The Day After...

Today is a beautiful day! I had a restful night and this morning I had a pleasant walk at Drake Park with Teri and Niban. As many times as I've walked in this park, today was the first time I noticed a fruiting cherry tree. The fruits are tart and would be perfect for a cherry pie - but too tart for regular eating.  After the walk we came home and ate home-made soft tacos. I'm so thankful I haven't lost my appetite because you all know how I love to eat!

Cycle 1 Infusion 1 DONE!

I have officially completed my very first chemotherapy infusion.  I was in at 10:00 am and out by 12 noon.  Thus far I am not experiencing any side effects.  In fact, the constant dull ache in my left side is gone. Could the tumor be shrinking already??  I feel great and I just need to make sure I stay hydrated, drinking 2 -3 quarts of water everyday and keep myself nourished during this healing process.  My daughter, Teri took a little video of me during treatment talking to my other daughter, Billie.   My next infusion is next Friday, 8/6 at 8:30 am.

Here we GO!

Tomorrow is the first day of my new adventure.  I will receive my first chemotherapy infusion in the morning. The chemotherapy drug is GEMZAR. For more information pertaining to this drug and chemotherapy treatment visit:
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/gemzar.asp   The infusion will take 1 to 2 hours. My oncologist anticipates minimal side effects; fatigue and loss of appetite and possibly some nausea - for which my oncologist prescribed Ativan and Compazine. NO- I won't loose my hair :-)   I will have chemotherapy infusion once a week for 3 weeks and then 1 week off. This pattern will continue for approximately 9 weeks at which time I will have a PET/CT scan to confirm that the treatment is shrinking the tumors. Next Tuesday, 8/3, I will have a port-a-catheter implant performed by Dr. Frei. This is my decision so I won't sustain long term vein damage.Thank all of you for your overwhelming love, support and encouraging words these past days. Your prayers, optimism and faith is truly felt and much appreciated during this time. Please continue praying for me and my girls.

Coppelia

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Central Oregon School of Ballet perform the French ballet, Coppelia. The ballet tells the story of an inventor who has made a life-sized dancing doll and a boy in the village who thinks the dolls is a real girl. My dear friend, Marianne was kind enough to take me and my girls to this special performance. It was a real treat.

Hi MamaLoooo!

Just wanted you to know how much I love you. I will be thinking of you this week. Praying for strength courage and peace. Love B and Mag