Thankful for My Health!

Happy Thanks Giving 2012! I haven't written for 11 months because there hasn't been anything to write about...have no fear, that is good news! I am celebrating 15 months of being healthy and symptom free! "What did it?" everyone asks? Well, I have decided, after months of reflection that it was a combination of things: medicine/science, vitamins, and mind over matter - which includes prayer! The chemo was showing signs of working before we had to stop treatments. The numbness I had in my right arm for years went away after my 5th month of Cytarabine. Then I got religious about my vitamins, and started back on a regular workout routine. Most importantly, I decided I was not going down and I fought back mentally and spiritually. This is the most valuable piece of advice I have for those of you still suffering or fighting a physical illness. Reach down deep inside yourself, confirm your thirst for life with every cell in your body; then expand your heart and soul out into what-ever spiritual universe you believe in and ask for help to win your life back! Yes, I believe that I made up my mind to get better and I did. With all my heart and soul, I prayed for healing, a full recovery, and the strength to get back to living my life the way I was. Besides, I have a lot to live for...my daughter has joined a cheerleading team and is looking forward to many competitions.

My twin boys have started to drive! Two chauffeurs, no waiting!

Don't let go of 'hope'! If you let go of the hope, you are giving in to the fight. I am feeling better than ever and you can too! Good Luck and God Bless!

One Year Later! Happy 2012!

I can't believe this much time has gone by since the last time I wrote. Nothing was happening too quickly, so there wasn't anything to report. Now that 11 months have passed, I have a lot to report. My Cytarabine infusions were stopped in November 2010 because my liver was showing signs of stress (it is back to normal now). They started me on a Chemo Pill December 1, 2010 and my skin broke out with little bumps. They were getting worse and nothing would get rid of them, so we stopped that medicine December 22ND. The rash I had was biopsied and determined to be an allergic reaction. (which took 6 months to go away)

Then somehow, 3 months passed by, I saw my doctor Monday, March 14Th to discuss future treatment options. From this appointment, we determined that the lesions were still active and we should pursue treatment as long as it seemed necessary. So, the next step was to start me on another Chemo Pill which apparently wasn't supported or approved by my insurance company - so that never happened. While I waited for the next plan of attack, my arms (especially the right) got weaker and developed intense pain. Both elbows were incredibly painful to the touch, my grip became weak and the ability to lift a glass of tea was getting harder and harder. One Sunday, I couldn't lift the Hymnal out of the pocket in the pew in front of me. Then at the grocery store I had trouble picking up a bag of marsh mellows from the bottom shelf. David comes to my defense and reminds me that it was JUMBO marsh mellows, so it would have been tough for anyone. (ha ha) But, when I can't lift a full glass of tea or soda at a restaurant, it gets a little depressing. By the evening, I would be so fatigued, I felt like I was 90 years old. I ached all over, I had trouble walking and I just felt icky all over. By the end of the summer, I was truly worried about going back to work and making it through the year.

So, to prepare, I started walking daily, bumped up my vitamin D, and joint pain vitamins and started drinking a little 'Willard's Water' with my vitamins. Surprisingly, come August, I felt 90 percent better...here we are in December 2012 and I would say I am still holding strong at 80 percent better. I am not sure if it was the walking, the vitamins, the Willard's Water or just TIME for the Chemo to really take effect but, people at work even said, "Misty is back!" I am at my best in the morning and fade quickly at night, but who doesn't anymore? Life is so busy with my sons going to High School and my daughter in Middle School. Time just goes faster and faster. To sum it up, I have been in good shape for 5 months and I am not going to ask any questions. I am just happy that I am doing so much better. LCH is known to go into spontaneous remission and what triggers it is not known -but, I think mine is in remission now.

On the family front: a lot has happened this year! We lost treasured pets of almost 17 years. Some of you know them - our dog, 'Demitri' and our cat 'Jasper'.

