Details, Details, Details

   I just saw my incredible oncologist, Dr. B.  She said I've tolerated the first oral chemo well. (The whole puking up my toes thing was expected, but the meds made it better.) Today and tomorrow I will get an IV push of a different chemo drug, then a continuous drip for 5 days. This will wipe out my bone marrow, then I'll have to stick around for it to replace. 
   This morning I weighed and had lost 5 pounds.  The WW leader in me was thinking, "Healthy weight loss is a half to two pounds per week."  I had cereal for breakfast and by passed the eggs, bacon, and biscuit. So far, so good!
 
   I don't necessarily have to have someone with me at all times, but it is comforting to have someone in the room.  My sis has been great.  She brings things to work on while I'm out and sends emails for me when I can't.  I'm going to talk her in to continuing my blog posts.
   I was transferred to a bigger room.  It's twice the size of the other one. More space to party!

Joy in the Journey?

  Absolutely!  I'm thinking I'm starting to see a theme emerge.  When I called a friend to tell her my news, it was hard for me.  You see, she lost her sister (one of my dear friends) to cancer a few years ago.  I was so blessed by her response.  She told me she would be praying for joy for me because the joy of the Lord would be my strength.  Wow!
 A few hours later, I was talking to my sis and commented that I needed a notebook to record this go-round. She said she had a new journal I could use, but didn't know if it would be appropriate because it was titled "Everyday Joy Journal."  I told her it was perfect and shared my phone call.
  Today, while getting friends caught up on everything, I came across a quote on the Joyce Myer Ministries FaceBook site. "God is never going to put us into a situation or permit us to be in one without giving us the ability to be in it with joy."  Talk about confirmation!

Cancer-Round Two!

   A week ago I was very excited to be going to my last six month oncology appointment...I would get to go to yearlies since I was five years cancer free.  After the routine blood work, I was told they wanted to do the tests again.  On the second round of blood work, I was told my white count was low. It could be a virus. I was given an appointment for the next week.  More blood work showed an lower count; even lower than when I was on chemo.  Friday I went in for a bone marrow biopsy and made an appointment for the next week to talk about the results. Early Saturday morning I received a call from my oncologist who said she got the preliminary results Friday evening and final Saturday morning.  I have acute promyelocytic leukemia. Dr. B said I needed to go to the hospital immediately.  "Immediately, as in right now?" I asked. (I was trying to finish my oatmeal and blueberries!) She asked me how I was feeling, and when I told her "fine" she said I could wait until Sunday afternoon.
   After getting off the phone, shedding a few tears, praying for strength and guidance, I began making phone calls.  Thanks to great family and friends, my classroom was taken care of, I met with my realtor (Y,es in the middle of everything, I'm trying to sell my house!), got my act together, and made it to the hospital. What a whirlwind!
   Okay, I need to take a moment and do a little praising.  Praise, really? Yes, I can see God's fingerprints all over this.  First, I didn't have any symptoms.  I was well enough to take care of the things I needed to see to before coming to the hospital.  According to Dr. B, this is a very aggressive form of leukemia and patients are usually exhibiting symptoms including pain and bleeding.  I still feel okay. (I do feel a little guilty because I've been on the computer or phone most of the day.) Another plus: this is a very treatable form or leukemia and it was caught early.  More praise...I can have visitors!  This is not inherited...no risk for my family!
      There are several more things I want to blog about, but will save for other posts.  (I don't like to read really long posts, so I figure no one else does either.) In order to keep everyone updates, I will updates.  I will also be blogging about my experience and thoughts during this whole journey.  I've been telling people this is going to be an adventure, but I'd rather be on a safari in Africa if given a choice!