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

Happy Friday!

Well, my Loyola visit yesterday did not go as planned. My counts were borderline and my mouth sores were worse so I did not get my chemo treatment. I will be off all chemo medicine for a week. That means that we will continue with treatment #12 next Thursday if all goes well. I just skip #11. Dr. Albain assured me that this is very common at this point and it will be good for my body to have a rest from those potent drugs. This explains my major fatigue. Hopefully as my counts go up, so will my energy level. That would be great!! This sleeping all the time is not fun!

The mouth sores already seem a bit better today. I have a new numbing mouthwash (they call it a cocktail) to use before eating. It numbs the sores but also takes away some of the taste of the food.

On another note, Emily and Dan will be home on Monday. They are having a wonderful trip. They will both be moving to new places when they get back so I assume we will be busy helping them out and checking out their new digs. Emily will be looking for an apt. in the city.

Thanks for your concern and support in what has been a tougher time in the journey. Please pray for those counts to go up so I can get back on the treatment schedule next week.

Take Care,

Karen

Hello one and all!

Last week was a bit of a let down for me. I felt a lot more tired that previous weeks and napped more than usual. My Thursday treatment went well and I ended up in a chair next to my dear friend, Marj Koenig. We agreed that we have to stop meeting like this!! She is fighting a much tougher battle and can use your prayers also.

I talked to Dan and Emily on Thursday and they are having an amazing time in Europe. I look forward to many interesting stories when they get back.

Well, today is Friday and I'm feeling pretty good. Maybe the major fatigue of last week is over! Napping once a day seems to work for me! Don't want to miss out on too much, you know!

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Have a great week!

Karen

Hello Everyone!

Well, it's hard to believe that I have only 6 treatments left in this first round of chemo. The latest side effect has been some sores on my tongue that makes eating a little difficult. The good part is that I can still taste the food, just can't eat as much. A blessing in disguise?? Otherwise, I still feel pretty good.

I am so grateful for the continued support that pushes me through each day. The cards, calls, prayers, emails, visits and opportunities for outings are very much appreciated!

Have a great week!

Karen

Sorry that I have not blogged for awhile. I've actually been busier than usual. I also seem to have a little more energy this week. That is so unpredictable, however. Last weekend I went to Candlewick Lake for a little getaway. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. I am so glad that I feel up to doing things with my wonderful friends. So far, I have not had to miss out on too much! You know how I hate that!!

Emily and Dan left for Europe on Monday. They are going to Prague, Munich, Venice, Florence and Rome and stopping in some smaller towns along the way. Before they left, Emily was offered a job teaching math at Downers Grove North High School. She is very happy to be moving back to the area (so are her parents!) and she is excited about her new position. She will be looking for an apartment downtown.

I have completed treatment #8 out of 15 in the first round of chemo. That's over halfway! Most days it seems to be going quickly. I try to look at how far I've come and not how far there is to go! That can seem daunting.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Remember to comment on the blog or just email me if you get a chance. I always love getting mail.

Karen

Hello All!

Well, yesterday was a marathon day at Loyola.  I arrived at 7:30am and left around 4:30pm.  I ended up having a procedure called a port stripping.  They send a wire up through the groin to the tubing that's clogged and strip it clean.  I was awake through the procedure which was very interesting.  Of course, I wasn't looking forward to going through another ordeal, but it did work and the port will hopefully remain open for the rest of my treatments.  Dan was able to come and relieve Terri Schroeder who has been with me for both port procedures.  It was good for Dan to get to see how the chemo is administered.  I felt well enough after the long Loyola visit to go out and get a bite to eat!  Then it was home to bed!!

 Both kids are home and that always makes me happy!!  Emily had her own medical ordeal with a kidney infection.  She ended up in the ER for IV fluids and a new antibiotic.  She is doing much better now!  

The subbing on Wednesday was alot of fun.  Only one student commented on my new hair color.  She added that her mom also colors her hair!!  Too funny! 

I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

Karen