NEW STUFF ON THE HORIZON!

Okay, well, my chemo once a week is going okay. Although I have to say, its not once a week. We have actually been doing it more like once every two weeks. For many different reasons. I have decided to close the doors on GET INTO BALANCE, at least for the time being. I have taken a movie job. My finances were alittle too crazy and doing this movie job will greatly relieve the stress from my financial woes a bit. Its a movie here in Baltimore, so it will be really great to see all the familiar faces I havent seen in so long. I am sure it will be hard for me physically, but I think mentally it will be a welcome change. So Im rolling up my sleeves and diving in!! Some of my wonderful friends have created a website for me. It has helped me a lot and I greatly appreciate all the time that was put into it. I would like to build onto it and create a GUIDE TO STAGE IV CANCER PATIENTS. What do I do when it happens to me?? It might take some time, but eventually I think it will be a great tool for anyone in my position! The website address is:
www.yourcancersupport.com
I hope you like it! There are some more recent photos there too! Have a great summer and Ill be in touch soon!
Melissa Stanley Cohen

ITS BEEN AWHILE

Sorry its been so long, Ive been quite busy over the past few months and a lot has changed.. So, I put the house on the market and headed to Florida. The day after I got there I met with a new oncologist and then two days after that I started a new round of chemo..Gemzar. I had a big progression when I had my last test, so we had to start the new chemo ASAP.. Had my chemo on Friday and headed to Miami on Saturday. I stayed with my friend Colette down there. I felt really bad that week and Colette took me back to Jupiter on Wed to get some tests done that were already scheduled. The pain I was having in my stomach was pretty furocious, so we decided to go to the ER instead.. I found out I had acute appendisitus and needed to have my appendix taken out before it burst, HOWEVER, I had a paricardial effusion, which means fluid around my heart that was compressising it and if I did have surgery, my heart wouldnt make it through.. So we had to go in and do surgery there. Drain the fluid and do a paricardial window.. So on April 4th, I went under the knife again, for two procedures.. Needless to say, I was in the hospital a week and did NOT start my chemo again the following week. They wanted me to heal more. And Scott and I decided to head back to Maryland for good. So, what are we donig with the house. I dont know yet.. But we are back now.. I got back to Maryland in the middle of April and started my chemo again, then got hospitalized with Pnemonia.. Just a couple days though. Feeling yucky and staying in bed a lot. Now its May 11th and Im finally starting to feel alittle better.. I had a great dinner last night with Ardis and Scott. LOBSTER!!! Yummy!!! Every Friday I have chemo and Im actually about to leave the house to go to chemo.. Sunday Ill be at Melanies and Jeremys to celebrate my littlelist neices 2nd B-DAY.. Happy Birthday Emily!! We are hoping to spend the first or second week in June at the beach for an early vacation!! That should be great too. I hope everyone is doing well and hope that spring has been great for all!! Ill be writing again soon!
Melissa