Saturday, February Twenty-Third, Two Thousand and Thirteen

As predicted (and for the LAST time), I was admitted to the hospital Tuesday night with neutropenic fever.  My white count is creeping back up so I should be home tomorrow.  The sun outside my window has me experiencing a huge case of cabin fever.  What I wouldn't do right now for a flight to a warm destination, a long run and the smell of the ocean.  Might as well throw in a piña colada too =) I know...in time.  "Left foot, right foot, breathe."  That quote came from 20/20, Robin Roberts' Journey: The Diagnosis.  If you didn't have the chance to see it last night, I highly recommend it.  ABC has the episode posted online.  I was very moved and motivated.  It also left me thinking about my own journey with cancer.  I thought of the cards, phone calls and visits I have received from all of you.  The endless support and encouragement.  The greatest gifts in life are friends, family and LOVE.  Without these you have nothing.  I will never be able to thank you all enough for being by my side as I fought the toughest battle of my life.   

As of now, I have two more Rituxan treatments.  I will have my third PET scan and spinal tap the second week of March.  I hope to report good news!!  I will continue to see the doctor weekly.  I was told it will take at least one month for me to start feeling better so I'm thinking beginning/middle of April.  The chemotherapy drugs stay in your body for quite some time.  Also, it will take time for my immune system to strengthen so I still have to stay away from crowded public places. 


Light.Love.Power.Presence ~Robin Roberts wore this on her wristband

The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me.
Wherever I am, God is.

       

Saturday, February Sixteenth, Two Thousand and Thirteen

My last chemo was this past Wednesday, February 13th.  I'm very happy, but know the following weeks are going to be difficult.  My body is taking longer to recover after treatment, so I take it "day to day."  Hopefully, my third PET scan next month will show the lymphoma completely gone.  A third spinal tap probably next week will again check my spinal fluid.  I have many questions for the doctor regarding medications/Rituxan treatments...will they continue or will they stop?  I'll keep you posted.

On February 6th, my niece turned one year old!  My brother and sister-in-law had a small, family party at their house.  Ella loved her cake, presents...and of course the attention!     

And yes, that's a Cincinnati Reds Baseball cap...got to start em' young =)  One thing is for certain, she'll look adorable at her first baseball game!  Note the picture below.  I still have hair...but can't say the same for my lower eyelashes!

Saturday, February Second, Two Thousand and Thirteen

Many of you wonder if I was in the hospital this past week.  Unfortunately, the extra week didn't keep me out of the hospital as hoped, but I think it did help with the length of my stay.  I had a Rituxan treatment on Wednesday as usual and was feeling pretty good.  Late that night I spiked a fever and was admitted to the hospital (imagine that).  They gave me antibiotics and two units of blood overnight.  By Friday, my white blood cell count improved, allowing me to return home.  I receive Rituxan again this upcoming Wednesday.

As of now, my last chemotherapy treatment will be Wednesday, February 13th...thank goodness!!  Of course, I'm sure that another hospital stay will follow, but am definitely looking forward to the upcoming weeks!  I will be happy once this month is over and things get back to (somewhat) normal =)

On a not so positive note, my grandma (Lengle) has been transferred from assisted living to hospice.  This past week she was taken to the hospital for intense chest pain.  X-rays showed severe pneumonia and dehydration.  She also has a bacteria growing in her blood and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).  I was able to visit her at hospice on Wednesday prior to the hospital.  She "came to" upon hearing my voice and we had a good conversation.  My grandma and I are very close and I am truly blessed to have had such an amazing woman in my life for so long.  She never wanted to go to a nursing home.  After 94 years, we take comfort in knowing her wish was granted.

(2/3/13 Update- Grandma passed away Saturday, February 2 at 9:30pm. She was very much at peace)
Picture of Ella and her great grandmother Christmas 2012

I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated ~ unknown