Oddly, the last 6 months have been both the shortest and longest of my life. When I was first diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer in July, going through 6 months of treatment sounded like a long span of time. Now that my life is consumed by all things cancer, it seems I blinked and now I'm on the home stretch!

After my first round of high-dose Cytarabine in October wiped out my white blood cells and led to a week in the hospital with sepsis, I was concerned about a repeat in November. But close monitoring by my health care team and several transfusions of blood and platelets supported an intense, yet improved course of recovery. I am headed into this round much stronger than last month, when the impacts of chemo and sepsis in November left me feeling like a wounded soldier prematurely sent back into battle.

This week, on Tuesday (01/06) I report to the Cancer Center in Highland Park for Immunotherapy. Wednesday through Friday (01/07-01/09) I report to Evanston Hospital as an inpatient for my third and final round of high-dose Cytarabine. Lord willing, this will be my last round of chemo. I look forward to ringing the bell at the nurse's station signifying this milestone as I leave!

For three or more weeks following this round of chemo, my blood counts will be closely monitored and tentative blood and/or platelet transfusions will be scheduled in case they are needed.

My Oncologist plans to order scans a month or so after I finish this round of treatment. I am hopeful they will confirm the end of chemo for this season and she will then determine a plan for maintenance.   

I continue to marvel at the care and concern shown by each of you throughout this journey. My family and I could not have gone through this challenge without you.

For those of you remembering us in your prayers, here are my current requests:

1) Maximum benefit and minimal side effects from this round of HiDAC (high-dose Cytarabine) and strong rebounding of white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.

2) Constructive conversation as I meet with my Oncologist Tuesday and wisdom as she determines a maintenance plan after follow-up testing.
 
3) Healing from long-term side effects including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, chemo brain, and lingering effects from sepsis.

4) Good health for me and others I am exposed to, especially as my children return to school this week and there is so much illness going around.

5) Safety in travels to and from appointments as well as for two daughters who are traveling from out of state to help support me as well as the home front in my absence. Some of the weather predicted for later in the week looks a little concerning.

6) For family and household needs to be met, especially as we transition to regular schedules after school and holiday breaks.

7) A blessing on all those supporting me and my family this week.

As always, with much love and gratitude,
~ Ginny