It's always something

This was supposed to be an off week, but as usual, nothing goes as planned.

Mike's blood cell counts are low because of the chemo and he has to have a transfusion on Christmas Eve. The counts were low last week so they started him on a weekly medication called Procrit, but it takes a while to kick in. The numbers were even lower this week, so the doctor is insisting on a transfusion, which works immediately.

Normally, low red blood cells make you feel weak and tired and short of breath. Mike has been feeling fine. Last week's chemo was pretty uneventful. His numbers this week were 7.8 and apparently normal is 9. A nurse told him a lot of people who have a 7.8 are in a wheelchair. So even though he might feel fine, the nurse said his organs are crying out for the blood.

It sounds like a big deal, but it's really not. It's done at the same place as chemo and is essentially just an IV. Unfortunately it takes four hours.

So on Christmas Eve, I will be at two of my least favorite places: the chemo room and work. Yes, I have to work Christmas Eve night. My heart is aching because I will miss getting my girl dressed in her Christmas jammies and putting cookies out for Santa and tucking her into bed. And I'm missing our friends back home so bad I can't stand it. And don't get me started on all the snow.

I'm feeling a little bah humbug!

But if we can just get through the next couple days, our little family will have Christmas day together and this weekend we are going to Naples to see the Casales. So I'll try to suck it up and be as tough as my husband...

Here's hoping all of you have a fabulous and Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year!

Some good news

Mike started round two of the new chemo regimen yesterday. We met with Dr. Neel beforehand and he said out loud what Mike and I had been noticing for more than a week: "There's no doubt it's getting smaller." It being the tumor in Mike's neck.

We have noticed a difference. We're trying not to think too much about it or get really excited. The tumor got smaller once earlier this summer. So let's just say we are cautiously optimistic.

But it was really nice to hear something good for a change. I got my Christmas wish -- I can finally take a deep breath.

In the spirit

So we finally put up the Christmas tree this weekend. Everyone's getting in the spirit -- even Julia who learned her first Christmas carol. If you can get through the minute or so of me begging and pleading in this video, you can hear it.

She's obsessed with the Christmas tree -- not sure how we're going to keep her from yanking the ornaments off or climbing up it or eating the lights. Check out what she did with Ella while we were putting the tree up...

It's kind of hard to feel all Christmasy in Florida. Especially when I've been hearing from friends how cold it is back home and how pretty the snow is. I've seen several facebook updates talking about making chili or curling up by the fireplace. And I've been in such a funk because I miss that so much.

But then we had a day in Florida like Saturday. Mid 70's, clear sky, sunny and perfect. A day for lounging in the hammock.