Hi everyone--
Well, just after I got my great news, Amanda came down with a horrible virus and passed it on to me. My little one, who usually only gets sick for three days at the most, was down for 1 1/2 weeks. Of course with my immune system, it's taken me three weeks and I still have some remnants from it. One week of that landed me back at San Ramon Regional (this time not quite up to its usual standards). However they were trying to figure out so many issues it's amazing I was able to get out of there in a week. Here's what's going on:

So my blue (black) toe is looking more and more like it's going to be amputated. I still have one more test to go through (angiogram--last time was a CT-guided one, this one will be the old-fashioned way) and a few more opinions to get first. I certainly won't make any moves until I have all the info. They were also concerned about circulation in my other leg, so this has not been fun. I'm doing all I can to improve circulation through exercise in both my toe and my legs, and I do see progress there--hallelujah!

They told me I have a hyperactive thyroid gland and put me on meds for that.

They tried to tell me they thought I was now diabetic, but they were wrong. My glucose levels have fluctuated for these past three years, because of the steroids they have me on for the chemo.

The chemo gave me horrible swelling in my knees, making it almost impossible to bend them. I had a horrible rash at the time when I got the virus, and while in the hospital the scabs were pulling and making it hard to walk. Every time I'd try to walk the fluid would just drain from them. This is getting better. The doc thinks some time off will help the fluid go down.

Of course for me, the worst part of it is that my voice is basically at a whisper, making it impossible to talk with all of you when you call. Believe me, I'm not trying to avoid you--it's just very difficult because most people can't hear me on the phone.

Well my doc and I decided to take one month off of chemo to try and give this body a much-needed break. After that, we'll do a PET scan and decide where to go from there.

I hope this doesn't sound like I'm just complaining about all my woes. There just didn't seem to be any other way to bring you up to date. I have struggled with depression, but when I remember to keep my eyes focused on the One who will heal me, I come out of it. I'm still a fighter and with my fight and your prayers & support, I plan to kick this thing!