Ready for bed...

Not many changes since my last post. Ryan had a meeting with the kids tonight and he mentioned it looks like mom is sleeping but she can hear them. Ryan said Rochelle will wiggle her toes if she can hear and so they all looked down and sure enough Rochelle wiggled her toes. We are getting ready for bed so I just wanted to post so everyone knew where we stood. Lots of crying today I think we are all physically and emotionally tired.

Love...

Rochelle has been pretty unresponsive today . Her breathing is more shallow, but her heart is still strong.

She is not responding much today, but when Ryan said he loved her she mouthed she loved him and gave him a kiss.

The kids...

I have loved every minute I got to spend with Rochelle today.

What an amazing experience this has been. Ryan was exhausted this morning when he got up, or as he put it he never went to bed, Rochelle was very agitated last night and kept wanting to get out of bed. Ryan said at 6:30am she was getting up and just wanted to go to work. Ryan took a little break and went to work for a short time today and my mom and I had a great time with Ro. Rochelle has been wanting to get up and out of bed all day or just wanting to sit up. She speaks very quiet and slurred but mostly knows exactly what she wants to say. She has been confused and other times is very cleared headed. Rochelle has been waving to no one we can see all day and talking about things that we can not see, and we have been wondering just how thin the veil is today.

The Social Worker for hospice has left the kids packets to talk about death. I have spent time today going over the packets and talking with Carter (6) and Kamden (9 next week) about their mom and giving them an opportunity to tell how they are feeling. Kamden has loved the activities. The kids have a lot of anger and whenever I ask how they are feeling they say very sad.


For those who are wondering how to make a donation:

Bank of America
Kennewick Branch
3420 West Kennewick Ave
Kennewick, Wa 99336

Rochelle Bassett Cancer Fund

Lots of laughs...

Finally, after a little work we finally figured out how to get on Rochelle's blog to update. This is Bailey sister #5, I flew in last night and I am staying at Rochelle's house with Chauntel sister #3. Rochelle had a hard night last night, the hospice nurse came and doubled her pain meds. Tonight they have placed a tube in her stomach to pump out the acids, to help with her upset stomach.

Our large family has been spending the day lounging and reminiscing about the past, we also took a picture with all six sisters. We all piled onto the bed next to Rochelle and when we were asked to smile she stuck her tongue out at the camera. Another funny moment today was when she was trying to get out of the bed and Kendall #4, asked her why she was getting up and what she needed, she quickly responded with, " what are you the police". Tonight Ryan mentioned that he had hoped to find her wedding ring he was not sure where she had put it. Without a word and with eyes closed she pointed to the shelf that had a vase full of pebbles, and there it was. Today when her nephew Tristan (3yrs. old) was leaving and went to give her a kiss, her response was, "Ok it will cost you $2.50". She has been making us laugh, but mostly she has been resting eyes closed and not very verbal. She looks very fragile and frail. Ryan asked me to add this story... Last night when Rochelle was having strong pain in her stomach and they were waiting for the hospice nurse to come. Ryan kneeled down next to the bed and told Rochelle it was ok if she was ready to go she could, they would be ok. It was a very sweet and kind gesture, but Rochelle informed him she did not think that was what was going on, I think it's just my stomach, basically stop over reacting Ryan.

Fall 2011

Rochelle wanted to update her blog. This is what she asked me to type... Danielle

Summer flew by so fast with all the cancer stuff going on. I visited CTCA and they didn't have much to say or do for me. I had several scans. The cancer has spread to the kidneys. With all the medical stuff I didn't get to play with my kids much. I spent a lot of time in the emergency room because of dehydration. I have now been in the hospital for 11 days. I'm hoping to go home soon once hospice is set up. Please no pity parties. I'm still a fighter - I'll just be fighting on the other side soon. Thanks for your support, your help, and your kindness. There are lots of people who need service please don't stop with me. Remember I'm not dead yet. I can still talk and have fun. I have some good moments but please understand I don't know when those will be so don't take it personal. Please have good days for me. Love, Rochelle

Don't Know What to Say BAD POSTER!

It's been so long I am not sure I can remember all that has gone on this summer.

Lots of treatment and appointments. A few weeks ago I finally started Tykerb. It is not a chemo more of a hormone chemo. It seem to be dropping my CA numbers. I have had lots of stomach problems, my left leg from the knee down is numb, have a little trouble walking, I had some sever anxiety attacks. Apparently, I have completely forgotten anything for two days and did some funny things. Like trying to jump out of the truck while it was still going.


I have a doc apt tomorrow that goes over some test I had last Friday. Hope to update tomorrow.

June 2011 update

Time for an update. I had a few minutes and thought i would update on what has been going on. I went to CTCA last week. So this will be a little longer.

Just before I left the numbers after round 5 went up one point. I think that was from the red blood shot I was getting. I received it for three weeks. The form I had to sign each time warned that the chemo might not work as while. So I received a blood transfussion because the shots went working. As far as the numbers go it went up one point to 78 from 77.

I then finished round 6 and went down to CTCA. They did a PET scan and found that the cancer i had before had shrink some but was still in the kidney and they lymphnods in my pelviis. Plus I have two new spots out side my kidney.

So the doctor decided to keep me on herceptin and take me off the chemo Xeloda and put me on Tykerb. Tykerb is similar to Herceptin it has to do with my hormons. I am waiting to see if the insurance with pay for it. Then I will do the Tykerb and the Herceptin. Tykerb is a pill and the herceptin is an IV drug once every three weeks.

I also had my tube replaced on my nephostomy. I am currently trying to get it put inside. The doctor's office is recoring a refferal even though my insuance doesn't recory it. I hope it will get done before summer is over.

I got my numbers before I left. My CA 2729 waas 83. Not bad went up 5 points in a week and a half.

I saw a Dr. and had a colonoscopy done and endoscopy. Found out that my stomach isn't working. So I have to take pills 4 times a day half hour before meals. Lots of fun.

If the Tykerb and Herceptin don't work then it is back to Xeloda and Tykerb if that doesn't work then on to Seattle for case studies.

I am feeling pretty good. The stomach still hurts and I am not on Tykerb but things could be a whole lot worse.

Thank you for your prayers and nice messages. They are very uplifting thank you!