!

Prayer Requests:

November 30 - Chemo 13B - 9am - Avastin only - please pray they can access & de-access without any issues.

December 19 - Labs - 7am - Pray they can easily find my veins and that my CA-125 number would be lower.

December 21 - Oncology follow-up - 9am / followed by Chemo 14A - again accessing & de-accessing my port is now always going to be an issue.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

How Did it Get to be the End of October?

I had a whole blog post written and poof .... I hit some combination of keys and it disappeared. So, in order to get you some information, I'm just going to bullet point some key dates since the last time I posted with a few comments. 

• September 14 - Doctor appointment and "Part A" of treatment. CA-125 was up to 98. Received Doxil infusion, but unable to get Avastin infusion due to high blood pressure.

• September 16 - Day trip to Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza to see the fabulous quilts displayed by The Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild, including my mini challenge quilt. Plus, many other fantastic quilts by fabric artists from around the country.

• September 22 - Primary doctor follow-up appointment for my blood pressure issues. She prescribed another medication. Now, I'm up to 3 blood pressure pills a day. Praying that someday I'll be down to one or none!!!

• September 28 - "Part B" scheduled Avastin infusion. Hallelujah!!! My blood pressure was low enough to receive the infusion.

• September 29 - Attended NOCC's Rejuvenate at The Blue Bell Country Club. A day of meeting fellow survivors, speakers, a craft, and a wonderful chair massage.

• October 12 - Doctor appointment and "Part A" of treatment. CA-125 now up to 106. Not happy. But again, only able to receive my Doxil infusion. My blood pressure was fine, but I had a high protein number in my urinalysis which prevented me from getting my Avastin infusion. It also caused the doctor to prescribe a 24-hour urinalysis before I could receive my "Part B" Avastin infusion on October 28. 

• October 14 - Attended Beth Moore simulcast at my church. 

• October 20 - Attended NOCC's Rejuvenate at Rat's Restaurant in the Grounds for Sculpture. Again, great day meeting fellow survivors, speakers, and then we were able to wander through this fabulous outdoor art museum. I will definitely go back again on a nice, warm spring day.

• October 26 - After getting the okay for treatment from completing the 24-hour urinalysis, and my blood pressure was good enough, I received my Avastin infusion.

Now you are caught up on my cancer journey and the life I'm living when not working or taking care of my family. Sometimes it is very overwhelming, annoying, and I want to give up and run away ............ 

But God. 

Those two three-letter words say so much and mean so much. In fact, depending on what translation you are reading, those 2 words can be found around 50 times. I especially like those words in Psalm 73:26. 

Prayer Requests:

November 2 - CT scan @10:30am - To be honest, I'm not sure whether I want a clear scan that doesn't show why my CA-125 is rising or that they see something that is causing the issues. All I know is that it's already in God's hands and He's got it under control.

November 2 - 2nd of 3 gel shots in my knees.

November 6 - Labs - Pray for a lower CA-125 and that the protein in my urinalysis would allow treatment.

November 9 - Oncology follow-up appointment to discuss CT scan & lab results. Followed hopefully, by both Doxil & Avastin infusions.

November 9 - 3rd of 3 gel shots in my knees.

Please also pray that I can get the rest I need every day and that I would have the energy to accomplish all that needs to be done personally.

As always, I appreciate each one of you and your prayers & encouragement. ♡

Only by His Strength,

Sandy

PS -- There is still time if you want to donate to my Together in Teal Run/Walk page. But, it is only available until October 31 and I'm really close to my goal. Here is the link:

https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/participant/SANDY-Perry

Thanks in advance!!!

August Adventures and A Slightly Scary Start to September

If you were out of breath just ready my last blog post, hold on to your chair, take a deep breath and start reading the next chapter of my birthday month adventures.

My first adventure of August was a visit with the MD Anderson dermatologist. She mostly deals with skin cancer, but she was able to fit me in on August 2. After seeing her intern, I saw the doctor and they tried to swab some of the biggest wounds, but in NJ you cannot scrape a wound. Her words to me were basically, we are going to treat it as if the itching is from the chemo. If it works, great, if not, we'll know it is fungal in nature and treat it appropriately. Well, after I used the ointment prescribed for about 5 days, my feet still itched and itched and itched. Thankfully, my next appointment was on August 16. She took one look at my feet and indicated that we were now going to treat as fungal and prescribed a anti-fungal cream. Within 5 days, my feet had stopped itching and the sores on my feet started looking better. As of September 10, my feet look 100% better!!! Thank goodness!!!

The first weekend in August was another Triple Threat Theater adventure. On Friday afternoon, a long-time friend's daughter was in Willy Wonka Jr and on Saturday evening a a few young friends were in Cinderella Jr. Both girls did an incredible job!!!

Willy Wonka Jr.

Cinderella Jr.

