Linda Rubietta - The Chemo Zone: Your Guide to Living and Flourishing During Chemotherapy

The Chemo Zone copyright 2011 by Linda Rubietta and Tracy Rubietta. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, by photography or xerography or by any other means, by broadcast or transmission, by translation into any kind of language, nor by recording electronically or otherwise, without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in critical articles or reviews.

The information contained in this book is meant to be helpful and educational only. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice.

eBook ISBN: 978-1-59298-522-7

Cover art by Linda Rubietta
Interior art by Linda Rubietta
Cover design by Scott Kennedy

Beavers Pond Press, Inc.
7108 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439-2129
(952) 829-8818 www.BeaversPondPress.com

Letter to the Reader

The Chemo Zone was written by my mom and best friend, Linda Rubietta. My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in January 2008. After a nine-hour surgery and several months of physical therapy and chemotherapy, my mom decided she wanted to do something to help others on their journey with cancer. She thought long and hard about how she could accomplish this task. She could have just made and donated some hats (which she did), encouraged and counseled newly diagnosed cancer patients (which she did), or volunteered her time (which she did). But somehow, all those things were just not enough.

My mom felt she could best help others by writing a book. No, not a tell-all of chemo side effects, but a survival guide. My mom wanted to provide other survivors with a place to find relevant answers to important questions and to keep pertinent information.

My mom first self-published this book as The Chemo Survival Guide in 2009. Her goal was to make the book available to every patient undergoing chemotherapy. You see, my moms road was a tough one. She went through chemo for three years straight. She was in remission for only a short three months. Therefore, she felt she could help others through her experiences. Each and every time my mom experienced something new as a result of her chemo, she would say, This must be happening for a reason. I better add this to the book.

In November 2010, my mom lost her battle with cancer. In honor of my moms wonderful life, I promised her I would publish this book so she could help others on their journey. With the help of generous donations from family and friends, my moms dream has become a reality.

Throughout this book, you will see my mom bravely battled her cancer head-on, never giving up, never losing hope, and never giving in. She truly demonstrated grace in the face of adversity. As you embark on your journey with cancer, know that its not the cancer that defines you, and its not the chemo that defines you. As you read The Chemo Zone, I hope you will be inspired by my mothers spirit and who she wasa fighter, like you.

Sincerely,
Tracy Rubietta

Medical Advisory Board

Our medical advisors have reviewed the information in this book to ensure it is accurate and relevant.

Rahel Ghebre, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Womens Health
Division of Gynecologic Oncology
University of Minnesota

Pam Dalager, MSN, RN
Program Coordinator
Womens Health Center
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Womens Cancer Center
University of Minnesota

Vicki A. Morrison, MD
Professor of Medicine
University of Minnesota
Staff Physician
Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease
Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Carolyn Muhs, MSN, FNP
Oncology Certified Nurse

Lisa Sticha, MPT
Physical Therapist

Gary W. Rene, DDS
Southdale Dental Associates

Linda Sapecky, CRDA
Southdale Dental Associates

Nikki Olejar, CDA
Southdale Dental Associates

Foreword

I would like to tell you about the Cs of cancer, starting with the word cancer itself. It is a simple, six-letter word that changes everything in your life, as well as in the lives of those near and dear to you. There are many implications of a cancer diagnosis: Perhaps you can fully anticipate and expect a cure, or perhaps a cure is a possibility, but not a guarantee, for you. Controlling the disease or keeping it in check may be a more appropriate, realistic goal if there is no curative treatment for your cancer. And perhaps chemotherapy, which is a long word for killing cancer cells with drugs, has now become a part of your vocabulary.

With cancer and chemotherapy, you may initially feel you have lost control over what is most importantspecifically, life as you know it. However, you will soon realize that you can command some, though not all, aspects of your daily life.

The Chemo Zone is the product of Linda Rubiettas three-year personal relationship with cancer. This guide includes simple answers to commonly asked questions, as well as commentary about daily living with chemo. Most importantly, as Linda so eloquently states, this manual will help you gain control of your situation. Linda hoped and her daughter, Tracy, hopes The Chemo Zone will make facing this new journey easier for you, as it did for her.

Vicki A. Morrison, MD
Professor of Medicine
University of Minnesota
Staff Physician
Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease
Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Acknowledgments

My love and appreciation to my brave and courageous daughter, Tracy, who has stood by my side and made sure that I received the best care possible from the very beginning. To Rick and Tom, who together held down the home front while we were engaged in the battle for my life; and to Grant and Bella, who are my heart and soul.

To my dear family and friends who showed unwavering devotion and called me night and day. I thank them with all my heart.

Linda Rubietta

Mom, thank you for teaching me to always be true to myself and for showing me the true meaning of bravery. Dad, thank you for showing me how to be a good person and a loyal friend. To Tom, for always taking care of me while I am busy taking care of everyone else; and to Grant and Bella, I never knew how much a heart could love until I met you.