Short and Silver

My hair is still short, but I went to my hair stylist today to get some advice about how best to grow it out. She trimmed it up, and she'll continue to do that until my hair is the length that I want it. I imagine that will take 6-9 months.

Also, I wanted her to tell me what color my hair is coming in. First of all it's straight and not curly and it's growing in SILVER!

Same-o-same-o

Jim and I returned from the hospital last Sunday evening in time for church (yeah!). Usually I have to stay in the hospital for chemo for one day, and then stay for another 5-7 days to"wash" the IV chemo drug from my system. The idea behind this is that the chemo drug is only supposed to be in my body for a certain numbers of hours. Otherwise it's toxic.

We go back up to Denver for a clinic appointment with my doctor in a few weeks who will tell us what the "plan" ahead will be for the rest of my treatment. There may be more chemo, antiviral meds to kill off the EBV virus and maybe a stem cell transplant. Since January we've been driving up to the University Hospital in Denver, staying a few days for chemo, and then coming back home...same-o-same-o.

Gracie on Vacation

Gracie is our 8 year old Weimaraner. Since we are gone so much in the hospital and not at home much we decided that she needed a "vacation" so that she could be around other people and dogs. She's been at my brother's house in Denver for about 3 months. She has been very happy there with lots of hands to pet her.

AWOL

Sorry that I haven't posted anything for a few weeks. I had chemo for 6 days, and then came home for a few days to rest and then I went back up to the hospital (160 miles round trip) for a support group meeting for people who have lymphoma in the brain like me. I go to the local hospital to get labs drawn 3 mornings a week, and a dressing change on Monday. I have physical therapy twice a week and a nap every afternoon (2-hours). This new schedule has been busier than I expected.

Also, I was kind of bummed about my entire situation. It's difficult to be cheerful when I really can't go anywhere (I'm not allowed to drive yet.) If my white count is really low I have to wear a mask to keep any little germies from invading my body so that I don't get sick.

But, I've been doing alot of reading, mostly Anne Lamott books and an collection of stories by Flannery O'Connor which has been delightful.