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!

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!

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!

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.

Cycle 2 - Full Report

I think I have just experienced one of the toughest weeks of my life. Notice I said, "One of". I know I have had tough times before and I know there will be more ahead but it is funny how you don't always know it when you are actually going through it. With it being the first week of school, it was busy for all of us, we were all tired but I had a little more than most going on. I was so tired Monday, day 1, that I plugged in my laptop at MD Anderson and didn't do anything with it. David came to sit with me and I actually asked him to make some slides for our school announcements. The truth is, he offered, and I accepted. As we were leaving, he asked if I was sure I was OK to drive home because I looked, "druggy". That's David, always charming me with the gushing compliments. My eyes were a bit red and tired looking but I was fine. As it turns out, I forgot I had prescription eye drops I am supposed to take during my treatments...oops, that makes a big difference. Oh, one other thing about Monday. This was the first day we were going to use my port. I was very nervous but it wasn't so bad after all. It is still tender and healing but it isn't near as sore as it was the first week I got it. They told me I could chose to leave the IV in all week or we could just stick me every day. My response was, "All this stuff stays in? How weird! - uhh stick me everyday? Alright, let's try leaving this garden hose in." I managed to leave it in all week. Getting dressed was a challenge. Hiding it was a bigger challenge. I kept thinking it would fall out while I was teaching. I liked Connie's suggestion to let it hang out and clip my OCPS ID BADGE on it. Ha! What would my students think?

Tuesday, my friend Michelle Berggren came out to see me. She brought me a White Chocolate Mocha! Yummy! We laughed it up so much the nurse had to close our door. hee hee hee When the nice lady I was sharing the room with left, she handed me the remote to the TV. As I was trying to turn it off, I was telling Michelle how the nurse gave me my nausea medicine too fast and I was dizzy and all blurry eyed from it. The TV wasn't responding and I kept pressing the button. Suddenly 2 nurses came running in the room - hearing me talk about being dizzy and blurry eyed, they were very concerned and exclaimed, "Are you OK?" I quickly figured out that this big red button I was pushing on the remote wasn't the TV Power button! Ha!
Apparently, it says NURSE in real big letters, but I couldn't read it - I was blurry eyed! We laughed so hard it hurt. If I ever came close to throwing up during a treatment, this had to be it. We apologised to the nurses but they seem to enjoy good humor, even though it was noisy. This is a great place!! Thank you for making me laugh Michelle!

Wednesday, was my first day going through a treatment by myself and it was just fine. I was beat and actually wanted to be alone! I kicked back the chair, got a pillow and a blanket and rested. This was truly a down day for me. I was frustrated with some things at school and worried I wasn't going to be able to do this all year, I was tired and I didn't feel so good. When I got home, I realized I was getting a little temperature. This is earlier than last week. Don't worry, it didn't get higher than 99.5. I curled up with a prayer shawl and slept 12 hours. Thankfully, I felt better in the morning and had a better perspective on life..."I can do this." Thursday, my Mom came out to sit with me. Thank you Mom! Glad you and Jack are doing better. Then Friday, I planned to leave my car at home. I hitched a ride with a neighbor to school, (thank you Diane and Anna) rode with our drama teacher from the Freshman campus to the Main campus and was picked up from school by my friend Michelle Smith.

Thanks for the yummy smoothie! I am really getting spoiled. Its a good thing Michelle drove, I ended up needing more nausea medicine and wouldn't be able to drive myself home. I really was druggy this time. Anyway, here we are at the end of my 2nd round, 5th day...that's what the fingers stand for in case you were wondering. I did it!

So, I was able to drive myself to my treatments and home Monday through Thursday but don't really remember much after I got home. I was told to get used to that. I'd fall asleep on the couch, some how managed to eat and then fell asleep again but woke up refreshed. Some nights at Connie and Jimmie's and some nights at our house. Which brings me to this - thank you all for the food! I was not able to do a thing when I got home and yet the family still got fed!!! What terrific food, too! We loved everything. It was really great to hear the kids get excited about everything we received! They really did go on and on about the fantastic food. I wonder if I should be taking a hint? I have also gotten some better ideas on how to reach out and help others. When I beat this thing, I look forward to passing on the greatness you all have blessed me with. From the bright and colorful socks, goodie bags, visits and more, I am overwhelmed with the out pouring of love and support.

The weekend was tough. I think it takes me a few days to start feeling better. I had horrible stomach pain and couldn't do anything all weekend. That's not true, I went to church because I wanted to but really shouldn't have. (great sermon Dr. Lindamood) I had such bad pains that I had to curl up in a chair outside the sanctuary to get through it. Next time, I think I will stay home. I couldn't make it to work Monday either. So, as the kids got up for school and I laid down on the couch, they heated up a breakfast casserole from my cousins Debbie, Lori and their mom Carol. Of course, the kids loved this, too. They also brought us a dinner casserole that helped me feed the family tonight. I finally think I know what people mean when they talk about how strong I am. Looking back on the week, I was amazing. I got up at 5 AM, worked all day, did Chemo all afternoon, and still fed my family every night as if it was nothing! Kidding of course, I couldn't do it without you all! I am getting ready for bed now and think I can make it back to work tomorrow.

