October 2, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Beyond Time for An Update.

I have been home a few days now. I’ve spent the last 10 days or so in the hospital. Unknowingly, In the hospital. I honestly thought I had been kidnapped. I know it sounds crazy but it’s not. My Mom and my husband were trying to get me up from my bed at my house. I would vomit every time they tried. I couldn’t speak to them. I couldn’t walk. I was completely unaware. They called an ambulance, if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today. It seems to be the chemo therapy I was on caused Cancer-Related-Hypercalcemia. My calcium levels were so high, I was literally out of my mind. I’ll follow up on this later. Right now I’m just trying to give you an idea of what’s going on.

Though my brain looks better, I’m actually doing worse than I’ve ever been. I now have leptomeningeal metastases which have spread to my meninges and spinal fluid. It can’t get much worse for me. I have two more days of radiation. I don’t know what’s after that. So far I’ve heard there is nothing else to do.

Right now my plan is to rest and get through my last two radiation appointment’s. My doctor has said I can have no visitors until she sees me next week. The least little germ could kill me right now.

I’d love to see you guys, I just can’t. I saw my kiddos the other day, so I have a few pictures. For now that’s really all I know. I have to give this to God right now. I’m serious when I say I can’t even walk alone. My mama and my Javiee have been doing everything for me. Stop and think about that. It’s so hard, but I’m so blessed to have them here right now. I will update you all as soon as I know more. I love you all! Thank you for the love and prayers. Get out and make some memories!💕💕

August 9, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Back In The Chemo Chair….An Update

Xeloda has not been good to me. My tumor markers are higher than they have ever been. They are sitting at 1613.9. It’s usually accurate with what’s going on in my body. 70 percent of my bones have been invaded by cancer. We still are not sure if it’s new cancer in my brain or brain necrosis. I will have new scans in another month to reevaluate exactly what it is. If it’s necrosis then we don’t want to go cutting on my brain. Wait and see. For now I’m taking Paclitaxel. I’m doing it once every three weeks. It can also be given once a week for every three weeks to lessen the side effects. My oncologist thinks once every three weeks is a better punch. That’s what I’m doing. It’s day two and I’m exhausted. I feel so weak. It’s actually hard to get out of bed right now. I’m just dealing with it and resting. It will be worth the down time if it works. Some pictures from my first day back in the chemo chair. I’ll go in one day soon for a port. My arm can’t handle this kind of treatment. I did it, but my arm was on fire afterward.

We used my arm beacause I don’t have a port. Port surgery is next.

It was an hour and a half treatment. I slept.

My, Javiee, my rock, hanging out with me in the chemo room.

I love you Guys! 💕 Plan something fun for the weekend! Make some memories and send me a picture! 💕💕 I’ll do a friends adventure post. We may have cancer, but we’re still loving life!

August 9, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Sharing My Family Vacation!!!!!!!! …………………………………………………………………………………… We just spent a week in North Myrtle Beach as a family. It was the best trip ever!   I was worried if we would even make it there. My arm was in severe pain and I was doing radiation treatments until the morning we left. I was in radiation at 8 am and we were on the road soon after. Thank you mama for driving! My oncologist prescribed me steroids and morphine to keep the pain flare ups away, it worked! Thank you Dr. Smathers! You know I adore you! The afternoon before we left I was going to let T.J. drive me around town ( He got his learners permit!!). My car wouldn’t start. I was devastated because it was after hours and no shop was open. A few years ago we went on a Little Pink Houses of Hope beach trip. I ended up in the hospital with brain mets. We planned a trip to the beach at Bear Island the next year and I ended up in the hospital with treatment induced diabetes. Was it going to be my car this time? I asked God “Why can my family not have a beach trip without something happening.” My Javiee happened to be at Auto Zone when I called to tell him the car wouldn’t start. He met a mechanic that said he would come to my house and look at it. He came out and put a new starter on my car and didn’t even try to overcharge us! Change of perspective……”Thank you God for letting this happen before we left on our trip and for putting that mechanic there”. I knew this trip was blessed! Here are some pictures…… .

That’s my Javiee and I with our grand babies. Then my son, Kori, his wife, Emily, and our grand babies. Then my sweet mom and I. The next one is my oldest son, his wife, me, my mom and my youngest son.

