Wednesday, January Twenty-Third, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Today, I had my 5th chemo treatment.  All went well.  Five down, one to go!  I learned today that the nurse that cares for me at the outpatient center has been nominated for "Miss Plus Ohio."  I am very excited for her and she DEFINITELY deserves it!  Her name is Angela.  I will upload the link so you can vote for her once I receive it.  Angela is the nicest and most caring, genuine nurse I see...of course they are ALL amazing, but she is extra special.

Since my 5th and 6th chemo treatments were moved to every three weeks, I hope to stay out of the hospital next week.  I was told no promises though.  The extra week was to give my body more time to recover and develop some of my own T-cells to help with my immune system.  Overall, I am feeling pretty good. 

Here is a picture of the chemotherapy suite where I get my treatments.  As you can see, it's one large room.  Patients can choose to sit in the room or request a private room.  I usually choose the large room.  Typically, I am the only person in there but every now and then, I have company.  I read or listen to my iPod during treatment.  Tomorrow, I will return to the office to receive my Neulasta shot.  This medication is usually given at least 24 hours after chemotherapy to stimulate the growth of new, healthy, white blood cells. 

Here I am sporting my lovely wig.  I've only worn it a handful of times because I rarely leave the house.  Oddly, I still have a decent amount of my real hair left.  It's very thin though.  I've been told that I still may lose it all with these last two treatments, so again we'll see.  I'll keep you updated =)

Thank you again for the prayers.  Please pray for my family to keep up their strength and positive attitude, I know it's hard on them too!  Thanks!

Lauren

If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it - then I can achieve it.” —Muhammad Ali

Thursday, January Seventeenth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

I was released from the hospital late Wednesday afternoon.  I had a second spinal tap on Tuesday.  In order to keep from gettting another spinal headache, I laid flat for 16 hours.  Thankfully I was sleeping most of that time!  I have a slight headache but it's manageable.  I also had a second PET scan while I was admitted.  The results look pretty amazing.  The doctor is very pleased as so am I.

I will spend this week regaining some strength!  My fifth chemotherapy treatment will be this upcoming Wednesday.  Thank you for your continuous thoughts and prayers!    

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday, January Thirteenth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Hello all,

I apologize for the long stretch of silence.  I am currently at the hospital.  Today is my sixth day.   I was admitted with neutropenic fever once again.  My white count is now back up so that is good news.  However, I've been developing a fever at night so they have kept me here to do some tests before I am released.  I will see the doctor in the morning.  I hope to go home soon!  As you can imagine, I am getting a bit restless!

I have learned that my last two chemotherapy treatments will be moved to every three weeks.  My doctor hopes the extra week will give my body time to develop T cells but also to try and keep me out of the hospital!  (T cells or T lymphocytes belong to a group of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.)

I hope everyone had a great New Years!  Don't forget to get your flu shot ;-)
Lauren