Tabby started Middle School and the twins started High School. David's office lost their office manager to breast cancer and have been through a major re-structuring. Over-all, it has been a long, tough year. We welcome 2012 with the adoption of 2, cute little kittens. A fresh new start in so many ways.

Happy New Beginnings to You and Yours in 2012!

It Just Can't Be Easy, Can It?

Happy New Year Everyone! My vacation was a 'break from all medicine'. That's right, I stopped taking the Gleevec, December 22nd because my skin broke out with tiny little bumps all over. First my face, then my arms, back and legs. I was sent to an Internalist at MD Anderson and he wasn't sure what to think. He had me taking Benadryl at night and Claritin in the morning but, that didn't change anything so, I was instructed to stop taking the Gleevec pill. As soon as I stopped taking Gleevec, my bumps started to disappear but they were replaced with an itchy rash that comes an goes. Three weeks later and I still can't go 24 hours without the rash popping up somewhere. The good news is, my energy has been up, I feel good - in every other way.

Christmas was nice! Lot's of family came into town! We ate a lot, played games and had a good time. Do any of you recognize these faces? They are all grown up!







Thanks to my cousin Marcia and her dad, we got to go horseback riding.




Now, I have to admit I have enjoyed this break so much that I dread moving forward. First of all, 20 years ago, I had a similar thing happen with my skin when my body decided it would be fun to be allergic to Penicillin. It happened a couple weeks after starting the medicine, and it was present weeks after being off of it. Because of this time frame, Doctors weren't convinced it was the Penicillin until it happened again...but quicker. I ended up on a Benadryl drip in the ER to clear it up and have stayed away from Penicillin ever since. I guess I dread the fight with the Doctors to figure this mystery out when I think I have it solved and they aren't convinced. Here I go again with an unusual, rare and mysterious condition that is enough to annoy me and puzzle my doctors. Sadly, this time, it delays treatment of my original problem. Let's not forget I have lesions on my brain stem that are going untreated right now.

So, what does this mean? Dr. Nick doesn't want to continue any treatment until we resolve this. I just didn't think it would take so long to clear up or to figure out. It means, more doctor's appointments. Monday, January 17Th I went to an appointment at MD Anderson, with an Internalist. They biopsied the rash and have sent it away for testing but don't really know what it is. I had stopped taking the Benadryl and Claritin Friday night and the rash got worse. In the meantime, they told me to go back on on Benadryl - but, full force...Let's hope I can stay awake in the middle of the day. It takes at least 48 hours to get the lab results back. Until then, I am only taking Benadryl.

I am not sure what the next step will be but, when I do start back on some kind of treatment, I look forward to the little shuttle cart from the parking garage to the front on MD Anderson! Ah, the little things in life that make it worth while!

A Day at the SPA - "Special Patient Appointment"

My day at the MDA SPA was filled with good reports, great times and super happy memories! It was everything I imagined it would be and better! My spirits have been lifted!

Aunt Kay picked me up at the crack of dawn and we made it to MD Anderson with plenty of time to prepare for my Watsu Brain Scan. I brought my purple silk robe and fuzzy slippers to keep it cozy. Then as I laid down on the table, I placed cool cucumbers on my eyes and enjoyed some music, as the magnets started their clanking and the Watsu MRI began. It was the best MRI ever!

Then off we went to the Indigenous Echo-Cardiogram. (I should have left my robe on for the picture.) This is the machine they use. I've never had one before but it is just like an ultrasound except it is of the heart. I got to see my healthy and strong heart at work. I could even spot the catheter from my port pulsating in my ventricle! That was wild and a little creepy! I didn't realize it went straight into my heart.

The best part was saved for last...a Mental Relaxation Therapy Session with my Greek Oncologist, Dr. Nick. We discussed my last couple of months on Cytarabine, today's test results, and the road ahead as he gave me the best manicure I have ever had.

