Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hope that your Christmas was wonderful and that you are looking forward to a relaxing and enjoyable new year's celebration. Clint and I love to enjoy New Year's at home -- guess it's a sign of our "homebodiness" -- is there such a word? We enjoyed a quick trip to Nashville to be with my sister and her family for Christmas day and then hurried back to Frederick to make an appointment with my oncologist.

My news from the oncologist visit wasn't what we had hoped for. This visit was a review of the PET scan from December 21 as well as the recent problems I've been having with my blood pressure (resulting from the chemo drug Avastin). Unfortunately, the tumors are growing on my liver -- there are two definite ones, and another new spot on the liver that looks like an additional "area of concern." Also, the CA-125 has started going up again -- it's at 64. It seems to indicate some activity in my abdomen. Dr. Hudhud isn't quite sure of the treatment he will go for... possible cyberknife or some other radiology. He also mentioned cistoplatin and something I can't pronounce or even begin to spell. There is also a clinical trial at Hopkins that my sister, Martha, read about on the ovarian cancer site. Between last Friday's appointment and next Friday's appointment (January 4), Dr. Hudhud will talk to the doctor at Hopkins and the cyberknife doctor at Sinai (both hospitals in Baltimore) and determine what is the best treatment for me at this time.

Certainly, this disappointment has been another bump in the road. It's just so important to stay positive and keep on "keeping on." Please be in prayer that my doctor, Dr. Hudhud, will be given God's wisdom as he determines the next step in my treatment.

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I sat reading my Bible one of those nights that I could not sleep, and found a passage which Clint and I have both held tightly to throughout these two years. It's Isaiah 30:18-21... "The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" For this reason, we have trusted our doctors completely as they have suggested specific treatments. So, we pray continually for those doctors who make decisions about medication, surgery, and treatment. Please join us this week in praying heartedly for Dr. Hudhud, my oncologist here in Frederick; Dr. Chu, cyberknife doctor at Sinai Hospital; Dr. Armstrong, clinical trial doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Dr. Yu, cardiologist in Frederick. I hope and pray that our Lord God "whispers in their ears, telling them the way that we should walk."

Thank you for your continued prayers. Your hope and support is a great encourager to me and to Clint!

The Beach at Thanksgiving

Every year for about the past 20 years, Clint and I have gone to the beach at Thanksgiving. We used to stay in a friend's condo on the beach close to 100th Street, but then her family discovered how wonderful it is in Ocean City at Thanksgiving time. In fact, we believe the whole world has discovered this. When we first started coming over here, there were about two restaurants open. We were always able to find one open for Thanksgiving lunch, but it took some searching. Now... there are many restaurants... many hotels... the main street through OC (the Marylander's fond name for Ocean City) is always busy -- all three lanes going north and south. However, now we've found another quiet spot over here. Our motorhome goes anywhere, and today we are parked just behind the dunes right on the beach. It's beautiful, but windy. Today is supposed to be 70 degrees, but tomorrow night down to 28 degrees. We'll enjoy today. Here's a picture of Clint I took earlier today. It's his 63rd birthday! Wow! The other picture is of one of the ponies munching on grass near our motorhome -- that's our motorhome in the background. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are headed into town in about an hour or so for turkey dinner.

A New Friend

Recently, Spring Ridge had the privilege of hosting an exchange teacher from Switzerland. Barbara Leuman was with us for three weeks. What a pleasure! The boys and girls really grew to love her wonderful sense of humor, the great stories she told, and the activites she engaged them in. It was a fun experience for all of us. Barbara lives in a small town, Lillis, a village smaller in population than our school. The photos she shared with us were incredible. The small cabin in the middle of the "hillside" picture below is the hut she and her husband own, way up on one of the mountains. It's quite a hike up the mountain to the hut, but it's a place where they can "get away" for reading and enjoying nature. The water is fresh and it's quiet and peaceful. Barbara is a special education teacher in a small school in another village. Her commitment to her students was evident. She is an outstanding teacher. As always, when meeting a new friend, the hardest part is saying good-bye. We were blessed to have her with us, and look forward to keeping in touch with her for years to come. Perhaps Clint and I will take a trip to Switzerland in a year or two. :-)