My grandbabies at the beach. My mom and I with T.J. at one of his favorite places. That’s me. Then my daughter in law, Emily, my mom and me again.

That’s my mom and I, My Javiee and I, My youngest, T.J and I, My oldest, Kori, and I. Then Kori and I with my grandbabies.

My grandbabies! I love being a glamma! That’s Jax and I at the pool. Then my favorite! This little lady has sas!

My mom and granddaughter. My daughter in law, Emily. My oldest and youngest boys. My grandbabies at the beach. My mom and I in a shark head. My guys going on a helicopter ride

That’s my Javiee and I on date night in a helicopter. I love this man!

For our last laugh we stopped at Dicks. The food was horrible but it was so much fun to laugh at each other.

I love you all💕 Thank you for your love and support! Summers almost over! Get out and make some memories! 💕💕

July 12, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Brain MRI Results

TAMMY CARMONA

FINDINGS

BRAIN AND EXTRA-AXIAL SPACES: In the interval, there is significant enlargement in the multifocal areas of enhancement in the medial right temporal lobe since the previous exam of 04/23/2018. There is a dramatic increase when compared back to 01/22/2018. The inferior component of enhancement is without significant change measuring 1.3 x 1.8 cm (transverse by AP), as seen previously. However the superior component measures 1.6 x 2 cm and previously this measured 0.9 x 1.5 cm. In addition there is a more anterior component of enhancement that measures 1.3 x 1.1 cm that previously measured 0.8 x 0.4 cm. Thus, there is significant increasing enhancement in the medial temporal lobe. Surrounding edema in the right temporal lobe extends back little more posteriorly than previously. Perfusion images however do not show significant increased perfusion. Perfusion images suggest that these changes are related to radiation necrosis. However given the significant progression, I am concerned this is progressive neoplasm at this site..

The 2 mm focus of enhancement laterally in the right cerebellum on image 23 of series 10 is unchanged. The small focus of hemorrhage superiorly in the left superior cerebellum is unchanged.

No new areas of enhancement are visualized.

VENTRICLES: Normal in size and configuration.

SELLA/PARASELLAR REGIONS: Partially empty sella is again visualized.

VESSELS: Normal flow related enhancement in the major vessels of the circle of Willis and the major dural venous sinuses.

CALVARIUM AND SKULL BASE: No calvarial abnormalities are identified. PARANASAL SINUSES/MASTOID AIR CELLS: The paranasal sinuses, middle ear cavities and mastoid air cells are well-aerated.

ORBITS: Within normal limits

CRANIOCERVICAL JUNCTION: Within normal limits

OTHER FINDINGS: No other significant findings are seen.

IMPRESSION:

1. Interval significant increase in enhancing multifocal areas in the medial right temporal lobe since the previous exams of 4/23/2018 and 1/22/2018. Although this could still be radiation necrosis, recurrent neoplasm is an increasing concern.. MR cannot definitely differentiate these.

2. Unchanged tiny punctate focus of enhancement in the right cerebellum and small focus of hemorrhage in the left cerebellum.

3. No new areas of abnormality.

I love my radiology oncologist. She’s always honest with me. She’s says this is not good. We are not sure if it’s cancer or necrosis from radiation. There will be a meeting on my case on Monday. Then we will have a new plan. Right now the plan is to add another drug to my Xeloda and rescan in 2 months. If the progression is still as fast as it has been the past two months then brain surgery is my option. This plan may change after the board meeting. They will also consider some clinical trials. It seems to be another wait and see.

For now, I’m going to enjoy summer! I’m still going to the beach for a week and then the 🍒 on top is Lynard Skynard in September!😂. This has already been an eventful summer! I tell myself daily that I am blessed to be here and still be making memories! I have watched as T.J. got his first job, his first checking/ savings account, and finished drivers ed! He will be driving me around next week! I told him one day he will wish he didn’t have to work. I said don’t you want to hang by the pool, kayak and do things like that this summer? He said “Mom, I’m building my resumé”. 😂. How do you say no to that? I’ve also had so much quality time with my precious grand babies! You know I’m including pictures!

