Well, my Thunder did not close out the series last night.  Bummer.  I was really disappointed in our fans.  Tons of them walked out with about 2 minutes to go in the game when they realized it was going to be hard for us to win.  Also, during one of the time outs right at the end of the game when we were behind, the Thunder people were not trying to get the crowd going at all.  They were playing some lame song and that was it.  Very disappointing.  It's like everyone just gave up and said "the season is over".  I am hoping for a win on Monday.  I know they are capable of winning but with this last loss, it might be a little harder for them.  I am not giving up on them yet!  Thunder UP!

I had the unfortunate privilege of visiting the OU Medical Center ER this morning.  I have decided that hospitals are about the most germ-ridden establishments that exist.  I had symptoms of a cold yesterday, mostly super-runny nose.  This morning when I woke up, I could tell my chest was congested and also I was coughing up stuff.  When I took my temp, it was 100.4.  I was told by my doctor that if it ever got up to that exact number, 100.4, to call.  I talked to the doctor on call and she sent me to ER.  I will say this, they got me back to a room immediately (right after they had me put on a surgical mask).  They treat their chemo patients like royalty.  They did take good care of me but I was so glad they did not admit me.  It was freezing in there and they did not want to give me a blanket since I was running a fever.  I finally convinced the Admittance girl to get me one.  That's why I'm wearing my hood in the pic.  My head was cold!  If I ever have to go back to ER, I will be more prepared.

They gave me a round of IV antibiotics and a prescription for more.  They won't know until Tuesday if it's viral or bacterial.  The dr. said it's better if it's viral, so we are praying for that.  Oh, and another "small world experience"......my doctor is married to a former PCN student of mine....Cassandra (Cassie) Duncan, Class of 2002.  He has a great bedside manner and took great care of me.  Thank you Dr. Kavon Azadi.

So for now, I will monitor my temperature and take my antibiotics.  I plan on having a restful Memorial Day tomorrow.

Later, Cathy

I am so excited that the Thunder is bringing back it back to OKC to finish the series!  I cannot wait for the game tomorrow.  The Peak is going to be rocking and LOUD!!!!!  Thunder UP!

I went in for my lab work and doctor appointment Wednesday.  It was a good appointment.  The PA examined me and said she felt like the tumors have gotten smaller since she last checked.  That is really good news.  I also feel like the tumor on my upper left side (the one that I first noticed and went to the doctor about) is definitely shrinking.  My next CT scan is June 13 so we are praying that I will be eligible for surgery at that point.

Thursday the doctor's office called and said my WBC was 970.  In order to be able to take this week's chemo (which is both Taxol AND Carboplantin), my count would have to be at least 1000.  So they said I could go in early Friday morning and have lab work done again to see if it had come up so that I could do chemo.  I ask her if there was anything I could do to raise it and she basically said eat lots of protein, stay hydrated and try taking several flights of stairs before I get blood drawn.  That evening,  Jason, Lyndsey (Candice's best friend from MS and HS), and their 10 year old daughter, Kinzey Shirazi came over to visit and brought Earl's Barbecue.  It was yummy and we had fun hanging out and watching the first half of the Thunder game.   I also ate yogurt before bed and had another one on the way to SCC, along with a protein drink.  When Abby and I got there, I walked about 5 flights of stairs and back down.  About 30 minutes after having blood drawn, they told me my WBC had gone up to 2873 so I was good to go for the chemo!!!  After the chemo I felt fine.  It did not make me tired at all this time and I didn't even nap when I got home.  I met some really nice people while there.  The lady sitting next to me, Rhonda, and I started visiting when her husband had gone down to get something to eat.  She said her husband, Don Eden, was from El Reno.  Long story short, he and Thomas were in the same graduating class.  Then I found out once I got home that Don is the uncle of one of my former students from PCN, Tricia Eden!  It is a very small world.  I also met another sweet lady, Mary.  She had commented on the headband I was wearing and said she had never gotten up the nerve to go out in public with her head showing.  I told her it wasn't easy for me at first but that I had kind of gotten used to it.  I miss my hair but there are some advantages to not having any.  It takes a lot less time to get ready and when you decide to go to the movies during a hail/rain storm, you don't have to worry about your hair getting wet!  Thomas and I saw "The Nice Guys" last night and it was very entertaining.  I would recommend it, especially if you love the 70's like we do.

Emma is definitely taking after her mother.  She wanted to sew the other day so she whipped out a pillow case.  Today she asked if she could go in the craft room and make something.  Next thing I know, she's made herself a Thunder headband.  She's quite crafty!

