Sweet Grandchildren

I stayed with Reece, Aubrey and Camryn this afternoon while their mom was out for awhile. There is never a dull moment. :o) Reece wanted me to draw some pictures, and I left the pen where Aubrey could reach it when I went to the bathroom. By the time I got back, she had drawn black lines all over both her legs. I took her into the bathroom and sat her on the counter with her feet in the sink. I was washing her legs off and I said, "Aubrey, don't write on yourself with a pen, okay?" And she said, "O-tay, Gam-maw!" She's soooo cute! Her hair was in a ponytail today.

Reece saw a little box of Legos in the kitchen cabinet (where his parents keep them put away from the little girls) and wanted to play with them. So we built a "house," and he wanted to put an air conditioner, a TV, a stove, and a couch in the house. We found a way to make all that, then he put little cylindrical Legos on the "counter" and said they were Cokes and Root Beer. He made his little Lego men sit on the couch and watch TV, ride a horse, and run from a Lego alligator. He has a great imagination.

Camryn was her usual smiley self. Every time I looked at her or talked to her, she would smile so big and kick her feet. If you tell her "no" about anything, she puts her head down and puts her hands over her ears. :o) I guess she doesn't like to hear "no no." Aubrey was pretending to cook, and she would feed Camryn with a little toy spoon from a tiny skillet. They make me smile.

I forgot to take pictures. :o(

Sixth Cycle Is Finished.

(My favorite Hawaiian flower, plumeria. They smell like Heaven).

I'm home. I'm so glad to be here! They are wonderful to me at the hospital, but it's true that there is no place like home. I was there 3 days, but it feels like I've been gone for a week.

Josh and his family were just pulling into the driveway when I got home, so I got to see all of them. I talked to Kelly, who took care of my dogs, the cat, her Gran and my house while I was gone. Ron and both of my sisters called me this evening, and Josh just came back and brought me some barbecued chicken he grilled. They are all so sweet, and life is good. :o)

I've been moved from the cancer side of things to the bone marrow transplant unit at Wilford Hall, with a new set of doctors, a different clinic, and some different nurses and techs. The regular chemotherapy regimen is finished, but there will be more chemo with the stem cell transplant. Please keep praying for me. I'm more stressed about the transplant stuff than I was about the first six rounds of chemo. Thanks!

They did a lot while I was in the hospital this time. I got the central line implanted in my chest on Monday. It's BIG! They did what they called "tunneling," which means it's kind of backed up to my neck under the skin. Looks weird. Then there are two "nozzles" coming out on the left side of my upper chest. It's on the same side as my PICC line. I have 4 lines they can use for various things. I feel like a Cyborg. They will use the central line to harvest my stem cells. They said the reason it has to be so large is so that none of the cells will be damaged going through the line. There is some redness today around the central line, so they have me on antibiotics in case of infection. It's a bit itchy, too.

They started chemo Monday afternoon. It was 4 cycles of Ara-C, 1 of Rituxan and some kind of steroid that I've forgotten the name of. They finished the 4th cycle of Ara-C this morning from about midnight to 4 AM. I slept through the last cycle. :o)

The dentist came to visit me to take a look at my broken molar. He decided that it could wait until after my entire treatment is finished. I'm glad to hear that.

I had a breathing test at the pulmonary clinic. I have huge lung capacity for an old lady--the guy who did the test was very impressed. :o) I credit that to never having smoked. I have good, healthy lungs.

I had an EKG, a chest X-Ray, and a mammogram. They were not able to get me in for the MUGA scan and told me to call Nuclear Medicine at BAMC. I did, but they can't do it until August 19, and that's a day after I'm supposed to start the stem cell harvest. That won't do, so I'll have to get my doctor to call them and get me in sooner. Bother.

I have to go back on Friday for labs, a dressing change and so that they can look at my central line to be sure there is no infection. I'll see one of the transplant docs then, too.

I'll start the Neupogen shots (2X a day) tomorrow and will continue them through the stem cell harvest period. There are other meds I take from days 5 through the 15th to keep me from getting side effects from the chemo (I get those after every chemo treatment). Plus the antibiotic for the central line, nausea meds as needed, and eye drops to protect my eyes. It's a lot to remember, along with my usual diabetes and thyroid meds!

I didn't see the social worker or clinical coordinator, but I don't think they are important (don't tell them I said that). I talked to one of them today for a few minutes, and she said we could get together any time during the stem cell transplant procedure.

