March 19, 2007

I can't believe it's been one month since I've updated this blog - but that just means that things have been on an even keel since the last entry. And it's been pretty busy around here lately. Will arrived home from Iraq on March 8 and Glenna has been pretty happy ever since. It's been wonderful to see him, and it's been so great to see her so happy again. Will has been very busy visiting with all his fans, but they've been having a good time. He will be here through this week, leaving sometime by the end of next weekend. The other good thing to happen recently was Glenna got a puppy - a cockapoo...probably the cutest little dog I've ever seen. Her name is Marilyn (you like that, Tedi?) Actually, she is named after Monroe, not Carberry (sorry). She is the best dog and Glenna loves her to death. It's been a wonderful thing for Glenna to have this adorable, needy little creature to take care of and love. And Marilyn really loves Glenna (of course, who wouldn't?). So we've have a very active household again and it's great.

Glenna had her first infusion on the clinical trial last Tuesday, March 13th - and it was wonderful that she had Will there with her for that first experience. It was a very long day. Will and Glenna stayed the night before and Bob & I met them early in the morning. After a visit with Dr. Lawrence for a general check up and "prep" talk, we settled in to her private room where she was prepped and poked several times before they could find a suitable vein for her IV (always a problem for Glenna). But that may have been the worst part of the day. The infusion itself took 1 1/2 hours and then when that was done, she got 4 shots in her legs for the 2nd phase of the treatment- which was pretty painful for her. Then, an hour of waiting to make sure she did not have any immediate adverse reactions, they finally let her go about 4pm. She felt pretty good after the ordeal and other than some stomach issues, has not had any bad side effects. So one down, three to go. She will have these infusions every three weeks - four in all. During each session, they check her vitals every half hour and make sure everything is going OK. They also draw blood for testing. But they do not plan to do another scan until the last treatment ends - unless of course she has any physical problems that warrant checking out. We're hoping she gets through all the treatments with little discomfort - but of course, we also hope she has some reaction, so we know it's doing something. And we know it will. Third time's a charm!

So we go onward and upward. Glenna has been keeping up with her exercise, yoga and swimming. She looks great. She and Will and Bob and I are all going up to Dover next Friday to spend a night and take Jacob out to The Dunaway (the restaurant where he works) to celebrate his 21st!!!!! birthday. His b-day is not until Monday, but we'll celebrate while Will is still here and can join in the fun. Jake has a week off from school the week after his b-day and is going to Hawaii to visit Colleen (his girlfriend). And then life goes back to normal. Will, unfortunately will be leaving us to return to hell - but only until August when he comes home for good. THAT will be a happy day. And there will be other happy days ahead - and celebrations will be had - so be prepared to party with us again someday soon.

I hope all of you out there reading this are happy and healthy, and I know you are all sending your love and prayers to Glenna - don't ever stop. I will send out another update after her next treatment. Send your comments - she loves to hear from you all.

Until later, Love from M.K.