July 3, 2011 - Sunday Tremendous Weekend!

Wow....that's all I can say! Round 9 was my first treatment without the Oxiplaitin drug. The doctor decided I'd had enough and could eliminate that one. That meant on Wednesday no side effects. Thursday went to work and felt great all day!! Friday it was time to drop my "buddy" off again and NO SHOT!! I was able to see my friend Rudy as he went in to turn in his "buddy" for the last time. He was done. I was so happy for him and his wife Bernie. Over the six months we became really good friends and I hope to keep up with his progress over the years. There is a bond that is made when you share trials with others on the same path with you. He really kept me going.

Saturday was great...no nausea. Spent good times with my son Tommy working on one of our cars. Ran errands with Donna most of the day without really feeling too bad at all. Food tasted almost normal...almost. But I have to be careful not to get to used to eating like I used to. I need to keep my weight down and drop some more to stay off my blood pressure medication!!!

Sunday I got back on the treadmill....first time in 6 months. I pushed through 1 mile. I thought about just doing a 1/2 mile, but when I saw the little distance dots on the treadmill go by, I decided to suck it up and keep going. With each step my determination grew. I have to admit though, when I finished that mile, my legs were like rubber, and for the rest of the day I am pretty well shot. But getting back on the treadmill was a major milestone for me.

I am nearing the end of this journey. My life is changed forever. I don't sweat the small stuff like I used to. My family is more important to me now than ever before. Looking forward to continued improvements.