I'll go in on August 17 for Rituxan therapy (another chemo). Then the next day I'll start the stem cell harvest procedure. It takes 4 hours, and can take from one to three days, depending on how many stem cells they can recover. I'm not looking forward to this procedure. They said my family can be with me for it. Ron will still be out of town, but Kelly and Josh are going to be with me. They said we can watch movies, have snacks, etc. They try to make it sound like fun, but I've read what can happen and it's kind of scary. I don't ever believe them any more when they tell me something is quick and easy. It never is.

I still don't have a date for the deep chemo that will be done in the hospital for 6 days. The doctor will tell me, probably next week.

It seems like things are happening really quickly now. I'm excited that my treatment will soon be over, anxious about the procedures, and hopeful that all of this will have excellent results.

If this treatment cures me of mantle cell lymphoma, I will consider it a miracle. The transplant doctors said that mantle cell almost always comes back because some of the cells are slow growing and cannot be targeted by the chemo. Mantle cell is one of the rare forms of lymphoma. Only about 6% of lymphoma patients have it, and only about 2% of those are women; men usually get it. So I am a rare lymphoma patient with little chance of a complete cure. Most mantle cell patients have a recurrence of the disease within 5 years or so.

But my doctors tell me that I have had an excellent response, that I'm doing really well, and they are hopeful. I am even more hopeful, because I know the power of faith and prayer. I have had so many wonderful people praying for me, I have used my Lourdes water, I've said Novenas to many saints, and Jesus is right here with me, holding me close no matter what happens.

Thank you again for your thoughts, love and prayers. I can't begin to express what it means to me.

Sorry, I know some of this is repetition. I guess I'm trying to get it all straight in my head. ;o)

Stem Cell Transplant Procedure

(Rose of Sharon)

(Just a note to make sure that y'all know that this stem cell transplant uses my own stem cells. I am totally against the use of embryonic stem cells taken from aborted babies, and would never agree to the use of such stem cells, even if they could save my life. However, it is not necessary at all to use embryonic stem cells, as adult stem cells are more effective).

(This post written Sunday night and prescheduled to post Monday morning).

My medical team already started (last week) doing some of the procedures needed for the stem cell transplant. They have taken lots of blood in order to do many different kinds of tests, making sure I'm strong and healthy enough for the transplant.

They've taken me to the clinic where the stem cell harvest will be done, where they took more blood and had me fill out a lot of paperwork. They showed me the machine that will separate my blood cells into layers and send the stem cells to be stored.

I have to have another EKG, chest xray, a MUGA scan, and visits to the oral surgeon/dentist, a social worker, and the clinical referral coordinator. I'm not sure what the purpose of those last two can be; guess I'll find out when I see them. I suspect the social worker is to find out if I'm psychologically ready for the transplant?

Tomorrow they will put a new line in my chest to use for the stem cell harvest. They said the PICC line in my arm is too small for that procedure. The stem cell harvest could take anywhere from one to three days (four hours each day). They will give me neupogen two times a day beforehand to help develop lots of white cells in my bone marrow. Yes, neupogen--the stuff that made me hurt so much. Yikes. But the more white cells, the more stem cells. When my white cells reach a certain level, that's when they will harvest the stem cells.

The harvested stem cells will be frozen until I've had a round of "super chemo," which will take about a week in the hospital. That chemo treatment will take place about 21 days after the one I'll have this week, so around August 30th, I think. Because it is such strong chemo, they will be keeping a very close eye on me. That's why I have to stay in the hospital so long.

After the "super chemo" is finished, they will return my own harvested stem cells through the line in my chest (I think). The transplant doctor said that recovery will take awhile and I won't feel "well" for quite some time. He expects by the end of the year I'll begin to feel okay again. I'm hoping that I'll be as fortunate with that recovery as I've been with the chemo treatments I've had.

I know that it is thanks to all of you who have prayed for me for all these months that I have done so well. As I come to the final phase of treatment, I continue to ask for your prayers. Thank you all for helping me in this battle for my life.

Getting Ready for Chemo

(Facade of Mission San Jose, one of the old churches along San Antonio's Mission Trail).

Mass was lovely today. Fr. Mesa, the parochial vicar, was the priest. His homily was very nice, about faith, hope and love and the two "schools" where we learn about those virtues, prayer and penance. And his Latin was pretty good, too. :o)

Mom's chicken turned out very yummy--moist and full of flavor. We made some mashed potatoes and corn, and she made gravy which was delicious! We had brownies for dessert. Kelly came for dinner, too. Mom was happy to be the hostess today. It was nice.

