Sunday, September 30, 2012

Update

Hi everyone! So my second chemo is approaching Friday. Is it weird I'm looking forward to it? Why you might ask? I am one session closer to being cancer free. Also, it makes me my usual spunky self thanks to prednisone for two days.

Here's how cycle 1 has been treating me: Days 1-2 awesome. Days 3-5 I was nauseous, dizzy and felt loopy. Day 6-present I have leg cramps and fatigue. Days 9-hopefully not much longer MAJOR fatigue set in. This is tough for me because I'm so active and really have to slow down. Day 15 is my cycle 2 of chemo. There are ten more to go after this! Getting closer. I just want to thank my family and friends for being so understanding and supportive right now. Means the world. I'm thinking of my mom right now...here she is.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

My cancer sisiter...aka my angel

I've mentioned on here about my cancer sister/my angel...this fantastic lady goes with me to all my appointments, chemos, tests, etc!  I am sooo blessed to have such a special person in my life. 

The best part of this is: she is beating cancer too. She is on a special study and is setting all kinds of records for her CLL. Her study will be over when my chemo is over in March. We are REALLY excited to party in March together.  We recently attended a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society event. Here we are! Love you angel!!!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Golf's Legendary Holes



  1. A very special person gave me a great idea: relate my experience battling cancer to the most famous (and difficult) holes in golf!
Here are the holes I will be relating to when the time comes....
  1. No. 17 at Sawgrass
  2. No. 13 at Augusta
  3. No. 9 at Royal County Down
  4. No. 13 at Muirfield
  5. No. 13 at Pacific Dunes
  6. No. 17 at St. Andrews
  7. No. 12 at Southern Hills.
  8. No. 16 at Cypress Point
  9. No. 18 at Pebble Beach
  10. No. 12 at Augusta

After chemo

It has been two days since my first chemo appointment! I feel great. Part of the ABDV regimen includes a steroid. So...I am pretty hyper :-)! They said days 5-10 after chemo you might feel a bit crummy. During this time your counts and resistance will drop so avoid crowds, sick people, etc.

My doctor really wants me to continue to live my life! He's all for me going to the gym, playing golf, and spending time with friends and family. Last night I to a Zumbathon for my mom. It was beautiful and she definitely was with us there dancing away. Love you, Ma xoxo, Gina Marie.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Chemo day 1

I'm at my first day of chemo! En route to becoming cancer free. Ok, so they used my port for the first time...ow! Just felt like a bee sting. Not that I have ever been stung by a bee before ;). I am grateful for friends and family here to support me. Love you all.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Friday's the day

My first chemo appointment is Friday. I will be at UM all day. They administer the drugs to you at a slow pace to see how you react. Lucky for me I have some best friends and family coming...and I have blogging to do. Wish me luck. Xoxo

Cancer caddie update

Hi Everyone! This is your cancer caddie checking in. Sorry it's been a few days...

Here is what I've been up to:

I cut 11 inches of my hair and donated it to locks of love!

I am all healed from the port surgery. The first 3 days were rough (it hurts, was hard to get dressed and uncomfortable to sleep), but then it gets better. A full week later (yesterday) I was able to do the elliptical and an arm workout. Did I mention I got stuck in my dress the Friday night following my surgery?? LOL

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Hair

I am chopping 10 inches off my hair tomorrow! The hair will be donated to locks of love. I cannot wait. This is so liberating...you wan't my hair?? Take that, cancer ;-)

Port

Yesterday I got my port put in! I am sore and bruised today, but nothing a caddie can't handle ;). Here is what to expect: 1- you must fast, 2- you will be sedated, 3- you will feel pressure on chest, 4- you'll never have to get pricked or poked again...yah!!! Xoxo

PS: Anyone out there have port tips??

Monday, September 10, 2012

Pre surgery dinner

I just had dinner with my best friend and my mom's godchild! It was nice to catch up and relax before tomorrow. In the morning I have surgery to place my port. Main concern: does this mess up my golf swing???? No! My mom had one and you are able to swing. Second concern: fasting! I can't wait until these tests and procedures are completed because this vegan needs to eat ;)!