Basically, everything looks good! My heart is healthy and strong. My brain is still there! (David wants to see the pictures for proof.) The lesions are stable (not bigger/no new ones) and my blood tests show all is normal! My liver enzymes are even back to normal! I can actually end the day with a glass of wine. As for the change in meds! It is official. The infusions of Cytarabine are over! I did 5 months and that is all my body can handle. I will now be on a Chemo pill "Gleevec". Dr. Nick likes this choice of medicine better than the last one and predicts I will be much more comfortable. It is not the one he described as a nuclear bomb going off in my immune system like I first thought. If fact, when I asked him about that he said, "GLEEVEC has a good sounding name "Gleeeee" with a little punch at the end "vec". The Nuclear bomb like medicine he was talking about this summer was more like "AK47" but, I can't remember the actual letters and numbers he said...you get the idea though. AK47 sounds like it's gonna come in, blow everything up and leave me for dead on the cold floor...scary.


This is the nurse that has to listen to all my calls...and she is still smiling!


This is my new manicurist!

I know Dr. Nick was just being himself, but I don't think he realizes how much he lifted my spirits today! For him to play along with my little game that I was spending the day at the SPA did more for my mental state than I even expected. I know attitude is half the battle and I try to keep a positive outlook on life but, I guess I didn't expect it to work so well. I truly feel stronger, more optimistic and now "GLEEFUL!" I believe with all my heart, I can make it through the second half of the treatment knowing I WILL beat this thing and leave it all behind me! I still have a long life journey ahead. This is only a mere bump in the road.

After a long day at the SPA, one needs food! So, Aunt Kay and I had a nice Asian meal at Pei Wei's on HWY 50. Thank you, Aunt Kay for sharing this day with me. It was so amazing.

"Time for a Change. - Change in Meds"

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!

I have so much to be thankful for!

Many of you might be surprised to know that our family went camping after Thanksgiving. It has been our family tradition for years! Under the circumstances, we didn't book a place hours away like we usually do. Instead, we booked one night in a State Park, 25 minutes from home. This way, I could go and not have to sleep in a tent. Better yet, it was 3 miles from my Mom's house! After we had a picnic by the springs, put up tents, and built a fire, I went out to dinner with my Mom and Jack and spent the night in their cozy guest room. I'm looking forward to camping this way again real soon! (thank you both)

LOOK WHO VISITED OUR CAMP SITE!

Ready for the medical update?
The 4Th and 5Th rounds of Chemo gave me a fever and intense upper abdominal pain. Blood work revealed high levels of liver and pancreas enzymes which basically meant the Cytarabine was putting other vital organs at risk. Yes, we think the treatment was working, since the numbness in my arm went away. But, as my Orlando Doctor said before starting treatment, "We're going to keep an eye on ALL of you and your over-all health. As soon as we see signs that something else is at risk, we'll change our course." So, here we go! My specialist in Texas and my Orlando doctor agreed that my side-effects have become too significant to continue with the Cytarabine; so, as promised, we are changing course. Don't worry or feel bad, this is a good thing. I had really started to feel like I wasn't going to be able to continue all year the way it was going.

So, what now you ask?
Plan "B", Chemo in the form of a pill. "Gleevec" I start out taking 1 pill everyday for about a month and then go to 2 a day. The side effects should be much less than what I was experiencing before. The biggest concerns are fluid build up on the heart and low blood counts. This is the one my Orlando doctor described as "It's like setting off a nuclear bomb in your immune system." So, the fact that I work in a school, is a huge concern. I need to be extremely careful - especially in public. I probably should not shake hands, hug, or smooch with strangers until I am all through with this thing. Boy, that takes the fun out of New Year's Eve! The sacrifices I have to make in the name of good health and a long life perplex me.

Is the port coming out now?
No, we still might need it. This is not over, I'm not cured yet, I am still in need for treatment and lots of blood work. We don't even know how long I will be on this pill form of Chemo. Anything could happen. Of course, it would be nice if this pill works out, but I have to keep an open mind so I don't set myself up for disappointment. Besides, getting the port was a huge surgery with a long recovery that cost thousands of dollars. I am not letting this thing come out that easily.

