My wig.

Well, the weather has cooled off, and I feel like it was time to break out the wig! I think at this point, I am a little tired of wearing hats and being such an obvious "cancer patient". It is not very comfortable, my scalp is so sensitive. For short little jaunts, I guess it will work. In real life, it is a little too shiny, and tends to kind of "fly-away" with static, but I will really appreciate my own hair once it comes in again. I always kind of liked my hair. Although rumor has it, my new hair will be different than my last hair. Oh well. My new boobs will be different too. Maybe I will learn a new language too!
Today I had my blood test. I just feel like I know going into this, that I will be low in my counts and be back in isolation. That way I have no disappointments. Yup. I am at 2.2. However, my neutrophils are not yet critical, so I may actually venture off to church tomorrow. I have not been able to go since June.
Just when I expect people to start forgetting about me (isolation all the time, tends to put you off of the radar), I get cards, scarves, books, emails and meals. THANK YOU!
You really make this so much easier on me, showing me that you care.
I love you all!
Nancy

Just checking in.

Hi everyone. I'm hanging in there. I feel like each progressive chemo leaves me with less and less energy. However, by not doing anything, I am certainly not building up any stamina either. So, walking everyday, and doing the yoga dvd. Took Mairin homecoming dress shopping yesterday, so much fun! And spent hours on the phone brainstorming with work related people trying to figure out some way to get my perfect listings sold, or at least seen! I always feel so much more competent when I get into my real estate mode. I talked with some lenders about possible loans out there, and also some other agents to see what is working for them.
So many of you have emailed me and asked about Sonny. Thank you. He is tending to his injuries, arm in a sling and hand in a brace. He will find out today if he will travel with the team to Lehigh for the game this weekend. At this point it is up to his doctors. Of course, he wants to play if at all possible. Athletes!
I get my blood tested on Sat. to see if I once again have to go into isolation. As a precaution I will start taking anitbiotics. Can't get sick! I feel my nutritionist has helped with my chemo.
Off for a walk,
Thanks for checking in with me.
Love,
Nancy

Harvard defeats Brown!

In the first ever night game in Harvard history, it was a win for the Crimson! The final score was 24-17. As usual, it was a tight game. Brown scored all 17 of their points in the first half, and the Crimson defense was able to hold them to a total of 62 yds. in the second half. The Crimson had to bring in their 2nd string QB due to an injury, and after the first interception, he settled down and took them on two scoring drives. The defense had 3 interceptions, and lots of rushes on the QB. Sonny should be a happy guy!!!!
Update,,Sonny just called, he separated his left shoulder, and jammed his thumb on one hand, and his pinky on the other hand. He played the entire game though, said he was pumped up.
Has a sling and ice, and will get precautionary xrays on Monday. I can't really tell how bad it is because he probably doesn't want to worry me. These are the times I wish he was closer!

Back from chemo.

Well, it took a lot longer today. When I got there my blood pressure was 86/59, the lowest it has been. My temp was 99, high for me, I am usually in the 96 -97 range. I had to have a liter of saline before they could even start the chemo, then I got another one after. My blood pressure kicked up to 99/64. So we proceeded. We were in the new chemo center at the Kaiser off Sand Canyon. It was very nice, as were the nurses. The smile on my face is because I think I only have one more round to go!

I'm going in!

Well, my blood tests came back. My wbc is up to 3.3, (normal being 4) but my neutrophils are now within the normal range. So they said I could go ahead with the chemo, and stay on schedule. After today, I may have only one chemo left! Colin is taking me, and we go to the brand new chemo center at Sand Canyon today. He even gets a chair to stay with me! Last time he had to sit on the floor. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Nancy

Latest blood test results ..and updates on life.

Yesterday I went in for my pre-chemo blood tests. My WBC is only up to 2.3, from 1.0. It is still not up to the normal range. My doctor decided to have me tested again in the morning, to determine if I can have chemo tomorrow afternoon, or will have to reschedule for next week. She didn't mention doing the neupogen shots, so I didn't ask.
I am going a little stir-crazy because I am not supposed to leave my house. The rain and chilly weather was so welcome! I made a yummy homemade tomato soup, a recipe from Oprah's new magazine, that we all enjoyed. I have also been doing the yoga dvd's that Mairin bought for me, along with some resistance band work.
On the real estate side of my life, the feds dropped the rates by half a point on Tuesday. We are hoping that this will spark some buyers into action! I have two turn-key homes that are ready for families to move right into, just in time for the holiday season. They are both located in RSM, and if you know anyone that might be interested, please log onto my website and check them out!
http://www.nancymccracken.com/ !!!!!
Colin and Mairin are well into the start of their new school year. They are both doing very well. They continue to be such a big help to me. I also have to thank the Conovers for driving Mairin home everyday, this has been such a big help to me.
Sonny finally got his class schedule worked out. He will be taking his 4th semester of Spanish, 2 Econ. classes, and a Greek mythology class. A full load when you factor in football on top of it.
This weekend they have the first night game ever held at Harvard, vs. Brown. If anyone wants to read more about his team, they can go to http://www.gocrimson.com/.
Special thanks to Deb and Lena for the dinners this week.
And last but not least, thank you to those that sent me emails. I really enjoy hearing from you, and about what is going on in your life. Keep them coming!
Love,
Nancy

Harvard's first game

Harvard played Holy Cross yesterday to kick off their season. Many good things happened on the field. The weather even cooperated, and the prediction of thunderstorms held off.
Unfortunately, HC scored the winning touchdown with 17 seconds left in the game. Harvard had the opportunity to win with a Hail Mary pass with 5 seconds left, but it fell to the ground.
This is the first time in 7 years that HC beat Harvard.
As the true team player that he is, Sonny was very disappointed. I was able to stream the game on the internet. Not making excuses, but the lineman that Sonny was going up against was 6'5 and 320 lbs!! I know that they will be working very hard this week preparing for the first ever night game in Harvard's history, vs. Brown this coming Saturday. They also start classes on Monday. Big week!
Meanwhile, I continue with my isolation and taking my antibiotics. I seem to be more tired lately too. I have been doing daily stretching, and yoga and taking naps. I am heading out to take the doggins for a little stroll. Gotta get out of the house!
thanks for checking up on me,
Nancy

How low can I go?

