Home Sweet Home!!!

Hi,
OMG Spring is gorgeous here. At MD Anderson, the halls and clinics are filled with gorgeous photos and paintings of flowers and gorgeous, verdant landscapes. Everytime James and I walk through the halls we say "Virginia, Virginia etc". All of the photos look like Virginia in the spring and summer. Now I am steeping in it!
Thanks to my dear friends and family who sent me pics of my yard and neighborhood. Gorgeous! I am SO happy to be home!!!!
I spoke with my Texas Doc today and he said the results of the biopsy were mixed and he was optimistic. He said it's a slow medicine and they expect the biopsy after the third treatment will tell the story. I don't have to go back for a month and if the virus is still rampant, I can have the biopsy here or skip it altogether. They can mail me the drugs and I can get monitored by my team at UVA. I missed them- they are efficient and kind and so knowledgable.
We are unpacking and doing laundry. James is going to suit up (mask and gloves) and venture out to the stores.
Weirdly, in the airport, not many people were wearing masks. James and I were wearing two masks (not kidding) and he sanitized EVERYTHING. If I get the virus, it won't be due to a lack of extreme caution.
Lyle rode his bike over today and tested out the bike seat for Rowan. He was diligent about the social distancing. I'm glad he took the lead- it was hard for me. I'm fine in the world but the kids are a challenge.
So, I am optimistic and feeling good. Slow and steady.

Take care,
Beryl

Counting down

Hey,
Happy St. Patricks Day!
James made us Avocado Toast with poached eggs for dinner. He has become quite the chef. I am not kidding.
I asked my doc if I could leave after the biopsy (a week from tomorrow) instead of hanging out a week to go over the results. He said yes! So we are flying back next thurs March 26th! We checked all the ways to get home and flying is the safest. We already know how to be safe on a plane- this is a skill set we have mastered. I've been talking with the grandkids alot on facetime and I find it a tremendous comfort.
Regarding my texas bling- I received my belt today. I'll try it on tomorrow- I may need a bigger size- we'll see. Either way- it's fab.
Several of my friends and fam have been sending me pics of my garden. OMG!
Take care,
Beryl

Dress for Rowan

How could I resist this?? Not possible!

Welcome to my world!

Hey,
19 days to go. I am on both meds now and it definitely feels like it. I am moving slow but I am moving. I see everyone wearing masks and gloves now and washing their hands like crazy- WHO style! Welcome to MY world! Here's a pic my friend Tim took of my yard. So far my neighbors Barbara and Kaye, my son Ian and grandson Lyle and now Tim are sending me pics of my garden. WOW! This is a gorgeous spring!
Stay safe,
Beryl

Day 4

Hey,
I'm still ok. My counts are starting to slide but I'm feeling pretty good. I've exercised every day and my appetite is coming back. I've been watching my granddaughter eat dinner on face time, which besides being a hoot, is inspiring. I'm following her lead. If i like it, I eat it, if not...I drop it on the floor!
I read Elizabeth Warren's speech to her staff and cried. What an inspiration.
I caught up on my grading today so I could hit the cowboy shops tomorrow for my blingy belt. I'll send photos!
Take care,
Beryl

Day 2..so far so good

Hi,
I had my second dose of the new immunotherapy today. Yesterday I was very tired after the dose and had to have a lay down. Today I went to the gym at the hotel and walked and used light weights for 30 minutes, ten had lunch and then rested a little. The plan is something like 21 days of the immunotherapy (4 pills) vidaza on the 8th-15th day (traditional chemo) then a week off. I'll be able to take the pills and the chemo inVa. next month. I'll probably have to come here once a month for the biopsy. My clinical trial nurse is............. disorganized. That's why I wasted my first week here. I see my doc on the 9th and I will share my concerns. In the meantime, James and I are checking and double checking everything she says.
We are enjoying the Spring here. We ate Bar-b-que at Killens a few days ago and are doing simple meals in the kitchenette. James is even making us green smoothies. I'm doing my school work and working on taxes. We face time with the grandkids as much as we can. That's a lovely treat.
Here's a pic of the dafs at my house- just starting to bloom.
Take care,
Beryl

PS. We went to the botanical garden here- they are f-ing clueless about garden design. I am not kidding. They are in the throes of Spring and it was dismal. We also went to the butterfly garden which was great.