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

Port Placement - 1 week later

First of all, I am sorry for this long lapse without a report. I was in awful pain for 3 days after my Port Placement. Couldn't do anything!!! I had to sleep sitting up on the couch because it hurt so bad in all positions. This last week has also been a long road of healing on top of pre-planning for school. I did OK each day until about 3 or 4 PM and then I crashed on the couch for a couple of hours. I was so beat by Tuesday night, I was worried about the whole year ahead. I started taking more vitamins and actually felt better on Friday.

David and the kids helped me set up some things in my studio on the main campus. We worked so hard on both campuses that we left the house a wreck. What a way to start back to school. The yard hasn't been mowed in 2 weeks, we are behind on our laundry, dishes and house cleaning. Oh, yea! This is the way to start my second round of chemo, too! "Stop the tram! I'm parked in Sleepy?" OK, I don't think that came off as funny in writing as it did in my head. For those of you who didn't get it, I was making fun of "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" - Orlando (Disney) style. Still not funny, I know. AHHH, look at the time! I have to wake up at 5 AM, what am I doing up?

Here we go! This week will be the real test if I can do this or not. Don't expect daily posts. After last week, I am planning to sleep during my treatment on Monday. Then Tuesday, I have a friend Michelle B. coming to sit with me so we can laugh it up in the Chemo Lounge! I'll probably sleep again on Wednesday - who knows.

G' Nite!

Port Placement Today

First of all, let me say I had a fun time at Brio with some friends the night before. This made a huge difference in my mental state going into this. The pep talks were just what I needed. Of course lots of food, desert and wacky conversation was icing on the cake. I didn't mind not getting much sleep since they were going to put me out today anyway...it was David who had to suffer a little. I drank a few diet cokes and had trouble sleeping. Go figure. Robin joked that I am killing myself but now I have a new theory, if coke can get rid of corrosion on a car battery maybe it can clean up my brain. David said, "If this was true we would have saved a lot of money by now."


We had to arrive at 7:30 AM and they told me to dress comfortably with a button down shirt. David said I was one step above PJ's. Darn, I wish I would have thought about that earlier, I would have worn my PJ's. The cute socks were a gift from Joy and Marv Johnson. They gave me 5 different pair to wear during treatments so I can be reminded how much support and love I have around me. The nurses loved my socks! (and so do I) Thanks Joy! I went in at 9 AM and was done by 10. They put me in a "twilight sleep". I was really loopy, but awake for the whole thing - I think. Apparently, I talked to them through the whole procedure. They said I was very entertaining. I was also given something to forget everything that happened... how strange is that? Uh Oh, did I tell them I was in the witness protection program? If I suddenly disappear, you'll know I have been re-located. And Robin, sorry I could have told them everything, but I don't remember. Whoops, that goes for everyone else I talked to last night, too. I only remember telling them about being awake when my skull tumor was removed in 1989. Today, I didn't feel any pain, just pressure - which they said is good because what they did to me was violent. Yes, they actually said "violent". They used a glue instead of stitches which may explain why they gave me the amnesia stuff - I think they had a horrible spill when they were closing me up. There was all this noise, screaming and they had paper stuck to their heads. I don't understand why they had to cut my hair either. And my socks are missing. Weird. Anyway, I took a couple of hours to eat and recover enough to go home but was ready by 1 PM. My Aunt Kay brought me home and David went to work.

At home, I just wanted to sleep, so Aunt Kay helped get me set up before going home. I slept for a couple of hours. Don't worry, I wasn't really alone. Our neighbors cat came in and slept on the foot stool with me. Yes, this is our neighbor's cat. He has recently adopted us. I wonder if they've noticed he moved out. My mother-in-law is only 2 blocks away and a friend from my hometown just bought the house next door, so she is over there cleaning up with her family. Everyone knew I was home but I wanted to be alone. When I woke up, I was in a lot of pain. I managed to get some Tylenol and sit back down just before my kids and their cousins sneaked in playing "Don't Wake Mommy". (you know, like the board game "Don't Wake Daddy") I was already awake, so I spoiled the game - sorry kids, I'm not really myself today. Tabby wanted to show them her hamster and guitar. Ana-Elisa is off to college in a couple of weeks and Phillip has been singing in the subway station in DC for money. Don't worry, Miriam hasn't kicked him out of the house. He was actually hired by the DC Metro for this at least that is his story, I'm not really sure at this point. But, look at them. Aren't they cute? I am so glad they came down just to see me this weekend. OK, they really came to see Grandpa - he is recovering from his open heart surgery very well, by-the-e-way. Justin wanted to see my port. Which is officially called a "Power Port" - I think this means I can leap to alternate universes... If I suddenly disappear, you'll have to wonder where I really went. But don't worry, I'll come back after I save someones life. Isn't that how it is supposed to work? I've seen Sliders and Quantum Leap. OK, it is becoming apparent that the drugs haven't completely worn off yet.
This is what the port looks like, it is the size a of a quarter around and a half inch thick but that is OK, because I love the color! Purple is my favorite.


