Chemo round 2 is history, and it's a good story to tell! A full dose of Oxaliplatin and a half dose of Fluorouracil was infused over three days - April 14, 15, & 16. The side effects were minimal - mild nausea, mouth tenderness (but no sores), and big time fatigue. By the evening of the 19th I felt my strength beginning to return and it has steadily improved with each day. On Monday (20th) I weeded a small flower bed, and yesterday and today I rode my bicycle 5 miles each day. A visit with my oncologist today revealed that my labs were all pretty normal. We were both very happy. Next Tuesday will be round 3 with this same dose. After round 4 we will re-evaluate if I should stay at this dose or make a change. I am in such good hands medically!

I'm feeling like "I can do this" thanks in large part to the many prayers and well wishes from all of you. I marvel at the diversity of those who love me enough to pray for me - many of my faith, many of other faiths, and some not affiliated with any specific faith. You all bless my life in ways you cannot imagine. I am so grateful!!! I am in such good hands spiritually!

On a light note - it seems that a few (maybe 12 or so) hairs on my head have decided to grow. So if you want a good chuckle just close your eyes and picture that!

Hugs and love to you!!!

Good news abounds! My appetite has returned, I have gained 1 1/2 pounds, I'm feeling stronger every day, and my blood counts are almost normal. My lab tests confirm that a rare mutation in a gene is responsible for my inability to metabolize one of my chemo drugs thus causing my extreme reaction to the drug. So the new plan is to decrease the amount administered by half and to omit another drug given to enhance the effects of the chemo drug.  We also plan closer monitoring between treatments to see what effect the new regime will have on me. Truthfully, I'm a little nervous about another round but my oncologist is confidant things will go much better this time, and I trust him. He feels so bad that I had such a severe reaction, and will keep a close eye on me.

I am rocking the baldheaded thing with adorable knit hats and cute scarves given to me by some wonderful family and friends. Having no hair is really a time and energy saver. I wouldn't choose it but hey, hair grows and for now it's so easy. Emily is almost finished with the adorable hat she is knitting me and I'm about finished with a basic one I started. Chelsey went bicycle riding with me yesterday - a nice easy 2 mile ride around our neighborhood. It felt so good to be on my bike again. Emily and Devon rode 16 miles. I'm jealous but will be back with them again as soon as possible.

Through all of this I have felt so blessed! I have shed tears; not because of the trial, but because of the love and concern expressed and felt from all of you, and the support I have felt from heavenly beings. I know I have not been through this alone. My Savior's atonement has been at work in my behalf. I bore what I could, but He took the rest just as promised. I understand now when friends have said the trial of cancer and chemo has been hard, but so worth the journey because of the many blessings received in so many lives.

So Tuesday is round 2. With all your love, prayers and support I know I am ready.

Life has been challenging here, to say the least, but things are on the upswing. My first round of chemo was difficult - every side effect was manifest to the extreme (and I wasn't supposed to have extreme side effects with this chemo). My doctor thinks I am missing an enzyme that metabolizes one of the chemo drugs. So without that enzyme the drug is more powerful in my body- almost like getting a mega dose. The result was 4 days in the hospital to treat a large blood clot in my pelvis, a severe colon infection, and a white blood cell count that dropped to 0. Besides that, my hair came out in clumps, the skin on my hands blistered and peeled, nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, and no appetite. 

So forget all that! Here is the important part. I had such amazing care from the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It truly is the Taj Mahal of hospitals. The staff was amazing: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and even housekeeping. All so kind, gentle, and caring. I actually felt sad to be leaving. But beyond that was the loving care of my Heavenly Father and His Son. There were times I was sure my room was full of angels tending to me and supporting me. There were sweet miracles some might call coincidences, but I call tender mercies. Devon and our children have been beyond loving and caring. It was a scary experience for us all. I think it has been hardest on Devon. He tries so hard to meet my every need and often wishes there was more he could do. I have decided nurturing is definitely not a natural characteristic for men. But he has done such an amazing job! I am truly blessed!!!!

Moving on from here, I'm in recovery mode and feeling better every day. I am extremely fatigued, but finally have an appetite and enjoy eating again - oh the simple pleasures. I've bought some cute scarves to cover my bald head. I don't miss my hair at all! In fact it sure makes things easier. Maybe when I feel better and want to go out I’ll feel differently. Emily is knitting me a darling hat with cute little beads and I'm going to start a more basic hat. I don't feel like doing much but I do enjoy knitting. I see my doctor on Friday and if all is well I probably will proceed with an adjusted chemo dose the following Tuesday. 

So the message I want to leave is that God loves us and is aware of our every need. He never leaves us to struggle on our own. It is us who leave Him. I have felt the multitude of prayers on my behalf. They bring me strength, courage, and comfort. I thank you for every thought and prayer you have uttered in my behalf. The journey continues and all will be well.