Eleven and One!

Melissa had her 11th chemo treatment on Thursday instead of Friday this past week, Dr. Bierman was on vacation on Friday. We gladly moved it up to keep her on the same cycle schedule for the treatments.

Melissa's friend, Nicole, joined us at the  UNMC Cancer Center at Village Pointe. The nurses and staff were very nice. The two pharmacists came out to meet Melissa and introduced themselves as her "bartenders".

Melissa and Nicole

Melissa was able to go to two College World Series games this week.

Shelby and Melissa enjoying hot chocolate at the stormy Monday night CWS game.

Melissa and Katie at the Friday night CWS game.

On Saturday, Melissa attended a friend's wedding. Her hair is getting very thin and light, so she decided to wear her wig. Melissa's wig looks like her real hair! When Melissa came home, she took off her wig, looked at me, and said humorously, "I look like a drag queen with full make-up on and a sweaty head!"

One treatment to go! Friday, July 8th, will be her 12th chemo treatment. Melissa will have a battery of tests done six to eight weeks after chemo #12.   These tests are scheduled for Wednesday, August 24th. It will be a full day at UNMC. The day will conclude with a meeting with Dr. Bierman.We are hoping to get the results during our meeting. We will be praying that all tests are negative and that Melissa will be in remission!

Melissa's attitude is  positive and her faith is strong! Prayers are powerful! We thank you for all of your  prayers and support!

Unexpected Trip to the UNMC

Melissa has been feeling her heart race along with some heartburn this past week. Thursday morning, she called Dr. Bierman's office and told them of her unusual feelings. An appointment was set up for Melissa that afternoon.

Steve, Melissa, and I were at the Med Center for 5 hours on Thursday.  The doctors told us that heartburn is a common side effect from chemo. However, blood clots in the lungs is also a side effect from chemo. To be on the safe side the doctors took many tests. Melissa had her blood checked, an EKG and a CT scan. The tests came back clean! Blood is good! EKG is good! CT scan is good! Melissa has heartburn, not blood clots!!!

This is the first time, Melissa, our "healthy patient", has experienced any side effects. The doctor told us to get an over the counter heartburn medicine, Prilosec. On the way home, we made a quick trip to Walgreens to purchase the medication.

Melissa has also been working on her portfolio this week for the completion of her master's degree.

Two chemo treatments to go and two graduate classes to go! Melissa is anxious to cross both of these items off her "To Do" list.

Melissa continues to stay positive even as she experiences this "bump in the road" heartburn! She just keeps looking forward to the finish line.

Thank you for your continuous prayers and support!

Chemo #10 Completed!

Wow! 10 down...2 to go! Melissa is so ready to be done!

Friday morning on our drive to UNMC, Melissa's brother, Matt, called to let her know he's thinking of her. He also posed a question for Melissa. She laughed and said, I'll ask Dr. Bierman."

As always, she begins with her lab work. Melissa's blood work continues to be low due to the cumulative chemo treatments. Dr. Bierman is not concerned. He stated it is protocol to "push forward". Years ago that would not have been the case. Needless to say, Melissa is glad to have her treatment as she is getting closer to the finish line!

Melissa mentioned to Dr. Bierman that she has a punch card where she buys her running shoes. When Melissa purchases ten pairs, the next one is free. She wondered if Dr. Bierman has a punch card so that her next chemo treatment would be free. He smiled, shook his head and said no. That was the question Matt presented to Melissa in the car.

Melissa continues to do well. She and Steve are currently reading a book titled, "Chemo Brain". In the book, Melissa would be described as a "healthy patient"; free of many of the side effects of chemo.

We feel the power of prayer is working strongly in her favor. Melissa is in God's hands! We are so very thankful for our faith, family, and friends!

A Change of Pace!

Summer brings a change of pace for Melissa. This past week was calmer, less stressful; with time for her to relax and rest. Melissa took some long walks, attended a workshop for school, socialized with friends, and even had a night out with her mother! Melissa and I went to see the Broadway play, "Wicked". We had a wonderful time!

Yesterday, Steve, Melissa, and I went to the "National Cancer Survivors Day" celebration. We arrived late but balloons, t-shirts, canvas bags, and smiles were all apart of our experience.

The pace picks up today. Summer grad school begins today. Melissa plays on a sand volleyball team and has a game tonight. She has chemo #10 on Friday.

Melissa is amazing with all of her energy! As parents, we worry about all she does. I have learned to text her with a code, "Melissa, you know you have more than a head cold." She texts back, "I get it, Mom!" Fortunately, Melissa knows her body and when it needs to rest, she does! The couch, then, becomes her bestfriend as she takes a nap.

Prayers are our family's best friend so please continue to pray. Melissa continues to say, "I'm going to BEAT this!" We agree 100%!!!!

Chemo #9 Completed!



