Happy Friday!

Wow! I had my last treatment in this first round of chemo yesterday! I will still take the oral medication for 6 days. Then I will be off of everything for two weeks. How nice that will be. I have a heart scan on the 10th and will see Dr. Albain on the 17th when I start part two of this journey.

I taught full days Wed., Thurs. and Fri. this week. It was great to see the kids! My energy level was not quite as high as my enthusiasm. I have decided to teach part time on Mon.-Thurs. for awhile. My good friend and substitute, Anne Coglianese will be filling in. She will do a great job with the kids. What a blessing!

Emily started her job and although very busy, she is really enjoying it! Dan started grad classes and likes his professors very much. He will have lots of studying to look forward to.

I hope you are all doing well. Thanks again for all your concern and support. It means so much!! Enjoy the weekend!

Karen

Hi All!

I thought I'd get my weekly news out early this week! I had my 14th treatment, but who's counting? I am, and that means just one more to go in this first round. I have still been quite tired and today my red blood count was on the edge. They asked about fatigue and dizziness and it was decided that I would get a blood transfusion on Saturday. They said that I should feel much better afterward. This comes at a great time since we start meetings and school next week. I am hopeful that this will turn things around for me!

Thanks for checking in!

Karen

Greetings!

I had my 13th treatment on Thursday which means only 2 to go in this first round! Dr. Albain did say that I am tired because I am nearing the end of this round. Just taking lots of naps these days. I'm hoping that the routine of school will boost my energy!

The new side effect is that I am losing my fingernails and toenails. It's so attractive. I guess that good news is that they will eventually grow back. This doesn't happen to everyone, but unfortunately it did to me! Well, on a positive note, my mouth is feeling great and I have no nausea at all.

Only one week left before we begin school. I'm excited and nervous about how this will go. I can't wait to see the kids!

Emily has finished her week of orientation and really enjoyed it. She found an apartment downtown and is anxious to move in the beginning of Sept. Dan is enjoying his last few days of vacation before starting grad school on the 24th.

I wish you all a wonderful week!

Karen

Hello All!

Yesterday was a good day at Loyola. My counts were way up and I was able to get back on my chemo treatments. Dr. Albain reduced the amount slightly because I am having something funky going on with my nails. It's always something!! I will be taking vitamin B6 and using Australian Tree Tea Oil (how about that) to help with this problem.

The good news is that the mouth sores are gone for now. Today, I'm actually feeling somewhat energetic!! I'm reminded that I have to take one day at a time. I've been stressing too much about the future. I'm working at concentrating on today. Not so easy for me, but a learning process underway!! I'm praying for patience and strength as the days go on. I only have 3 more treatments in this first cycle!

Thanks for being there for me! Don't forget to send your comments or emails. I enjoy hearing from you! Keep those prayers coming!

Love,

Karen