After being off of chemo for 6 weeks, I have noticed a significant increase in weight due to a substantial amount of fluid that is building up in my abdomen again. I scheduled an appointment to have the fluid removed at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Denver on Thursday. Unfortunately, the same radiologist that was successful in removing 12 lbs. of fluid last time was unable to access the only pocket with enough fluid to make the procedure worthwhile. He said to wait a few weeks and we could try again. Needless to say, I was very disappointed because I am experiencing pain, lack of energy, and an overall feeling of just not being up to par. The oncologist in Denver that I met with and my oncologist here in Vail both concur that the fluid is a result of cancer cell activity; therefore, we will resume chemo treatments on Tuesday, March 2nd using the same regimen for another 4 treatments. I will need to have a echo cardiogram done before each treatment because this drug is particularly hard on the heart, though I have never experienced any problems there before. I guess all those years of running paid off! In the meantime, I am trying out a new pain medication and hope that once I start the chemo treatments, maybe my body will be able to absorb the fluid naturally. I am still going to school every day that I am not having a procedure done. This week is the Dr. Seuss Celebration in the library on Monday, and the spring book fair starts on Tuesday. Parent - Teacher conferences are also next week, so teachers are expected to stay until 7 P.M. two evenings, so I will truly be put to the test. Please continue to pray for me. Bob and Sarah are so great to remind me that life for everyone is a roller coaster ride, so we are experiencing the ups and the downs of life just as you are. We love you and enjoy hearing from you so much!
Ruth

Thanks

I have not blogged in a bit but I do want to thank each and every one of you for your unfailing support that we have received since the beginning of this whole ordeal. We would not be able to do this without your love, prayers, support! Thanks so much, we are so blessed.

After going in for a routine blood draw before my next scheduled chemo treatment on Monday, the doctor and I learned that my white blood cell count was too low to undergo treatment. We decided to wait for a few months to let my body build back up and see how it will respond to "no chemo" for awhile, knowing that if necessary, I can undergo chemo again - same drug and same regimen. I plan to go in next month for another blood test, and after two months, get another CT scan to see if the tumors are continuing to get smaller, or if they are getting larger without the the chemo. I am currently receiving aggressive homeopathic therapy with lots of enzymes, supplements, and am continuing on a plant-based diet which includes lots of juicing and protein shakes. I am actually anxious to know how my body will respond now that we have discontinued chemo for awhile. For the first time in a month, I am experiencing some abdominal pain now that I have been off the pain medication patch. It was explained to me that even though I was not using the patch, the medication continues to work inside the body for some time - a "residual" effect. I have tried some natural pain remedies, but they have been ineffective.It's the "roller coaster" ride of ups and downs, but I must admit that since Christmas, I have experienced many more ups than downs - Praise God! He has been so faithful in the past, I trust that he will continue to guide and protect me. He created every cell in my body, so I know that He knows how they all work together to be healthy again. Thank you for your prayers! I think of you as my support crew in this journey. I couldn't do it without you!

The results of the CT scan show that the tumor in my liver, the lesion in my spleen, and the big tumor in my lower abdomen have all gotten smaller! Praise the living God! The radiologist said that there is no evidence of any blockage in my intestines or in my bowel. The amount of fluid has also been reduced, so all in all, it was a very encouraging report. I will have another chemo tomorrow. Following that treatment, I will have an echocardiogram. If all is well with my heart, I will probably have the final chemo in three weeks. Thank you for your continuing prayers! The conference in Denver was excellent. I was able to meet the author who will be visiting my school in April, so we were able to finalize plans for that. I attended many worthwhile sessions on literacy, on the newest children's books hot off the press, and on integrating digital technology, including "skyping" into my library lessons. Of course I'm all pumped up and ready to try some of the new things I learned! Ain't life great! Every day is truly a gift!

I wish I had information to give regarding the CT Scan I had yesterday, but my oncologist and I played telephone tag today and I only know from his voice message that "things look good, but we need to talk about next steps". I assume that we may have a chance to visit on the phone tomorrow, but I am leaving right after school to attend a big international reading conference in Denver and won't return until Friday evening. I'm optimistic that my body is responding positively to all the prayers that are being lifted up to God on my behalf, to the plant-based diet I'm on, and to the chemo treatments I have already had. My oncologist and I did discuss at our last meeting that we would make a decision regarding the possibility of one or two more chemo treatments after the results of the CT Scan were in. Since I have not had the full dose in my previous chemo treatments, I could still have one or two more before I would exceed the total recommended amount. I feel like I am so much stronger now, and I have so much more energy than I used to have. I am no longer struggling to get through the school day, but am living a pretty normal life. The fact that Bob, Sarah, and I have already booked our flight to New Orleans for my Spring Break is also an indicator of how well I feel! I now weigh 100 lbs. and actually have some "meat" on my bones. It no longer hurts to sit down on a wooden chair! Even Sarah says I'm starting to get some muscle in my arms! I continue to crank up the incline on the treadmill and pick up the speed, so who knows, maybe I will be able to enter the Bolder Boulder Race over the Memorial Day weekend afterall!
Thank you for your continuing prayers, phone calls, cards, and overall good wishes. You always brighten my days - knowing that you are thinking of me and are as hopeful as I am for a complete recovery! I'll keep you posted on my progress.