Moment of Truth!

Today is the day of the MRI, to see how much the lymphoma has shrunk!  Since Mom is sick, Dad and I had a good night, and waited to see what time the MRI was!  Finally they came to get me, I promised I wouldn't climb out of the MRI this time!  After the MRI was done it was lunch time and then time to sit and wait for Dr. Morganstein to arrive with what I hoped would be good news.  In the meantime i finished another book which was good, about relationships and Italy so what was there not to like.  Finally Dad and I saw Dr. M coming and HOORAY GOOD NEWS INDEED WAS DELIVERED!! THE LYMPHOMA HAS SHRUNK 90%!!! Also,  they should have me off the steroids by the end of next week which means no more chipmunk cheeks.  To celebrate Dad and I ordered Chinese food, it was good.  

TOMORROW IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Home to see Mom and celebrate with her and Greg!

Back to watching American Idol with Dad, sleep then beg to be released!!

Love,

Sarah

Another Book Down

Feel Better Mommy

After a night of sleeping well for once in the hospital, I woke up to Mom not feeling well.  So Dad came to take Mom to our new doctor.  While I was by myself in the room, I got my massage, a visit from a few doctors, and the social worker.  I also knitted a lot!! Then they came back a little after lunch in hope Mom would feel better but she didn't. So Mom went home and I get the pleasure of spending the night with Dad, hopefully he doesn't snore as loud here as he does at home!!!  However tonight I have the nurse that caused the all-night brigade time so if there are any problems tonight Dad will say something!
Tomorrow I have an MRI and this determines how many treatments I have left so lets hope it all goes well! Hopefully they'll spring me too that would be be a dream!!
Love,
Sarah

Back in 309 for the 3 time

After a fun whirlwind time in Saratoga, with Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and I are back in room 309. This time it went much more smoothly and they started before lunchtime! Better yet the Methotrexate started at 5:30 instead of 8pm!! In the room better yet the new television is here and one Mom and I can both see easily. Also today I finished hat number one and started hat number two. So in all today has been a good day! What will make it even better is if they let me get a good nights sleep.
Love,
Sarah

Spoiled

Today I started off cranky knowing I had to spend a few hours in a chair getting treatment.  But while I was getting treatment I got spoiled in the process.  Mom did my nails with the Sally Hansen nail stickers, and then we got a visit from one of the patient advocates and got to pick out a piece of jewelry from an organization that gives jewelry to cancer patients, I chose a ring! Then after treatment was over Maggie and the other lady let me try on some more wigs, and I got 2 wigs, a hat and a head scarf (which I will take pictures of soon)!  After this production it was time for lunch so I finally got my Popcorn Shrimp from the Cheesecake Factory!!!!  With a full stomach I was more than ready to head home.  Even though I just ate I was already telling Mom and Dad that I wanted pizza for dinner.  So for dinner we had pizza.  All day I have been upset because my parents yet again let Greg do what he wanted and go to Quinnipiac to see his friends, when I asked to see mine and got a NO instantly.  But tomorrow we may go to Saratoga to see my grandparents for the night.
Love
Sarah

Nails Done and New Ring

Baseball Cap Wig!

Lazy at Home

Today I just layed around the house, reading and finished another book, and waited for our neighbors Jackie and Chelsea Ritschel to come over.  When they came over, it was fun to talk about recent happenings as well as the past such as when Chelsea and I cut each others hair.  Dad then arrived home with dinner KFC and he also made me a chicken caesar wrap.  Now I am in my room watching American Idol resting up for tomorrow.  Tomorrow I have the retuxin outpatient treatment for 3 hours, and while I am there I get to pick out my free wig from the American Cancer Society, I am thinking maybe long and blonde!  Also after treatment hopefully the other wig place will call to say my wig is ready!
Thats it for now, keep following and comment!
Love,
Sarah

Another Book Read

Wig Shopping!!

Today as bad as circumstances were today was a lot of fun!! Mom and my second mommy Caryn Scannella took me out to lunch at the SPA Diner and wig shopping, then to get the rest of my hair shaved.  Lunch at the SPA was so good I ate everything in sight, Mom and Caryn had to protect their plates because I ate everything!  Then we went wig shopping and I got a really nice wig that almost matches what my hair was perfectly!  Another really cool thing they had is a wig with a hat sewn on top easy to go out in, so I was lucky enough to get one of those as well.  I also got some really nice and soft hats to wear around until the wig comes on Friday! Now I know how my Dad feels with no hair on his head haha!
Tomorrow, more cousins come to visit me!!!
Love,
Sarah