My next adventure was how to celebrate my 60th birthday. Hmmm? 🤔 I really didn't need to think much, I had my favorite breakfast (Cinnamon Bun French Toast) at Ponzio's in Cherry Hill and then went to The Disney 100 exhibit was at The Franklin Institute in Philly. If you love Disney and the exhibit is near you... just go!!! And dinner was veal parmesan from a local restaurant in town. Yummy - Fun - Yummy!!!

Only a few of my pictures from The Disney 100 Exhibition

My next adventure was meeting my new GP, since my former GP moved to Florida. We had a great first meeting. She wanted a little of my medical history. I could give her a long, long talk. Ultimately, she felt like it would be better to up my one blood pressure medicine and take away the other medicine. Especially because my bp was in a good range. One less pill to take sounded good to me! She wanted to see me in 6 months, so I made the appointment, came home, and went to work. 

August 17 was my next adventure. It was on my first chemo after a cycle off. Although my CA-125 went up from 89 to 98, my oncologist didn't seem concerned. So, I went up to the infusion floor, got my infusion, and went home. No problems, etc. 

My next adventure was definitely a fun one. I donated to another team from the NOCC walk to go to a Phillies baseball game. Monday, August 21 the Phillies played the San Francisco Giants. It was an awesome game -- The Phillies won 10-4 AND Bryce Harper hit an in the park home run!!! It was a fantastic game!!! ⚾⚾⚾

Lunch adventures on the weekend of August 25 & 26. On Friday, I had lunch and shopping adventures with my friend NK and on Saturday I had belated birthday lunch adventure with another friend, WR. Remember, you should celebrate your birthday for the entire month!!! Thank you, dear friends, for getting together for lunch and laughs!!! And thank you everyone for the many, many birthday wishes!!! 

And this is where the story turns scary. The last day of August was to be part B of my chemo regime. I arrived in time for my 9am appointment. I was seated in the corner chair, and you know ... no one puts baby in the corner!!! 😁 LOL!!! They took my vitals - temperature and blood pressure. My blood pressure was a high, so they took it again on the other arm. Still high. We waited for a several minutes and repeated the process. Still high. Waited .... still high. We did this several more times and it was always too high. My nurse said we couldn't do chemo that day and suggested that I go home and contact my doctor. 

So ... I went home, contacted my doctor, and waited for a reply. After speaking with her nurse and giving her my symptoms, etc., I heard back from the doctor, and she recommended that I take my blood pressure every day for a week and then send her all the readings at once. Thankfully, we had a blood pressure home machine, so I started taking my blood pressure. On Thursday, September 7, I sent the scary high results. Within an hour, my doctor called and said basically, your BP is way too high, I prescribed the medication that I stopped taking in mid-August. She also didn't want to tell me, but advised I should really get myself to ER so they could try and bring it down.

So ... off to Cooper Hospital ER I went. After getting my fashion forward bracelet, I sat down in the waiting room and talked and texted with several friends and family. I finally got called back to take my vitals - BP still too high - one of the ER doctors called me up and I had an EKG. I had my "Quilting makes me happy" t-shirt on and the tech and I started talking about quilting. I told her about The Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild and the upcoming Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza. She said she'd check it out. After that test, I was sent back to sit in the waiting room. While sitting in the waiting room, the man across from me had some sort of seizure. They had to bring a stretcher and take him somewhere. There was also a lady in a wheelchair with her significant other holding a pillow over her abdomen and weeping. I said a prayer for both of them. Then they called me back again. I had to give my medical history over the past months. The doctor even complimented me on remembering my medical history in such detail. They then took some blood and order a CT scan for my brain. I thought, do they think I don't have one??? LOL!!! 🤣

Then they took me to a more private area in the ER where I had my own little recliner chair and a little bit of privacy. They brought me Tylenol and some water. I really wish they had asked if I wanted anything to eat!!! I was really hungry. A little while later, they brought me the pill of what my doctor prescribed. And there I sat. Thankfully, I had my iPad with me, and I could read or watch tv. They finally took me to get my brain scan. The girl did advise me that I actually did have a brain!!! Thank you, Jesus!!! I started watching football and ended watching Project Runway. Once they had all the results and they didn't think I would die, they released me, and I drove myself home. Since Thursday, my BP has gone down, little by little. My goal is 120 over 80.

Please pray that it will continue to go down so I can get my chemo on

Thursday, September 14.

Although it was in September, this was my last adventure before I wrote this blog. I walked in 25th Anniversary Together in Teal Run/Walk for Ovarian Cancer Awareness on Saturday, September 9. Thankfully, I got there just in time to participate in the run/walk. The run/walk is really a 5K, but they also had a 1-mile option and since I had just gotten out of the ER, I took the 1-mile option. To all my family & friends who have supported me, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! However, it is not too late to support me. Let's imagine a world where woman ever loses her life to Ovarian Cancer.