Friday, May 27th, Melissa completed her 9th chemo treatment. Dr. Bierman, her oncologist, asked Melissa when her school year will end. She responded with a huge smile, "The last day was yesterday. Today is my first day of summer vacation and I have chosen to spend it with you!" Dr. Bierman started laughing!

Melissa's bloodwork was "borderline" today. The doctor went ahead with the chemo treatment as scheduled. The nurse told us to watch for any fever or chills or other reactions. Why was the lab work "borderline"? We don't  know.....could be Melissa's head cold, stress, last minute paperwork for school, closing her classroom, or even the sadness of seeing her kindergarteners move on to first grade. All in all, Melissa has had alot on her plate these past two weeks.

Melissa relaxed this weekend at our cabin at Woodcliff. She walked around the lake, slept, went for a boat ride, and socialized with friends. It was very low key....just what the doctor would have ordered!

Melissa did ask Dr. Bierman about bug bites. What should she do? Should she be concerned? He responded that the bug would probably die due to all the chemo in her. We all laughed!

Melissa's summer consists of 2 major goals:
1. complete all her chemo treatments (12 total)
2. complete her master's program (9 hours left)

So....three more treatments to go to complete goal #1!
Summer school begins June 6th for her first graduate class. Melissa will be taking 3 classes this summer to complete goal #2!

God continues to bless Melissa with her strength, courage, and positive attitude. We continue to thank all of you for your prayers and support as her journey continues!

New Wheels!

Grandpa Maher is in town from Scottsdale, Arizona, and staying with us. We all love Grandpa...everyone loves Grandpa! Steve and I gave him a job as soon as he got to Omaha. That job was to help Melissa buy a car! He was to be her "bargaining" person. Melissa has been driving a '94 Honda the last 5 years. My sister, Kathy, had previously owned it. The car was 17 years old with 128,000 miles. Time for Melissa to buy!

Grandpa, (Tom), Steve, Melissa and I all went car shopping. Melissa purchased a Hyundai 2011 Tucson! She had her eye on this car model for the past month. Grandpa did a great job helping her. Now Melissa is in debt like everyone else. She sure is a happy poor person!

 Melissa and Grandpa

Melissa and Iris (named after the color of her new ride)

The school year, 2010-2011, will end this week. Many fun activities have been scheduled for the last few days. One of the activities this past week was  "Bug Day"! The kindergarteners participated in many hands-on lessons about bugs! They even made their own dirtcups (oreo cookie crumbs and gummy worms) for snack. We are so blessed that Melissa was able to continue her teaching this past semester. The classroom truly is her "happy place"! Life is good! God is great!

 Bug Day activities

 Bug Day activities

Bug Day activities

Kindergarten Quotes:

• Kindergartener:"Miss Maher do worms have eyes?"  Melissa:"I'm not sure. We will have to google it." Kindergartener: " Well, there's our google question for the day!" Melissa is thinking she maybe using google's "words of wisdom" alittle too much in her classroom!  
• After being a part of Girls on the Run a boy asked his mother "Can Miss Maher do a Boys on the Run? I would like to show her how fast I run!"

Two Thirds Done!

Yesterday was chemo treatment #8! Dr. Bierman walked into the room for her appointment and happily announced, "After today, Melissa, you will be two thirds done!" Melissa answered with a huge smile, "Yes!" Her blood counts were low due to her head cold. However, it did not stop the chemo treatment.

Today was the "Girls On The Run" race. Some of the Gretna girls, grade 3 thru 5, participated in a  5K run at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska. There were 600 participants from Lincoln, Kearney, Hastings and Gretna. Melissa was the chairman for this activity for her school. However, when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in late January, she had to ask one of the other volunteer teachers to take her place. Melissa practiced with these girls every Wednesday after school and continued to help with the program as much as she could.

Melissa greeting the girls from the bus

Melissa warming up the girls

It was a phenomenal day! The Governor of Nebraska spoke and declared "May 14th is officially called 'Girls On The Run Day' in the State of Nebraska!" Next, Melissa was asked to speak. She did a fantastic job of explaining how the program promotes inner beauty, builds self-esteem, positive self talk,  and having fun while exercising! Melissa then climbed a ladder to be the official starter for the race. She pushed the air horn button; the siren noise was loud and clear. The girls, coaches, and parents were off!

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman

Melissa's speech

Melissa starting the race

 

Steve and I drove her to Holmes Lake Park and watched from the sidelines. It was emotional to see these Gretna girls hugging, smiling, and huddling around her! Melissa was laughing and cheering them on! Not even 24 hours from having chemo treatment, and Melissa is there to support her girls! She is amazing!

Melissa and the girls

We attribute her positive attitude to all of her support and prayers that all of you send her way. We thank you so much! Enjoy the pictures! They speak for me as I share this emotional day with you!