4 Months, 8 Days, 7 Hours and 55 Minutes . . .

. . . time elapsed since working IN my office at the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA). The front door opened with the same key, the building smelled the same, sounded the same and my office looked the same (neater though)! Are you sure I wasn’t here just yesterday? Those 4 plus months passed very quickly. Anyone out there who can make the next 13 months pass as quickly? The impetus for going into work on this particular day was to attend the SFMA monthly board meeting, my first in 4 months! It was extraordinary and emotional to see my colleagues after such a long time – the same colleagues who have been supporting me during my unexpected voyage. Their support is one more thing for which I am so grateful. I went in at 7:00 a.m. and stayed until 2:00 p.m. Came home and fell right to sleep! I hope to spend many more days IN the office and visiting members while I’m on Chemo Lite! My blood work on Monday will reveal whether going IN to work is a good idea or not. Remember, Dr. Estrov says, "Go home and LIVE." That’s what I’m doing!

Going Down

The good news - I’m feeling great! The bad new – my numbers are going down (platelets 43, WBC 1.4)! This is NOT unexpected, but I still experience disappointment. I’m going to go with the feeling great part, though, and go home and work. Lots to do before the March 24th banquet. I’m so happy I have the mental capacity to work! And, I can work in the comfort and safety of home sweet home.

Daily Activities

The last words Dr. Estrov says to me before I leave Houston and come home to Florida is, “Go home and live!” He puts no restrictions on his patients and tells them to do all they feel they can do. He even told me to go golfing with my friends – ride in the cart, enjoy the camaraderie and weather, pitch and putt. I can’t drive because of the pic line I have in my arm, but I can and will do what he said re golf. I filled this day with normal daily activities like working. I find I CAN concentrate. The day was capped off by attend Book Club - an activity that I have participated in once a month for almost 7 years. Simple things are so precious.

Still OK

My blood work today revealed that my numbers are still OK – going down, as expected, but still high enough to feel good and not require any transfusions. Day 12th last month I had already had 10 transfusions and felt terrible. If you could see my face now you would see me smiling. I walked two miles today and am enjoying a visit from my dear friends All and Jack Irwin. Like Maria last week, Ann and Jack came to help me recover – we are all happy I’m not sick!

Six Degrees

I’m still feeling good and am happy to be concentrating on work. The SFMA Annual Recognition of Excellence Banquet is this month. I’m thrilled I can lend a hand with the preparation for that event. It is always emotional when I talk with colleagues I haven’t spoken with in 4 months. When I spoke with Lou Chiera, President of Winner’s Awards Group (where SFMA gets their awards), he told me about a friend of his in New York who had the same thing happen to him. Feeling great – on vacation – has a leg pain – and the doctor tells him to get to the hospital immediately because he has Leukemia and needs to be treated immediately or “he will die!” His life changed immediately, just liked mine. That man is Attorney Richard B. Herman who appears on CNN every Saturday and the Nancy Grace Show from time to time. Lou gave Richard my phone number and he called me today! Two people who would otherwise have never met are suddenly kindred spirits because of an illness they share. Richard is a year out. He is in remission and hoping to try his first case in a year next month. I hope to meet him on his next visit to South Florida. What a great surprise! Every day brings something new. A new friend! Another blessing!

I Vacuumed Today. Hooray! Hooray!

I know you are all probably saying to yourself, “What the heck is she talking about here? She vacuumed today, big deal!" Well, there are three important revelations here. First off, I CARED that there was dirt and crumbs on the floor. Second, I had the STRENGTH to push the vacuum. Last month I tried to vacuum and I couldn’t push it for even two passes. I got out of breath just carrying the vacuum to the carpet. And, third, I FEEL BETTER today than I have on any day since October 2009! Hooray Hooray!

I realize that this euphoria could go south at any moment but I have learned in these past few months that it is important to celebrate all triumphs - large AND small. So, today I'm celebrating vacuuming! By the way - this lesson doesn’t just apply to people going through Chemotherapy. It applies to everyone! Celebrate often and bring joy into your life every day!

For a Minute - All Seemed Normal

What is with this weather? It was 47 degrees this a.m.! Way too cold for the tropics. It was sunny though! I drove myself to the Drs. office this morning in my own car, opened my sun roof, felt the sun on my face, stopped for gas – I actually felt somewhat normal for those minutes. It was a good feeling!

My blood work this morning showed that my counts are still OK with platelets at 105. And, I feel so much better.

Travel Day

Up at 4:45 a.m. central time to make the 7:25 a.m. flight home to Boca. Fortunately I’m feeling better this time. My friend Maria Norton picked me up from the airport. She’s staying with me for a few days since I had such a hard time recovering last month. It is always so good to come home.

An Early Morning

7:15 a.m. was my scheduled time for blood work. They work all hours here at MD Anderson! I’m anxious to see what 5 days of Chemo has done to my blood and if I need a transfusion before I fly home tomorrow. Remember last month they told me it was dangerous to fly with very low platelets - that I might bleed in my brain or lungs!! Well nothing to worry about this time as my platelets held strong at 109. Dr. Estrov says all is well and to go home and live. Checked out of the hotel and spent the last night enjoying dinner with the Ogles.

It's a Wrap!

Round 4 of my Chemo Protocol is now in the books, finished, HISTORY! Only 13 more Rounds to go! It is crucial for me to keep focused on what I have completed rather that what is left to complete. Otherwise I’d surely shoot myself (just an expression!).

After five sessions I’m still feeling OK and have continued eating and drinking. Tomorrow I have my blood work and meet with my doctor. I’m hoping my numbers are not so low that I need to have platelets before I fly home. Remember last time they told me my brain might bleed if I flew with my platelets too low! Geez! Anyway my blood work is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. so if I need blood products they will have plenty of time to schedule it.