[RedPenguins]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give an update.

I just finished my fourth (and final) dose of the chemo today. I will be released from the hospital later tonight. Then I will stay in Baltimore for another 2-3 weeks while my immune system crashes and then reboots.

The chemo once again went down without a hitch. I didn't get sick at all. I'm not sure if I am pleased or disappointed. I know, that sounds weird - but part of me just thought I'd end up sick this time. The doctors have tried to assure me that the efficacy of the cytoxan is not related to the amount of sick one gets and I knew that...but still! I also had a convo with the oncologist who signed the consents with me - we discussed why it is they use "ideal" body weight versus actual body weight of the patient when determining the amount of the chemo used. It was interesting. He also believed that the dose I was using should be well enough to help me. So much for getting buckets of the stuff! (See, I'm a large person, so we worried that I hadn't gotten enough of the chemo. tee hee.)

Yesterday they ran an iron transfusion and I seemed to have slight side effects from it (chest pain), but nothing too major. They ran a few tests and I was fine.

I've met two others who are here having HiCy for MS. Well, I met one person and then I met the mother of the other person.

Other than that....it seems that I'm having a mild reaction to the tape from the bandage around the hickman line. Apparently my skin is super sensitive.

~Keri

[Dejibo]

Thank you for the update. I have been saying prayers and sending hugs every day for you. I hope you get to go home soon.

[Riverwild]

Glad to hear everything is going well, Keri!

Also glad to hear you didn't get sick, even if you wish you did...

Keep us updated!

[Kitty]

You're a brave lady, Keri. I hope this time works for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[SallyC]

You are a real trooper for going through this again. I will be praying and hoping that, this time, it works and it lasts.

Thinking about you..

[lady_express_44]

Hope things go as smoothly for you as last time, Keri, and it does what it should.

Cherie

[Desinie]

I've been thinking of you and praying for you, Keri. Thanks for checking in! May this be your ticket into remission.

[azoyizes]

I've been thinking of you Keri, and wondering how things were going. Glad you got through the treatment so "easily", and I hope with all my heart that it works this time.

I hope everything goes okay during the crash and reboot phase.

[ali12]

So glad to hear that everything went well for you, Keri and that you didn't have any nasty side effects!!

I hope and pray that this helps you and please know that you are in my thoughts!!

[ewizabeth]

Good luck Keri. I hope you'll get good results this time. Sending up another prayer for you...