Hi Everyone,
I apologize that I have not been keeping up with this BLOG.
My Sister Carol and I have agreed that I will now post to it at least once a week.
Since my last post on 3/15 I've had a number of things happen.
3/12/12 I started Maintenance Chemotherapy. It consists of some IV Chemotherapy (Vincristine) and some pill form Chemotherapy (Methotrexate and Mercaptopurine) and Prednisone
3/16/12 I started working remotely...not full time but quite a few hours (I worked 30 hours last week and am on track to work 30 hours this week).
I've had lunch or dinner AT A RESTAURANT several times since I was given the okay by my Dr on 3/19/12. It's Wonderful to have that freedom after having eaten out (at a restaurant) once in six months.
and in case you haven't heard/seen me say/write it....I am so GRATEFUL to be here!!! Thank You God!
I hope to update this blog every weekend, as best I can so you can read about how my week went.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
3/15
Hi Everyone,
I spent part of the day regaining access to e-mail at work and sending notes to a few folks letting them know that I am returning to work tomorrow (Friday 3/16...part time).
I did not walk, today...sorry if I disappointed anyone.
Tomorrow, I hope to start the process of regaining access to systems, at work, that I will need to actually do work.
It will take a number of phone calls and e-mails but that's to be expected after having been away from work for 6 months.
I'm Thankful that I am able to return to DuPont and that I work for a company that has supported me during this very difficult time in my life...this could have gone a completely different direction.
Take care Enjoy Your Weekend and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I spent part of the day regaining access to e-mail at work and sending notes to a few folks letting them know that I am returning to work tomorrow (Friday 3/16...part time).
I did not walk, today...sorry if I disappointed anyone.
Tomorrow, I hope to start the process of regaining access to systems, at work, that I will need to actually do work.
It will take a number of phone calls and e-mails but that's to be expected after having been away from work for 6 months.
I'm Thankful that I am able to return to DuPont and that I work for a company that has supported me during this very difficult time in my life...this could have gone a completely different direction.
Take care Enjoy Your Weekend and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
3/14
Hi Everyone,
I know I know...why isn't Mark doing the blog every day and why isn't he walking.
Well let me describe the last two days.
Tues
Dropped off some paperwork to the CPA who does my Taxes
Visited Library back home in PA to say hello to two Librarians I have not seen is over 6 months...It was Wonderful to Hug them....and I rented Puss in Boots (DVD) while I was there.
Had lunch with Joe (a friend from Condo complex where my Condo is)...we hadn't had lunch together in over 7 months
Joe put out the word I'd be home for the day so after lunch we spent almost 3 hours catching up with neighbors at the Condo complex.
Watched Puss in Boots DVD (I Enjoyed it!)
Met my buddy Len and we went out to dinner. I hadn't seen Len in over 9 months...He and his wife Paige had me over for dinner this past summer.
Wed
Detailed the interior of my Niece's car and my car and moved concrete decorative garden blocks with Mike. We didn't move any more than 20 blocks (each block probably weighed 10 pounds or so) but it was enough to remind me my arms are OUT OF SHAPE!!!
I'm feeling STRONGER and STRONGER EVERY DAY!
Thank You GOD!!!
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I know I know...why isn't Mark doing the blog every day and why isn't he walking.
Well let me describe the last two days.
Tues
Dropped off some paperwork to the CPA who does my Taxes
Visited Library back home in PA to say hello to two Librarians I have not seen is over 6 months...It was Wonderful to Hug them....and I rented Puss in Boots (DVD) while I was there.
Had lunch with Joe (a friend from Condo complex where my Condo is)...we hadn't had lunch together in over 7 months
Joe put out the word I'd be home for the day so after lunch we spent almost 3 hours catching up with neighbors at the Condo complex.
Watched Puss in Boots DVD (I Enjoyed it!)
Met my buddy Len and we went out to dinner. I hadn't seen Len in over 9 months...He and his wife Paige had me over for dinner this past summer.
Wed
Detailed the interior of my Niece's car and my car and moved concrete decorative garden blocks with Mike. We didn't move any more than 20 blocks (each block probably weighed 10 pounds or so) but it was enough to remind me my arms are OUT OF SHAPE!!!
I'm feeling STRONGER and STRONGER EVERY DAY!
Thank You GOD!!!
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Monday, March 12, 2012
3/12
Hi Everyone,
Today, while seeing my Dr and his Nurse Practitioner, I started Maintenance Chemotherapy.
