Update for November 18

Houston - November 7-14 - My medical team at the Herman Memorial Cancer Center consider themselves Texans and seem to like where they live. A universal and singular impression of Montana among them is that it is: "COLD". "It's cold there isn't it?" "How cold does it get?" "Are there places where it doesn't snow in the winter?" I'm not used to this impression; it's so unlike the responses I've usually experienced which is Montana is one of those last best places to be....it's scenic beauty, the mountains, the unpopulated, rural, wild nature being desireable and enviable place to be. At least us Montanans won't have to worry about mass migration from the south!

So John and I returned this second time with a few Montana gifts. John's mother, Irene, and brother, Chuck, were kind to send us a 5# box of Shepard's candy (carmels, chocolates, nuts) - I love it! Interestingly, Shepard's doesn't have a website or do any mailing of their candy. We gave that box with a picture of Missoula to the chemo nurses and administrative staff and they enjoyed it. For the heat treatment staff (Dr. Bull, Dr. Sieu, Theresa, Rhonda, Tameka, Jacob) which reside over in the Research Unit of Herman Memorial Hospital, I brought boxs of truffles from La Chocolate. They seemed surprised and very excited. Of course, I missed some of the conversation because I was sedated and resting in the Heat Tent.

Above is a picture of the Heat Tent or bed that Theresa is preparing. I lay down and they attach all sorts of monitors to my body to measure temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. (I also have a catheter so I don't have to get up and pee if any of you were wondering!) The second time around was relaxing and I didn't have any discomfort. I was able to wake up enough afterwards so I didn't have to stay in the hospital. I went home to the Marriot and slept like a baby! The release of all the fluids is detoxifying and I come away feeling purified and peaceful. It's like doing the Sweat lodge that I used to do as a "change of seasons" ritual or an eating fast. I don't expect that this will continue to be the case as we progress and that is why there is a maximum of 6 treatments. The intense, continuous heat will begin to exhaust my cells and I may come away more tired. As Amy explains, so much fire in your system increases the metabolism of the cells. My aim is to rejuvenate in between with body work (Joanna and Deb) and acupuncture (Amy).

The first two days of the treatment, as I've explained before, are getting a chemo treatment and hydration in prep for the heat. I also get a lung xray and ekg. There were no tests this time to look at the effects of the 1 treatment. (I may be sensitive, but I feel burdened by people asking me what the results are and the energy and desire to talk about what all this means. I'll try to keep you all updated via blog.)

I tried to have a better attitude and experience spending the 2 full days in the chemo lab. It's not a large room filled with about 12 lounge/chemo chairs. Whether you like it or not, you absorb the nursing dramas (where are the labs for this person, where is the chemo, why does the department manager want to meet with me, and assurances that chemo protocols are followed) and the patients' stories. One patient, a regular participant, is a stately, 78 year old, african american woman who I call the opinion leader of the collective. She gathers many of the stories and befriends the families of many of the people who come. While she works away on her lap top, she has her ways with the nurses and staff and encourages others. The drama this time was that she arrived at 10am and it wasn't until 2pm before the chemo was delivered from the pharmacy for her. Her son transports her to and from the place, but when things are delayed to such a degree and he has to work at 5pm, she had to make other arrangements. So there was alot of finger pointing and discussion about why we patients tend to wait around all the time and have to spend as much time as we do there. Good question! I also brought along a Sue Grafton mystery .... O is for Outlaw and P is for Peril and that helped immensely to transport me to another world and who dunnit!

Other than that, John and I hung out at our Marriot room and went to Rice Village (near Rice University campus) for shopping and dinners. There is an Italian restaurant that was excellent. I got some new corduroys (for those of you who are used to hearing me walk the work halls) at Banana Republic!

This week and next - Just been hanging out this week and trying to come to grips with this snow and cold (OK, Montana is cold!) and lack of sun. The reprieve will be when John, Pat, Molly, Colin, Maddy and I all head to Hawaii tomorrow! I look forward to the ocean air and hanging out! Molly and Maddy are taking me for a manicure/pedicure and some girl time! Pat and Colin will drag John along to a golf course. Of course, a centerpiece will be enjoying some Michigan State basketball (3 games). I've already seen one pre-season game and reaquainted myself with the players. Looking forward to hearing Coach Izzo speak at a Coaches banquet we're attending.

Featured Friends - Barb Plattes and Janet Kekich - These two have come out to share a glass of wine with me a couple of times and I thoroughly enjoy catching up. The picture was taken at Pat and Molly's wedding weekend that we all enjoyed in May. Janet made me a photo album which has been wonderful to have!

Barb Plattes (in the middle of picture) and I go back to the beginning of our careers with the Forest Service. I say this a million times, but she's been my role model for enjoying life. You know how you have those preconceived notions of what motherhood and marriage is all about -- she's showed that you can maintain your girl friendships and having a balance in life with work, being a mom, and having fun. Now, she was the first one of us three to "retire". She's educated us on the ways of facebook, catching Dr. Oz, taking your cruises around Hawaii or across the Atlantic, and exploring the northwest. She's now newly a grandmother to Eli! Thanks Barb!

Janet Kekich (right in picture) - What a big heart! She and I also herald the Forest Service as our base, and she's still at work and enjoying it. Through this cancer crisis of mine, she's one person who is comfortable with being in that "life and death" realm that I'm experiencing. Her daughter, Mandy, died tragically in a car accident in 2001(?) and Janet has continued to feel Mandy's spirit and presence. Janet acknowledges the spirit world and the thin veil that exists. Thus, conversations amongst us are at ease and with a richness that I enjoy. Thanks Janet!