Day 173

Good Evening,

We have completed the second Monday of course 3. This consisted of vincristine IV, MTX IV, and MTX IT (itreatheacal). All we have left is MTX pills which will be MTX pills every 6 hours for the next 18 hours and then they start the Luecovorin (rescue drug) every 6 hours until Rita's MTX level gets down to the required levels. Last week, that was on Friday so we'll see how it goes this week. Rita is feeling OK - a little tired and she feels like she has a cold. She also has some painful sores in her mouth which makes it hard to eat. She is still walking good and we just finished 13 laps around the nurses station. While we were walking, Rita would look into this one room every time around. After about 5 times, she said to me "That person has the same pillow and blanket as I do". Yup, you're right, it was our room!!

This is the most intense day of each week during course 3. Only one more to go.
Rita's numbers continue to be very good. We are hoping that when this course is finished, she will be able to come home for a little while. We do have a tentative date for her stem cell transplant - 2/23/11. We will get more information as we go along and as always, evrything is subject to change. If all goes according to plan, 2/23/11 will be considered to be Rita's new birthday. I think she is using that just to get one more present each year but, I'm fine with that!!

We continue to be optimistic and trust that with all of your prayers and positive energy, Rita will do just fine, be currred and return to her normal lifestyle - the one that has made her so special to all of us. While this experience will have a profound impact on us, I just want Rita back the way she was. That is more than anyone can ask for.

So, Goodnight for now - talk with you later, Dave & Rita.