GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

We spent Thursday at MD Anderson in Houston from 2:30 p.m until 9:30 p.m. where Irene endured a cardiac scan, blood/specimen collection and a CT scan. It seems that those tests could be done in less than seven hours, but in between there was a chest x-ray to determine if her PICC line was inserted properly and could be used for the CT scan injection.

The various locations for the tests are identified by building, elevator in the building and the floor in the building. We have become very familular with the Main Building and the Mays Clinic which are connected with what seeme like a one half mile sky bridge. We are also acquainted with the A, B, C, D, F, S and T elevators. Also the 3rd, 7th, 8th and 9th floors.

Today she was scheduled for one more CT scan at 6:10 a.m. However, when we arrived it was determined that since the CT scan was done so late last night that it was not in Irene's best interest to have another one.

At 8:00 a.m. we met with Dr. Ravi's nurse and PA and finally Dr. Ravi. The good news is that the chemotherapy is working very well. The spots in her lungs are almost indistinguishable and the tumor in her leg has been reduced. They are very pleased with the results to date and recommend that we continue with two additional cycles of chemotherapy which will be done in Mesa.

The unexpected news is that Irene has some blood clots in her system which is not uncommon in patients during chemo treatment. They started her on Lovenox to thin her blood. Lovenox is administered at home with an injection twice a day into her belly fat tissue of which she does not have much anymore. The bad news is that Dr. Ravi strongly advised us not to fly back to Mesa for 72 hours, so we will miss our grandson Scott's baptism on Saturday.

We are grateful that the chemo is working so well, and we hope to solve the clotting issue.

BLOG UPDATE

It is time to give an update, so everyone doesn’t think that I am dying.  Things are looking up, but it has been slow this time around.  Yesterday (Thursday) was the first time since Saturday that I had been out of my robe or nightgown.  I actually had a pretty nice birthday, as the nausea is mostly past.  Several friends called, then we went to Dana’s for a delicious birthday dinner.  It was good to eat real food and to be dressed and out of the house.  Gayla provided the birthday cake, and the rest of the family stopped in at Dana’s with cards, gifts and fun coloring pages from the grandchildren. 

I am still very weak, and I have had thrush, another side effect of chemo, but I am hoping a new prescription I got today knocks that one.  Daryl just mentioned that I should note that I have gone from Cream of Wheat and Lipton Noodle Soup to Top Ramen & yogurt.  It is something that tastes quite good to me. 

We go to Houston on Wednesday, January 25.  I have tests on Thursday, (MRI, CT Scan, etc.), then we will meet with Dr. Raavi on Friday to learn of the results.  We have seen some rather dramatic changes in my leg as far as the pain and swelling which seems to be evidence that the chemo is doing some good.  We are anxious to know what the next step will be. 

A COUPLE OF DAYS OF NAUSEA

Irene felt so good Thursday and Friday after her chemo infusion on Wednesday that I called Banner MD Anderson to confirm that she had received the proper dose.  They assured me that she did.  Saturday afternoon Irene was not feeling great, but wanted to wish our daughter Dana and our Grandson Paul Happy Birthday, so we spent a couple of hours visiting with them and their families.

With four medicines for nausea, we have not been able to control her nausea, and she has been about as miserable as any time since the chemotherapy started.  She has not been able to keep anything down.  Her diet consists of crackers, Ginger Ale, soup and pills.  The home healthcare nurse came by to attend to her PICC line this afternoon and really did not have any recommendations to help control the nausea.

I know that Irene is not feeling well, when she does not want any visitors or to talk to anyone on the phone.  She has not even looked at e-mail for a couple of days.  We are hopeful tomorrow will be a better day for her.  If not I think we will see if we can get some anti nausea medication injected into her body through the PICC line.

Thanks so much for the food, cards, e-mails and calls expessing love and concern.

THE DAY AFTER

Well, what can I say but how blessed I have felt all day today.  I woke up wondering if I would be nauseated, and it never happened.  As we visited with the Dr. Homsi before my treatment yesterday, he said he was cutting the dose of chemo a little because of the reactions I had last time such as a lot of nausea and ending up in the hospital because of my blood counts and the need for transfusions.  He said that does not usually happen until the third or fourth round.  He was also very pleased with the improvement of my leg in the area of the tumor.  I have seen that change myself and am so grateful for it.