We are on our way to Red Rock Canyon Grill and then to the Thunder game.  Can't wait to see our guys close out the series tonight against the Warriors!  Thunder UP!

Later, Cathy

Well, I have not been quite as tired this week as I was after that one killer round of chemotherapy, but I have had my moments of exhaustion.  I've had a few little stomach issues but still not that nauseous feeling that so many chemo patients experience.  It seems like this week I tire easily but can take a short nap and recover.  Unlike the week before, I would sleep for 3 hours straight and still be exhausted.

Saturday evening we went over to Brian and Valerie Russell's for dinner.  Brian cooked some amazing ribeyes and tasty chicken and Valerie out did herself on the sides!  It was the best meal we've had in a while.  We got to hang out and visit while Emma played "fetch" with their beautiful golden retriever, Addie, for about 3 hours!!!  Thanks B and V for an awesome evening.

Sunday we went to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse with Mark and Teresa and then on to the Thunder game.  The excitement in that arena was unbelievable.  And the win was the icing on the cake.  I had a visitor during the game.  I turned around and Rumble was right in my face.  That was pretty exciting.  I never realized how small Rumble is until he was sitting right there beside me.  Of course, we had to get a pic together!

I was going to work half a day on Monday but was not feeling up to it so I stayed home and rested all day.  I did go in and work yesterday afternoon.  It was good to catch up with my co-workers.....I miss seeing them every day.

Last night we took Taylor Upchurch (our good friend from PCN and our pool business) to the game.  He treated us to dinner at Pizzeria Gusto on 23rd and it was yummy.  Thanks Taylor!  Again, it was so loud in the Peak and this game was not only super exciting but the whole Dramond Green-Steven Adams drama made it even more fun.  And, I had another visitor!  Our season ticket rep, sweet Colby, surprised me with a gift bag of goodies.  It was so nice of her to think of us in such a sweet way.  She brought me a Thunder shirt, a Thunder scarf, pom poms and Thunder bracelets!  Thank you Colby.

Today I go in for blood work and doctor appointment at 1:15.  I'm hoping my WBC is back up where it should be.  Friday is my long chemo session so hopefully it won't have to be delayed.

Once again, I want to say that I have so many people praying and it is working.  Just the fact that I've experienced no nausea this entire time is a huge blessing to me.  Nausea is something I have never handled well.....I hate that feeling.  Having so many people checking in with me weekly to see how I'm doing means the world to me.  Just keep praying for good results on my next CT scan which is June 13.  We are praying that the tumors will have shrunk and that Dr. Walker is able to do surgery at that time.

Later, Cathy

Like I said in my last post, my 5th chemo treatment really did me in, energy wise.  I skipped church Sunday morning to sleep.  That afternoon I went to a wedding shower for a very special former PCN student, Taylor Fite.  She is an amazing young woman....smart, hard worker, determined and a sweetheart.  And, what's even better, she's marrying a young man from my home town, Marlow.  His name is Miles McCurtain.  I grew up in church with his mom and her entire family.  Best wishes to Taylor and Miles!!!!

Sunday evening my mom threw a birthday party for my sweet dad.  It was so nice to spend time with my family.  We had All American pizza and calzone and for dessert, homemade German chocolate cake and ice cream.  Dad said it was the best birthday he's ever had.  We all had a great time and I finally got to meet my nephew's finance, Mary.  Congrats Rusty and Mary on your engagement.

On Monday and Tuesday I worked all day and then half a day on Wednesday.  I came down with a sore throat at the beginning of the week.  I had my lab work done on Tuesday.  When they called on Wednesday, they said my white blood count was very low.  I told them that my throat had been sore but they said if I felt ok on Friday, I could go ahead and do the treatment.

Wednesday afternoon I took my wig, yes, my wig to get styled.  When I first got my diagnosis, I swore I was not gonna do the wig thing and I'm still not sure about it.  I've just never liked wigs but we'll see if I can get used to it.  I also have a baseball hat with hair attached that looks a lot like my own hair.  I've enjoyed wearing it occasionally.

Thursday was "Cathy" day.  I used the remainder of my gift card (from Thomas for Christmas) to Eden Spa and Salon.  I got to sit in the jetted tub for 25 minutes while my neck, shoulders and arms were massaged.  Then I got a 30 minute body massage, a mud treatment for my whole body and then got to lay under these shower heads that come down from the ceiling....warm water, 10 minutes on each side.  It was heavenly!!!  In the afternoon, I got my nails done and a pedi.  It was a very relaxing day and I needed it after working 3 days.