Today I had another follow up blood test, to see how I was rebounding from the low counts. While I was waiting to hear, Mairin and I went to SC pier and had lunch on the beautiful outdoor deck of Fisherman's Wharf. I am so glad we had that outing. For someone who has been cooped up since Sun. it was such a great treat. Then I got home to 4 phone messages, Dr, Pharmacist, Chemo nurse, and finally my doctor again. Couldn't be good.
To put it in perspective, when I was admitted to the hospital, my WBC was 1.7 and neutrophils were 425. Today my count was 1.0 and 200. Sun. my counts were 1.1 and 370. I am moving in the wrong direction. I immediately thought hospital and neupogen shots. When I reached my doctor, she asked about fever, (none) and if I had young kids at home (I don't consider teenagers young kids, so I said no). She called in a refill of my antibiotics
and said she was OK with me staying in my home, and monitoring my temp. She won't require me to do the shots, yet. She will retest my blood on Mon. If I don't show a change for the better, then we will make a decision.
The good news is , I feel pretty good. This low blood cell thing does not really make me feel any different. I do get worn out quickly though. I'll sleep well after my outing today.
We have been eating well too! Thank you to Kathy, Beth, Pat and Mary for all of the dinners. We really appreciate it.
Keep the emails coming, I love to hear from you! Just yesterday I got out all of my cards and re-read them. They made me smile!
Love,
Nancy

what a weekend

Today I found out that my blood tests from yesterday were in the critical level. I was so bummed! We expect low blood levels in all areas, but when they get too low, I become very suseptible to infections, which means,,,back in the hospital! My doctor put me on anitbiotics, and said I could stay at home, at least for now. I have to take my temp. to keep an eye out for infections, and if I get a temp, then off to the ER! So far my temp. is between 95 and 97. A little on the low side, but better than high. So I am in quarantine in my home for the next few days.

Thank you to Kathy for the homecooked meal tonight. More thanks go to the "mystery" Mom who stopped by with Subway on Thursday. Please let me know who you were so I can thank you in person. Maryavis stopped by with supplies from Costco, including a case of Smart water!
I am convinced that all of this Smart Water and my nutritionist products are helping me with my low blood pressure situation.

I made it to the MVHS football game for the first half. I enjoyed watching the game, and seeing the Song Girls! I didn't make it around to say hi to all of my Mission friends but I was a little concerned about germs. I love going to the football games and hope to be there this Friday, if I am able to be out of isolation. I want to be normal again! This whole chemo thing is getting really boring.

Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Nancy

Back in school and "normal" routines.

Well, today was the first day of the 07-08 school year. I can't believe that Mairin is a Soph. and Colin is a Junior! Where does the time go? I admit, I have been spoiled having them around so much to help me out. However, I am feeling good. Still have to nap at some point, but that is to be expected. I have found that if I make myself a list, no matter how short, then I can keep a realistic expectation of what I can get accomplished. Today, work will take priortity, now that school is in session, let's get these homes sold!

I have some thank you's, Tami, Camille, Kathy and Kelly! We sooo appreciate your cooking, and runs to Costco! You are helping me keep up my strength, and my kids are very thankful too. I am convinced the Smart Water is helping me with my blood pressure.

Sonny is doing well. The weather in Boston has been beautiful. Football is still in double-days, so he doesn't have too much down time. This weekend Harvard is scrimmaging Columbia.
He is looking forward to moving into Kirkland House, his housing for the school year. He should be moving sometime this week. A big thank-you to Jordan and Joe for keeping his boxes in their basement over the summer, and taking them to him this weekend.

I hope to go watch Mairin do her Song thing, (whenever I say cheer, she gently reminds me that she is a Song Girl, not a cheer leader) at the football game on Friday. I have to remind myself not to hug anyone,,it will be getting toward the low point of my chemo, and I will be most susceptible to infections. So, if any of you are reading this and see me tomorrow at the game, I would love to say hello, but remember no hugs or handshakes!

Thank you to everyone for "staying the course" with me. I kind of felt like you all would forget about me as this process is such a long ordeal, but no! You are with me all the way. It means so much.
Love YOU!
Nancy

Feeling good.

I am watching a lot of football today..my alma mater, UCLA , and flipping back and forth between Notre Dame (hoping to see Konrad play), and Wash. St. (to see Jed ) and tried to log on to the website to watch the Mission Viejo HS team play in Ohio, but couldn't get it. Sonny called this morning and was eagerly awaiting their intra-squad scrimmage today. The weather was nice and he was pumped up. I wish we had some fall football weather here!
I am doing well from my chemo on Thurs. Few side-effects, not worth mentioning. I am SO water-logged! I have learned that I need to keep pushing the water, even if I am not thirsty. It helps my blood pressure.
Thanks for checking in on me.
Love,
Nancy