Sunday, Round 3, Day 3

My stay here has been relatively uneventful, which is a good thing according to the doctors. On Friday after a bout of N&V, they gave me strong medication which knocked me out for the rest of the day. I must say that day went by very quickly for me.

Yesterday was a good day I felt strong and alert the entire day. I had enough energy to walk the treadmill twice for 15 minutes each. My older brother came up with my nieces and nephews. We had a short but very sweet visit in the lobby. They went to the aquarium without me!!

Today has been a little more of an off and on day. I woke up feeling well considering the circumstances. However, after taking a hot shower I became tired and nauseated. Nurse Jenny came to the rescue with medication which settled me and I enjoyed a nice long nap.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments and messages

Love, Erica

Back in Baltimore

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have returned to Johns Hopkins for round 3 of biochemotherapy. I am receiving IV fluids tonight and will begin the treatment some time tomorrow morning.

My mom and I ventured here through major rush hour traffic. After 2 and 1/2 looong hours, we arrived safely.

Erica

Getting Ready for Round 3

Hello everyone!!
It's been a great week so far. I went into work for a half day on both Monday and Wednesday this week. It was such an awesome feeling to be back at work!!! I felt like my normal self. It was great to see my coworkers and to work with patients. I've always liked my job, so it was nice to get in there and remember why.
I am waiting for a call from the hospital to let me know that there is a bed available for me to begin my next round of treatment. I should be going in either tomorrow (the 26th) or on Friday (the 27th). I will be receiving the same treatment as the last two rounds. This includes 2 biotherapy meds (IL2 and interferon) and 3 chemotherapy drugs (Dacarbazine, cisplatin and vinblastin).
I can't really say that I am excited to go back, but I guess I am anxious to get it over with and to keep things going. It's hard to return knowing that I'm about to start feeling crummy all over again, but I know that I will get through it and that I will recover. It definitely helps to know that I have the support of so many people and that so many are sending positive thoughts my way and keeping me in their prayers. Thanks to everyone who posts messages for me to read and also to all of you who read my blog to keep updated. Your care and concern is most appreciated!
Thanks!!
Love,
Erica

Monday

Finally, we have Spring. I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the nice weather this weekend. I was able to get some gardening done with the help of my friend Rosa (she did most of the planting). I had a great weekend, spent with family and celebrating my mom's birthday.

On Thursday, the tree service came and cut down the tree that was leaning against the back of our house. There's some damage to the gutter, the siding, the fence and the deck, but it doesn't look like anything major.

I am actually going to work a half day this afternoon and also on Wednesday afternoon. I have been feeling great and am bored, so it will be a nice change to go into work for a few hours.

I also goofed with my dates in the last posting...my tentative hospital return date is for Thursday April 26th (not the 27th).

Until the next posting...
Erica

Here's the Scoop

First, I want to start off by saying that I have really been feeling great for the past few days. Today I went for an hour long (leisurely) walk around the lake in my neighborhood with Sohel (Christian's youngest brother).

I saw Dr. Sharfman today and found out that my tumors have stopped growing which is good considering how fast they were growing before the treatment. The ascites (fluid in my abdomen) has gone away. The tumors have not begun shrinking yet, but we're hopeful that they will begin shrinking with subsequent sessions of treatment. Dr. Sharfman is debating on continuing with the same biochemotherapy regimen or switching to a new regimen of high dose Interleukin 2 (one of the biotherapy meds that I have been getting already). He will present my case on Tuesday morning to a group of experts (including Dr. Balch, my original melanoma surgeon) and decide then.
I will definitely be going back to the hospital the end of next week to begin the 3rd session of treatment (one of the above). I have a "reservation" for Thursday April 27th which will depend on bed availability. After I complete my 4th session, I will return for scans to see what progress has been made.
So, there's the latest...not bad news, but not as great as we were hoping for. Hopefully the tumors will have begun shrinking by the next scan.

Thanks for keeping up with me and for your continued postings and feedback.
Love,
Erica

Books, Movies and Crossword Puzzles

I have been spending most of my time reading, watching movies and doing easy crossword puzzles. I'm feeling great, but don't have the stamina to do much else. I wish the weather would hurry up and get nice, so I could spend more time outside.
On Sunday night, I was awakened by a big pine tree falling against the back of our house. It's quite amazing when you look outside the windows. All you see is branches. The tree was uprooted and fell against our house. There doesn't appear to be much damage, but it is bizarre to have an entire tree leaning against your house. I think the HOA will cover tree removal as the tree was in a common area. I'm just waiting to find out when...

I went for my scans yesterday and will return to see Dr. Sharfman on Thursday. As always, waiting is difficult.

I will keep you posted. Thanks for all of your continued responses and comments!!!
Love,
Erica

New Hairdo

Check out the pictures to your left. After multiple requests and finding my camera, here's a look at my new easy to manage locks. Enjoy!!
Erica

Hanging Out

Sorry that I haven't posted in the past couple of days. I have been recovering very nicely and seem to have regained my energy a little faster after this second round of treatment than after the first. The side effects are relatively minor this time.
My friend Mary (whom I have known since seventh grade), has been visiting for the past couple days. It's been awesome having her here and we have really enjoyed catching up, hanging out and eating.
I will post a picture as soon as I can find my digital camera to take one!
Hopefully by tomorrow.
Love,
Erica

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!!!
Christian and I spent a very nice, but low key day with family and friends in Arlington. It was nice to get out of the house for a change.
I still get fatigued rather quickly, but am gradually regaining my strength each day.
Love,
Erica

Recovering, Yet Again

I haven't posted in the past couple of days because I have been spending most of my time sleeping. Today I have a little more energy, though I must say I'm not ready to resume the treadmill quite yet.
I went to the doctor's today. They said my blood counts look great and that I'm really tolerating the treatments. I will go for a repeat scan on Monday April 16th and then meet with Dr. Sharfman on the 19th to discuss the scan and further treatment.
I will probably spend the next few days resting quietly at home and gradually resuming my walks as I am able.
By the way, my sister took me to get a haircut on Tuesday afternoon. It hasn't been this short since high school, but it's much more manageable.
Thanks for your continued postings. As always, I love reading them and they keep me encouraged!!!
Thanks!!
Erica

Home Again

Yesterday afternoon, Erica was discharged and is back home. She continues to rest (still fatigued) and work through some of the expected side effects from the treatments.

Janna