April 23

You know, this is truly a roller-coaster.

I had my first meeting with my Medical Oncologist today. His name is Dr. Ross Morgan. I thought he was great and I really liked him. After going through my case, he decided that I should have some more tests to insure that the cancer has not spread to other parts of my body.I know I had heard that it would be highly unlikely from other doctors – but he wants to be sure.

I had a test on my heart done today to make sure it is strong enough to handle the upcoming chemo. I will have a CT scan and a bone scan this Friday. If everything is okay from these tests – I will start my chemo treatments next Friday – May 2nd. Wow!! That seems really soon. Marian, get those scarves ready.

I hate the test parts. I feel like they are somewhat pass/fail and I haven’t passed some of the tests I’ve had in the last month. I am praying and hoping that there are no more findings that could mean the cancer has spread anywhere else in my body. I need all of you to help me pray for this as well.

As for the chemo – he is prescribing that I have treatments every two weeks – 8 treatments total. The first 4 treatments will be combination of Adriamycin and Cytoxan and my last 4 will be Taxol. Marian, you may be a lawyer, but you hit this on the head. I will have to inject myself on days 4-12 between treatments with a drug that will help my bone marrow so my body can be ready for the next treatment.

He told me I will probably loose my hair between weeks 2 and 4 once I start treatment. If you have an extra hat or scarf – please send it my way.

I will start radiation treatments 3 -5 weeks after having my last chemo treatment. They should last between 5 and 6 weeks - every day - Monday through Friday.

This is honestly what I expected to hear on the treatment side. I didn’t realize I would have more tests before the treatment and that scared me a little. Looking at it – we really need the Big Picture to make sure my treatment is right and there won’t be other problems later. I just know that the waiting for the results part is hard for me. It’s very trying emotionally and hard not to be scared.

I had another wonderful blessing from Bishop Foster with President Alldredge last night. I know that the blessings I have received have truly helped me. I know that everyone’s love and prayers have truly helped me. I have already experienced some great miracles and know that there will be more to come.

I found out on Sunday that cute Camille Thorpe – a friend, fellow-MP19er and actually an associate of mine from work – is putting together a quilt for me from pieces of fabric given to her by my friends, etc. If you want to add your own piece, please let her know. She is taking 5” x 5” pieces of fabric with your name embroidered, with fabric marker, whatever. Make sure your name does not get close to the edge of the square.

Camille Thorpe
597-1965
Or, just bring it to the MP 19th Ward house – or give it to me. I will make sure she gets it. She wants these by May 4th.

My house looked like greenhouse there were so many flowers after my surgery. I am healing well from surgery and have worked all of this week so far. The pain is starting to come. It's not too bad, but the numbness is starting to wear away and I can feel my nerves starting to try to connect. I haven't had any infection and the incision sites look good. I'm feeling a little tired, not tons of energy. Other than that, I'm doing really well.

Thanks again to all of you for your love, concern and prayers. I keep saying it, but I really wish there was a way for me to let you know how much they mean to me. I feel them. I know you are praying for me. I know that they are being heard and making difference.

Cyn