Now I need a "Sweet 14.2" cake

Just a quick note to let you know the latest good news! When I went to my chemo treatment today, Clint asked the nurse if the results were back from last week's CA-125. Well, she had the results, and the numbers are down to 14.2!! Praise God again! It looks like I may have to stop by the grocery store again and pick up a "Sweet 14.2" cake. Thank you for your continued prayers for my improved health.

My blood pressure seems to be going up lately... one of the possible side effects of the Avastin. Today it was up to 156/96. That's a little bit of a concern. Liver tumors... blood pressure.. cancer cells... aching bones... stiff neck... and Maryland allergies. Even though I don't really think of myself as a 61-year-old, my body loves to remind me every morning when I roll out of bed. In spite of all the aches and pains, I am thrilled that I have a job that gives me such joy, a husband that loves me and tolerates my moods, and friends who care enough to pray for me. Thanks!

New Update

I posted my latest update tonight. #13! If you aren't on my update list, but would like to be, let me know and I'll add you to the distribution list.

Last Monday, October 1, I had a follow-up PET scan. We were hoping for some earth-shattering results -- like the great CA-125 count a few weeks ago. However, the latest information from that scan are a bit contradictory. Dr. Hudhud explained that we are still early in the transition from one chemo regimen to another, so no reason to worry. Here’s what the report said, loosely translated into my non-doctor language… “one of the tumors showed an increase in size; the other tumor showed a decrease in size.” Go figure! There are no new tumors, however! So... Praise God!

We don't have any update on the CA-125. That will come next week. Keep an eye on this site for those results.

Now, an explanation of all the arms in the photo. In the spring and summer of 2006 when I out of school for six months, my staff at Spring Ridge was absolutely amazing. Their support and constant vigilance was expressed in one show of affection and attention after another. No principal could feel more loved than I. They all wore bracelets studded with teal beads during that time. Teal is the color that represents ovarian cancer. So in September, to support National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, we put our bracelets back on and put our arms together for a show of support. My arm is the one in the red sweater. Thanks again to my wonderful staff members who are patient and caring and consistently concerned. You're the best!

More Pictures of the Bash

Read the post below to find out about my Biggest Birthday Bash Ever... Enjoy a few more pictures.

My Biggest Birthday Bash

Last year was one of those milestone birthdays -- I turned 60. My staff surprised me last year with 60 beautiful yellow roses. However, I must admit that this year -- the 61st one -- will hold even more incredible memories. Unbeknownst to me, the entire school was in on a little celebration they called "Guthrie Day." While I was in the "media room" making a long list of announcements from 9:05-9:15 thinking the entire school sat in rapt attention to my every word, all the children and staff members and many parents snuck out the front door, donned Oriole baseball tee-shirts with the name GUTHRIE on the back, and prepared to yell "Happy Birthday" as I walked out the front door.

As I turned toward the front door -- my, the halls were extremely quiet -- I caught my first glimpse of over 600 people on the school lawn dressed alike in GUTHRIE tee-shirts. And, there by the front door was the Oriole Bird -- the major league team mascot -- to hug me and shower me with "bird kisses." A glance over the crowd found Clint right in the middle of it (and he told me he had a meeting to attend Thursday morning!)! I was flabbergasted, and thrilled all at once. After a happy birthday greeting and the happy birthday song, the bird, our school mascot (a kangaroo), and I greeted all our students as they filed back into the school. Parents made cupcakes -- over 650 cupcakes -- so that all the boys and girls could celebrate my birthday with cake during lunch. To all of those parents who baked, thank you, thank you!