Thank you all for your love and support. You all bring sunshine to my life! I may make cancer look easy, but it’s not. When you see my adventures on Instagram or Facebook, know that I’m in bed on pain meds the next day. It’s so worth the memories I’m making! Life is so good! Get out and enjoy it and make some memories!!!!!Sending love to each and everyone of you!💕💕💕💕

June 16, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Rising Tumor Markers

I have lived with metastatic breast cancer for five years. Throughout this time my CA 27.2 marker has been an accurate indication of what’s going on inside my body. It’s steadily been on the rise. This month it jumped another 170 units. My hope is that cancer is dying and not growing while I’m on Xeloda. I have a new brain MRI and a chest and abdomen CT scheduled in two weeks. If the tumor in my brain is bigger my only option seems to be surgery. I’ve decided to have the surgery if necessary. But first, I’m going to the beach for a week and I’m going to see Lynyrd Skynyrd the first weekend in September! I’m going to enjoy summer, make some memories and not stress the outcome of my scans. If I have to deal with it I’ll do it in mid September.

Here are my recent tumor markers. They seem to be rising since I started Xeloda.

CA 27.2

1311.8 units/mL
Date:
Jun 11, 2018

1141.6 units/mL
Date:
May 11, 2018

1084.6 units/mL
Date:
Mar 16, 201

1037.9 units/mL
Date:
Feb 16, 2018

1057.4 units/mL
Date:
Jan 26, 2018

968.0 units/mL
Date:
Jan 04, 2018 n

263.3 units/mL
Date:
Nov 24, 2017

268.7 units/mL
Date:
Oct 26, 2017

216.2 units/mL
Date:
Aug 11, 2017

232.8 units/mL
Date:
Jul 27, 2017

199.3 units/mL
Date:
Jun 28, 2017

160.1 units/mL
Date:
Jun 01, 2017

Despite all this cancer chaos, I’m still alive, so I’m still smiling. My Javiee and I celebrated another anniversary on June 5th. Here’s a picture….We went to The Conundrum escape room in Asheville. If you haven’t been to an escape room, you should definitely go! We didn’t escape but we had a blast! Here’s our picture…..My precious granddaughter, Evie, had her first birthday! You know a picture is coming!

Thank you all for your love and prayers! I’m sending love to each and everyone of you! It’s summer! Get out and make some memories!💕💕

February 5, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Wednesday…Mammogram Day..Feb 6, 2013

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 I hit my five year mark. Five years living with metastatic breast cancer. Being diagnosed at Stage 4 means I’d unknowingly been living with cancer for a while. This was just the day I first heard “you have cancer”. I’ve been blessed the last five years with so many memories. Tonight, in reflection, I’m going back to my first ever blog post. I actually started the blog for my sister who lives in North Dakota. It grew into so much more. You all have become a huge part of my life and I’m grateful. 💕💕💕

Tammy Carmona

Today’s Wednesday. I love Wednesday, it’s my favorite day of the week. My Javiee is off on Wednesday, so it’s always a special day for us. We go out to breakfast on Wednesday, then we go shopping and get what we need for the week ahead. I know it sounds pretty simple, but it’s our time and we enjoy every second of it. Today’s a little different. Breakfast and then a mammogram (I found a lump in my left breast). I’m thankful my Javiee is with me for my appointment. I wasn’t really worried, I thought it would be nothing. The lady doing my mammogram was so nice, but when she saw the image and said wait right here a minute while the doctor looks at this, he may want to do an ultrasound , I knew there was a problem. Ten minutes later another lady is doing an ultrasound…

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August 4, 2017 by Tammy Carmona

My hair after WBR

I’ve had so many people ask me about my hair after doing whole brain radiation. Hair is so important to most people, it defines you. I have always had a head full of blonde curly hair. Those days are gone! I started losing my hair the second week of WBR. Instead of waiting for it to fall out I shaved my head. About three months after WBR it started growing back. I was so excited!! About six months later I realized it wasn’t going to come back completely. I had what I called a “nohawk”. My hair grew in on the sides and on the back of my head but not on the top. My oncology radiologist said the radiation skims the top of the head and it may not grow back there. A year later and no hair is growing on top of my head. This is what it looks like…….

19311378-C774-4630-AE96-181A41E2B341 (1)

I don’t think it’s ever going to grow back on top. I just keep shaving my head. I honestly don’t mind being bald. That’s the least of my worries! 95% of the time I walk around bald and happy to be alive! I have beautiful wigs and I wear them if I go somewhere special with my Javiee, My favorite….

