Starting PDX Trial...

Ok- so as I have confessed in the past, I love that time of year when I get to say I’m a whole year older, there is nothing better than birthdays! This year was no exception, except it was more like a “birth-week”. I was lucky enough just to be able to come home for the occasion, and that was good enough for me. I was notified by my Mom about a week before I came home, that a woman that we went to church with, who I had met at my benefit wanted to take me out on the big day. Her name was Janet, and she too was a Hodgkin’s survivor. Anybody who has gone through cancer, or something of the same magnitude, has an instant common ground and bond. She set up a whole day of pampering and shopping- it was unbelievable. To top it off the Beach Reporter even wrote an article on it, it came out today March 17. I felt like a princess for the day. Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so incredibly special. The next night I received tickets to see my favorite band, Maroon 5; I went with Pauly, we had a total blast. At the tail end of my busy week, my Mom told me that we were having dinner at our family friend’s house, the Baird’s. They are like a second family so I thought nothing of going over there in my pajama’s for dinner. When I walked in, I realized that we weren’t exactly there for dinner but for my surprise party and anyone and everyone who I could possibly dream of coming was there! I was shocked! Which is totally crazy- because I rarely get surprised; I always like to be in on the action. Thank you to everyone to took part in my party- and thanks to everyone for not giving it away! I loved it!

I flew back to the East Coast on Monday, with my Mom, it’s great to have her out here. On Tuesday I had a bone marrow test done, thankfully this time though, I was put under with anesthetic. And just like every other time I have been put under, I woke up and said, “Don’t do it yet! I’m still awake!” Then I heard the familiar and reassuring words, “We already did it.” Thank God.

Yesterday, I started PDX… I didn’t leave Sloan Kettering until 8:00 p.m. The actual PDX treatment went fairly quick, but I had blood draws every hour until just before 8:00 p.m. I feel okay, I’m fighting bouts of nausea and just feeling run down. I’m encouraged because they’ve had good success with PDX with Non Hodgkin’s patients; I’m the first patient in the country to take part in this particular PDX trial.

I remain positive and request your continued prayers.

Fight 2 Win
-Alese