So...the port is placed on your chest and filters the chemo into your body. An IV in your hand or arm isn't recommended. Wish me luck! I will check in tomorrow. Xox.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Hair is overrated!

I love long, BIG hair...and I have long, big hair. In a few weeks it will be gone! Ah!! There's something about women and hair...scary thought that my ponytail down my back will no longer be hitting me in the face when I golf. This is the least of my worries when I fighting stupid cancer!!!

My best friend Whitney cut off 14 inches for locks of love and another friend, Ryan, shaved his head after my diagnosis. Next week, I am cutting my hair short and donating it. Hair is overrated! But ladies with cancer, I feel for ya! In the meantime, let's rock some awesome wigs and scarves ;)

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Alternative Medicine!

I am a vegetarian that is sometimes vegan. I told my oncologist that during treatment I will be following a CLEAN EATING and VEGAN lifestyle. He said that is fine! Also, there aren't any food restrictions. I told my doc I not really into medicine and chemo in my body makes me a bit nervous...

He is setting my up with the University's alternative medicine/holistic MD. He is going to assess my diet and I am super excited!! I think he also covers aroma and plant therapy, as well as natural supplements. Ask your oncologist if the program you're on offers a nutrition or alternative program that you can supplement with chemo! More to come on this...

Chemo for the caddie

Treatment for HL is pretty streamlined. ABVD is the chemo treatment I will be undergoing for the next six months en route to being CANCER FREE. For all my fellow cancer conquerors, ask your doctors about this treatment. You get chemo via IV day 1 and day 15 for six months. I do not need radiation, and I hope you don't either :).






Cancer Caddie Cure

Hi All!

I met with my oncologist at UM Sylvester in Miami yesterday. He is wonderful and so positive.

He told me I have Hodgkins Lymphoma- Stage 3A. I am almost a 2, but have a tiny spot on my spleen. The prognosis is very positive. This disease isn't about remission.. IT'S ABOUT A CURE. There is a 90% cure rate for HL. If you are a women, under 45, don't have cancer in bone marrow, are in good health, etc...you have an even better CURE rate. I'm all of those...yay!

Now I get to celebrate with my old and new golf team! Here's to kicking cancer to the curb :)

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

PET Scan

Hi all! I am just leaving my test! Okay, so heres what to expect: they will inject you with the radioactive sugar via an IV and you will wait for 90 minutes. The scan takes 15-30 itself. Not too bad :-). I wish I didn't sleep so much last night so I could nap!! Between the test and blood work I was there almost 5 hours. I am so blessed for my wonderful dad that drove and waited for me! Now we are off to get some laughs at the Michael Yo show! #fightingtogether #laughoften

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Pre Pet Scan

Tomorrow I am getting a PET Scan. I have to follow a special diet today: high protein & low carb. So, I had to deviate from my diet as only meats, hard cheeses, eggs, tofu and green veggies are allowed. Not sure how i will manage without fruit!!! But, this diet is to ensure a proper reading. Also, I have to stop eating and drinking 6 hours prior tomorrow. Wish me luck...let's fight!!!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Weekend

Morning cancer conquerers!!! Your caddie is reporting in from Delray Beach. I'm almost feeling 100% after BM test. I hope I can golf tomorrow...I'm with my second family getting some R&R and having many laughs. We are getting some sun (wearing spf 50) and listening to the calming waves...working on my mind this weekend and getting lots of positive thoughts circulating...enjoy the long weekend! #fightingpretty

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Day after test and diet day 6

Okay... So maybe it feels like a UFC fighter beat the heck out of my hip, but I'm still getting around! It "hurts less" than a hangover ;). Even limped my way to the FAU game last night and we won!!! And, today is day 6 for me of vegan, organic, CLEAN eating. I've had fresh fruits and veggies all week. I've been eating nut and seeds for snacks. I've also been juicing! Well...visiting jamba and juiceteria until I buy a juicer. This is great for cancer fighting! I've been adding quinoa to dinners is as its high protein and gluten free. Also, I'm off the sugar and therefore the booze...cancer cells like that stuff and you can't fool this cancer caddie!!!!