Unhooked

The last bag of IL2 just finished dripping, so I have been disconnected. I have two more shots to get and then I'll be DCed from the hospital. Looking forward to heading home, though I am feeling tired and fatigued. Thanks for keeping up with me during my 4th hospital stay.
Love,
Erica

Beginning Day 3 of Round 4

So far, this stay has been relatively uneventful. I have been tired, had some chills and a few spells of N, V and D, but not too bad overall. My parents and Christian have been here with me since I came up on Friday evening. I have received a few other visitors as well. Kristina and Rolando came up on Sunday night and Janna and Cory came to visit this afternoon. It's been nice to hang out and I have been feeling well enough to chit chat. I completed my second knitting project (another scarf) and taught my sister a few of the basics as we began working on a third scarf together. I should be finishing with my treatment sometime on Wednesday and then hopefully home to recover after that... I'll keep you posted!!
Love,
Erica

In the hospital

Finally, we made it to Baltimore on Friday night and we were treated to a nice fireworks display over at the harbor which we watched from the room view. So far things are going well. I have finished one day of treatment and am working on the next. I have been taking lots of naps and getting around some. Christian and my mom and dad have been up hear keeping me company. I just got back fro a walk on the treadmill (about 25min). Though I'm sleepy and having some N V and D and the chills, overall things aren't too bad.
Erica

Finally, a Bed!

After a long week of waiting and getting bumped each day, I finally got the call this afternoon that there is a bed available. Shortly, I will be heading up to Baltimore to begin Round 4. Traffic should be fun!!! I will try and post over the weekend to let you know how things are going.
Have a great Memorial Weekend everyone!!!!
Love,
Erica

Waiting Game

Well, I didn't go to the hospital today. Unfortunately there were no beds available. I am awaiting a call tomorrow to see when I will be admitted. Other than that, all is going well. I'm enjoying this period where I'm really feeling quite good.
I'll keep you updated.
Erica

Not Going Yet

Hi everyone.
I'm still at home. I just found out that I won't be going to the hospital today as there aren't any beds available. I am on the schedule for tomorrow, but it's still a waiting game.
I don't know whether to be excited or bummed about not going today. It's kind of a strange thing...
I guess I'll just have to relax a little more and get outside to enjoy the beautiful afternoon we're having.
I'll keep you posted...
Love,
Erica

Packing Up

I received a call from the shift coordinator this morning confirming my reservations for a return stay at the hospital tomorrow. As of right now it looks fairly promising that there will be a bed available tomorrow afternoon, however, I won't know for sure until mid-morning. It's hard to think about going back, but I know it's something I have to do and I'll try to stay positive about it.
It was nice to have such a beautiful weekend to spend with family and friends. I spent some time outside enjoying the weather, because once I start my treatment, I can't leave the oncology ward. I hope everyone else is getting outside and enjoying themselves.
Until tomorrow,
Erica

Enjoying Each Day

I thought I would share some pictures from my last stay at the hospital. My dad was nice enough to document my stay and the visit with my brother and his family on camera. Though they couldn't come to my room to visit, I was able to visit with my nieces and nephews in the waiting room area. Todd has made it up to visit me each time I have been in the hospital. Though I haven't always been in my best form when he's come, it has been really nice!!
I found out that I will be going back on Monday May 21st to begin Round 4 of biochemotherapy (pending bed availability).
I have really been feeling great this past week, and getting out and doing more things. I went into work for a couple of hours today. I must say that I have the best co-workers around. They make it so easy for me to come back in and pick things back up like I never left.
I'm looking forward to a fun weekend hanging out with friends and family before I have to venture back to the hospital. My younger brother, Cory, is home from college for the summer and working at Christian's shop. It will be nice to have him around this summer and to be able to spend some time with him!
As always, thanks for reading.
Love,
Erica

Working Girl

Thanks for your continued postings!!! It's so great to hear from so many of you!!!
I went into work this afternoon and I saw 5 patients. It was so nice to get back in there and treat patients again. My energy level was good and I didn't seem to have any trouble making it through the afternoon. I will go back in for a couple of hours on Thursday afternoon.
I've even been feeling strong enough to get out and do some weeding and tree trimming in my front garden. But, wow, I must say that weeding is hard and tedious work.

Erica

Trying New Things

Hello Everyone!!!
I have been regaining my strength and energy over the past several days and am feeling much better. One of Janna's friends (Jen, from Maine)sent me a nice care package providing me with the instructions and tools to knit a scarf. So, yesterday I began trying to learn how to knit. It didn't go so hot yesterday, as I have never tried knitting before. However, after a video google search (at Kelly's suggestion), I have started to learn the basics and am now on my way to knitting a skinny scarf. It is actually quite fun!!
Christian and I joined Sandra and Sohel yesterday evening to watch their brother Adel's soccer game. Annandale tied Lake Braddock in overtime!
It was a great game to watch and Adel had an awesome game.
My plan is to work a couple of half days next week. I'm really looking forward to going into work.
My parents are picking Cory up from college today. It will be nice to have him around for the summer!!
I will probably be returning to the hospital sometime during the week after next to begin Round 4, but I don't have a set date yet.
Take care!!!
Love,
Erica

Continuing to Recover

Sorry that I haven't posted in several days. I just haven't felt like being on the computer. I had been feeling pretty fatigued and just kind of lousy. I think that I'm starting to come out of that slump now.
I have been spending most of my time reading, resting and quietly visiting with friends and family.
Today I feel that I finally have the energy to go out and take a walk around my neighborhood. Christian and I went out for a short walk last evening which was chilly, but nice. The weather has really been quite beautiful and breezy over the past several days.
Thanks again for your continued postings of care, concern and encouragement!!
Love,
Erica

SUPERSONIC

Well, I must say that the fatigue is back, which is normal. I had a doctor's appointment today and had bloodwork done. It looks like my blood counts are already back on the rise, which means I should start to regain my strength soon.

As the nurse practitioner put it, I am really handling these "supersonic" treatments quite well...though it doesn't always feel like it. Somehow I still have my hair (though it's thinning) which seems a bit of a surprise considering I just finished my third round.

I also wanted to share the couple of good benefits that I am having from the treatments: my fingernails are stronger and longer than ever before; and although dry, my skin is virtually acne free. Who knew about the wonders of chemotherapy?!?!? I guess you can always find something positive...

Love,
Erica

Home Again

After a late afternoon discharged, Erica has returned home from her 3rd treatment. She is healin g, resting and recovering. She handled the treatment fairly well but is a little wiped out from the last few days.

Janna