DebGeb

I had my first check up for my year of maintenance treatment.  During this year I’ll get a check up every 3 months.  Charles and I flew back to Salt Lake for this.  Because I had to have tests, wait for results, then a doctor’s visit, we were there almost a week.  We stayed with some good friends and got to see a lot of people.

The tests went fine.  I had to have an MRI which I really don’t like, but I made it through.  The people at Huntsman were happy to see me and happy to see that I’m doing well.  We met with the doctor on Tuesday morning.  He said that I am doing very well.  All the numbers are looking good or improving.

Thank you, God!

My hair is growing back.  It’s long enough now that I don’t always wear a hat.  Most people know my situation and therefore know why my hair is really short.  Many people don’t know, and I feel that I need to tell them that my hair style is not intentional.  It’s hard to do that all the time.  When I pass someone in the store and they look at my head for a second longer than they should, I want to tell them, “I had cancer and I had chemotherapy and my hair fell out but now I’m in remission but my hair is taking a while to grow back and I’m still getting chemotherapy but not the type that makes your hair fall out so it is growing back just not very quickly because hair doesn’t grow that fast.”  Instead I just put my hat back on.

Last week I had a doctor visit after I’d had a bunch of tests.  In short, he said, “Everything looks good.”  Praise God!

I begin my maintenance treatments on Tuesday.  I’ll get a little bit of chemo among other things just to keep everybody in line.  These treatments are 4 times a month.  I will go through 3 cycles of this and then see the doctor again.  These treatments can be done by another oncologist in Nebraska when I get there, but I will have to come back to Utah every three months for a doctor visit.

I am feeling pretty good.  My stomach still gives me problems sometimes.  Food still tastes strange.  My skin itches.  I tire easily.  And I have no hair.  All are annoying, but not that big of a problem.

Thank you all for your prayers!

During my stay in the hospital, Charles was extended a Call to be the Director of Student Life and Student Activities at Concordia, Nebraska.  He accepted the Call so that means we are moving.  He began on August 15th, but I have to stay here until the end of October for treatment.  So he’s in Seward and we are here.  My mom came to help out for a while.

Today was the first day of school for the girls.  They have been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks, so it was nice to get things started.  I think I made them eggs and sausage this morning.  It was too early to remember if I really did it or if it was a dream.

I am feeling quite well, considering.  I’m eating normally, although sweets and carbs still taste pretty bad.  My energy is improving greatly.  I still need a nap every afternoon.  But then, who doesn’t?

Yesterday I was able to come home.  I’m on a restricted diet and I still feel quite lazy, but I’m a lot better than I was a week ago.

The worst is over.  I have completed my 2 stem cell transplants.  I have 2 years of maintenance now.  I’m not sure what that means, but I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday where we’ll find out what the future holds.  The doctor said last time that I was in “complete remission”!

Thank you to all of you for your prayers!  Please continue them as I heal from this last round of chemo.

The girls are still in Nebraska, but will be home next week.