Hi Everyone!
Well, I am settled in at the hospital and doing fine. This is Day 4 of chemo and although they said it would be four times stronger than my regular chemo, I feel fine. (Knock on wood) It is a bit confining here because they don't allow you to leave this area--if you walk around it 24 times it is a mile. Whooppee!! They have loaded me up with so many fluids that I have gained 10 pounds, which I am whining more about than having cancer--you think a person with no hair wouldn't be so vain, but it is bumming me out.
I have enjoyed reading everyone's notes--it definitely makes my day. I so appreciate all the good thoughts being sent my way. I will keep you all posted on my progress--I really think it is all going to be good.
Love to all,
Debbie

Well, it is a go for today! Mom calls the hospital this morning and they will tell her what time to check in--she is SO ready! Many people have asked about visiting, but she isn't sure how she is going to be feeling. Her recommendation is to call her cell first, 760-310-3497, and she will let you know if she is up for a visit. Also, she is not allowed flowers or plants, or for that matter, food--so if you are going to visit, just bring yourself!!
If you think you have been exposed to any illnesses, please stay away, and she can't be around any "live viruses", such as anyone who has recently had the H1N1 nasal vaccine. Yes, there are all kinds of rules...these are just a few.
I will keep you posted after she gets settled.

Today was a no-go. Here's hoping next Wednesday will be the big day!

My mom is supposed to check in to the hospital tomorrow for the stem cell transplant, but that has still yet to be confirmed. She went to the doctor today and her blood count was low, so he was trying to decide whether or not she would begin the process tomorrow.
Whether she starts tomorrow or next week, she is going into it extremely upbeat. Before her first chemo treatment my adorable dad went to the beach and found a rock. He painted it green and printed out the words "attitude is everything" and taped it to it. It was a sweet gesture and I think her attitude really has been incredible despite the many obstacles that have been thrown her way. I am continually amazed by her outlook and know that she will continue to be the perfect patient.
She went through her list of things she can't eat, can't have in the house, and can't do. Some of these include:

• Can't eat deli meats or cheeses
• Can't have flowers in the house
• Can't ever swim in a public pool

The list is very long, so if you want to ever cook my parents anything, email me and I will forward the list on to you (lahuddleston@gmail.com).

I will post whenever I have news!

Happy 2010!!

Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! With chemo #6 behind her and the wave of nausea starting to lift, Mom is optimistic about 2010. This is going to be her year. As things stand now, she is on schedule for her transplant. She will be admitted to Thornton Hospital on January 20. Just to give you an idea, the plan should hopefully go like this...1/20 hospital; 1/21-1/25 chemotherapy; 1/26 day of rest; 1/27 infusion of stem cells!!! They refer to this as Day "O"--they say you should consider this your new birthday, and Mom is seriously considering it, since the last two birthdays haven't exactly worked out for her! If all goes as planned, she should be out of the hospital around February 9. It will pretty much be "house arrest" for the next month, with lots of trips to UCSD for follow-ups with Dr. Castro.
Everyone has been offering to help, and we really appreciate it and will certainly take you up on it as the needs arise. I will keep you posted!