SUNDAY - November 25, 2012

No real new news on leukemia since last week.  Got rid of some fluid retention so feeling much stronger.  Our Doc has arranged for me to see an oncologist at Duke on Wednesday so we could have some news as to what's next, treatment wise.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the children, grsndchildren,  Joyse, and Ali.  We had lobster at home on Thanksgiving and traditional thanksgiving on Friday at Joyse's.  She show can cook.  Ike brought a new friend, female type,  for lobster who put up with our family rowdiness.

"Watch out for those mountain women, they travel the same path as the bears."  Philosopher at ABC store heard by Steve Johnson.

Tuesday - November 20,  2012

Just a quick note on recent tests and what's next.  The bone marrow biopsy results showed lingering MDS, not at the AML level which is about 10 -15% cancer cells,  No leukemia blasts increase.

CT scan showed normal liver and spleen but fluid in bottom of lungs and gut.  Vidaza (current chem)can cause fluid retention.

PLAN:  Antibiotic for cough; Lasix and Potasium to remove fluid;  and appointment at Duke on Nov. 28th to review treatment and possibly add an experimental drug called Revlimid.

We are hopeful and so glad that leukemia has been held at bay.

Our porch is now an official closed in Carolina room which we are really enjoying.

 

"We will keep trying to make chicken salad out of chicken s----." UNK

Saturday - November 17, 2012

The news is that white cells and immunity are still low so doc did a bone barrow biopsy to see what is going on.  It could be a reaction to chemo or we could need to add additional additives to the shots.  Either way we will see doc on Monday withe results and next steps.  Some fatigue has set in and it's not the kind of jungle green camo type.  I actually feel OK just pleasantly, " sit in a lazy boy rocker tired. "

I will send out another blog either Monday or Tuesday with up date from the doc.

Plans are in full swing for our completed porch and a Big Family Thanksgiving.

"Courage is being scared  and saddling up anyway"  John Wayne

Saturday, November 11, 2012

I had a great day at J.P. Nix Elementary School in Cleveland, GA. where my granddaughter, Laurel, goes to school.  The  program honored veterans through clapping and cheering as we "marched" down the halls and a variety of patriotic songs sung by the kids and a dramatic reading by none other than Johnny Cash.   The first picture is me greeting Laurel during the stroll through the school.  The second is Laurel, Clay,  Jane, and Doug in Helen, GA on the banks of the Hooch after the ceremony.  The teachers and administrators of the school really did a great job and the kids were definitely impressive.

Jane and I drove down Wednesday afternoon and stayed at a B & B at Nacoochee Valley after I received a dose of platelets as they were getting low.  This should get them back to normalcy before the next chemo shot round.

We arrived back home on Thursday afternoon so that Jane could continue to supervise the installation of windows for the back porch or Carolina room.  Great week.

"Is it ignorance or apathy.  I don't know and I don't care.  Jimmy Buffett

Saturday - November 3, 2012

Sorry about last Saturday but I was having too much fun with our children and grandchildren.  Brevard hosted the annual Halloween Street Festival which consisted of many fun events for kids and families.   Clay, Hulk, Laurel, Smarty Pants. Julia, injured cheer leader, and Sara, Little Red Riding Hood all participated in the costume competition, parade, and pumpkin roll down Jailhouse Hill.  Most pumpkins did not make it to the bottom where the target was located, but Clay's did.   Very accurate winner.  Because Brevard is located in Transylvania County, Halloween is a big deal.

Now the more mundane stuff.  Numbers continue to vary with some up and some down,  Good news that tests this week showed immune system (ANC) and white cells improved while platelets not so much.  I am back to once per week blood tests for the time being.  Probably no more shots until after thanksgiving.

I am looking forward to visiting Cleveland, GA on Thursday to attend Laurel's school Veterans Day celebration.  The kids put on quite a patriotic show and the Vets march down the halls.  Last year no one fell down.

We have begun enclosure of our back porch to make it a Carolina Room.  We are looking forward to the coziness of the enclosure with lazy boy, big TV, and gas logs. 

Thank you for continued cards, notes, and prayers.  They lift me up.

"I've been dealt a bad break, but I have a lot to live for,"  Lou Gherig