Waiting...

Dear Family & Friends,

Last Thursday was my final session in six rounds of chemo. That makes 18 days of chemo spread out over 6 months, just in case anyone has forgotten how that works! I am feeling good, for the most part. My finger and toenails are taking the brunt of things right now. I won't go into any more details in case you're eating a snack as you read this.

We are eagerly awaiting the PET scan on Sept. 30 (about 9:00 a.m. at Deaconess Hospital) as well as our meeting with Dr. Nichols on Oct. 1 to discuss the results. Dan will be with me at both appointments, and can't overstate how much I appreciate his presence and support. I do have chemo scheduled for Oct. 1, but things may change depending on test results.

In the meantime, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. God is holding us up through them, so keep them coming.

And now....out to the Valley to pick up a wedding dress!

Love,
Linda

Still doing well...

Hi, All,

Last Thursday's shorter session (2 hours) came and went with very little fanfare. I barely had time to read the newspaper, and it was time to leave. My weight continues to maintain at a good level, so you know I'm eating! I'm especially trying to take in foods that will boost my immune system or aid in annhilating (I love that word) cancer cells: green tea, broccoli, cauliflower, turmeric, blueberries, and the list goes on. Of course, I have an occasional cookie just so I don't forget what they taste like. My sister, Vicki, has loaned me her juicer which is supposed to be very helpful in the cancer fight. I love mixing deep purple grapes, strawberries and blueberries.

My hair is starting to grow back, so I asked the doctor if that meant the chemo drugs were not being as effective. Fortunately, that is not the case, and I am following a normal pattern. I've colored my hair for so long that I can't remember what it used to look like. I can guarantee you that it won't be plain old brown anymore. I'm finding it quite an adventure to see what the end result will be.

I look forward to posting my next blog which will mark the end of 6 months of chemo. Thank you for continuing on in this journey with me.

Love,
Linda

Month 6!

Greetings, all,
Yesterday marked the beginning of my 6th month of chemo....it seems impossible. I didn't post a blog last week since it was my week off and there wasn't much to report. Thank you for continuing to check in on me.

All went well yesterday--it's starting to feel like home in the chemo suite. I curl up with a blanket, neck pillow, newspaper or book, and, of course, an IV. Before chemo I had lab work done, and everything is looking good, "bloodwise". Then I met with Dr. Nichols, where we discussed the upcoming PET scan on Sept. 30 and the follow-up visit on Oct. 1 to discuss results. (She's great at not making me wait forever to hear results of tests.) We have scheduled chemo for the 1st as well. If the scan shows continued progress, I will most likely have chemo the rest of Oct. and then take the 2-month break that she has been talking about. She knows that Elise is getting married in Dec. and besides giving my body a rest, she wants me in good shape for the wedding. I must say I am looking forward to that boost in energy and stamina. There are other oral or injected drugs that we can use during those two months to help keep things at bay, and that does feel reassuring. I just don't want to lose ground, as you can well imagine.

I am teaching 5 or 6 students in Sept. and will probably continue that schedule in Oct. I will be seeing 2 students in the mornings on Mon., Tues., and Wed. with a little break between lessons. That seems to work well with my energy level for now. A number of my students have been transferred to other teachers. I am grateful for these friends' willingness to find room in their busy schedules.

Thank you again, Ginny, for devising this great way to keep my friends and family informed. You did a great service for all of us!

Linda