Spring Break

Boys on Spring Break

Where to start...the week of March 12, I begin my fourth round of chemo with this protocol (10th overall when you include my first protocol almost a year ago).  The week was uneventful with the exception of my three month Brain MRI follow-up on Friday, March 16th.  I met with my favorite brain radiologist about two hours after the scan....to hear welcoming news, "everything looks clear".  She didn't see anything show up in the MRI images again this time.  Dr. Maryanne Marymont felt the Parp-Inhibitor (brain mets/chemo clinical trial drug I was on in November) allowed the chemo to get into the brain and work on the brain mets too.  I will have a follow-up Brain MRI every three months (to make sure the brain mets continue to stay away), but will not meet with her unless something changes on my MRI's (or as she said, "if I just want to come and visit").

The last two rounds there was talk about getting a blood transfusion since my red blood count and hemoglobin numbers were low...so that following Monday, March 19th, I went in for a blood transfusion (along with my mom).  It made me extremely grateful to all the people that donate blood.   As I slowly watched someone else's blood enter my body, I had tears running down my checks.  For those that don't know (I didn't), it took over an hour for a small bag of blood to enter my body via my port.  Within hours I began to feel myself....something I hadn't felt since last summer.  Thank you to the generous soul who took time and donated your blood for me.  I am forever grateful.

Our spring break plans were solely based on how I was feeling.  Prior to the blood transfusion, I didn't think I would be going with Kevin and the boys.....but luckily things turned around and we left for a 10 day stay in Miami.  It was nice to let my body heal in the sunshine and of course, enjoy some quality family time.  I was also fortunate enough to be able to visit with my dear friend Karen and her family (while her husband attended a conference) at nearby Hollywood.  We ended up staying at the resort for three days as we celebrated Kevin's birthday (at the same time, we were trying to avoid the youngster annual "Ultra Music Festival" that drew 150,000 people right across from our balcony - apparently we missed Madonna's surprise appearance).

We had a wonderful spring break....quality family time, relaxing in the sun, visiting with dear friends, and simply cherishing our time together.

What's next?  Tomorrow I go in for a CT-Scan (after completing four rounds of chemo) to see where I am at now.  I then see my oncologist on Tuesday (blood work, meet with doctor and discuss scan and proceed with the next step).  I was previously told I was at my limit with one particular chemo drug, so we will see what her advice is on Tuesday.

Peace, Love & Miracles

Enjoying pool time with Moorea and Tiegan

Added bonus for the parents...kids went to the resort camp while we relaxed poolside and caught up.