Do I do this at home?
Yes, I have the Gleevec and Anti-Nausea pills in prescription bottles and I take them at home. Now I have to admit, I will miss the week of fellowship and adventure I was exposed to with my daily trips to MD Anderson. I'm gonna have to find another way to get together with all the people I have been blessed to have accompany me these last 5 months. But, of course I don't want to throw off anybody's dinner plans either. So, if you still enjoy cooking a meal for our family once a month...we will certainly enjoy eating it. In fact, I think a "Half-Way Celebration" is in order! Does another night out at Brio's - mid January - sound good?

Have I started the medicine yet?
As I write this, I've taken Gleevec four times and I am fine. I was a little nauseous the first 2 days but not so bad after that. I am still very tired at night but that's not new. My eyes are getting really dry but that's easy to fix too, so I can't complain.

What have I have learned about myself this last month?
My tolerance for pain is too high. That's right, TOO HIGH! Looking back at that Tuesday night when I spiked a fever and had intense abdominal pain; I now don't trust my judgement. Obviously, it worked out OK and nothing seriously wrong happened but, how bad would it have needed to be for me to wake David and say, "Take me to the hospital."? Would I make that call with enough time to save my life if it was in danger? I really don't know.

What lies ahead?
I was actually in to see my nurse this last week and to get initial blood work. They are doing full CBC and CMPs weekly now for about a month until they get a feel for how it is affecting me. I still have my December 10Th appointments. I have to take off work so I can spend the day at ORMC and MD Anderson. I like to think of it as a day at the Spa. I'll start with an 8:30 AM Watsu Brain Scan, followed by an Indigenous Echo-Cardiogram, a Mental Relaxation Therapy Session with my Greek Oncologist and a Full Bali Blood Work Up. I'll be a whole new woman by the time I leave. Do you think they'd play along with me and let me pretend I was at the spa? I wonder if they'd let me wear a towel instead of a hospital gown and put cucumbers on my eyes during my MRI? Would it be too much if I asked the nurse to paint my nails? After all, life is what you make it. (pause to think) That does it! I have made up my mind. If I have to take a day off from work and spend a lot of money on myself, I am packing my fuzzy slippers, bath robe, face mask, cucumbers, nail polish and iPod with relaxation music and taking it to the hospital. Feel free to send me suggestions for my day at the Spa. :)

Now, I am looking forward to Friday, December 10Th! Wouldn't you?

Cycle 5 - Full Report

Happy Belated Halloween!
I've decided that Sunday night prior to my treatment and all day Monday, I was having a mid-life crisis, an emotional meltdown! I realized I am just not happy with where I am in life right now - who would be with all this going on? Don't worry, I woke up emotionally, fine Tuesday morning...thankfully, because physically, I was about to face some more challenges. Aunt Kay and Uncle Jim shared the beginning of the week with me! Aren't we fun looking? I am still at the 150 dose but, Tuesday night (at midnight) I was woken up by chills and a sore torso. I had a fever and bad pain in my lower rib cage area that wrapped all the way around my back. It was pretty intense! Motrin lowered the fever within 45 minutes but the whole night and next day I felt bloated and tender in my upper abdomen. (this happened last month as well, and I was better by Friday - so I wasn't too worried) By-the-way, I went to work the next day - only because I had guest speakers for all of my classes. They are my personal contacts and not to be trusted with a random substitute. I was happy they did the talking all day, but I was in horrible discomfort the entire time. So, Uncle Jim picked me up for treatment Wednesday, I told the nurse about my symptoms, they consulted with my Doctor and decided to hold on the treatment and send me in for tests. The best place to do this was the E.R. (which they now call the E.D.) Off, we went! We were like VIPs of the E.R...wheel-chair LIMO service, back door passes, a fast pass for every attraction (never waiting any one place too long!) It was a delightful change of pace. After all, we were getting tired of the same ole' routine. I wasn't feeling well enough to take pictures this week but my talented Unkie Jim drew this to capture our adventure. He calls it "Wheelin' to the E.D." and writes a comment, "I didn't draw the wounded we left behind us littering the hallways. They were the hapless victims of our swift passing. Burma Shave! Wooooo-Woooooo!!!" Yes, I was trying to text the whole time. Boy, this was a bustling place! Doctors, nurses, and techs, oh my! They were everywhere. It was loud like a bar! My room had a sliding glass door so, we could close off the noise and still watch all the action! I was visited by one doctor after another and they were so young and cute, I was expecting Dr. House to walk in at some point. Really, I felt felt like I was on a TV Show as the rare, interesting, and incredibly mysterious medical case. At one point, I even got to be part of a medical demonstration for 5 Florida State Medical students. I've just raised my teaching to another level! hee hee