Today Abby and I went to Mamasita's for lunch.  Our server was Torie, one of Abby's favorite former students from PCO.  They were so excited to see each other and had a great visit.  We went from there to the SCC for chemotherapy.  The nurse brought my lab work over to explain to me.  She said my white blood count was 570 and it should be 1000 or more.  If your WBC is 500 or below, they will not do treatment but delay it for a week and see if it comes back up.  Since I was feeling ok today, I got to go ahead and get the infusion.  They adjusted the meds a little so hopefully it will all be fine.  I'm not as tired tonight as I was after last week's treatment.

And, Emma finished 3rd grade today.  She passed the state mandated 3rd grade test so she gets to move on to 4th grade!!!!! Oh, and Monday's Thunder game was a positive....Wednesday's game was just embarrassing.  I will be at the game Sunday night and hopefully we will get a W!!!  Thunder up!!

That's all for this week!  Cathy

We went to the Thunder game Thursday night and it might have been the LOUDEST, most exciting game ever.  Mike and Stacy went with us.  We had dinner first at Longhorn Steak House.  It was a fun evening.  I stopped by to see Karen, the candy lady, and April, the girl who has done Emma's face painting at the games since she was 2 years old.  Hope we can beat the Warriors.  Go Thunder!!!

Oh, and to my surprise, I made the cover of People magazine.

Stacy took me to Paseo Grill for lunch yesterday.  It is the coolest little restaurant and the food was yummy.  After lunch, we walked down to Paseo Art Works where Kevin has some of his art for sale.  Then I had my 5th chemo treatment and this one really knocked me for a loop.  I got home about 4:00 and was in my chair by 4:30.  I did not wake up until 7:30.  Then this morning I got up, ate breakfast and had to lay back down for a few hours.  Abby and Kylie came in late last night.  We all went to see The Jungle Book this afternoon.  

Emma's recital was this evening and she did very well on her violin piece.  She has improved so much over the last year.  Granny and Grandpa Ed came to hear her play and were very proud of her.

Sunday's Thunder game was the most exciting one this year for me.  Candice's boss (Beto and Denise Garcia of Blue Haven Pools) gave me two tickets for the game - two rows up from the Thunder bench.  It is a whole different world down there compared to Loud City.  The players were right there just feet from us.  AND, we made it on TV several times.  It was a great evening that I'll never forget.  Thank you Beto and Denise!

I was planning on working Monday but just wasn't up to it.  Here lately, I have found that I tire more easily.  I have to take frequent rest breaks, which, if you know me has never been a problem.

Last night I attended Project H.O.P.E.'s completion ceremony for Seniors.  I was so glad I could be there for my graduating students.  And, I was able to keep my hair for the occasion.  That was something I really wanted to be able to do and I did it.  It wasn't easy as I was losing hair by the handfuls since last Friday's treatment.  Once I got home last night, I decided it was time to say goodbye to what little hair I had left.  Emma did the honor of cutting it for me and she did an awesome job.  I had decided a few weeks ago that it might make the transition from having hair to being bald a little easier for her if she had something to do with it.  So we played "beauty shop"!  First we started with a short bob and then went shorter from there.  Then Thomas buzzed it for me!  It wasn't as hard for me as I had thought it was going to be.  I was so sick of having hair all over myself and my clothes.  I'm going to work tomorrow so it will be my first venture out into public.  

Lab called today and my labs look good for chemo on Friday.  My sweet sister-in-law, Stacy Keller, is taking me to lunch and them chemo.  Looking forward to going to Paseo Grill for the first time.

Once again I have been meaning to update my blog but there is always something else that takes precedence.  I think the reason I keep putting it off is because I don't have Blogger down to an art yet.  I can't get the font to stay the same, I have trouble putting the pictures on it, etc., so therefore it takes me an hour or so just to do one update.  It's just very frustrating.  I'm about to abandon the blog and just update of FB.  It would be much easier and less of a frustration.

I worked Monday and Thursday of this week.  Thursday we had our Senior Luncheon for students at Project H.O.P.E., which I volunteered to decorate for.  It turned out very nice and the kids enjoyed the luncheon.  

Mom's birthday was Tuesday so we spent the morning together.  We bought flowers and plants and then went to TJ Maxx.  Then we had pizza with dad at mom's place.  It was a great morning.

Tuesday evening my good friend, Carrie, from work and her mother, Mary, came over and brought us dinner from Zaxby's.  It was yummy and we visited for a while after dinner.  Good times!

