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.

Post Treatment #2 - Off Week 2 & 3

The last 2 weeks have been really good. We got our computers on the freshman campus, now I just need my studio equipment. I was even able to work one football game and one volleyball game. Since I teach at a high school, I can help out at sporting events and get paid. I was pleasantly surprised at my ability to stay up and alert but, I did it. Yes, I was REALLY tired the next day - but it wasn't that bad. We all had Labor Day off - so it was great to have a 3 day weekend with the family. I rested a lot and was able to meet old TV Production friends Loren Meyer and Denis Lauziere for lunch. (they're not old...oh, you know what I mean - I love you two!) Then, the family and I crashed Kelley and Melanie's house for dinner. (these are friends of ours that we go camping with every year) Here's my kids with their cute boy Ben. They really adore him!!! Thank you Melanie for the casserole (we put it in the freezer to pull out during my next treatment). Here's a little story that I couldn't decide if I should share or not. But, one afternoon, I knew all three of our kids were going to be riding their bikes home from school together at the same time. I got home early enough to get on my bike and meet them - so, I did. I know you just fell out of your chair but it is true. It just wasn't as easy as it sounds and I won't be doing that again. My thoughts were, "I have an hour...it's 1.9 miles away. I can just take my time." I grabbed a bottle of ice water and off I went. It was in the upper 90's that day, I think I made it all the way to the corner before I started to doubt my decision. But, I am stubborn and I kept going because I really wanted to be able to. Half way there, I stopped under a tree and drank my water. Now regretting I ever had this idea in the first place. Then I pushed off for the final stretch and gave up around the corner from their school where I waited for them in the shade. I just felt soooo out of shape, and a little off balanced but nothing else really. I rode slowly home and didn't do anything else for the rest of the evening. I survived! Best part is, the kids loved that I did it! That's all that matters. My Aunt Kay and Uncle Jim have made us dinner for the last 2 Fridays and it has been fabulous - not to mention a God send! I wake up at 5 AM everyday and just can't whip up dinner every night right now. Garrett wants to take cooking lessons from her. I'd just like Garrett and Justin to start cooking anything. But, we're so thankful for her cooking talents and all that she does for us! Here's the highlight of my week - I got to see the dietitian and my Dr. at MD Anderson back to back. First, I met with the dietitian who told me about a new study on Vitamin D. They have found that it turns into a hormone, penetrates the cells and helps them to function normally! Since my cells are malfunctioning, I'll take anything I can to help them get it together. She also gave me some helpful tips to help me this next round with my stomach issues but said I can eat anything that doesn't bother me. They're just big on getting enough fiber, drinking plenty of fluids (no green tea - apparently it counteracts Chemo) and they recommend having Miralax in the medicine cabinet - just in case. Next, they had me running up stairs to see my Doc. Don't worry, I'm no fool, I took the elevator. Dr. Nick feels I am tolerating the treatments fantastically! He was also surprised to learn that I didn't have a prescription for anti-nausea to help me at home. So, maybe that will change everything. He also added a vitamin D blood level check along with my regular blood work and agrees with the dietitian that I should try taking vitamin D supplements. I asked him about exercise and told him about my pitiful attempt to ride my bike and he surprised me by saying he wants me to exercise 3 times a week when I feel up to it. So, I guess I'll be getting on my bike again. I think I'll just stay closer to home next time. And it won't be happening the week of treatment, that I know. Oh, he also wants me to get a flu shot since I work in a school. Usually, they don't recommend that for Chemo patients. David and I went to a taping of the Family Feud Show Saturday night. That was fun. It is always fascinating to see what they don't show you on TV. The very first question for example....the contestants answers were so lame - neither one got a right answer. So, they scrapped the question and gave them a new one. I think the question was, "Name something a husband doesn't want to be told how to do by his wife." One guy said, "sleep" and the other guy said, "eat". The new host is Steve Harvey who is very entertaining and ragged on the contestants a lot. They must edit tons out of the final show. The audience warm up dude was great, too! He made us dance during a break. Which I did with great pleasure! Actually, it made me miss dancing. Amy S. you and I need to go out dancing again. I also saw some familiar faces from my old TV days...Dave, Frank, Tracy, Jamie and Tanya. That is always the best part for me. You all look marvelous! Monday I start my 3rd round and the Docs are in agreement to increase my dose from 150 to 170. I went in for blood work on Friday. This was going to be the first time they used my port for a blood draw. I think it is supposed to work. Unfortunately, the nurse couldn't get the needle in the right spot. She kept trying until I begged her to stick my arm - which she gladly did. I asked her what she thought was wrong and she just said my port is really deep and the quarter inch needle wasn't long enough. I hope it was just her and it goes in easily Monday. Which reminds me, I should go sit in my hot tub before Monday. After all, if my neighbors cat can enjoy our sink, I should be able to enjoy my hot tub. Yes, take a look at this wacky cat in my sink - he reminds me of when I had a pet bird that loved baths. Tabby thinks we should turn it in to America's Funniest Videos. These are the little things in life that keep me distracted from my own drama so I can keep smiling.

