June 26, 2009 Update

Well, today is my last chemotherapy treatment. I am very happy to be able to say that. Will have some recovery time, then get restaged in a few weeks to ensure the lymphoma is under control. After that, I'll get a couple of months off before I continue my monocolonal antibody treatment and get my one time targeted radiation therapy sometime late in September. Right now, the doctor is very pleased with my progress and I feel extremely positive about how things are going.

Because I'll have 60 days with no treatments and no meds, I'll be able to travel and see the family beginning in August. I have a trip to LA for my nephew Michah's wedding and also want to go east and see grandkids, daughter and brothers. After September, I'll be grounded again for a while, so I have to make the most of my time.

June 6, 2009 Update

I finished the 3rd round of chemo a week ago Friday. As I had heard before, the cumulative effect gets a bit worse with each time, and that seems to be the case. I've been extremely tired this time, but am now coming out of my haze. Since I know that the treatment is working, it's much easier to accept the side effects. Everyone has been really supportive, and I thank you all for that. I still have hair, although the color is much different - no, it didn't grow in a different color, I just can't dye it anymore.

The next schedule begins on the 24th if all is right with the world. After that, I'll have a break from everything and can travel for a few weeks before my radio-immunotherapy begins, probably in September. After that, I'll be Houston bound until Christmastime.

Ted is being very good to me and is now getting the training to volunteer at M.D. Anderson playing the piano in some of the public areas in the hospital. He has also given platelets a couple of times and will continue doing that too. I encourage any of you that have the temperament to give blood, do so when you can. There are lots of cancer patients and others that are in need. Dogs and cats are hovering around me all the time, so I am never without companionship. Even the mean cat Mellie is cuddling up with me.

Progress Update

I know it's been a while since I last updated everyone on my progress. I was waiting for the results of my testing from last week. I have fantastic news. The treatments are definitely working and the size of my tumors have been reduced by about 50% and my bone marrow is now cancer free. The doctor was very happy and said I am doing better than average at this stage in my treatment plan.

I'll resume my chemotherapy next Wednesday. My platelets are still low, but no longer a big worry since it seems to be the way the disease affects me. I've gotten a little cold, so we're waiting a week to get better from that and give the platelets some extra time to rebound.

All in all, a great day.

2 Down

Since my wonderful doctor gave me the go-ahead for treatment, I've now finished round 2 tonight. It's good to have that done and in a few weeks, I'll be able to get testing done to see if this is beginning to work. I feel pretty decent considering. I'm trying to be somewhat normal and get around as much as possible. I've been working pretty much full time until I started back on chemo, and hope to resume that pretty quickly.

My buddy Kathy L. made up some wristbands that say "Marilyn we luv ya" and I wear mine every day. Knowing I have the support and love of so many keeps my spirits up. Keep up all your positive thoughts and prayers.

Back in the Saddle

I've been give approval to begin my 2nd round of treatment after a couple of weeks worth of waiting. My platelets have never fully recovered, but it is probably due to the cancer in the spleen, so we need to continue treatment to fix that. Hopefully, this round will resolve that problem. I have a super doctor who is fully committed to getting me all in remission.

I started my chemo yesterday and will have a treatment today and tomorrow too. In a few weeks we'll check to see how things are progressing. So far, I'm feeling pretty good, so keep your fingers crossed.

M

Change in Plan

I was all ready to go on Wednesday for the chemo, but was told my platelet level was too low to proceed. Other blood levels were much improved though. I will get rechecked on the the 15th and hopefully begin the treatment on Thursday. In one respect it was a disappointment, cause I was ready to go, on another level, it's nice to feel good for a week.

Ted and I are going biking today, which will feel really good. I know I'm seriously out of shape, and will probably not get far, but to be able to do it will be a nice outlet.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter everyone.

Coming up to Round 2

I'll begin my second round of chemo starting Wednesday, April 8. I've been feeling good and getting to work for full days. I go home tired, but not too bad and it is nice to be busy. While I don't really look forward to the chemo itself, it will be the halfway marker. After this, I'll be able to get an idea of if my treatment is working.

My quilting buddies have given me a beautiful friendship quilt to help me get through the coming months. It is filled with love and good wishes and is an inspiration. I have already made use of it in the ER and it is wonderful. Blocks have come from all over Texas plus as far as the Netherlands! I also have been given a prayer quilt that is made out of the leftover scraps that I have hung in my office. Stop by and tie a knot if you are nearby. Keep all the good thoughts and prayers coming. They give me lots of encouragement and hope.

This weekend has been nice - for once I haven't been in the ER for anything. Ted and I celebrated our 28th anniversary by going out for dinner. It feels great to do something normal.

My blood counts have been pretty low, so it prevents me from doing some things I enjoy. While I can't ride my bike right now, I am able to go walking. The dogs are very happy about that. Biking is the one activity I really miss.