Wednesday I had my pre-chemo lab work done and I also had a doctor appointment.  When I first got my diagnosis, Dr. Walker said I had "advanced ovarian cancer".  She didn't tell me what stage it was. So I had looked it up online and had myself convinced that I was Stage 3C.  When I was at the doctor,  I asked what stage I was.  Turns our mine is Stage 4, so that was a little bit of a downer.  Not that it really changes anything, Stage 3C just sounds better than Stage 4.

Our good friends my church, Nick and Laurie Nicoll, came over to visit in the evening.  They brought us warm chocolate chip cookies!  We had a great visit with them.  We've know them for about 20 years and when we first visited New Covenant Christian Church, they were the ones who invited us to their Sunday school class.  We have gone there ever since that day!  Thank you Nick and Laurie.

Candice took me to my 4th chemo treatment yesterday.  It was the 5 hr. appointment because they gave me two meds (Taxol and Carboplantin) instead of just one.  While we were there, Tarah Warren (Tenaciously Teal FB page) came up so she could meet Candice.  It was so sweet of her to take time out of her day just to meet my daughter.  

I realized yesterday just how lucky I am and how God is answering prayers.  The lady next to me getting her treatment was nauseous before her treatment was done.  I have had NO nausea whatsoever and I am so thankful for that.  My hair continues to get thinner and thinner but is not coming out in clumps yet.  I'm trying to keep it until Tuesday evening when we have our Project H.O.P.E. graduation ceremony because I'll be on stage to hand out diplomas to my graduates.  I have a feeling that it will be gone soon after that.

We went to there 8:30 p.m. Thunder game last night.  Wish would have won but it was an exciting game.  My friend, Tessa, from work went with us and we had a great time.  April Brock, who does face painting at every Thunder game, gave me a Lauren Dangle CD which is amazing.  Emma has gotten her face painted by April at every Thunder game since she was 2 years old.  April is a sweetheart.  We didn't get home till about 11:15 p.m. so it felt great to crawl into bed at that point.  I was very tired and so was little Emma!

This morning I went to a support group for women with ovarian cancer at the SCC.  I met some really nice people there and plan on going back.  They meet the first Saturday of every month.  Then Emma and I went to the Putnam City Arts Festival at PC North.  Emma had a picture of a bug she drew in the show.  She loves to draw and definitely has some artistic abilities.

I'm headed out to work in my front flower bed this afternoon.  I love being outside now which is weird because before my diagnosis, I was really more of an indoor person.   I think I'm just learning to appreciate nature and the beauty of God in the outdoors.  

                                                                      

My third chemo treatment was on Friday and went very well.  I used my topical pain medication on my port area and it WORKED this time.  I felt nothing when she started the IV.  That evening Thomas, Emma and I went to his 3rd cousin's wedding, Jenny Waller.  It was at the Walnut Creek Chapel and it was a beautiful wedding on an absolutely beautiful evening.  We enjoyed seeing a lot of family that we hadn't seen since my diagnosis.

Saturday morning I slept in till about 10:00 a.m. and it felt great.  I've actually been sleeping really well but I still enjoy a good "sleep in"!!  In the afternoon, Candice and I went to see "Mother's Day" with my friend, Carrie (from work) and her mother.  We really enjoyed it.  Saturday evening Thomas and I went out to eat and to the Putnam City North Prom.  It was at the Will Rogers Theatre on Western Avenue.  It was an awesome venue and we had a great time.  Once again, it was good to see friends from PCN that I hadn't seen in a while.  Emma spent the night with her cousin, Olivia, so Thomas and I got to "stay out late"!!!  

Olivia got baptized this morning so Emma got to go to church with them and witness the baptism.  We are very proud of Olivia for accepting Jesus into her heart.  Thomas and I went to church at North MacArthur Church of Christ with my mom and dad.  Once again, we saw former students, former neighbors, college friends and just a lot of people we know from different places.  After lunch we went to Charleston's to celebrate my mom's upcoming birthday.  And then, we were surprised with a visit this afternoon from some of our longtime and best friends, Mark and Teresa Landrith.  We hung out for about three hours, laughing and catching up!  We love THEM!

And then, I got a phone call from a friend of one of my co-workers at Project H.O.P.E. who battled ovarian cancer about 4 years ago and is now cancer free.  She told me about a support group on Saturday mornings at the SCC (Stephenson Cancer Center) and I plan on going this coming Saturday.

Plans for the upcoming week:  working on Monday and Thursday, labs and appointment with Dr. Walker on Wednesday, and then Friday I have my LONG chemo appointment (5 hours).  Should be a good nap day!