After seeing my Dr, I visited the Oncology Unit in Christiana Hospital and was able to speak to 7 of the Nurses who took care of me at one point or another while I was in the Hospital receiving Remission Chemotherapy. It was WONDERFUL to see them under these very very very different circumstances. I think they felt the same way.
I spent most of the day with Jan and Mike on Saturday.
I spent most of the day with Carol, Al, Caitlin and Carly on Sunday so I've been a bit lazy when it comes to the blog....I'm sorry.
I did not walk on Sat or Sun but I walked for 2 and 1/2 hours, today. Tomorrow, I hope to walk for an hour or so since I'm heading to PA to meet a friend for dinner after I do some errands. Thurs I hope to walk at least 2 hours. Fri I start work...yes...work. I've been blessed to work for a company that is allowing me to work remotely for the time being while I see the affects of Maintenance Chemotherapy. It's going to be a lot of phone calls to Information Technology (IT) to gain access to all the systems I've lost access to but it's to be expected since I haven't been working for 6 months.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Today, while seeing my Dr and his Nurse Practitioner, I started Maintenance Chemotherapy.
After seeing my Dr, I visited the Oncology Unit in Christiana Hospital and was able to speak to 7 of the Nurses who took care of me at one point or another while I was in the Hospital receiving Remission Chemotherapy. It was WONDERFUL to see them under these very very very different circumstances. I think they felt the same way.
I spent most of the day with Jan and Mike on Saturday.
I spent most of the day with Carol, Al, Caitlin and Carly on Sunday so I've been a bit lazy when it comes to the blog....I'm sorry.
I did not walk on Sat or Sun but I walked for 2 and 1/2 hours, today. Tomorrow, I hope to walk for an hour or so since I'm heading to PA to meet a friend for dinner after I do some errands. Thurs I hope to walk at least 2 hours. Fri I start work...yes...work. I've been blessed to work for a company that is allowing me to work remotely for the time being while I see the affects of Maintenance Chemotherapy. It's going to be a lot of phone calls to Information Technology (IT) to gain access to all the systems I've lost access to but it's to be expected since I haven't been working for 6 months.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Saturday, March 10, 2012
3/10
Hi Everyone,
I walked one hour, today. I'm hoping (depending on the temp/weather) to walk for 2 hours tomorrow.
I didn't walk yesterday so my momentum is a bit off right now.
I see my Dr on Monday so I'm not so sure I'll get a walk in but I hope to.
Enjoy Your Day! Enjoy Your Weekend! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I walked one hour, today. I'm hoping (depending on the temp/weather) to walk for 2 hours tomorrow.
I didn't walk yesterday so my momentum is a bit off right now.
I see my Dr on Monday so I'm not so sure I'll get a walk in but I hope to.
Enjoy Your Day! Enjoy Your Weekend! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Friday, March 9, 2012
3/9
Hi Everyone,
I saw my Dr today and it was GOOD NEWS!
The Bone Marrow Biopsy he took after my 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy shows ZERO Leukemia Cells!!! Thank You God!!!
I start Maintenance Chemotherapy tomorrow. Maintenance Chemotherapy will last 30 months....yes...30 months.
Enjoy Your Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers...I'm Grateful...
I saw my Dr today and it was GOOD NEWS!
The Bone Marrow Biopsy he took after my 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy shows ZERO Leukemia Cells!!! Thank You God!!!
I start Maintenance Chemotherapy tomorrow. Maintenance Chemotherapy will last 30 months....yes...30 months.
Enjoy Your Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers...I'm Grateful...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
3/8
Hi Everyone,
I walked 2 hours yesterday and 2 hours today. That makes three days in a row I was able to walk 2 hours.
The last half hour of each 2 hour walk may not be pretty (I slow down quite a bit as time goes by) but I was able to walk 2 hours each day.
Tomorrow I see my Dr and get news on the Bone Marrow Biopsy that was taken after the 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy.
Take care...Enjoy Your Weekend!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I walked 2 hours yesterday and 2 hours today. That makes three days in a row I was able to walk 2 hours.
The last half hour of each 2 hour walk may not be pretty (I slow down quite a bit as time goes by) but I was able to walk 2 hours each day.
Tomorrow I see my Dr and get news on the Bone Marrow Biopsy that was taken after the 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy.
Take care...Enjoy Your Weekend!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
3/6'
Hi Everyone,
I was able to walk 2 hours, today....I'm tired but that's okay.
This is my first 2 hour walk since early September 2011.
I see my Dr on Fri to discuss the results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy from the 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy and my treatment from this stage forward. Hopefully, it will be all good news.
