Round 2

Even though Wendi was feeling pretty good when she was home, the fact that the day 35 biopsy had a small amount of leukemia meant she had to go back in the hospital for another round of chemo to kill the nasty disease.

In addition to looking for leukemia in her bone marrow the docs also check the central nervous system with what they like to call a Lumbar Puncture (LP) aka Spinal Tap.  Last Friday Wendi had an LP done.  One of the side effects of an LP is headaches for several days after the procedure. Over the weekend she managed them pretty well by lying down.  Being up and about for much time would bring on strong headaches for her.

Sunday the LDS Ogden Temple was rededicated and Wendi really wanted to attend so I went to the chapel early and snagged seats right by the door so she could slip in just as it started and slip out as it was ending.  Even though sitting that long gave her a very strong headache, Wendi really wanted to be there to enjoy the spirit of the event and remember the covenants we made in the SLC temple when we were married over 21 years ago.

After enjoying a nice 10 days at home watching soccer games, taking care of her family, attending the Ogden temple dedication and being more of a germophobe than either of us care to be, Wendi went back to LDS East 8 on Monday the 22nd to start Round 2.

Since her leukemia wasn't completely eradicated with the first round of chemo the medicines she will be given for Round 2 will be much more aggressive and more likely to have side effects.  Almost from the first hour of the chemo beginning Wendi has felt nauseous and that combined with the lingering headaches has made for a long week.  The medicines given to calm the nausea and headaches make her so tired she has been sleeping most of the day.

Round 2 started off with another bit of bad news.  The results of the LP showed a small amount of leukemia in the fluid.  The chemo medicines being used for this round will cross the blood-brain barrier to some degree but she will need additional LPs where they will take fluid and inject a dose of chemo directly in the spinal fluid.

Monday was a difficult day going back to the hospital but Wendi is strong and approached it with the attitude of overcoming.  The support and love sent her way by so many friends, family and loved ones helps her in her fight.  We wouldn't have made it this far as a family without the amazing outpouring of generosity from friends and family.  I don't have words to describe what we have received as a family and even if I tried I wouldn't do it justice.  We are very blessed and grateful for the kindness shown to us by so many people.  THANK YOU.

I have no doubt that #wendiwillwin.