Round 2

Yesterday was chemo treatment #2.  Same routine as last time.  We met with Dr. Wallentine first and talked some more about treatment options.  Often after chemo, they will also have you go through radiation treatments to make sure that they get all the cancer cells.  But with this tumor on my liver, the doctor didn't feel that it would be a good option.  He was concerned about damaging the liver with radiation.  He is going to talk to the radiation oncologist to see if he agrees.  So the outcome of all this is that he feels that having 6 chemo treatments would be better.  And that is fine with me.  It would really make sure there are no cancer cells left.  And that is what I want - so 6 treatments it is.

Here we go with round 2.  Some patients come in pajamas and just sleep.  Not me!  I want to look and feel good while I am there.  Besides, the Benadryl doesn't make me sleepy.  It just makes me really light headed and heavy tongued.  It's funny how hard that makes it to talk.  But it doesn't last too long.  This time I didn't have a reaction to the Rituxan.  They started it off really slow at first just to make sure it would be okay.

Ken and I ordered a chocolate cake from Magleby's to be delivered today.  It was so fun to meet more of the staff as they came in to thank us.

Look who came to visit me!  It's my neighbor and chemo coach, Jil.  She helped the time go by so quickly.  She has had surgery, 18 rounds of chemo and a bunch of radiation treatments for breast cancer.  She is definitely a survivor and a fighter.  A source of inspiration and information.

There are so many companies out there that support chemo patients.  The American Cancer Society sponsors a class for women called Look Good - Feel Better.  My case nurse had signed me up for the class last night and it was nice to attend.  There were 3 presenters and 3 chemo patients there.  The presenters are beauticians and estheticians.  They spent 2 hours with us demonstrating makeup, wigs, hats and tying scarves in different ways.  Cosmetic companies supply each patient with a bag of products.  I figure there was at least $100 worth of product in that bag!  And it was nice to spend time with other chemo patients.  We were able to share experiences and ideas.  

So how am I feeling today?  Well, I'm on prednisone again for the next 5 days and it makes me feel pretty good.  My appetite is still good and I don't have any soreness in my mouth or throat.  I am taking anti-nausea meds today and have had no problem with that either.   So, today has been a good day. 

Things I am grateful for:

- I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes.  I know, a little vain, but I'm grateful still the same!

- Ken, who supports me totally.  And makes me happy.

- Feeling good while fighting this cancer.

- The support and comfort I am feeling from the Lord and from all the prayers being said in my behalf.