Four down, two to go........

It is Saturday, July 10th, and I'm at my townhouse for the first time in two weeks. It's storming outside, and I can hear the rain pelting the sidewalk. Sure hope it's knocking some of the bugs off my jeep. I noticed it was looking a little neglected when I got here this morning. I usually leave it here the day of my chemo treatment because I know I won't be needing it for a few days. It makes it look like I'm at my house. Much obliged to Aunt Rose for dropping me off here this morning on her way to work. And kudos to my cousin, Betty, for the chocolate chip cookies she brought me this week. I brought them with me to keep me company today. They're doing a fine job.....

I haven't been here to update my blog because my fourth chemo treatment knocked the wind out of my sails. I have my treatment on a Friday, and I don't usually start feeling bad until the following Monday. By Wednesday, I'm usually drained but starting to perk up some. This time, I started feeling bad by Saturday evening, and it lasted thru last night. I felt some better yesterday, but the effects kicked in again last night about 9:30; I ended up calling out sick from work.

I do have some good news though. When I got the results of my bloodwork this time, my labs had improved a little instead of decreasing. My hemoglobin had risen from 11.6 to 11.9. My neutrophils had increased from 1.8 to 2.0. My platelets were a little lower than the norm, but nothing to be worried about. Between treatment 3 and 4, I didn't have very much gi upset, and I ate lots of fresh vegetables from the garden. It must've paid off.

Aunt Rose took me the following Monday to get my shot. I had to go to Physician's East Urgent Care due to the holiday. It was also Mama's birthday, so she stayed home to get things ready for the cookout later that night. We had intended to have a small get together for all the cousins that had helped us out so much since I got sick, but not everybody could come. It ended up being more of a birthday party for Mama which was pretty cool too.

So, that's it. Nothing exciting. Just lots and lots of fatigue and exhaustion. That's okay, though. It's much better than nausea, vomiting, and mouth ulcers. At least I can eat and rest. I've been able to sleep in a bed a few nights without too much difficulty. So I thank God for the baby steps.....

If I can continue to stay on schedule, I should finish my chemo on August 13th. I'm not sure when the radiation will start. The radiologist initially told me that we had to wait six months after my surgery. That would be October the 7th. I'm going to ask my oncologist about this on my next chemo visit. I also would like to know when to plan for my hysterectomy. I'm anxious to finish this "stuff", but I also hope to have a little bit of a break to recover, build my strength, and replenish my immune system before starting radiation.

So that's it for now. I'm hoping to get some cards and thank you notes written today. Thank you so much for everything. For the prayers, gifts, and cards. For the carrot cakes, the chocolate chip cookies, etc, etc. It all means so much to us. Please continue to support us and keep our family in your prayers. It's still a long road ahead...........

My next chemo treatment is July 23rd.

Thank you,
Cindy