Again, THANK YOU!!!!

Cycle 2 Summary

Sorry, for the lack of updates, it has been a full week. The kids and I all started back to school. I was up at 5 AM, left school at 2:30 PM and went directly to MD Anderson Monday through Friday. I'd get home around 6 PM, barely let myself eat before going to sleep for the night. I have a couple of cute stories and things I want to write about, but I'm still recovering this weekend. I'm just tired and feel a little icky in the tummy. I am so grateful for my visitors this week; David, Michelle Bergeran, Mom, Michelle Smith, Debbie McMillin and Carol Voss.

Overall, I am happy to report that I am surviving just fine - considering all I am going through. I couldn't have made it without the meals every night! I never knew how much I would appreciate this kind of help! Thank you Connie, Aunt Kay, Aunt Anita, Lisa Rotenberger, Diane Williams, Debbie, Lori and Carol Voss. Every meal was fabulous and the kids raved! In fact, you all were such good cooks, they've decided they don't like my cooking anymore. (just kidding - don't let this stop you)

More stories about round 2, later.
Thanks for the love and support.
Misty

Day 5 - Cycle 1

Whew, number 5, last day for the first cycle! (11 more cycles to go) I had trouble falling asleep last night but still feel fine. I'm not crazy about having the IV in my arm. I think this is what kept me up last night. I am so aware of it and it hurts a tiny bit - enough to remind me it is there. Did I mention that Tabby had a friend sleep over? They were up late too, but they weren't keeping me up. My Aunt Kay is taking them to Disney today. They'll have a blast.

I have been waiting for today to talk about the thing you all are thinking but not saying..."I still have my hair!" By the way, I haven't cut it since my MRI in January because I didn't know what would happen to it. Once I knew I would be starting Chemo, I thought about having it cut to make a wig out of it, then I thought about donating it. I even called my hair dresser about it. But in the end, I chickened out and thought I would keep it as long as I could. (selfish - I know) I have to admit, I am starting to feel like the odd ball at MD Anderson because I have more hair than anyone I have seen there. Maybe I should take my friend Jennifer's advice and get a skull cap or just put it up in a hat so I fit in better. Don't think for a second that I think it will look this good all year...I don't. Even if I don't lose it, it is bound to thin out and lose its luster. So, in the mean time I am making the best of it and appreciating every last minute I have with it. I am also planning ahead if I do lose it, I have been eying a couple of headdresses I would like. What do you think?

Well, I guess it is all routine now. Nothing to different or surprising happened today. We were on the 5th floor in the 4 person suite with a nurse that graduated from Winter Park High in 2001 (where I now teach). She's real cute. We also had a couple of breast cancer patients that were upbeat, real friendly and we shared our stories with each other. I like to watch peoples' faces when I tell them I have something eating my brain. OK, I don't say it that way but, from the look on their faces, you would think that is what I said.
OK, I have to admit it, I feel a little icky today. I don't know exactly how to describe it but I am not feeling as good as I have the past four days. I am all for taking it easy this weekend. I am sure I will be better soon. Don't worry, I am still holding in my lunch, I don't feel that bad. Today, I thought I would take the picture at the end of my treatment so I have a true BEFORE and AFTER shot. This week is over, YEA, I did it!

Day 4 - Cycle 1

I slept in a little longer today, so I might be getting tired but, I still feel fine!!! Everyday in this place brings a new and pleasant surprise. Maybe it is me, but I am enjoying this a little too much. My goal is to keep enjoying it all year long.

So, today I had the pleasure of my Mom's company. She is recovering well from her biopsy last week and happy to know it is benign!!! We were sent to the 8th floor today and actually had the room all to ourselves. After today, I can say the 8th floor is not so bad. It makes a big difference if you have someone next to you throwing up or not. Apparently, Thursdays, they have tea! Look at this cute tea cup. Each cup was different and I was asked to pick the one I liked. They also had pound cake! I don't turn anything down. The icing on this cake was that is was being delivered by one of my best Freshman students!!! Here is a picture of her and her twin brother!!! Aren't they cute. Her mom is standing in the hall behind them. She told me that she got the best Mother's Day gift from her daughter because of what I taught her!! I guess she made her mom a video. I love to hear that stuff.
Before I could finish my tea, I was visited by a Cancer Survivor, Walt. He was very entertaining and 'loving'. He came in singing, talked big and loud, then suddenly became soft and caring. He joked with my nurse Ivette and said he is here every Thursday. I am starting to see a little pattern each month as I get to visit daily. This will keep it fresh and interesting.

