Better Blood Levels

Melissa had her blood levels checked today and good news, her white blood count is much better than it was on Tuesday! The levels are still not back to normal which means that there is no chance of doing the second cycle of chemo this Tuesday. She had been hoping to shorten the length of time she would be doing chemo overall by doing these first four cycles every 14 days but it looks like she will have to do them every 21 days instead. Her next treatment will be on February 4th. Melissa says she is feeling fairly well right now but she is still very tired and weak. She still has to be in seclusion though! She has developed some painful mouth sores which is a side effect of the chemo. Today she started a new "magic mouthwash, it is a very think and interesting combination that includes lidocaine so it coats the mouth and makes it numb! I'm talking just came from the dentist, drooling and slurring NUMB! It is effective for sure!! I just wasn't prepared for how effective!" Melissa will remain off work for the next week due to requirements to establish the medical leave of absence and short term disability. "Visitors are still not okay but I love all sorts of messages and am able to visit some on the phone as well. We all continue to be so very grateful for your love and support. A simple but sincere thank you to all! P.S. At this point I still have all my hair! It is getting very dry and a few strands are becoming loose-but it is still there!" Melissa promises to give a full report with pictures and all when her hair goes away. She tells me that like she is all excited about it. She is so funny and makes me smile, I love her sense of humor :) ~ Nicole