Last Friday was the last of the originally-planned 8 chemo sessions, and will have about a month off before starting radiation therapy. Unfortunately, those darn ol' cancer markers are still not at zero, so the doctor is going to add some more chemo when I start radiation. I don't know how much more chemo I'll have -- I suppose it'll depend on the markers.
The medication to improve my appetite is working, and I've gained a few pounds back. I still don't have much energy to actually cook anything, but my friends keep me in good food.
The CT scan I had a couple of weeks ago was "unremarkable," and I'll have another PET scan next week. The PET scan is the one in which they'll inject me with radioactive stuff, so it's really the very best diagnostic scan. They'll be looking to see if any areas "light up" with unusual activity that might indicate another cancer site.
One unusual side effect of chemo that I haven't mentioned is that it's made my fingernails VERY strong! Like most women, I love it when my fingernails grow out a bit, but inevitable\y one will break off and then I'll have to cut them all back so they're not all out of balance. Well, since I started chemo I've actually had to cut my fingernails because they're just too long! Love it!
The best thing coming up is that Whitney, Andrew, and Brena will be here Thursday. Well, not actually "here," but we'll all be together in Bellingham to attend my niece Rae's college graduation. We'll all hang out together until Sunday and then head back to my place, where Whitney and Brena will stay for a week. Yippee! It's been ages and ages since they've been able to spend that much time with me, and it'll be wonderful. And believe me, I'll put them to work doing some of the household and garden chores I haven't been able to do. And because they're wonderful women, they'll do so with smiles.
The other upcoming event is my cousin Larrie's 80th birthday on June 21. If you're reading this blog, you probably know about Larrie, the "family secret" who was institutionalized at Rainier School at the age of 6. Three years ago Shelly just happened to see an article in the Seattle paper about the school, with a picture of Larrie. I've been visiting him once a month ever since, and became his legal guardian a year ago. I knew that he was one of the first people admitted when the school opened in 1939, but it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I learned he was actually admitted on the very first day. He's the longest-term resident of the school, so they're having a big party for him. He fills me up with joy to be with him. His diagnosis is autism, and he doesn't talk. I'm constantly amazed at how good he is at letting me know what he wants, even though he can't "tell" me. I always wonder what's going on inside his head, and I handle that by simply assuming that he understands everything I say.
I still tire easily, I still sleep a lot, and I still have a positive attitude. While being a bit apprehensive about radiation, in general I'm counting on it being no worse than chemo.
And as always, I remain eternally grateful for my wonderful circle of friends and family, who sustain and strengthen me.
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