Kelly came to my house after we left Gran's, and wrote out a schedule for taking care of the dogs and Maggie. They were extremely happy to see her. Kelly will also be in charge of Gran's medications while I'm in the hospital. So a big load of worry has been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you, Kel!

Josh just came by, so I got to see him for awhile before I go into the hospital for a few days. His new job is going well, and he seems to like it. He works long hours, and six days a week, but he hasn't complained. He just bought himself a TomTom since he drives all over town for his jobs. His training period is just about over.

I'll probably not post on my blog until I get home. I can post from my iphone, but it's much easier from my computer. I can't get on the internet with my computer in the hospital, though. But I can read and answer email from my iphone.

So, see you Wednesday!

Beautiful Sunday Morning

Reece spent the night last night. We made chocolate fudge oatmeal cookies. He likes to eat the raw oatmeal, straight from the box. He said, "I yike these oatmeal seeds!" :o) Ever since he was a little bitty boy he has thought the Quaker Oat guy on the box is a picture of his Papa.

His papa took him to the store and bought him a Transformer car and motorcycle. I can never get those things back to the original after they've "transformed."

Reece played outside quite a bit, while Papa was vacuuming the pool.

He likes to go through the old toys in a box in one of the spare bedrooms. One day he asked what was in the box, and I said, "Oh, just a bunch of junk." So when he wants to play in there, he says, "Can I play with the junk?" We put batteries in the sleeping Ernie toy that was Caelen's when he was little, and it still works. Reece got so tickled when Ernie would talk and snore. :o)

Funny story about that Ernie. I was sleeping in the spare room one night, and just as I was falling asleep I heard someone say, "I feel great!" I thought Ernie must have shifted in the toy box and it made him talk, so I rolled over and was falling asleep again when I heard, "I feel great!" I finally had to get up and take the batteries out of the crazy thing. I guess they were going bad, and Ernie wouldn't shut up! Creepy.

Reece went with me early this morning to take Papa to the airport. I dropped him off at home on the way back. He and his mama were trying to decide what to have for breakfast when I left their house. The little girls were still asleep.

I'll pick Mom up for Mass in a bit. She was going to put a chicken in her crock pot last night for our Sunday dinner today. Kelly is joining us for dinner after Mass, then she will come over to my house for awhile. She is going to take care of Sister and Katy for me while I'm in the hospital, since Ron is out of town. She is my angel.

Hope you are having a beautiful weekend!

Quick Update

Mostly boring medical stuff going on around here this week. I was at the hospital Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Today I saw my transplant doctor for an exam and a long talk about the transplant. Then they took a million vials of blood in preparation for the transplant. I still need to have several procedures done, but can have them done during my stay in the hospital next week for chemo. We are moving into the last phase of my cancer treatment and I'm a little overwhelmed.

Reece was here Wednesday night. I thank God for that little guy; he helps me keep my focus where it should be rather than worrying and fretting about things. A few Reecisms: :o)

"Gramma, can I play with the Coobies?" (He wanted to play with the Cootie game).

Reece was watching Up. I was busy and looked up to see him walking across the room dragging his leg. I didn't know what he was doing until I looked at the the screen and saw Kevin (the big bird) dragging Dug (the dog) along as Dug held onto Kevin's leg. I love how he acts out his movies.

I watched Aubrey and Camryn on Thursday while his mommy and daddy took Reece to see Toy Story 3. This is the first time he has been to a movie theater. He walked into the family room afterward and said to me, "I went to see a movie!" I said, "You did? What did you see?" He said, "Toy Story!" and danced a little jig. He really enjoyed it. His mom said that an old couple was sitting in the same row they were in, and that the man would laugh real hard. Whenever he laughed, Reece would lean forward and look down the row at him. I can just see him doing that. He likes it when people laugh. :o)

He likes to watch Cake Boss. He decorated my lamp with appliques, just laying them around the bottom of the lamp shade, and said he was decorating a cake. He said he is a chef. He is always asking me to make a "firetruck cake." He thinks I can do anything.

I'll have my sixth round of chemo on Monday and Tuesday in the hospital, so I plan to enjoy the weekend while I'm feeling good.

Reece Makes Brownies

I didn't have to go anywhere today, which was so nice! Ron took Mom's meds to her at lunch time and gave me a break.


