End of Chemotherapy

Dear Fellow Bloggers:
It has been awhile since I/we wrote and now is the time to change that. I have completed four rounds of Herceptin/Taxol (chemotherapy drugs (Taxol shuts down the production of estrogen, Herceptin stops the HR2 NEU protein from dividing). I will continue to take Herceptin, but only every three weeks. Taxol takes 4-5 hours to process via the drip system. Not to mention I take a ten minute drive, park in Rye (sometimes I get a ticket), one hour train, 10 minute subway, 20 minutes of walking, just to get to Sloane Kettering. When I walk in the door I start with a pin prick to the finger on the first floor which results get sent to my oncologist. Next, upstairs to see my oncologist Dr. Lake and Nurse Megan (I may wait 20 minutes to an hour depending on the day). After I get clearance I wait to get my next appointment then off to wait in the chemo lounge. That can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour as well. Once I get into my chemo room then I start the 4-5 hour process of chemo intake. I have been lucky to have some wonderful friends and family with me during those visits, but unfortunately for them I fall asleep from the Benadryl drip and whatever else. Luckily for them, NYC is right out the door of MSKCC and the city is always alive and waiting for them to spend and shop and walk and eat.

I can say that the Chemotherapy portion is over. YEAH!! Next is physical Therapy for lymphatic system and range of motion. I have been cleared for travel from my PT and my range of motion is greatly improved. I get a month break from my last Taxol to when I start Radiation Therapy. I do know that radiation will last around 5-6 weeks going everyday. Thank goodness it is a quick in and out of the office unlike the Taxol/Herceptin combination.

Aside from managing the doctor visits I was involved in the Rye House Tour, the annual fundraiser for the Public High School. I had a minor role in a major production and the finale of that was May 21, 2010. It was a success and we had beautiful weather after years of rain on the event. The entire community was elated. Colette, being so involved in my life from surgery to now flew in especially for the event after putting on her own major luncheon event the day before in Santa Barbara. Crazy. But I was thrilled to have her part of the day.

Katrina completes her Junior Year with the usual stress of SAT's, AP's, Theater & Dance Performances and the Junior Prom.
She is very together and she has a positive spirit. I keep my spirits up through a meditation group, accupunture and group counseling (MSKCC Counseling) and walks with my dogs and love of my family. My family and friends have been so supportive and I really feel blessed to have so many people care about me. The community of Rye has been terrific and I have gained some new and wonderful friends through this experience,

March Posting in April

Sister Lorena here with news from Emily and I on our visit to Lynn's March 22 to 30th.

On March 24 we were able to celebrate not only Lynn's Birthday, but her last AC treatment or better known as the RED DEVIL. We (Lynn, Lorena & Emily) left on an early train out of Rye to Grand Central for a bit of sight seeing at the Frick Museum and strolling on 5th Avenue with all the wonderful architecture and dog walkers. We found a great little lunch spot called "Alice's Tea Cup" and we felt we had gone done the rabbit hole and joined the Mad Hatter for tea and scones and a light lunch. Then we dashed off to MSKCC for the dreaded 2:00 p.m. appointment which of course turned into a 3:45 appointment, which turned into a 5:00 p.m. chemo treatment and a much later departure to Rye.

The Birthday was started a little later than it was supposed to especially on a school night. Arrival at 8:15 p.m. and let the party begin. Phil, Ian, Katrina and Gabby were busy with dinner, setting the table with china (Lynn's favorite), baking cakes, wrapping presents and setting out flowers and candles. Lynn was treated like a queen on her very special day. Thanks to the steroid/chemo combination, Lynn was having a HAPPY BIRTHDAY indeed!!!

Next day, Friday, Phil, Katrina & Ian left for Snowbird, Utah for their skiing holiday and Emily and I stayed in New York with Lynn. Emily and I got a sightseeing tour of Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street and Soho and I managed to find my way around the New York subway and use of taxis just fine. Friday night Lynn was slowing down, so for the rest of the weekend we enjoyed hanging out. Special feature was at Rye Presbyterian Church on Palm Sunday for Choral Concert of Mozart's "Requiem". What a beautiful church, amazing choir and pipe organ. Palm Sunday will be remembered this year.

It was a great visit with my sister. Lynn never complains and has such a positive attitude as she fights this demon! She is a woman of GREAT strength and stamina and is going through this with such grace and dignity. I am so proud of you, Lynn!!

I love you,
Sis Lorena

Round Three is Tomorrow

Greetings from sister-in-law Lynn Anne, here to report on the awesome Gibbs Family.... headed up, don't we know, by the Amazing Super Woman, Lynn Rae. There is no way to describe the scene here without multitudinous hyperbole. The family members carry on with great aplomb. Lynn, the caretaker, continues in her role even if she is sometimes on the couch directing the show. She stoically heads in to Manhattan for her chemo and associated appointments. Next comes the two day round of steroids which sends her spinning into a whirl of dedicated activity ...Rita needs a little walk, what sounds good for dinner, has Kat done that prepping for her SATS, is Ian feeling better, did he get the right meds, has Phil found his missing sox, the flowers need water, I'll just need to get this paper over to the printer for the House Tour; Lynn Anne, do you need another pillow? Let's get this all sorted out!! This is so the Lynn Rae you have come to know and love, right?

