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.

First Go-Round Completed

As of last night, I have completed my first full chemo round. This one had an extra step this Wednesday of the monoclonal antibody drug I also had last week. It went smoothly this week, with no reactions, which was nice. The day was very long again and we made it home after about 12 1/2 hours. Yikes. I got my first bloodwork results back, and things looked just where they were expected to be after the chemo got started. I'll keep getting tested each week to ensure my blood counts don't fall below a certain level.

I need to learn about moderation - I've never been really good at it. After going into work a couple of times this week, I definitely learned you don't stay until you start getting tired - by then it's too late. I am walking a bit but haven't yet gotten back onto the bicycle. I miss those long rides. I've started reading Lance Armstrong's book about cancer and cycling and it's really inspiring. While I am not a serious biker, I know he has the same connection. I'm about a third through and it is really good.

I've had several friends bringing over dinners to help us and it is truly a gift. Ted and I are both so grateful that we don't have to deal with that - we just sit down and eat. Thanks to you all that have signed up for meals and those that have offered. I have a tentative treatment schedule, so as it gets closer, I'll get any other requests posted on the Lotsa Helping Hands site. Thanks friends and family.

Update Friday the 13th

I'm doing well and not feeling too bad after 3 days of treatment. Tomorrow will be my last day this week. I go again on Wednesday for a long day, then 2 weeks off for good behavior. My next round will begin on April 8th. I hear as treatment progresses, I may not feel as good, but we'll wait and see. Ted passed his test today on taking care of my CVC line, which was a big deal. He's working as hard as me with all of this.

Family and friends have rallied and been wonderful to me. I feel so blessed to hear from everyone, some that I haven't spoken to in many years.

My brother Maynard sent me my first cancer related gift and I'll post a photo for you to see.