Here’s a picture of my cousin Teressa and I. If you see me out and about it’s usually like this…..bald. I’ve embraced my baldness!

That’s my hair story. Thank you guys for all the love you send my way! I love you all!!! Now get out and make some memories!

June 5, 2017 by Tammy Carmona

Brain MRI Results

I have to tell you I was anxious while waiting for these results. I spent last summer doing brain radiation and I was really excited to get out and make some memories this summer! I’m so happy to say my MRI came back stable! There’s nothing new! Thank you all for your love, good vibes and prayers! I feel so blessed to have you all in my life!💕

So what’s next for me? Mexico! I was going no matter what my results were. I’m just happy they were good and I can go worry free! My Javiee has worked day and night to make this trip possible. I’m so ready to spend some quality time with him and meet his family! It’s been a long time coming!

Get out and make some memories! 💕💕💕 I love you guys!

September 21, 2016 by Tammy Carmona

My CyberKnife Experience

Just hearing cyberknife and knowing it was for a tumor behind my eye was beyond anything I could imagine. Then I was told it would take 3-4 hours and I would be awake the entire time. This was not an appointment I was looking forward to!

I have to tell you it sounds worse than it is. It actually doesn’t even involve a knife. It’s a robotic radiosurgery system that delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy. No cutting and no pain involved. I was fitted for a mask the week before surgery. For me, this was the only uncomfortable thing about the surgery. The mask is screwed into the table and it’s tight. Here’s a picture of my mask. I see a Halloween costume in T.J.’s future, it’s scary!

They gave me an Ativan before the surgery. I was worried about being awake during this. If they had said we give you ativan before we start I would have had no worries. I remember my mask being attached and getting up. That’s it. I won’t have a new brain MRI until the end of October. I’ll update you when I get results. Waiting is always the hardest. I just try not to think about it and go on with life.

This is a picture of the Cyberknife System. The robotic arm moves to hit targeted areas.

cyber-knife

Now for the aftermath. I vomited for 2 weeks and lost 15 lbs. I couldn’t eat. Everything I tried to eat tasted so salty and I would get sick to my stomach instantly. The medical term for this is Dysgeusia. I ate chicken nuggets for two weeks. Now I’m eating fish, rice, cantaloupe, chicken nuggets, cheese on unsalted crackers and cheesecake. My Javiee is still making me juices and I’m keeping them down. I do miss his cooking! Chocolate and red meat are the worst right now. I never thought I’d see the day that I turn down chocolate! I still have days when I’m just completely exhausted. On those days I celebrate going to the grocery store! On the bright side I’m having more good days than bad now! That’s really something to celebrate!

I have to end with a picture of T.J. holding my grandson Jax. I think this is the first time he held him since the day he was born. He was completely uninterested in holding him during the slobber and spit up days. I honestly didn’t think he’d hold him until he was out of diapers. I was so proud of him!

cyberknife3

Get out and make some memories!

July 10, 2016 by Tammy Carmona

Whole Brain Radiation

I have survived 15 rounds of whole brain radiation. Initially the hardest part was driving to Asheville and back everyday for a treatment that lasts less than 10 minutes. I videoed a session for those of you that may one day have to go through this.

Whole Brain Radiation Here’s the link

It was a painless procedure. My mask was latched to the table, everyone left the room and the radiation took a few minutes. There was a smell that came with the radiation. It reminded me of Clorox. The first 13 rounds were fairly easy on me. I was dizzy afterwards and needed a nap. I was surprised because I was expecting worse. It hit me at round 14. My forehead and my ears burnt so bad. After round 15 I couldn’t hear and my ears smelt horrible. I was told to take Mussinex to relieve pressure behind my ears. I did that for a few days and didn’t notice a difference. I ended up putting peroxide in my ears for a few days and my hearing is back! I must tell you my oncologist advised against using peroxide. It worked for me. My eyesight also got bad with the last rounds of radiation. I couldn’t read anything! I’m using readers now and I feel them getting stronger everyday. It’s been two weeks since my last round of radiation and the fatigue is extreme. I’m so tired. I just keep reminding myself that it’s over! I have had a hard month!! The day after my last radiation appointment I had my ovaries removed. I’ll do a post on that soon. I’m scheduled for the gamma knife and a new MRI in August. Until then I’m going to get out and spend some time with my guys. I’ll end with some pictures.

This is my radiation mask.