Round 8 of chemo was uneventful and I have had more energy lately than usual. I have been able to work more hours and even got some exercise moving supplies to the new lab space at Rawls from the various places I had stuff stashed (home, my office, and the smaller space we've been operating in). Aidan has been very sick for the past week so we are both pretty much quarantined. I miss him. The students return soon so I've put a "No Germ Zone" sign outside my office to remind them that my immune system is severely compromised. My colleagues are very concerned with these issues, however, some of the undergrads don't really think about it, barge in, and spew their germs when they cough all over my office. Not only does this completely stress me out, I have to suppress the urge to make them sanitize my office. After all, it could hurt their self esteem to call them out on it-- millennials are sensitive. Luckily, I just have a few more months to go on chemo and then (I hope) my numbers will go up to normal. [...]

We just returned yesterday from being in Houston for the holidays and a check up. The check up was good, no delays on the chemo. I started it immediately. We are now in round 8 of 12. My lymphocytes are still low and I am still taking monthly breathing treatments of pentamadine to stay safe from lung infection. My platelets have recovered. The dose of the chemo was decreased a bit last month due to blood count issues. The dose this time stayed at that lower amount. For the first time ever we were out of the hospital by NOON! Jason called it a Christmas Miracle. [...]

I know some get worried when they haven't heard anything, but there's just not anything to share. Nana and Papa are coming to Lubbock this week (hopefully we will see them by end of day tomorrow) and then my mom and I will go to Houston this weekend. I have doc appointments the first few days of next week complete with scans, so stay tuned for an update on my checkup sometime after that. Remember that it takes 24 hours or more for the results to be read and I promise to give a full report as soon as I can. As usual, I so appreciate the continued support and interest in our journey. It's a busy one that is sometimes overwhelming, but overall going very well. [...]

My original doctor appointments in Houston that were supposed to be this week were rescheduled for early December. Since I already had the trip planned and had some other business in Houston to take care of, I figured I'd come anyway. It was great to spend some time with Lois without having to sit all day at MD Anderson. We get up early, take long walks, and take it easy. It's good for my blood sugar levels. [...]

Chemo round 6 of 12, though delayed a few weeks, is complete. I now have 23 days off before round 7. I've learned that a person does, indeed, build up a tolerance for the chemo. I had done progressively better and by round 5 I had no longer had any residual throwing up or as much fatigue. This time was fine as far as energy, but I did have one episode of upset stomach/ throwing up. I figure that at least it always follows the same course. My stomach gets this weird upset, I feel like I've been eating soap, I go to the restroom and sit while throwing up in the trashcan. It's almost always just water, which is just odd to me. Being the control freak that I tend to be, it's comforting to know that I can at least see it coming, predict how it will be, and have a method for handling it. It's the small things.[...]

Another quick update. I started chemo last night and no major issues so far. I was a bit worried that I might have some adjustment issues since I was off of it for a bit longer this time. They did postpone my appointments, so I won't be having a check up for a few weeks. This is probably a good thing, as I expect to be election party hopping tonight and might be exhausted by the end of the week. I'm not sure when election night became Oscar or Superbowl, but it sure is fun to get together with friends! If you don't hear from me for a while, we are either still partying or just don't have any updates. [...]

My platelets are up and I've been approved to start chemo tonight before bed. This delay changes my blood draw dates and might change my check up appointments, so I will await further information on whether I will be going to Houston this week or a week later. Operation: mutation is back up and running![...]

As of last week my platelets are still low and they have not approved my continuing the chemo as of yet. I was told to put it off another week and have a recheck on my blood counts. I will go in tomorrow morning for the blood draw. We'll see what happens. I hate being off the chemo, however, Jason doesn't mind it because he doesn't like the idea chemo (a mutagen) to begin with. I guess he's afraid I will become an X (wo)man. [...]

It has been a while since I've updated and the natives are getting restless. Things here have been very busy. I'm back to work at least some every single day. This makes me very happy and is a sign that my energy is way up. I'm allowing myself to take it easier in the mornings if needed, so that's probably helping overall.[...]

The last of this round's chemo pills went down Saturday night (the drill is always Tuesday to Saturday, always taken at bedtime). Last week went remarkably well. I only missed work one day and was able to go into the office 4 days. Two of those days were pretty full days and two were half days. I even had enough energy for dinner out with friends on Saturday. Best chemo week so far. The chemo hangover, however, was a bit tricky. Sunday was a low energy day, which leads to emotions that might scare some husbands. If you ask me it wasn't too bad but Jason might disagree (but not if he knows what's good for him). Monday morning (yesterday) I had trouble keeping anything down. Overall, one bad day out of an entire month is pretty darn good. Operation: excrement was a success. Although most things taste and smell terrible during chemo, I was able to get creative with desserts made of high calorie, high fat whipping cream (and therefore no weakness or passing out). Since most people swear by ice cream during chemo, I've been able to get by on cream based shakes and such- very similar to ice cream. Today I'm back to work and feeling pretty great![...]