Project REMISSION

After weeks of anticipation and five days of waiting and worrying (and golfing, being a yogi, masters student, and a runner to keep my mind busy), I received a CLEAN Bill of Health!!! I am cancer-free and in remission.
It is amazing to literally receive your life back in one day...in one minute, actually. 

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013 will always be one of the best days of my life. It took me 12 chemos, lots of tests, patience, and a ton of support and love to get here.  My cancer battle took almost a year, but my experience with cancer in my family consumed me for over three years. 
....My mom battled cancer for two years and lost her battle April 2012.
....My dad battled for a year and is now cancer-free!

They say "if you have your health, you have it all." You have NO idea how true that is. The last three years have taught me to celebrate life and be thankful for every moment.  I learned gratitude, faith, hope and love. I learned things I will never forget. 

I would like to share what I have learned during my experience with cancer to help fighters with their battle. I would like to help caregivers and and friends of fighters. What I learned transformed my life forever...it can transform yours too!  This blog will provide insight to help you get through cancer the positive way...please email me at ginagolfer@gmail.com if you have any questions :)

XOXO,
Gina Marie

Half way done

WAHOOO! I am half way done with my chemotherapy treatments! 6 more to go. Cannot wait until March 2013. Happy Holidays everyone :)

Treatment #3

Wahoo! My counts were up so I was allowed to receive chemo yesterday. I got really sick all week from my counts being so drastically low. My neutrophils were .1 and now they are 5 thanks to four days of Neupogen shots.

Now I know why they tell you not to get sick...it's hard to shake! But, part of the chemo regimen is prednisone, which really makes you feel better. Unfortunately it also makes sleeping very challenging! I am looking forward to this weekend! Staying home in bed for a week made me stir crazy. And one of my best friends is in town from Hawaii. Here she is....xoxoxo

Day 3 of shots

Today was my third shot of Neupogen to boost my WBC. My last day is tomorrow and Tuesday I get reevaluated. While you are getting these shots you should really take it easy, eat only cooked foods, wear masks, and avoid crowds since you are so susceptible. Expect uncomfortable bone pain...Mine is in my hips, legs, back and jaw. I really hope I can start chemo this week! I will keep you all posted...

Post cycle 2

Hi all! Today is day 4 after treatment and I'm feeling better then cycle one so far! They gave me a new nausea IV called amend. It is supposed to help with the "vertigo/ nausea/ loopy feeling" I experienced right after treatment the first time. Also, the prednisone has worn off, so I'm not as hyper or shaky. Prednisone also bumps up your appetite as the chemo reduces it.

Some interesting things to note are:
1- my really swollen bulging nodes on my neck and throat/chest are much less swollen
2- my CBC was reduced from 16k to 4k
3- Sorry other Hodgkins people that weren't loosing hair either... My hair is now falling out :(.

Enjoy your Columbus Day. Xo, Gina Marie

Cycle 2

Good morning!! All is well at chemo day 15, cycle two. I'm at a beautiful facility with beautiful friends. I even got a surprise visit from someone! This place is so wonderful. You can feel the positive energy flowing with this supportive staff of nurses! Also, they bring around fresh cookies every few hours and I have a lake view!

Today, I am getting one more IV treatment for nausea. This might help the weird feeling I got days 3-5. Your cancer caddie is in great spirits and feeling great! xoxo

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.

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 :).