Here's the medical scoop from the E.D. Blood work revealed liver and pancreas enzymes were high (60 range) but not high enough to keep me. My CT scan was un-remarkable. All other vitals, tests were fine also. (ultrasound of Gall bladder - fine). So, they gave me morphine and sent me home with oxycodone for pain. I rested all day Thursday, went in for Chemo in the afternoon and did well. So, I repeated on Friday. Friday's pain was still intense but, lower abdomen, wrapping around to my lower back. No fever. I don't have an appetite and can't really eat anything without feeling pain. They advised I stay on a BRAT diet, drink a lot of clear liquids and stay away from Tylenol.

As I understand it, they said, "This is either a side-effect of the Chemo which they could treat by tweaking my pre-meds or it is the beginning of something else and we hope it is a side-effect."

I have a follow up appointment with my primary care doctor Monday at noon. I've emailed my Dr. in Texas, we'll be having a phone conversation this week. I also have an MRI and a follow up appointment with my MD Anderson Doctor on December 10th. So, I feel confident that the right choices will be made in my best interest. Changes to my treatment plan might be in store. I'll be sure to make updates as I get them.

My symptoms from the lesions are all still the same (not worse), except for my arm...the numbness is gone! This is truly a big deal!

I regret that I missed some good photo ops this week. I didn't even have my camera with me most days. On Thursday, Barb and Lauren D. picked me up for treatment (they also brought us dinner). This was the day after the E.D. and I was on my pain meds. So, we took the cute MD Anderson shuttle cart from the garage to the front entrance. When we arrived to the 5th floor, they had their usual hot tea bar but they also had a full spread of treats! I couldn't eat much but I nibbled. Then we discovered the joys of a private waiting room back in the treatment hall. It was like a cozy little living room where we could all visit at the same time. Lauren spotted hand made chicken wire, beaded and shelly crowns on a shelf (3 of them) and this is when I discovered I didn't have my camera. They have to come back for a photo shoot with me!!!

Also, missed photo opportunities were on Friday with my mom. There was a live musician in the hall, playing guitar. It was so nice. I still wasn't feeling well and slept in my chair through my treatment. (I rarely do that) So, forgive me but I was just really beat this week.

As I post this Blog, I am already starting to feel better!
Love you all!

Starting Round 5!!!!

First of all, I can't believe it! Time is going so fast, I am almost half way done! (Thank Heavens!)

Once again, I am starting treatment with a little cold. This didn't go so well last time and it worries me a bit. I hope for the best and will try to stay positive. But, I am so tiered I ache. Physically, my eyes are really tired and fluctuate between dry and watery, my muscles hurt with the smallest activities and I can't get everything done that I want to. I took a long nap Saturday and still got 12 hours of sleep Saturday night. I am about to go to bed now and hope I will wake up refreshed. (ha, that sorta makes me laugh. Like I would really feel "refreshed".) OK, I realize this is coming off more negative than usual but I promised myself this blog would be truthful, and here it is....my truth.

