Chemo number five is underway today. Interestingly, there is a nationwide shortage of saline, probably due to the number of flu cases. Won't affect my treatment. Well, it actually might actually speed it up a bit. After today I have just one more scheduled chemo near the middle of February then sit tight for a month and have another PET scan. Hopefully all of the tumors will have been completely melted away by the chemicals and I can proceed with the final leg of this portion of the journey...the stem cell replacement. Not sure what to expect from this other than the fact that it will keep me in a hospital for a full month. WOW!
My infusion today is being done over in the Tahlequah Oncology clinic, next door to TCH. They have officially moved out of the hospital. The new room is six or seven times as large as the hospital, which is great because Anna will be able to be next to me for the entire treatment (crocheting dish cloths for some of the staff).
I have been surprised of late at the number of people I come in contact with that do not recognize me. I guess being 90 pounds lighter than I was in July, having a short buzz cut, and no big bushy beard makes me look like a different person. I noticed it a few weeks ago when I ran into one of my former students, Will Grayson, at Walmart. As I approached him with a big smile on my face, he noticed me out of the corner of his eye and quickly looked back down then glanced again at me as I approached him and looked away again, probably hoping I wasn't heading staight for him, but I was. Then when I spoke to him he immediately recognized me. It was kinda funny and surprising to me, but it has happened many times since then and I am getting use to it. So... If you see a thin guy with a beanie cap on approaching you like he knows you, it just might be me.
Thanks to everyone who is continually lifting me up in their prayers...it is working.
Ya, baby, love to hear about answered prayer! It was great to have lunch the other day and would really like to hit up El Z whenever you can. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteKeep fighting. You are extra special to us. So glad the chemo is working.
ReplyDeleteOMG Mike been thinking about you and your family, your always in our prayers. Might be coming back to OKfor a visit soon we need to catch up. _roger h
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know of your blog. Your progress is great and I'm so happy and pleased for you and all of your family!! God is absolutely wonderful. I know I can tell you nothing about 'His ways' and 'His timing', but we can know that when he is in control and we are trusting him, the outcome can never be wrong. He is so faithful to us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
ReplyDeleteI was not expecting to see you at wal-mart, on new years eve! Thinking back I don't know why I didn't recognize Anna standing behind you. You just stuck out your hand and I yelled "Mike!" then gave you the biggest hug I've probably given anyone in my life. It was truly a great moment, albeit somewhat embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteYou look great though! I hope your current round of chemo is going well. Im still using those skills! Hope to see you soon..