What a fun day. The Oriole Organization (MLB) donated over 700 shirts so every single child -- from preK all the way through 5th grade -- went home with a Guthrie tee-shirt. You see, it's not that they know me... it's that the team has a young pitcher, Jeremy Guthrie #46. The shirts actually had HIS name (which is, of course, the same as mine) on them, and were left over from a giveaway night. Thanks to one of our PTA moms who checked, the Orioles donated the shirts for my birthday celebration. Thanks to everyone who had anything to do with this great day! It's definitely the Biggest Birthday Bash I've ever had!

Ya Gotta Exercise!

Lately, Clint and I have become a bit too knowledgable about food. We read all the nutritional information we can find about what is healthy and what should be avoided -- especially the things that can help prevent cancer. The funny thing is that eating a lot of one type of vegetable may decrease the risk for one type of cancer, but then increase the risk for another type. Go figure! One thing that all the experts seem to agree on, however is that we should eat five servings each day of fruits and vegetables. So... we do our best to take care of that, although we sometimes can't agree on whether or not french fries should count as a "veggie."

In a recent edition of Heal magazine, I read something that made my eyeballs bulge, "Even if a (cancer patient) is overweight, if she eats at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day and walks briskly for 30 minutes, six days a week, her risk of death from her disease goes down by 50 percent... The key is that you must do both." Well, guess who is on the treadmill now every day for 30 minutes!!! I've included a photo of me on the treadmill, and ask that you keep this picture in your mind when you have your daily prayer time. Pray that I will not come up with lots of excuses as to why I don't have time, or the energy, or whatever might interfere with this very, very important practice. Pray that I will faithfully step on the treadmill for my 30 minutes of brisk walking each day until it becomes a part of who I am -- and a habit that I simply am unable to break.

Sweet Sixteen

Sweet sixteen... what's that all about? Well, it's one of the sweetest numbers I've heard in a long time. On Thursday afternoon, my oncologist, Dr. Hudhud, called me on my cellphone to talk with me. I wasn't sure what prompted the call and was a bit apprehensive until I heard his voice. He was calling to share fantastic news. My CA-125 has dropped to 16. Normal is 35 or below. So, the good news is that after a spike to 85 just four weeks ago, and following only one treatment of Avastin and Doxil (I've now had two treatments of both of these.), the CA-125 is lower that it has ever been since I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February of 2006. My assistant principal was with me as I took the call from Dr. Hudhud, and she was able to "read" the hysteria in my voice as something good when I responded to the doctor. We rejoiced loudly and joyfully when I hung up. Dr. Hudhud got a hug and kiss from me yesterday when I went in for the second treatment of Doxil.

Clint and I are so grateful for your continued prayers. We have been greatly encouraged by your cards, emails, and prayers these past four weeks. Trust... we know that is what we must do; trust that Jesus is in control and knows what is best. It is sometimes hard, but that is where your continued care and concern gives us the strength we need to go forward. No doubt the Lord is teaching us during this process, so that brings us great joy and peace. Thanks again to each of you. Please, keep coming back to my blogspot... I'll probably slip a few in of my nieces and nephews from time to time, along with great shots of Harry. I'll also try to keep you interested with photos of my school staff who show their love and concern to me every day -- they are amazing folks! I have a couple more pictures I want to show you in this next week... so, return! Please!

Good Hair Day

My sister, Martha, has been an incredible source of strength for me during the past nineteen months. She is the one who checks out all the ovarian cancer websites that are pretty scary when I read them. She sorts out the stuff she reads and lets me know only what I need to know. During all this time, she decided to commit to growing her hair out so she could donate to the Locks of Love organization. Poor thing, she's seen me at all stages of hair loss and knows how all-consuming the "hair thing" can be to the "newly bald."



Last Saturday, she decided the time had come to cut off the "locks," so off she went to the hairdresser. Her story is really quite sweet, so I refer you to her blog so you can read the story and take a look at some photos marking the event. Take a look at the entry for September 8... there are three pictures... but be sure you read the story as well. God continues to amaze our family at the subtle, yet obvious to us, ways he intervenes and talks to us. Here's the address... http://www.zoesplace.blogspot.com/.



