Lows and highs

Hello everyone,
This week's chemo was moved up to Thursday because the oncology office moved to new quarters on Friday. Yeah! Rumor has it that it will be a much bigger facility and even have wi-fi.

All went well - a bit shorter than the marathon 5 1/2 hours last week. But the Benedryl knocked me out of anything productive for the rest of the day. Lying in the sun by the pool was just about the only thing I wanted to do. I know, tough life! Thank goodness the sun did come out.

But Friday, the steroids must have kicked in. Running, laundry, housework, yardwork, computer work, Optimist work - there wasn't enough time to get everything done. The only downside was when night came, I couldn't sleep - was still going a mile a minute. Today seems a bit more normal whatever that may be.

Last Wednesday was the six-week followup brain MRI so I am anxiously awaiting those results due Aug. 1. The good part is that there is so much to do with preparations for going to Chicago to help Jim with his move to a new house, bringing Annabelle to Ohio, getting ready for my sister Barbara, Pete, and Jim to come in on Wednesday, Aug. 8, and getting ready for Laura's & Ken's wedding on the 11th and the family reunion on the 12th, I can't dwell on the fear of what I may learn. We are really looking forward to all of these events - haven't had so many family and friends together for a long time.

After all this comes the Ohio District Optimist Convention in Akron, the next week, my 50th HS Class Reunion and the following week, the Centerville Noon Optimist Summer Party. Wow! Bring on those steroids!

Enough rambling. Thanks for your continued good wishes and prayers. This is still an unbelievable situation, but knowing so many people are out there pulling for good results helps tremendously.

See you soon,
Margaret

A week away from chemo, but it is back

Hi everyone,
I haven't written anything lately, but have seen a lot of people what with the big Centerville Noon golf event last week and other events. The golf event was phenomenol. Judy DeMarco pulled it off with great class as always, but she even arranged for the greatest weather you can imagine!

Last week was also my week off from chemo, but true to predictions, the day of the golf outing was the 21st day after chemo and on schedule, all of my hair started to fall out in clumps. Today it is pretty well gone. Two wigs and lots of ball caps will help. Yesterday was the first day of the second cycle of chemo. Since Medicare will not pay for the Abraxane that the doctor wanted to and has been using, we had to switch to placlitaxol which is an effective drug, but takes longer to administer so yesterday's treatment was 5 1/2 hours - a long time.

Today I felt good - played golf and got a first - par on #14 and birdie on #15 at Sugar Valley. That helped the score a lot since some of the other holes were not too good.

I continue to appreciate all of the good wishes you send. You are an amazing group of friends - love you all.

Margaret

Chemo and on to Chicago

Even though I should be going to closing sessions in Montreal and getting ready for the President's Ball, life doesn't always work out the way one expects. Yesterday's chemo was better than I expected - about 3 1/2 hours total and after the Benedryl worked off, was able to help with the last hour or so of driving to Chicago. Annabelle's 5th birthday party is today - planned after I had to cancel the trip to Montreal. One door closes and another opens.

It is hard to believe it has only been two weeks since the treatments began - seems like forever - and now the first cycle is over. Next week - no treatment - hope the energy level holds out because Thursday is Centerville Noon Optimist's big golf outing to benefit Children's Medical Center, the Childhood Cancer Crusade and other projects for kids in our area.

I feel great - haven't lost much hair yet, but the wig is ready. I brought it and three ball caps to Chicago in case it all comes out and one time!

See you soon and thanks again for the calls and cards. They are very encouraging.
Margaret

July 5 update

Hi everybody. My apologies for not getting this update sooner, but actually that is a good sign -haven't slowed down long enough to type!

The second chemo was much easier than the first because I only received the two chemo drugs, Abraxane and the Carboplatin, along with antinausea stuff - only about a 2 hour procedure. The room wasn't crowded this time so I had plenty of space to do my Optimist work. Last Wednesday, my sister Barbara came in from PA and we had a great visit - the most relaxed time we've had for a long time. We shopped for wigs, went to chemo where she was able to meet Dr. Calvo and my nurses, then Saturday spent the day in Piqua seeing our old house and having dinner with our cousins and good friends.

The Fourth of July was "normal" - Americana race, Root Beer stand, cookout with good friends, etc. I missed going to the Optimist International Convention in Montreal and sincerely appreciate the people who stepped in to do my duties - Deanda Mills, Doug Fritz, Bob Moore and the rest of the Ohio contingent. My Activities Committee leaders, Stephanie and Danielle, were wonderful and understanding to get my responsibilities covered, also. I plan to have the chance to repay this help at future Optimist Conventions. Next year is Dallas/Fort Worth.

The cards, notes and other well wishes are wonderful. All have been so encouraging and more helpful than you can imagine.

Thanks so much and see you soon,
Margaret