March 20, 2011 - Getting Ready for Round 2

Well, a good "off-week" all in all. But in the words of Han Solo to Luke Skywalker..."don't get cocky, kid". I have been very fortunate to have had a good first session of chemo. Many of my friends who have gone through this told me to savor the good feelings. Porta-cath, or whatever you call it, healing up, bruising going away. Still feels creepy under the skin.

One thing I did discover this week is that even though I feel great and have a good appetite, I can't eat the way I did before starting the treatments. Note to self: "Two Chicago-style hot dogs and a double order of Tater Tots from Sonic for lunch is probably one hot dog and a half-order of Tots too many for now - Check". That combination made for a very miserable evening. But then again, the miserable evening may not have had anything to do with the chemo, but just a poor lunch selection! (but it was good at the time) It seems to be easier if I eat small meals spaced throughout the day rather than the normal 3 meals a day I feel better. Oh yeah, water, water, and more water.

This past week Donna and Deanna went to San Diego on Monday, got home Friday afternoon. Katherine left Wednesday morning for Chicago, gets back tonight. Yes....they abandoned me. Left me with 3 dogs and 6 cats to care of!! Poor me....not really. If I had any ill effects from the treatments we would have put the dogs in the kennel...oh, they were still going to San Diego and leaving me, but I would be getting a break on the dog care! My brother Bob and sister-in-law Carol came over from San Antonio while the rest of the family was gone. Bob said it was a welcomed break, but I think it was a covert plan of our Mother's to have him check me out and report back to her. It was good to have them visit.

Tomorrow I start prepping for Round 2. Bloodwork first thing Monday morning to measure the white blood cell count. I was supposed to be in Oslo, Norway this week at a conference, but because I was just finishing my first treatment session, we thought it would be best to NOT be out of the country in the event I have some adverse reaction. Oh well, next year for sure. I told my good friend Lynn I was regretting not going now since I was feeling so good this week. She cautioned me though, saying I could feel good but if my white blood count isn't where the Doc wants it to be, it could affect Round 2. So, moral of the story.....patience. Right now, 6 months seems like 6 years...but really, it will pass quickly and I'll have this Blog to read and wonder what all the fuss was about. Most important, I have great friends and family for support.