When Walt left, I noticed my arm was bleeding, so we had a little more trouble with my IV. Can't wait to get the port!!! Although, Ivette thinks after fixing the IV, we can leave it in for tomorrow. That might be alright. I don't know but I am going to try it. The rest of the time, Mom was crocheting while I wrote my blog and WOW, I am done. It was fast today. Only 2 hours!!! Gotta go!

Day 3 - Cycle 1

It is day 3, of this first round and I had another good night. I feel fine again. The only thing I was dreading was the needle but my nurse, Curtis, today, was really good. It didn't even hurt. He said, "You will love the port." I don't doubt it.
Connie is my escort today. As we approached the elevator on the first floor, we were greeted by a long time friend, Sam Reynolds. He and his wife volunteer here on Wednesdays. He escorted us up to the 5th floor, where I got to be in the 4 person suite again. I think I like this floor best. I even got another cookie today, which I didn't get on Tuesday so maybe the cookies don't make it to the 8th floor. Anyway, Sam sat and visited with us a bit, read Psalm 23 and prayed with us before he left. This was very sweet and a welcomed visit. I look forward to seeing him and Susan next month.
Tabby is with Grandpa. She really wants to see where I get this done and how it works but the age requirement is 12 and up so, we tried Skype.
It almost worked. We could see each other but she couldn't hear me. We had to call her on the phone and try to talk her through fixing it. Grandpa sat down and we tried to help him but I think he had trouble too.
We watched him try to figure it out for a while then gave up. We'll try again another day.

Day 2 - Cycle 1

Not as nervous for day 2. I slept great through the night, even though I woke up every 2 hours, I felt like I had slept a long time. After Tabby & I had breakfast, we spent some time with our pets and before we knew it, it was time to go.

Uncle Jim brought me today. This is a great way to get people to spend more time with you but I wouldn't suggest it for just that reason.

MD Anderson has 2 floors for treatment (#5 & #8). I have now been on both. Yesterday, we were in the 4 person suite on the 5th floor and today we are in a double room on the 8th floor. This double room seems a little nicer but we are closer to the other patient so, it feels like less privacy... especially when they start throwing up. My nurse today is Heather and she doesn't stay in here the whole time, I guess her desk is out in the hall somewhere. Anyway, I brought my computer today and I am typing this as they pump fluids in me. So, if I stop making sense, you'll know why. I am also having to type with one hand because of the IV. The nurse said the Chemo will build up and I will feel worse later in the week. Good to know, although I was really hoping the first day was a sign of how it will always be for me. I can still believe that if I want to. As for this IV thing, I can't wait for the port. I don't have the best veins for needles and the nurse had trouble getting a vein today. She poked me twice and I still have 3 days to go. I am going to be a pin cushion by Friday.
Actually, this experience has been pretty relaxing so far, even Uncle Jim enjoyed himself. Here is a portrait of him enjoying himself. Can you see his enjoyment? Look closely, it is there. He could be on the cover of a magazine for "Misty's Relaxing Get-a-way".

Over-all, another good day. I am now home and still feel fine. Tabby is getting out the cards again as I finish this blog. I am expecting to have another good night sleep and start all over again tomorrow.

Day 1 - Cycle 1

Waking up this morning, I had some butterflies, after all, what is a girl to wear to her first day of Chemo? Thankfully, Tabby helped me pick out my clothes and the rest of the day went well. The best news is that my first day of Chemo was very good. How can it not be when you get served a cookie in the waiting room? I have thoughtfully packed on a few extra pounds this summer so, I am ready for the loss of appetite and nausea. BRING IT ON! Yes, it was a pleasant experience and I am now home, playing cards with Tabby as I write this. Aunt Kay met us for a slice of pizza this morning, took me to MD Anderson and brought me the last prayer shawl my Maw Maw made before she died. I kept that close by and I could feel all the positive thoughts and prayers coming my way from my friends and family today. It must have worked, because I felt so good all day.
We were there a long time and I got a little tired and blurry eyed from some of the meds but that didn't stop me from talking to Nurse Leslie. We are doing an IV this week but planning the port before the next cycle. The nausea medicine really made me feel the foggiest. Other than that, I could smell and taste the saline but when it came to the Cytarabine, "nothing". No taste, no smell, no nausea. But, I felt a little groggy...hey look, my very own private TV. This is great! Who cares if I am groggy? Live is good! Ok, I am still in the honeymoon phase but I think I was prepared for a rockier start. I can't complain. I am alert, I feel fine, was able to walk to the car, eat dinner, take out the trash and the recycle bins! How 'bout that? My temperature is 98.4 and knock on wood, I feel fine. Keep those prayers, thoughts, and what ever it is you're doing, coming this way!