All Gone with my new hat

Shaved Head

Lisa Ryan and I

Getting it Cut

Shaved Head

Hat from Caryn

Weekend 2/17-19

This weekend involved stem cell collection as well as a visit from my cousins!  Friday started early at 9am with Dr. Morganstein and a blood test, the count was still low and had to get a platelet transfusion.  After that they said the counts were good and to go directly to Robert Wood Johnson for the stem cell collection. So Friday as unhappy as i was, in went the catheter for the stem cell collection!! Saturday morning early off Dad and I went back to RWJ for the stem cell collection! The machine was a little scary but by 1:30 I was done and on the way home to wait for the phone call to see if I was done with collection or if I had to go back for more, but good news I WAS DONE IN ONE DAY!  I was done but that meant we had to go back on Sunday to take the catheter out, and another platelet transfusion.  Another early morning with lots of waiting, and lots of me wishing I was at home with my cousins Sofi and Annie.  In the end the catheter came out and I went home and to celebrate we went out to dinner at Eccola.  The next day was doctors free, and full of cousin loving! My little cousin Sammy's class had act of kindness week and his whole third grade class made me a card and they are adorable!  With the girls we went to Michaels and got some puzzles to do!!!  We started the puzzle and became instantly obsessed that we were going to finish it.  Turns out that we did, we even all woke up early to finish it!! As we finished Aunt Kathy said they had to leave, I didn't want them too but I understood.  It was nice to see them the time I had!!
Visit again soon!
Love,
Sarah

Mom and I after catheter was put in

Stem Cell Collection

Catheter for Stem Cell Collection

Cards from Sammy's Class

Sofi and I

Annie and I

Stem Cell Collection Machine

STEM CELL COLLECTION COMPLETE!!!

So after spending all Friday at different doctors, today the stem cell collection started and COMPLETED!! Tomorrow we just have to go back to Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick and get this port taken out then this process is COMPLETE!!! Best part of today is my cousins also showed up for a few days, thank you February break! I really wish I could have spent today with my sorority sisters at their retreat but this is another process that I can now check off the list of things to do/ worry about! It also means NO MORE SHOTS well at least I hope for a while like until before the cells go back in me.

Thats it for now keep following and commenting

Love,

Sarah

Doctors, Waiting and Doctors

My day started at 8:30 bright and early, off to Overlook we went for the blood test round 2, this time armed with snacks and sugary drinks with no passing out this time! We found out the white blood cell count was on the rise but my platelets were low, so I got a platelet transfusion.  From there, they told us okay now you have to go to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick.  They did their own blood tests and come to find they rose more and they had to put they're version of a port in to do the stem cell collection! Needless to say by this point it was almost 4 and boy was i cranky, tired and hungry! But I didn't have a say in the matter and in this version of a port went.  I once again was NOT put out and felt it all.  Tomorrow Dad and I get to go back for a few hours for the Stem Cell Collection so I am less than thrilled because this weekend up at SHU was my sorority's sisterhood retreat which I am missing.  So after crying all day I am now beyond exhausted and going to sleep.
Love
Sarah

2/15 1 Month Down

Yesterday marked the month since I was diagnosed with lymphoma, as well as my brothers 21 Birthday!!!  I of course got to spend it with Dr. Morganstein and getting blood taken to see what my white blood cell count is.  It was late in the afternoon so of course I had not eaten since breakfast.  It was late and we were getting ready to leave, I got dizzy and before I knew it, I woke up on the floor with many doctors standing around me.  Spending the afternoon in the ER having a CAT scan and still starving!  The CAT scan did bring good news, the lymphoma is shrinking! So after a long day I didn't get to go to the mall, but I did get to go home!! Last night however as a result of the low white blood cell count, I did end up getting a fever and I did sleep well last night but Dad kept waking me up for medicine and to take my temperature and if I hear, DRINK MORE WATER, ONE MORE TIME I am going to scream!  Today all I did was lay in my bed, and watch television, and get asked what my temperature was! So eventful and SO boring!!
Keep Reading
Love,
Sarah

Valentines Day!

At midnight, we all gathered in Mom and Dads room and rung in Valentine's Day together, that and me dying of eyes that I wanted to claw out of my head.  So after a night of very little sleep, we woke up and went off to Overlook Hospital.  After seeing the doctor he suggested we go to the eye doctor, Thank You Eye Care 20/20 for saving me again!! Now with a whole bunch of drops my eyes are slowly getting better.  For Valentine's Day, Dad made my favorite dinner, Surf and Turf!!!! Now I am beyond full, relaxing and watching some television in preparation for tomorrow.  Tomorrow I am back to Overlook Hospital to see how my white blood cell count is, in preparation for stem cell collection, Wish me luck!
Love,
Sarah

From The Fuchs Family

One Box of Shots Done!!!!

