May 4, 2007

I haven't written anything in the blog since the week after April 21 was unexciting. The week consisted of just getting shots, Neuprogren, for the white blood cells. I did manage to go to work after getting the shots and thus an unexciting week. Lots of people at church were happy to see me and hear the progress I am making. If you know me well, that you can summarize that I did more talking than work.

The week of April 30 was supposed to be a week of chemo. Did you see the hint there? After meeting with Dr. Hartner, my hemotology doctor, it was determined that my hemoglobins and platelets were too low for chemo. Thus on Tuesday I received a blood transfusion of 2 pints which took over 5 hours after my radiation. Now don't think I'm turning into a vampire. Since the bi-weekly chemo meant to aggressively treat the cancer, it was too hard on my system depleting me of the good red blood cells. Dr. Hartner decided to put me back on the three week cycle of chemo, 1 week on, 2 off. This may or may not extend the treatment.

Good news! The tumor has shrunk about 1/2 inch. I stupidly never asked how big the tumor was with all the information I was bombarded with at the beginning. But it was approximately 5, almost 6 centimeters or almost 2 inches long by 1 and 1/4" wide. It has become softer, which is a good sign, and I can now comfortably walk in my bare feet on the carpeted floor.

I will be taking a leave absence from work from May 20 till September 1st. Prayerfully my treatment will be over and I can resume my work schedule. A college student will answer the phones and greet people for the summer.

With Lisa's graduation from Rowan next Friday and Michael's graduation from Paul VI on June 1st, I will have time to prepare for the graduation party. The pool will be open and the central air conditioning will be working, so I can catch up on organizing my photos (doesn't everyone always say they're going to do that sometime?) and cleaning out my trip files. But I can stop anytime if anyone wants to come visit me AND please do.

Thanks to my sister Susan for the beautiful basket of flowers that arrived at Easter and to Janet S. for the bountiful fruit basket. Thanks also to my Tai Chi class for their constant cards reminding me that when you take a class for relaxation to ease yourself of your problems, that you gain friendships to help you get through your problems.

Enjoy the beautiful weather.