Sunday morning, during our church service, I was inspired by the minister's story about a mountain climbing accident in his teens...a fall from 50 feet that fractured his head and crushed his legs. He was told he would never walk again, yet here he was standing before us. "I can do this." I thought to myself. "One day, this will all be behind me and I will be fine. Trust in God, Misty...keep the faith." But, for some reason these words make me tear up. Even now as I write this. I don't know why. Maybe my "tired" is more than physical. Maybe it is also emotional. Can I make it through this? Can I really see myself healed and re-building my strength and endurance? On a good day, yes! But, they all aren't good days. As my mom used to say, "We have to have some bad days if we are going to recognise and appreciate the bad ones."

We had a busy weekend! The kids had lots of activities. Tabby performed a duo "Hard Knock Life" and did a great job. I'll upload it later. The boys had band stuff then Sunday was full of things...I have some cute pictures I'll share later, as well.

For now, I just wanted to say, "Here I go again! Wish me luck!"

Love you all!
Misty

Cycle 4 - Full Report

I have learned a couple of valuable lessons. Number 1, every week of treatment brings new surprises. Number 2, if I don't go straight to bed when I get home from treatment, I am doomed!

Oh, one more thing...I start out feeling good and looking alright, but I age ten years by the end of the week.

Monday - This is always the easiest day. I try to get some work done while in treatment, I am fine to drive myself there and home. No problems. As usual, I went home after treatment and right to bed. I soon learned the hard way that I must go right to bed if I am going to recover – as you’ll see from the next day.

Tuesday - I had training on my new Video Equipment (it's so cool!) and it was a very active day without breaks. Aunt Kay picked me up from the school and we rushed off to Chemo, barely getting lunch down before I left. But, when I got home that night, I didn't go right to bed. I stayed up a bit with the family. We were playing our own version of the Family Feud Game Show. "100 Misty's were surveyed. The top 3 answers are on the board. What benefits does Chemo have?" Each person takes a turn as the Host, the person surveyed and gets to make up the questions and the answers. We played and laughed for an hour. Then I tried to do something on the computer for school. Suddenly, at about 9 PM, I could feel a temperature coming on and I went downhill fast. I didn't act quickly enough with Motrin or Tylenol and my fever climbed to 100.6 by midnight. (I am supposed to call the Doctor when it hits 100.5) -I was in a lot of pain all over and couldn't sleep. I knew I had to call in sick but our substitute system is automated and I couldn't remember my ID number or my pin number to save my life. As soon as I thought I knew it, I couldn't type it - then I got locked out of the system!!! We can all sleep at night now, knowing how hard it is to hack into the School Substitute System. I think I spent an hour trying to call in a sub - I was so upset yet, it all worked out! By 12:30 my temperature started to respond to the medicine and began to drop. I still had to call in sick, I felt like I had been run over by a truck and I slept all of Wednesday.

I barely got myself up and moving in time for Uncle Jim to pick me up for treatment.
We were greeted by Sam Reynolds, who volunteers at MD Anderson on Wednesdays, and we have known through church for a long time. I told the nurse about my rough night and she responded with sincere concern and lots of ideas on how to help me feel better. She loaded me up with Zophran (as usual) and added Ativan, a sedative, and Tylenol to help me with the pain and to sleep through the night. Then we had the 'changing of the guards.'

Michelle came with Starbucks in hand! Yumm! We get to vent about school stuff and actually try to give each other ideas and inspiration to get us through the school year! We find a lot to laugh at!

I made it to work Thursday, but struggled to get through - maybe I was hung over from the Ativan. I couldn't talk without getting out of breath and I had zero energy. Thankfully, I had planned to have Mom pick me up and take me! Thursdays they have tea, here we are with our cute little tea cups.
But, let me warn you of a dangerous combination. An under-the-weather Chemo patient and a bad nurse. This was my 19th time going in for treatment and I have to admit, I have expectations! I am all that matters and I expect to be spoiled and nurtured by my nurse as if I am the only one there. If I'm not, well, I get snippy! If my nurse forgets to give me medicine to comfort me, wants to argue with me about my blood work they forgot to do, looks at the wrong patient chart while talking to me or simply ignores me, well, let me just say - you wouldn't want to see this side of me! It's not pretty! (My son says, he has seen this side of me and "He knows - beware!"