ITS DONE!!

THE ROOM IS DONE!! The boys finished my room and I am currently laying on my bed watching the Grammy's! Also today, I got out of the house and went out to lunch with Michele Gannon, which was really good, THANK YOU! Today I also gave myself my shot and then complained when Mom had to do the second one, but thats 3 days of shots down, only 7 more to go, so they better go by fast.  Also today I finished knitting, Mom is just finishing it and I will have completed a hat.  
Tomorrow's Agenda: MORE DECORATING! 
Love,
Sarah

SHOTS!!

Waking up in my own house felt AMAZING!! It wasn't in my own room because the boys aren't done with my room but a bed is still a bed! One thing that hasn't changed is the steroids make me very hungry so I had a big breakfast.  Then Mom and I went to get our beauty makeovers at the Ryan Residence again! Today Greg and I went out for lunch together at 5 Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, I haven't had that in the longest time and boy was it good!  After a good lunch I relaxed and finished book number three, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I wish it ended differently but it was still a great book to read!  Also today started the regiment that I have to have 2 shots a day so that my blood cell count is good, to prepare for the Stem Cell collection.  I of course tried to run but the needles were so small and harmless, thanks Mommy for giving the shots to me!  At first I tried to run around the kitchen but Caryn Scannella and Mom stressed how important these shots were and running away or not they were still going to happen. But better yet this afternoon, THE ROOM IS PAINTED! So hopefully by Monday I will be back in my own room.  Another thing I'm waiting for is to see my sorority sisters, I miss them a lot, but I know that all these steps are important for recovery so I have to do whatever it takes.  Tonight for dinner the family and I went out to dinner and it was very good and now I am VERY full! Thats it really just relaxing with the television or a book or something calming so I can get another good nights sleep.

Keep Reading, Commenting!

Love,

Sarah

HOME SWEET HOME!!!

After a long night with absolutely no sleep, because the nurse was inexperienced and a 20 minute ordeal turned into an all-night ordeal, I got to GO HOME TODAY! Actually Mom and I were going to check ourselves out if they didn't let us leave! Today being sprung from the hospital was much earlier which made me much happier! When I came home I find that my room is close to being done thanks to Dad and Greg and it looks great!! All they have to do is finish and put it back together so until then Mom and I get to continue to be roomates!  When we got home, I went grocery shopping with Dad to get some food and then just continued to relax and SHOWER!! Better yet its another week without Doctors! I do have to give myself a shot 2x a day to gear up for the stem-cell collection but no Doctors!!  I really want to visit SHU but I know gearing up for this stem cell collection is important!  But I will find fun, relaxing things to do at home.
Keep Reading/Follow and COMMENT!
Love,
Sarah

Long Night, Lazy Day

Yesterday consisted of 2 tests, a heart test and breathing test. Easy right; then that night Dr. Morganstein appeared saying the bone marrow test happened that night or today. So after coming close to poking him with my knitting needle, and huge temper tantrum, the bone marrow test is DONE! It felt like push pins were being inserted into my back!! Then after being woken up most of the night, right as I was asleep they swept me away for a PET scan, another test DONE!! Today my back is just really sore and I want to go home. But today I got a visit from my favorite principal Rita Seipp!! It was a fun afternoon. While she visited Dr. M showed up with no needles saying I will most likely be home tomorrow at some point. So Greg and Dad PAINT FASTER because I'm coming home!!! Tonight I will hopefully sleep better and wake up happier. Plans for this weekend in my head = SHU (especially since I have no bed to sleep in at home).
Keep reading and COMMENT
Love,
Sarah

Tests, Anger and Tests!

After a good nights sleep, I was in for a day of tests; a breathing test and one for my heart. To my dismay, most occurred during the Giants parade, so I was not too happy. Then talked to a social worker about how I'd rather be anywhere else, relaxed and knit, then night time hysteria kicked in. Dr. M came in and suggested that we do the bone marrow tonight!!!! After throwing a fit I did it and boy do I deserve a prize!! It was nothing like I expected but I still felt some pain, it felt like push pins were being inserted into my lower back. Now all that's left is the PET scan in the morning and then hopefully tests will be done for a few days! My main goal is to get this over with so I can make my way up to SHU to see my sisters!!
Time to wind down before tomorrow.
FOLLOW and COMMENT!!
Love,
Sarah

Back in Room 309!