In the middle pic, I'm on the first row at towards the far end

If you want to donate, here is the link to my page:   https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/participant/SANDY-Perry

 

Throughout my journey with Ovarian Cancer, I have never doubted the power of prayer. Whether it's a prayer for our eternal salvation or a prayer for a sick friend, the Lord hears our prayers. The answer may not always be yes, but he always answers. Thank you to all who prayed for me while I was in the ER. 

Now if you could please pray for the following requests:

September 14 - Oncology follow-up & chemo A - Again, please pray that my BP has lowered enough to receive treatment.

September 28 - Chemo B - Please pray that my BP has continued to a regular level so that I can have this part of my treatment.

I love this song by Lauren Daigle, "Thank God I Do." These are some of the lyrics that hit home:

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You

I'd probably fall off the edge

I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go

So keep me held in Your hands

You're my safe place

My hideaway

You're my anchor

My saving grace

You're my constant

My steadiness

You're my shelter

My oxygen

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You

Thank God, I do.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy 

PSA --- If you don't know what your BP is, find out soon!!!

The Summer I Turned....... Sixty

You might have heard about the Amazon Prime series "The Summer I Turned Pretty." I don't know anything about that series, but I thought it was a great play on words for my blog title.

August 11th

So far, this summer has been FANTASTIC!!! The Lord has been so good to me!!! So, here's what I've been up to since I last blogged at the end of May. BTW - I'm referring to meteorological summer (June, July, August).

June started with attending the graduation of one of my BFF's son from Trinity Prep. Congratulations CR!!!

Another BFF and her family arrived from Germany where they serve the Lord to drive to Texas and visit some supporters and visit some colleges/universities along the way. I didn't get to see them as much as I wanted, but I was glad for the time that we did get to be together. 

On June 15, I had my oncologist's appointment. My CA125 was finally under 90. Not by much, but it was 89!!! I still have a long way to go to get below 35, but down is the right direction!!! My main complaint was my horribly itchy feet due to the Doxil. They were so bad, that the doctor actually took pictures and recommended seeing a dermatologist before getting any more Doxil. My appointment with the dermatologist is on Wednesday, August 2. More later.

At our June Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild meeting it was time to turn in our color challenge. We were tasked to make an 18" by 18" finished quilt using the Kona color of the year (Crush) and one other color. All the mini quilts will be shown at the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza in Oaks, PA from September 14-17. If you love quilts and live in the Philly area, check it out!!! Here is my mini quilt:

On June 29, I had what I call "Part B" of my infusions. All went well for that day. 

Around the beginning of July, I began thinking about what my oncologist said about not getting Doxil until I see a dermatologist. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I needed a chemo break. In messages back and forth with my doctor's office, I decided to cancel my July appointment and infusions and give my body and mind a much-needed rest. 

But did I really rest??? You decide.

July started with a bang. On July 4th, I was supposed to have dinner with another BFF and her Mom and then watch our town's fireworks. Unfortunately, God gave us his own sky show. Late in the afternoon, the sky opened up and it poured rain for several hours. It ended up flooding our street and cancelling the town's fireworks. The dinner & town fireworks were postponed until the following day. It was a great night until I got up from my folding chair on the street and slipped and fell on my backside. One good thing was that it was almost dark. My back was stiff & sore for a couple of weeks, but no broken bones. Yeah!!! 

Fireworks finale

Flooded street

On that Saturday, July 8, Triple Threat Theater, an organization that runs several summer drama camps for ages 8-18 was putting on "Music Man, Jr." at a local church. Several of my friend's children were in the cast. They did a great job!!!

Then with much anticipation on Wednesday, July 12, I boarded a flight at 5am and flew to Atlanta, picked up a rental car and began my trek north to Charlotte to attend She Speaks 2023. More about the conference in another post. But if you know me, I love taking the road less traveled. In planning my trip, I Googled things to do between Atlanta and Charlotte. And what did I find??? The Blue Ridge Parkway!!! So, after I picked up my rental car, I headed north out of Atlanta. I had also found a bakery with good reviews in Gainsville, GA. If you're ever in the area, go to Diletto Bakery. This is where I finally had my yummy breakfast.

Then onward to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center. The drive was longer than I expected, but it was a nice drive on back roads. I finally arrived at my destination. And they gave me a map and some basic directions. I got back in my car and continued north, finally on The Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a beautiful day with abundant sunshine and a nice breeze. There weren't many cars on the Parkway, but at the first overlook, I met a couple who had driven from Texas. Somehow, they got ahead of me and we laughed many times when I pulled in after them. I jokingly told them that I was not stalking them!!! LOL!!! I finally lost them or they lost me, but I drove up to Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. From the upper parking lot, I still had to hike up the paved trail about 300 yards to the observation deck. For me, it was a bit challenging, but I hadn't done any incline walking in quite a while. I made it and I sure glad I did. The vistas were incredible. Thank you, Lord, for your beautiful creation!!!

