Skin Cancer Vaccine testing

From Stand Up To Cancer blog: "The same Australian scientist who developed the cervical cancer vaccine believes he may have developed a similar skin cancer vaccine. It works the same way - by targeting papillomavirus, this time in the form of a very common skin infection that can linger in the body, eventually leading to cancer. Already shown to work in animals, the vaccine starts human trials next year and could hit the market as early as 2014. "

It is not a cure, but it is a step in the right direction which could save thousands of lives each year. This guy is amazing and I am happy that his focus is on cancer research.

Below is a link to the article describing the vaccine.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/16/2420948.htm

Not so celebration dinner

We did venture to Oregano's Thursday night for dinner, however, I did not feel well. There is a nasty virus going around my school and I caught it. I felt fine all day on Thursday. Teya and I even went for a bike ride. Well she rode her bike and I walked. It was a great afternoon and we both enjoyed the activity. When we returned home, I was pretty tired and fell asleep on the couch. Todd woke me 30 minutes later so we could go to dinner. Well everything was down hill from there. By the time we got to the restaurant I was not feeling well. An hour later and I was really not feeling well. I couldn't eat anything as my stomach hurt and I was nauseous. Luckily I made it home before getting sick. I then spent the entire evening being sick. I didn't get any sleep. I stayed home from work on Friday and literally spent the entire day in bed. I swear it felt like 2 hours, but it was all day. Thank goodness I did feel better Friday evening and I was able to keep some food down. I slept pretty well last night and I am happy to say that I feel better today. Not 100% yet, but much better.

Feeling better

I finished round 2 Monday night and I am now beginning to feel better. I am thankful that my energy is returning and that I don't feel wiped out anymore. Hopefully I'll be back to high energy just in time for family and Thanksgiving. Tomorrow Todd, Teya and I are going to go out for a round 2 completion celebration dinner. I think we may head to Oreganos. Yummy!

Tonight Teya wrote (well I wrote, she dictated) her very first letter to Santa. She insisted that it get mailed tonight, so we put it in an envelope and she placed it in the mailbox all by herself. She was so proud. I wish I would have had my camera to take her picture when she was skipping back to the house. The look on her face was pure happiness.

I have my first CT Scan since my surgery on Monday. Prayers and positive vibes for a clean scan would be wonderful. Thanks!

Round 2 almost over!

I have been really tired this round. I am hoping that my energy level will go back up once this round is finished, which is Monday night. Other than being lethargic, I have been feeling good. My side is finally not sore to touch and undergarments are once again part of my wardrobe. Nothing to tight or with wires, but I'm so happy to be able to wear something without the pain.

This week we will be getting ready for Todd's family who is coming to town for Thanksgiving. They arrive next week. Courtney, Mike, Alec and Brian fly in Sunday night and then Penny and Paul on Monday evening. We are very excited for their visit.

Teya has been in dance and she is really enjoying it. It is a program at her school and is once a week right after lunch - 1:00 on Fridays. I went to watch her this past Friday and I know I am her mom, but she did great. Below are 2 videos (click on the arrow key to play).

Teya warming up

Teya dancing

More good days

I have been feeling good. Besides a rash at the injections site, I have had no other cranky side effects from the treatment. Thank goodness as I have been busy with holiday cards. Most of you know, but I have a custom made stationary business (cards, invitations, announcements, etc.) called Party Essentials (http://www.party-essentials.com/). I have a few holiday orders already and it is so great to be back in business doing something I love to do.

Todd, Teya and I went to a Lymphoma Walk yesterday at the Phoenix Zoo. A co-worker of mine, Alicia, has lymphoma. She has been a real support to me since I found out about my reoccurrence. I didn't even know about her cancer until my returned. We had a lot of fun at the event. Teya loved seeing the animals. I made it through one lap around. My lungs felt good and thanked me for the workout and my body thanked me for the extra oxygen. My side was sore with all of the movement and I still cannot wear a bra of any kind so that didn't help, but it was all worth it.

Alicia and Me

My friend Pete started his treatment last Wednesday and I am happy to report that he did not have a reaction to the drug or extreme side effects. We still do not know if he is getting the drug, but he is a trooper and is going forward with a positive attitude. Thanks to all who have sent him positive thoughts and prayers.