After an amazing super bowl, I get to spend these next few days back in room 309 at Overlook Hospital! But when I woke up this morning, Dad had already been to Modell's and purchased Super Bowl hats and shirts!! So I went to the hospital in my new hat! After room confusion, treatment finally began in 309. I finished book number 3 and I highly recommend it, the Ivy Chronicles. Tonight Mom also taught me how to knit, so I can now help make hats for patients who aren't as lucky as me and lose their hair. Then I wound down and watched some television. Hopefully tonight they don't have to wake me up too many times because I am exhausted!!
Keep reading and comment!!!!!!!
Love,
Sarah

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!

The day is here, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!! After a good nights sleep, the headache still remains but I knew I was in a fun day.  My cousins from Connecticut came and I got to spend the day coloring, playing with dinosaurs and eating lots of food! It is nice being able to remember your family coming to visit as opposed to Christmas where I do not.  Then it was time for GIANTS VS. PATRIOTS! The game went surprisingly fast in my opinion and it was a good game.  In the end THE G-MEN WON IT! That topped the ending of my weekend before tomorrow when Mom and I arrive back at Overlook Hospital for more treatment and tests.  But this time we are more prepared with supplies.  I was even able to find a course I could take online for 30$, and I can complete it at my own pace, the course is on optimizing brain fitness. Yes I am taking a course on the brain when there is something wrong with my own brain!  
Now I suppose I should get off to bed so I can get everything rolling tomorrow, the earlier the start the earlier I go home!!
Keep Reading, Commenting!
Love,
Sarah

Outpatient Treatment to Hockey Game 2/3/12

After waking up in a bad mood, it was off to Overlook for my outpatient treatment #2.  I was in a bad mood because it was the first time they were reaccessing my port which is still a little sore.  After numerous tantrums we started the treatment and I read the entire time.  While I was getting the treatment Greg texted me asking if I wanted to go up with him to Quinnipiac for some QU vs Harvard Hockey! So after arriving home from the treatment off we went! The hockey game was great the first half with QU in the lead but as the game went on they blew it!! It was still fun to be in a place with people my own age, and doing something besides watching television or reading.  

Lets see what today brings!

Keep Following and Commenting

Love,

Sarah

I Miss the Good Old Days

Today has been the hardest day since I found out I was sick.  I am completely missing being a teenager and seeing all my friends whenever I want, and doing whatever I want.  I am still not allowed to drive a car so I really do not feel like a teenager at all.  But this afternoon I felt like a second grader again when myself, and Greg went out to lunch with our second grade teacher Mrs. O'John!!! It was fun to get out of the house and talk about all the trouble my second grade class caused back in the day.  My second grade class (especially ME) was notorious for talking instead of learning.  Today made me wish I could either go back to elementary school, or SHU! I miss walking down the hill to the Mahogany Room and seeing all my friends.  I miss everyone so much I even packed a bag to come visit (only problem is I still am not cleared to drive) :(. All the books, arts and crafts and movies is not making me miss my friends any less, I wish they were on break still so I could see them, or feel like I'm not missing anything.  Its come to the point where I almost deactivated my Facebook because I am jealous of seeing all the fun everyone is having! To top today off, tomorrow I have to go to the hospital for an outpatient treatment and they have to access my port again for the first time so I am nervous and scared.  I am hoping that afterwards Mom springs for a trip to the mall, or Michael's or something worthwhile, my suggestion was skipping it all together and spend the weekend at SHU but thats not happening to my dismay! If anyone has any ideas of things for me to do, book suggestions or anything COMMENT ON THE BLOG, or contact me somehow and tell me! BEFORE I REALLY LOSE MY MIND!!!!!!!!!   

Second Grade Loving

Gift Box from Mrs. O

All Dolled Up!

Today after actually getting a great nights sleep I got to spend the day getting pampered! I went over to the Ryan residence and got my hair done, highlights and all and I LOVE IT! Thank you Lisa Ryan <3 Then later in the afternoon Mom and I went to get our nails done, I of course got bright pink, something bright and cheery while I am in the hospital starting Monday.  The thing I still don't understand is how it is February and it was over 50 degrees outside, but I'm not going to complain.  After my pampered morning and afternoon I relaxed at home until dinner...Chinese Food.  Now I am back in full-force eating all the food I didn't eat the entire month of December.  To end the day, my friend Laura came over to watch One Tree Hill, finally some teenager interaction! Now time to wind down,  sleep and can't wait for tomorrow!
Keep Commenting and Following
Love,
Sarah

Hair Done

Pink Nails