From there, I really needed to start down the mountains and head to Charlotte. It was a very winding road down. Then it was back on the highway with the sun in my rear-view mirror. My prayer was that I would get to the hotel before it got totally dark. After a stop at a Chick-fil-A drive thru for dinner, I arrived at my hotel with 5 minutes to spare. Whew!!!

After She Speaks, I took the "faster" route down to Easley, SC to have lunch with a long-time friend. After some good BBQ at The Smokin' Pig, we said good-bye and I realized that neither one of us took a picture. I continued the drive south to Atlanta to stay with my Georgia family until my flight departed late Sunday night. It was the perfect ending to a great trip. I got to cuddle with the littles and spend quality time chatting with the adults. Good food & good fellowship is so good!!! My flight departed after 11pm on Sunday night. I walked into my house around 2am. I had no problem falling asleep!!!

Thankfully, I took the next week off from work. It was filled with doctor appointments for myself and my Dad. After my mammogram on Tuesday morning, I headed to Camp Fellowship to check out Camp Wired. WOW!!! What a great day camp program for kids from grade 1 to 8!!!

Thursday afternoon, I took my Dad to our former church for the seniors program. It was a hymn sing led by the former choir director and friends from the former choir. It was a great program. As much as I love singing the new worship songs, I also love singing the old hymns of the church. The singing was followed by an ice cream social. Win-win!!!

Going back to work was tough, but getting together with a beautiful young lady was the highlight of my Monday. We met at a local TCBY and spent the next hour or so catching up on her first year of college, her dancing, her family, and what she's done on her summer vacation. She was quite busy!!!

Then on Sunday, July 30, I went to visit Cedarbrook Camp in PA (CCPA), now Cedarbrook Camp Mid-Atlantic, to help with registration and see many friends who I either served with over the years or I was their cabin counselor, many, many years ago. For almost 40 years, it's been so great to be part of a ministry to girls & boys and see girls that came as campers now bringing their children and are now counselors. What a legacy!!!

Long time "bird" friends
Hum & Phoenix

One of my campers
who is now a counselor!

Line up, time for dinner

Well, that gets me to the end of July and I'm sure you're as exhausted reading as I was living it. 

Have you ever lost something important? 

I forgot to tell you about when I went to the Philadelphia Airport to meet my BFF and her family arriving from Europe. I parked in the short-term lot close to the international terminal. After finding a spot, I looked around and tried to find something to remember where I parked. Now this is where my memory gets fuzzy. I'm sure I took the elevator down to cross the bridge to the international arrivals area. At this point, I thought I missed them and went down to where you pick up the bus to go to rental cars. I looked around and then went back up to the arrivals area and finally, they came through the doors and I finally was able to hug them. We all walked and talked down to the outside area so they could get the bus to pick up their rental car. We hugged again when the bus came, they got on and I went back to the parking garage to get my car and go home. The problem was, I thought I was on the 2nd level, but my car wasn't where I thought it should be. I took the elevator down to the 1st level, but where was mine. I then tried the 3rd level, no car. Had my car been stolen??? Moved??? Disappeared into thin air??? Oh Lord, HELP!!!!!

At that point, the Parking Authority was driving around and asked me what was wrong. I advised the driver that I lost my car. He kindly asked me to get in the truck and we drove around the levels as he hit the panic button for my car. Finally, we heard my car alarm and we found it, right where I left it. I thanked the driver and got into my car. 

This reminds me of many places in the Bible where things or people are lost - sheep, coins, sons, riches, hope, and many other examples (Read Matthew 15). Many of these examples are in the form of parables or short stories that Jesus told his disciples and others to explain spiritual truths. When Christ talks about lost items, he is basically letting us know that we are the lost ones without His saving grace, His redeeming love and our belief that He rose from the grave on the third day. I'm thankful I found my lost car, but I'm more thankful I'm no longer lost. I've found salvation in Jesus Christ. I pray that you are not lost. I hope you have found Jesus and accepted his free gift of salvation!!!

Prayer Requests:

August 14 - Labs - Please pray that my numbers are good, especially a lower CA125.

August 15 - Meeting with a new family doctor

August 16 - Follow-up appointment with dermatologist

August 17 - Oncologist appointment followed by Chemo "A."

August 31 - Chemo "B."

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!!! Again, I will be walking in The Together in Teal Run/Walk on September 9 at Neshaminy State Park in PA. If you would like to donate to my campaign, please use the following link:

SANDY Perry - Fundraising For National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (donordrive.com)

And thank you in advance!!! Please let me know if the link doesn't work.

Only by His Strength,

Sandy