On Tuesday Michele had her second chemotherapy treatment at UT Southwestern oncology center here in Dallas. Scott and I accompanied her, again prepped with plenty of entertainment and ginger ale.
Michele took the treatment like a champ, sleeping for most of the time, and we were in and out of the treatment center faster than during the first round!
We learned a few things since the initial treatment that were slightly adjusted this round:
- Her overall chemotherapy dosage was slightly lowered, in anticipation of reducing side effects while still maximizing effectiveness
- She was given an IV yesterday when her pump was removed and will be given another IV today to help stay ahead of dehydration
In addition to the chemotherapy treatments, we are still awaiting final genetic testing results from Foundation One and continually exploring possible clinical trials, supplements, and targeted therapies to insure we constantly stay well informed and to keep our options open.
During this second treatment, my mom got quite the dosage of Ativan which needless to say, left Scott and me with some pretty funny stories. One of my favorites had to have been when in the middle of treatment, my mom blurted out, “summer squash!” After asking if she was in fact hungry, she told us she had no idea what she was talking about.
Also upon telling my mom how good of a job she did during the treatment she informed me, “I deserve two M&Ms, but I shouldn’t have those now so you can put them in my bank.” Two M&Ms it is!
Again, thank you for all the calls, texts, emails, and visits. We are overwhelmed by the level of support and can’t tell you how much it means to us.
Michele continues her fight every day and will be recuperating over the next two weeks from the second round of treatment.
I couldn’t be more proud of my mom. She is taking this head on – step by step, moment by moment, and her strength is inspiring. It’s not always easy but we welcome the chemotherapy as another tool in this fight that breaks down your body in order to help build it back up.
My niece Caroline made some awesome “Team Michele” purple bracelets (pictured below). If you are interested in ordering one, please let me know and we can see about getting another batch.
Finally, I’ll end with an amazing quote we recently came across:
“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. So live. Fight like hell. And when you get tired, lay down and let someone else fight for you.”
Together, we fight.
Much love.
15 responses to “I second that!”
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What a wonderful update!!
Thank you for keeping us posted
GREAT going MICHELE!!
We love you and yours
Always in my heart
Hugs
Linda and family -
Love that Ativan! Try it the next time you get on an airplane. Keep up the fight Michele! Sending you lots of good thoughts and spirit.
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We would be proud to wear Team Michele bracelets! Please tell us what you need for us to do to help make this happen.
Happy to learn that Round Two has been completed – do give Michele her M&M’s – she has earned them!
Known that our thoughts and hearts are with all of you each and every daty . . .
Ann-Marie and Bill -
Very inspiring thoughts Zach. Fight on Michele and please order me a bracelet. Love you all!!!
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Love that quote, Zach – brought tears to my eyes. Michele is such a fighter. I’m following up with my contact at Foundation One again to see if they can expedite those results. In the meantime, keep taking the best care of her, as you are – she’s lucky to have her family around her 🙂 Much love!!
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I am happy to hear the 2nd treatment is over. Please tell her that I know she is an amazing lady and not to give up the fight for half a moment. Sending big hugs, kisses and much love!
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I am happy to receive this report. I’ve been worrying about Michele since Tuesday. I’m so proud of her . With your love and support , she has got to win this fight. Give her kisses for me and I want one of those wrist bands. Maybe 4 or 5 for other friends. Love you Michele. Myrna
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She is a warrior! I am so proud of all of you! Stay strong and fight on!! I would love to order 2 bracelets and Harvey and I will wear them with pride! Let me know how much to send to you or drop off at the office. I wish there was something I could do to lighten the load for all of you. I have gone through similar battles with my sister and several friends. It takes a village! Warrior On!!
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Great report! Keep up the good work. Michele, we are thinking of you and so relieved to hear this treatment caused only the “usual” side effects. M&M’s all around…….
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I’ll double those 2 M&M’s for your bank!! I love the step by step, moment by moment approach to life. It’s the tortoise (vs. the hare ) who wins!! We continue to send you positive thoughts from the Winterbottom’s!
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I’m so glad the second round went better than the first! I think you deserve far more than two piddly little M&Ms. I think a full bag is called for!! Keep on keepin’ on! In the meantime, I would very much like to have a bracelet!
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Michele, you are always in my thoughts. Ås soon as you are ready for company…let me knowl…I’ll pick up one of those bracelets when I see you. Missing you, Myrna
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Zach and Bradley, thank you. We so appreciate the clarity, compassion and wit in your posts. Given the outpouring of such love and support for Michele and your wonderful family, it’s looking like y’all are going to need lots more purple bracelets – way to go, Caroline!!!
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I am in total awe of the combined strength of your family, if any one can beat this it is all of you united as one.
I am holding you all in my heart,fondly,
joanna -
You and your amazing team are in our thoughts and prayers. Let me know when you are ready for a bunch of M&M’s.
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