But, then to my surprise, I woke up on Friday feeling great! It was a record for the best treatment Friday I have had since starting treatments. I was able to work, felt fine and didn't feel myself melt down until after my treatment. This week was everything but what I had expected. Go figure.

I had the pleasure of being picked up by Dr. Kate Clark. This is the Principal that first hired me and gave me the opportunity to teach TV Production! I am glad I was feeling more sociable and we had a terrific visit. I have to add that we were treated like Queens from the moment we walked in for treatment. Two people attended to us immediately asking if they could get us something to drink, a snack or if we needed a blanket, etc...this is what I was used to! They made up for Thursday!

You may not know this, but when you are being pumped up with lots of fluids, you either blimp out or pee a lot or both. In order to go to the restroom, you have to do a dance with your Chemo thing (which probably has a name), I just call him, "Moe". Moe goes with me everywhere and I get tangled up sometimes, its pretty funny.

Thank you everyone for the dinners! Connie, David, Diane, Aunt Kay, Barb & Lauren! I hope you know how appreciated they are! Hey, I forgot to get your picture Barb & Lauren!!! Good to see you though!

This weekend has been uneventful.(which is good) I have rested lots, taken Motrin and Tylenol off and on as a preventative but no fever!!! My legs below my knees are a little tender but I have been putting on lots of lotion and I think keeping the fever away helps. My stomach is fine and the prescription for nausea came in handy once. Other than that, my appetite is good and I have felt alright. Just trying to get my energy back - which seems to be the hardest part.

Finally, I saved the best news for last. As I was examining my right forearm Sunday(which I do often - to check the numbness), I literally choked up and cried tears of joy. My numbness is gone and even deep down below the skin, I have feeling! My outer skin also feels the same on both arms! I suspected changes were taking place over the last few weeks but I was afraid to say too much in case I was mistaken. All other symptoms still remain but, I really think it is working! AMEN!

Round 4 - Here we go again!

Counting down with this chain from my friend Michelle S. Each chain represents one treatment day. Since I do mine 5 days in a row, she changed colors for each week of treatment. We tear off a chain every time I complete a treatment! Isn't this a cool idea? It gives you a visual count down. We can watch the chain get shorter and see the end as it approaches. My kids like to help me tear them off. Tabby makes sure I don't forget. This is a gift that keeps on giving.

So, I am starting out round 4 feeling great! The last round was a little tough and I went into it with a cold. I also had many significant side-effects and both my doctors decided to lower my dose back to 150 instead of the 170 I was on last time. I am happy with that decision and am sure this week will be fine. My blood work is still good, and my energy is up. I actually decided last week, "Out patient Chemo is doable". It took me this long to decide that but I am feeling like I can do this, work and be Mom all at the same time. OK, I'll take a break from all that once a month but that is just how it has to be.

We've had a little bit of fun around our house these last couple of weeks. The boys built a fire pit - to code - for any firemen out there. David is a good researcher and followed the best safety precautions he could find. Although we laugh when we are sitting by the fire and we hear sirens. We joke that they are trying to find our fire that may have been reported by a neighbor from across the green belt. For those of you who don't know what our back yard is like: we are backed up to a green belt. It is bigger than a football field in size yet, we wonder if the people on the other side see our flames. Its not easy to get to and we picture the fire department running in circles looking for us. Hee Hee Hee. The weather has finally cooled off in the evenings and we have been eating a lot of marsh mellows! Did you know how many types of marshmallows you can get now? It's amazing! And delicious. Yes, we've made s'mors and even cooked hot dogs on sticks. Next we'll be popping up a tent in the back yard. Who needs a camp ground when you have all this? :)