I had Justin snap this picture of me in pain. "IT HURTS!!!!"
The good news is, I'm getting hungry and David just came home. I think I'll be fine because I actually want to get in the car and go get dinner at Grandma's. This has to be a good sign.

Post Treatment #1 - Much Better

This picture was taken today at church! Last weekend, I rested all weekend and didn't make it to church. My stomach was bothering me and I was tired but that was it. I felt better by Monday afternoon and great by Tuesday. I was actually able to work on my new classroom at our Freshman campus and I felt terrific. So, at this point I would say it has been a really good week and I don't even feel like I am on Chemo. I still have my appetite, energy and a normal taste in my mouth. I am sure that will change as they increase my dose but I am happy with how I am doing right now!

I am trying to upload a video for the first time. If it works, take a look at my new classroom on our Freshman Campus! It is bare but I want to show it off before it gets equipment in it. Here are some stills if the video doesn't play.

This Thursday, anyone who can make it out to see me, is invited to Brio in the Winter Park Village from 6 PM to ? The next day, I get my port placement - Yippee! I have until midnight to eat and drink. So, I have to hydrate myself well. (no, I don't mean alcohol - you sillies) Hope to see you there!

I officially start back to work Monday, August 23rd for pre-plan. Yes, Florida has gone from starting back to school in the middle of July to late August. Crazy I know! That week will be very busy because we also have open house at all of our schools! So, I really want to get as much as I can done now. I will also have a lot of equipment to get set up - if it arrives. Then I have my 2nd round of Chemo the first week of school. I will leave school when the students do, go straight to MD Anderson and home. You can see why I want to get a lot of work done now.

Boy, this year is going to be "some kind of fun". Don't worry, I am starting to think my toughest years are my best years. 1992 for example: The year my Dad died and my house was totaled by Hurricane Andrew... I started dating David (my husband - who lost his Grandmother and childhood pet, Princess). But, I also worked on my first TV show at Nickelodeon (GUTS) and then followed that with Clarissa Explains It All - which was awesome! Still, David and I like to say, the year we started dating was the worst year of our lives.

Post Treatment #1 - Not Great!

My last treatment post was published right after the photo was taken of me, my mom and my nurse before we left MD Anderson. This really was the most uncomfortable day for me so far. I actually wrote most of the blog at home before I left for my appointment. I didn't write much while I was there because I wasn't feeling great and I really hadn't figured it all out. As my mom and I made it down to the first floor to leave, I decided to ask about the cute little MD Anderson Golf Cart Limo I have seen go back and forth from the parking garage to the center. They gladly called it around and we got a ride to our car. Between it being my 5th day of treatment and my mom still recovering from her biopsy, I felt we deserved to be spoiled a little. I'll take a picture of the cute cart next time I am there.

I came home to a house full! The boys were back from camp and when Tabby got home from Disney, I had a lot of stories to hear! We drove over to Connie's where we had the best dinner waiting for us, compliments of our church! Thank you, Donna Borko for coordinating and Thurlene and Don Bouyett for the fabulous food! The timing for this was perfect, I was really starting to melt. I had to eat quickly and lay down. I developed a little fever and was worried about over doing it. After all, I was told that I have to call my Doctor if I get a temperature over 100.5. I was at 99.7 and I didn't want it to get worse. I also had a burning knot in my stomach. I have been resting ever since and finally felt like sitting up to write this. I feel a little better right now but as my new friend Ann (a cancer patient I met yesterday) advised, I am taking it easy and letting my body rest. It's not easy doing nothing. I hope this is the worst of it!

To all my friends reaching out through email, Facebook and phone calls - thank you! You are what keeps me strong and what will get me through this.
I love you all!

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!