When the steroids finally wind down, then she is just as gracefully her Lynn Rae quieter self sipping her lemon water and directing the family show from the couch, with fireplace ablaze and Rita curled up at her feet. She looks gorgeous: the wigs and turbans and scarves and beanies have been branded by the familiar LRG panache.

I could get quite long winded on this blog. So I'll try to circumvent that trend. Instead, I'll sum up by saying I have learned so much this visit about bravery and patience and grace under fire. Everyone does their part, and if you don't know how to do your part, then you just figure it out, as the family effort moves toward health and wellness. The International Club has been providing luscious and healthy meals, the neighbors have done the same. Well wishers and family members call and send applesauce from Gramma Jane's recipe. Kat has been so helpful with doggy Rita's walks and doing grocery store runs, all the while balancing her school demands and SAT prep, and social life. Ian flew home to see his mom, obviously a picker upper of the spirit! Hubby Phil has 'circled the wagons' so artfully. He's a cook, bottle washer, launderer, Pilates buddy, tea maker, and active best friend. I'm proud of the way my brother has grown and matured through this family event /ordeal / crisis ( ... what does one call it? It is that 'silver lining thing' we've all read about on the Hallmark cards... but now the family is living it, and the silver linings are abundantly real, even if difficult to recognize at times.) For my part, I have become so aware of all my little innocuous complaints I am in the habit of making in the course of any day... my irritating little hang nail, the burst shampoo bottle, misplacing my cell phone ... and then I think, good grief. woman, do you hear yourself? How does Lynn Rae walk through this frightening, shadowy time with such courage and strength and patience and love ... and without complaining!? There is my silver lining, my lesson to learn from my visit here. What an honor.

Humbly and with love, Phil's sister Lynn Anne

Round One Complete

Round one of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (better known as AC) complete. Feeling pretty well now that the two week cycle is nearly over. Next round for chemo is Tuesday and all should be a go. I was lucky enough to get Colette to return for my first Chemo, so more sister bonding. Phil & Kat are steadfast so I have wonderful support. My sister-in-law, Lynn Blom, has arrived for second treatment and son Ian has flown in for the weekend from Boulder to see his mom. What a treat!! I feel blessed to have such a supportive family and friends to get me through this most interesting and challenging of times. I appreciate all the cards, flowers, phone calls, emails and food which arrive in a steady flow. I find myself overwhelmed by all this gratitude.

I have been fully entertained by the Olympics and I can report some of the up close and personals, should you need an update. The most impressive test of will has been from the cross country racer who slipped down a ravine in practice and then went on to win the bronze (yes, I am fully up to date on the cross country races and biathalon races). After the race she was taken to hospital and treated for 3 broken ribs and some back injuries. I really can't complain here as I sit watching these amazing athletes. Wait till I report on Curling. Will try to report sooner -- Until next time....Be well.....Lynn

Lynn Moving On to the Next Phase

My dear wife is looking good as ever and feeling good with the aid of a pain killer here and there. She's been returning to MSKCC fairly regularly in preparation for chemotherapy. The pros call this systemic therapy. There are preparatory tests with side-effect preventative treatments in the very near future. Her oncologist has prescribed a series of injections and a wig as well. Lynn is looking forward to having big hair. I wish I had big hair too. The chemo will begin on Wednesday Feb 10 with a double cocktail served every two weeks for four months; menu changes after two months. She is and will remain the vibrant love we all adore. Most of all me. Thanks for your prayers and love to all.

Husband Phil

Recovery Going Well!!

A visit to Reconstruction Surgeon and first drain out and Lynn feels like a new woman. Nurse Colette has reached the status of Lady in Waiting thanks to all the delicious dinners supplied by the Rye Community of friends. Colette, being the flower lady, has enjoyed receiving, watering and managing all the beautiful flower arrangements sent by so many of you. Lynn frustrated by not being able to lift more than 5 pounds or move furniture, but she is getting used to being doted upon. Lynn is enjoying life on the sofa with Little Rita, her loyal Ridgeback companion. Colette, Lynn's chauffeur is learning to drive New York style. Lynn is beginning to move more freely thanks to the exercise regime and daily dose of pain medication. Colette brought the California Sunshine to the East and we are enjoying highs of 41 degrees and sunny skies. We are watching Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel and thinking of all of you living through the Western Wallop.
We thank all of you for your positive thoughts, prayers and love.

Keep in Touch.
Lady in Waiting,
Nurse Colette.

At home in Rye

Lynn has returned home after a successful surgery. She is feeling well and in good spirits. Enjoying the flowers from everyone. Her home looks and smells wonderful. Phil, Katrina and I are taking good care of her.
-- Nurse Colette