Keep Smiling and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I was able to walk 2 hours, today....I'm tired but that's okay.
This is my first 2 hour walk since early September 2011.
I see my Dr on Fri to discuss the results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy from the 8th Round of Remission Chemotherapy and my treatment from this stage forward. Hopefully, it will be all good news.
Keep Smiling and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Monday, March 5, 2012
3/5
Hi Everyone,
I walked for one hour and 30 minutes again, today. I'm still waiting for that warm day before I try to walk 2 hours or more.
I hope you all have a Nice Week!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
I walked for one hour and 30 minutes again, today. I'm still waiting for that warm day before I try to walk 2 hours or more.
I hope you all have a Nice Week!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Sunday, March 4, 2012
3/4
Hi Everyone,
I had hoped to walk 2 hours, today, but the wind and cold made me rethink that goal.
I walked 1 hour and 30 minutes but it wasn't a pleasant walk.
You see I have no eye lashes and no nasal hair so the cold wind makes my eyes water and my nose run.
I was constantly blotting my eyes and blowing my nose. It's kind of funny but annoying at the same time.
I also have no eye brows and just peach fuzz on my head....oh and no facial hair.
Chemotherapy sure does a number on all kinds of body systems...you have to respect it...especially when the reason it's being used is for good.
I hope to walk for 2 hours at least one day this coming week. If the weather is nice I know I can do it.
Take care and Thanks for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I had hoped to walk 2 hours, today, but the wind and cold made me rethink that goal.
I walked 1 hour and 30 minutes but it wasn't a pleasant walk.
You see I have no eye lashes and no nasal hair so the cold wind makes my eyes water and my nose run.
I was constantly blotting my eyes and blowing my nose. It's kind of funny but annoying at the same time.
I also have no eye brows and just peach fuzz on my head....oh and no facial hair.
Chemotherapy sure does a number on all kinds of body systems...you have to respect it...especially when the reason it's being used is for good.
I hope to walk for 2 hours at least one day this coming week. If the weather is nice I know I can do it.
Take care and Thanks for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
3/3
Hi Everyone,
I walked 1 hour and 30 minutes, today.
If all goes well, tomorrow, I hope to walk for 2 hours.
My legs are DEFINITELY GETTING STRONGER!
Thank You God!!!
I hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I walked 1 hour and 30 minutes, today.
If all goes well, tomorrow, I hope to walk for 2 hours.
My legs are DEFINITELY GETTING STRONGER!
Thank You God!!!
I hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend!!! and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Friday, March 2, 2012
3/2
Hi Everyone,
Home Solutions was here today to change the dressing on my Internal Jugular Line (the intravenous line I receive Chemotherapy through....located on my chest). Afterwards, I headed to DE for my Dr's appointment.
My numbers were good so my Dr did a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I will see him next Friday to get the results and to discuss the Chemotherapy Treatments I will receive going forward. I was able to walk 45 minutes this evening before Jan, Mike and I had dinner. After dinner, I had planned to finish the walk but it was drizzling.
Tomorrow I hope to walk an hour and 15 minutes to make up for today.
I hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend!!!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Home Solutions was here today to change the dressing on my Internal Jugular Line (the intravenous line I receive Chemotherapy through....located on my chest). Afterwards, I headed to DE for my Dr's appointment.
My numbers were good so my Dr did a Bone Marrow Biopsy. I will see him next Friday to get the results and to discuss the Chemotherapy Treatments I will receive going forward. I was able to walk 45 minutes this evening before Jan, Mike and I had dinner. After dinner, I had planned to finish the walk but it was drizzling.
Tomorrow I hope to walk an hour and 15 minutes to make up for today.
I hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend!!!...and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
3/1
Hi Everyone,
I walked for one hour, today.
So far this week I've been able to walk for one hour on Mon, Tues and Thur. If the weather was nice enough
on Wed I would have walked one hour that day as well.
I hope to walk for one hour tomorrow, Sat and Sun.
I can feel my legs getting stronger...and it's a nice feeling.
I see my Dr tomorrow afternoon and I hope my hemoglobin, platelets and white cells are within the range for him to do a Bone Marrow Biopsy.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I walked for one hour, today.
So far this week I've been able to walk for one hour on Mon, Tues and Thur. If the weather was nice enough
on Wed I would have walked one hour that day as well.
I hope to walk for one hour tomorrow, Sat and Sun.
I can feel my legs getting stronger...and it's a nice feeling.
I see my Dr tomorrow afternoon and I hope my hemoglobin, platelets and white cells are within the range for him to do a Bone Marrow Biopsy.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
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