My chemo treatment actually began right at noon yesterday and finished at 3:00 p.m., so it was also shorter than they had told us.  We went this afternoon for the day after chemo heart protection injection which went just fine.  It is always good to get out a little. 

We hope that all of you who are struggling with problems are feeling your prayers answered and the love of the Lord.  We so appreciate the mentions from many of you that you are putting my name on your temple prayer roll.  That has to be one of the most sacred and greatest blessings of the temple. 

We have also had some wonderful reports of the new and changed artwork throughout the temple.  We are very anxious to see all that has transpired..  What a blessing it is to have such a historical temple right in our midst.  

SCHEDULE CHANGE

Yesterday, I was scheduled to have a PICC line placed, and unlike three weeks ago, it was successful.  The experience could not have been more different, as before, one technician was working on the procedure for almost three hours.  This time, I was in the hospital, with a physician and three nurses plus x-ray and ultrasound equipment.  We had to wait a long time, but the actual procedure was completed in about an hour. 

We came home, and I called to confirm my chemotherapy appointment for today only to find out that it was not scheduled.  They were full for today, so I had a bonus day to feel good before I start in tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.  They said it will take about 4 1/2 hours.  I am very curious to see if it will be the same as last time, easier or harder.  Maybe we have learned some things that will help.

I am having much less pain in my leg for which I am most grateful.  Daryl has kept after the wrapping, and the swelling has gone down dramatically, so we are seeing progress.  I even had enough energy to help with the Saturday's work.  We know who does the most and does it so well!

NO MORE BAD HAIR DAYS

After losing a little more hair each day this week, Gayla came over this morning and cut what was left to about half an inch then gave me a buzz..  It isn’t advisable to shave right on the scalp, but basically, I am bald – not bald and beautiful, but okay.  I can honestly say that it was not in the least emotional or traumatic, because compared to what I was facing, this is a blessing to me.  I am still grateful beyond words to have my leg and to be making progress.

We went wig shopping yesterday and made a purchase.  I think it will be fine.  At least that is a wonderful option for women. My good friends Marene and Marae made a house call today to style my wig.  I also have some cute scarves thanks to Talma Whiting, a friend who has already been through this.

My next chemotherapy treatment will be Tuesday, January 10, then on January 25 we will fly to Houston for tests and evaluations.  In the meantime, I am not doing a lot – reading, watching TV, talking on the phone, etc.  I know that sounds like heaven, so I am taking advantage of this time.

I was going through cards today and was once again overwhelmed at the kindness I have been shown.  Again, I feel that the miracle I have received is the answer to all the prayers that have been offered in my behalf.

IT HAPPENED

I was combing my hair today, and there in my hand were a bunch of loose strands.  I ran my hand through my hair again and more.  It wasn’t a clump like I had heard might happen but kind of like pulling hair from your brush.  Perhaps the clumps will come later.  Anyway, after a few times doing that, I thought it best to quit.  I will be going wig shopping on Wednesday with Dana and Gayla.  I have been soooo grateful not to have lost my leg that losing my hair does not seem so significant.  I am sure it will be more dramatic when it really happens.

The good news is that I am feeling a lot better.  I haven’t been nauseated for a few days and feel like eating.  I am not having near as much pain in my leg, have cut down on pain pills and am sleeping better.  I even had the energy to help pack up the Christmas decorations.  It felt so good to work after being very weak. 

Beginning last May, Daryl wrapped my leg at night (much like a cast), and I wore a compression stocking during the day which controlled the swelling, however, this past month this process has not worked very well.  The swelling is what causes much of the pain.  The last few days we have kept it wrapped pretty much around the clock, and we are now seeing a little progress.  We will keep working at it.

My next chemo treatment will be one week from tomorrow, so I will enjoy this week.  Daryl continues to be the best caretaker anyone could hope for.  We are just enjoying staying at home, watching bowl games and visiting with family. 

LIFE IS GOOD!