I have a lot of things to share this weekend, so please come back tomorrow...!

Good News

Yesterday, I had my second treatment with Avastin. It was totally uneventful, which is the way we like it. However, we received good news from Dr. Hudhud. My CA-125 has dropped. In August the number jumped to 85, and a new tumor appeared... but now the CA-125 has dropped to 59. While this still isn't in the normal range, it is a significant drop, which leads us to believe that the cancer cells are getting under control again.

I'm scheduled for a new PET scan on October 1, so by the end of that week when we meet with the oncologist, he should have some news about the tumors. By the time of the PET, I will have had another treatment with Doxil (next Friday will be the second treatment) and three treatments with the Avastin.

Keep praying... we believe our Father hears your prayers. We are strengthened by your many emails and cards.

Only 175 Days Left

Whew! What a week. It has been the most eventful opening of school I can recall. We were busy all week. The biggest issues are always related to our new students learning our school rules and adjusting to our expectations. As soon as they settle in, things will begin to run more smoothly. Thank goodness for all the help I get from my assistant principal, our reading specialist, the terrific secretaries, and all the rest of the staff.

After leaving the house on Friday for a 7:30 dentist appointment, I headed to school by 8:30, worked for a few hours and then drove over to the Cancer Care Center for blood work. Good news... my white and red blood cells are doing great! I didn't have to get an injection of Procrit on Friday, nor do I have to go in on Monday for Neulasta.

Both of those shots I call my "Muhammed Ali" shots -- they "sting like a bee!" No matter how gentle or have quickly or how slowly the nurses try to inject the medicine... ouch... it hurts. So, it's nice NOT to have to get one.

Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. Clint and I will be hanging out around the house. I came home from school with two books to read. Monday should be nice and quiet.

First Day of the Website

This is a new experience for me... starting my own blog.

I wanted to have a spot to update folks on a regular basis, so I wouldn't have to send such long updates as I have done in the past. I thought this might be an easy way to keep everyone informed, hear back from you, and let you know what's going on here.

Speaking of what's going on... school starts tomorrow. Guess I need to go to bed early tonight in order to be prepared for an exciting day on Monday. For all the children out there who are scared and nervous about going back to school, tomorrow marks my 37th "first day of school" and I'm almost as nervous as I was the year I started, 1968.

That very first "first day of school" was at Park Hill Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. If I can locate some pictures of that exciting experience, I'll post them. My first assignment was in the old cafeteria. On one side of the cafeteria was my classroom, and on the other side was another first year teacher. We were fortunate that we liked one another and that we could share music and art duties. Back in those days, the classroom teacher did everything -- art, music, and phys ed. Things have changed A LOT in these almost-forty years.

Here's the latest on my cancer treatment.

In late May when I found out that the Taxol I was on had quit being effective, I started on Topotecan. I really loved the sound of that chemo medication. (It sounds so tropical and Caribbean, doesn't it?) At the end of July, when I had a PET scan and CT scan, there was no longer just one tumor in the liver, but another had appeared. I stayed with Topotecan for another treatment, but then the CA-125 made a big jump to 85.

With the CA-125 increase, Dr. Hudhud, my oncologist decided to change to another plan for the chemo treatment. I'm now on Doxil (one treatment every four weeks) and Avastin (one treatment every three weeks). Thank goodness for computer calendars that can keep up with all these dates. I still go into the office at least once a week for blood work. I'm glad to report that this past week my levels were all good so that I didn't have to have either Neulasta (for low white blood count) or Procrit (for low red blood count).

Next post, I'll talk a little about how these two chemos work -- my interpretation!

Thanks for reading...

Think about all the school children returning to the classrooms tomorrow -- and those mommies who put their kindergarteners on buses!