Tabby and I also had a weekend to ourselves a couple of weeks ago. We got a hair cut and had our nails done. Fun girly time. Then - BUM BUM BUMMMM - are you ready for this? She went on her first audition! This was all her doing, her idea, her everything. I was so proud of her and learned so much about her. She has said that she wants to sing and act but I knew she wasn't ready because she was still so reserved in front of other people. Well, not anymore. She is breaking out of her shell and I am really impressed. We were told that she was in the top 3 for her 10 year old girl category and they saw 1200 kids from 6 to 18 that day. She made up a monologue which she performed and received an "Excellent" rating. Go Tabby! Looks like we'll be doing acting classes, more performances at school and church and anything we can get her into so she can get more practice. I know I am her mom but look at this picture and tell me she wouldn't stand out in a crowd of kids. This is her Halloween costume as a Rock Star. David took her shopping while I was sleeping on the couch recovering from my treatments. They both did a great job! For the audition, she had black boots for kids, not silver heals from the 70's, and she left the hat and gloves at home. But she was still cuter than ever.

By the way, I think the Chemo is working. My right arm that has been numb for 4 years is starting to get feeling back. The last couple of weeks, I thought it was changing but wasn't sure. As of last week, I am pretty sure. In fact, yesterday, my arm had some sharp pains deep inside which I just realized has to be great news! It must mean the feeling is coming back because, - well, - I felt it!!!! All other symptoms seem the same but not worse. Well, I have a full week ahead. Visitors everyday! I even think I have all my meals covered. Work is going along smoothly and I just can't complain.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!
MLG

Cycle 3 - Full Report

Mom came out with me a lot this week. We took this picture with the Macbook at the beginning of the week, when I was feeling OK.

Did I mention I had a sore throat Sunday? Yes, the day before I started round 3, I came down with a cold. I feared going to MD Anderson Monday after work because I thought the treatment would be put off. As it turned out, my blood work, temperature and blood pressure was good enough to keep going. Monday through Wednesday was absolutely fine! Other than the head cold, I felt completely normal! I was getting up at 5 AM, teaching, getting treatments in the afternoon and not falling asleep before bedtime! It was fabulous! Then, I woke up on Thursday and things started to change. My cold had moved into my chest and was starting to get the best of me! Luckily, I had previously planned to have rides everywhere so, I didn't have to drive. By the time I got to MD Anderson, my eye drops had run out, so my eyes were looking bad and I started getting mouth sores. Mom had been coming out to sit with me this week and was there to take me to the pharmacy on our way home.
My temperature went up a little (99 degrees) so, I took Nightquill and went right to bed!
Funny how the timing on things works out sometimes, this was the night, our neighbor was making us dinner. It was the first night, I was whipped and useless. We had the best homemade, chicken pot pie by Diane Williams! We've never had homemade pot pie before! WOW, it was great and perfect comfort food. Thank you!
Friday is when I really felt myself melt as the day went on. I was starting to feel tired, and sore all over! I really felt like the cold was getting worse. Coincidentally, they had me scheduled in a little single room. I curled up with a pillow and a blanket and rested. My stomach felt fine this time, by the way. My temperature at the time of treatment was 99 degrees but that night, at home got up to 100.2 degrees. I took a lot of medicine and went straight to bed.

Saturday morning, I woke up with sore legs and the mouth sores were still a constant irritation. My temperature was going up and down so, I called the Doctor. He told me to alternate Motrin and Tylonol, put a lot of lotion on my legs and to alternate the prescription mouth wash with a home made concoction. All this was good advice...but the best order he gave was to just go to bed, which I did. Accept for one thing...I had to have one little outing for the day, after all, my TV Studio was getting installed on the Freshman Campus Friday. I wanted to peak in the room. The family and I made a little trip to the school, I snapped some pictures and that was it, I was ready to go back home.

I really don't have mush else to say right now. I have been sleeping a lot. I am trying to get better. The cold is still in my chest, my tongue still hurts, my legs are better, my stomach is fine. Still, I'm staying home Monday and Tuesday so I can get my strength back up.