In loving memory of our friend Gerry ...

Paul and I lost a very dear friend this week, Gerry Lee, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was Paul’s fishing mentor and friend for over two years and he and his wife, Susan, have been a strong support for me on an almost daily basis.

Gerry, you will always be in our hearts.








And, about that other issue in my life ...

Paul and I saw my oncologist yesterday morning. My CT scan showed that one of the tumors was wiped out by the chemo, the other two are reduced in size, but still present. My CA 125 has doubled in the last month. The long and the short of it is: the chemo helped, but probably because I was unable to take the last 2 platinum doses, due to my allergic reaction, the cancer is most likely coming back. I have a couple of treatment options (going back on chemo is one, not really considering this as an option) but the one I’m choosing is acupuncture and Chinese herbs, more exercise and regular sex (as opposed to irregular).

Love to you all,
Big Giant Grandma Nyshie


You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.
Margaret Thatcher

Feel better soon Grandma!

Chemo on Tuesday and then she's finished! Feeling yucky tonight.

We love you Grandma!

Villa Shambhala

Update......

Sorry for the delay, here it is.

Bon voyage, au revoir, adios…
First, a very heartfelt thank you to all of you who so kindly sent us holiday cards, lots of photos and incredible love and support. I did not get cards or a letter out this year, but perhaps around Valentine’s Day???

Paul and I are leaving early Saturday for a week on a beautiful island in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, for a friend’s wedding. We’ll be staying in Villa Shambhala situated on a mile of private beach, swimming, snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing and eating lots of fresh fish. Thank you Michael and Robin for this much needed vacation. The good news is I feel great and I HAVE ALL OF MY HAIR!!!

Regarding the other issue in my life, I’ve finished 5 of my chemo treatments and will have the 6th upon my return. Because of the previously discussed allergic reaction, I will only be receiving one of the drugs which is the milder of the two, with very little side effects.

Otherwise, the kids and granddaughters are all doing great and life is good!

Love to you all,
Big Giant Grandma Nyshie

feeling better...

Hi all,

Mom had a rough night but she is feeling better today. She's still a little puffy but definitely better than last night. She is going in for IV fluids tomorrow and then she will have more chemo next week, but not the carboplatin.

A special thanks to our family friend Ann Young for being with Nyshie yesterday!!!

Maggie

from Maggie...

Hi all,

Mom had a pretty rough day. Her red blood count and platelets were back to normal so they deemed her healthy enough for round #5 of chemo. One of the chemo drugs, carboplatin, can cause allergic reactions after a period of time with no reaction. During round #4 she had a mild reaction, mostly itching and throat swelling, so they pushed it slower today through the IV. Unfortunately it didn't matter and she had a severe allergic reaction. She had red hives over most over her body and was unrecognizable. They put oxygen on her and pushed 3 IV steroids. They kept her at the hospital for awhile and there was some talk of keeping her overnight but I guess they decided she was okay. So, no more carboplatin for her. She is home tonight but feeling horrible, from steroids or chemo or both. She will have the second chemo drug next week and her doc will have to shift the game plan for round #6.

She's definitely not up for calls tonight, not sure about tomorrow??? I'll post tomorrow and let everyone know how she is doing.

Maggie

Fly Siblings in October