Post Treatment #2

I'd first like to say, "Thank you" to my global readers!" In answer to a question from Australia, here is the info on my dose.

My Chemo for this CNS-LCH is called Cytarabine. It has been an approved Chemo for treating blood diseases for decades and is most commonly used to treat Leukemia. I get my treatments 5 days in a row, one week on and 3 weeks off. My first round was at 125mg/m2 and for round 2, they increased my dose to 150mg/m2. These are done as an out patient over an hour or so. Those of you who don't know me, I am small, 5'1" and I don't weigh too much. The doctors wanted to start out safe and make sure I could handle the drug. Apparently, some adults have had a tougher time with this drug than do children. I did well enough for the dose to be increased for round 2 but am waiting to hear if it will go up again. My blood work was still fine at the beginning of round 2 but they will check it again before round three. I also have a follow up appointment with my MD Anderson doctor Tuesday, September 14th. Dr. McClain would like to increase it to 170mg/m2. I am hoping the 2 of them will be able to talk and agree to increase it before my next round. I want to knock this thing out but it will also depend on my blood work.

Three days after Chemo round 2, I started to feel better. I'm not so sure my stomach issues over the weekend could have been prevented if I had done things differently to combat it. I have spoken briefly with a dietitian at MD Anderson over the phone and have an appointment with them on September 14th also. She said I should have had anti-nausea medicine to take at home (my friend that went with me on that Friday said the same thing - I should have asked for something then) and we can talk about certain foods that will be easier to digest. My cravings and taste in my mouth are still normal so, I ate anything I wanted to but not to sure I chose wisely. I may need to stick to soup, rice, applesauce, etc.

Anyway, I went to work and did just fine. I really didn't get tired until after dinner. Oh, did I mention that I actually made dinner this week? I think I officially lost my appetite Monday and Tuesday. I was just not hungry and my stomach was still a little sensitive but I was fine by Wednesday. I still have my hair and I still have my symptoms from the lesions. If the Cytarabine is working, my numbness and coordination issues should go away after the 3rd treatment. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Enough tech talk... now for a couple of humorous moments this week. My students at the high school who do our LIVE TV announcements are doing a great job. We have had a lot of fun! Especially, when we start counting down from 10 to go live. I like to go in the control room and get them excited. I say things like, "Here we go! Its so exciting, we're live in 3 - 2 - 1!" I get a little cheesy with the excitement but they all smile. I am also really trying to keep the positive visuals in my head, I believe this is important for my healing success. So, to help this, I have been listening to a meditation thing on my iPod at night as I go to sleep. The problem is, there is a part where he counts down from 10 in order to 'go deeper' into a relaxing state. But, I start getting wound up and think about going LIVE instead! I've ruined it for myself! Ahh!


Friday night we went out to dinner with the kids. While we were there, I got a picture text of a package that looked like Blow Pops but it said Booty Pop. David looked it up on his phone and saw this was a real product. Its like the 'falsies" Shirley from the 70's TV Show Lavern and Shirley used to have. Anyway, he found there was a commercial on Youtube for it so, he asked the boys to look it up on their phones. (Their phones are actually better than his and they can play videos while his can't.) Anyway, we watched this and laughed - while in the restaurant - at the table. We are so classy!

By the end of dinner, David had started singing a camp song (Bo-Ga-Lu) - "I said, let me see your Booty Pop! What did you say? I said, Let me see your Booty pop..." Our camp friends can relate to this. We were dancing our own version of the Booty Pop commercial/Bo-Ga-Lu in the parking lot on our way to the car. I'd post a picture or a video clip if my kids would let me but they won't!

To my friend who sent me the Booty Pop picture, are you trying to tell me something? :)

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

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.