Tomorrow I have to go in for labs and a picc line dressing change. I'll have to be up and out of the house early, so Reece didn't stay overnight tonight, but came over around 6 and stayed until 10. He was sleepy by the time we got him home, but he was so sweet and good while he was here.


He wanted to bake, and I gave him the choice between the muffins we didn't make last week, or brownies. He chose brownies. He did most of it by himself, putting the mix into the batter bowl, and pouring in all the other ingredients. I cracked the egg on the side of the bowl for him, but he opened it up and let it slide into the bowl. He stirred for a bit, but brownie batter is pretty stiff, so I helped with that, and with pouring it into the pan. He did just fine tasting the batter all on his own. He loves "chockit." :o)


The brownies turned out yummy. We each had one and Reece took the rest of the pan home to share with his family while the brownies were still warm.


I loved spending the evening with him. We had pork chops, baked potato and green beans for dinner, watched some videos, played a game, drew on the white board and played with his cars. And baked. And I stole lots of hugs and kisses.


I felt pretty good today; good enough to clean up dog poop in the backyard while the puppies followed me around. I did that early this morning, before it got so hot. The puppies spent a lot of time in the pool this afternoon. I also cleaned the kitchen, did some laundry and made dinner. Feeling nearly normal. :o)





Please pray for my Aunt Pearl who died Monday evening in Oklahoma. She was 92 years old and raised a beautiful family of ten children. Her husband, my dad's older brother, died several years ago. Three of her sons died, two in vehicle accidents, one on a tractor that turned over. I don't believe her life was easy, but I remember her always smiling and cheerful.

Eternal rest grant her, O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon her. May she and all the faithful departed, through your mercy and grace, rest in peace. Amen

Monday ChitChat

Well, the Neupogen did its job. I was at the hospital for labs this morning, and they told me my white cell count went from being critically low last Wednesday to quite high this morning. There is no problem with it being high since it hasn't affected my spleen (isn't that a weird word?). I have plenty of white cells now to fight infections, so I don't have to worry much about being out and about. I last took the Tylenol Arthritis at 6:15 PM, and have had no pain from the Neupogen today--yay!

Kelly and I had plans to go shopping and out to eat for her birthday, so I drove to her house after I left the hospital around 10. I liked seeing her dogs--they are all so cute and sweet. Neither of us had eaten breakfast, so we decided to eat first and shop later. Mmm, biscuits with sausage gravy and eggs were yummy. I often give Kelly a gift basket filled with things I think she might like or need, and that is what she wanted for her birthday, but this time she got to pick out the things she wanted in the basket. We had fun.

After I left Kelly's, I went by Mom's. She was missing my sister, who was with her this weekend. She said Sandi buzzes around the apartment, and can always think of something to do. :o)

I was tired by the time I got home, so I rested. Later in the evening Ron and I ran an errand and had hamburgers for dinner. Thank you Lord for another good day. :o)

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

I'm glad you've enjoyed your three day birthday celebration!

I loved being with you today for breakfast and birthday shopping. Seems like that's what we do best--eat and shop. :o)

I pray that God continues to bless you always. We love you with all our hearts!

Sunday Evening Whine

The Neupogen shots are kicking my butt. When I saw my doctor on Wednesday I told him that I didn't get the Neulasta after my last chemo. It's a shot that helps my body make white cells. So he gave me 5 vials of Neupogen, which does the same thing. The Neulasta is easier, though, because you only have to have one shot. But you have to have it within 24 hours of the chemo. I didn't realize that I didn't get it until it was too late.

My doc warned me that the Neupogen can cause bone and joint pain, and said that sometimes people can't even walk it hurts so much. As usual, I was sure I wouldn't get that pain. I never think I'm going to get the bad side effects other people get. But I did. It's the worst pain I've had so far during these treatments. I can control it with Tylenol Arthritis every 8 hours, but I have to remember to take it before the pain starts. Yesterday I wasn't hurting after 8 hours, so I waited and wound up miserable for several hours.

Today is the last shot (I've been giving them to myself at night before bed), thank goodness! So this hasn't been the good weekend that I thought it would be. I didn't get to spend much time with my sister, and I'm missing dinner with Ron's nephew and his family right now. I did make it to Mass, though. I couldn't stand the thought of missing again, so we went and I did okay.

Hope your weekend has been better than mine!

Photo Credit