A month out ...

OK, so it's been a full FOUR WEEKS since my last chemo treatment, and the numb/tingling toes and fingers seem a little better (emphasis on little). But the bad chemo taste in my mouth is GONE, hallelujah, so life is getting better for sure!

I've got an appointment with my main surgeon at the end of this month, so we'll see what he has to say then.

In the meantime, I'll probably update this site only once a week or so, so thanks for checking on me, and I'll see you next time ...

P

Good advice ...

So the other day I e-mailed Dr. W-G to see if I should be avoiding certain foods while I'm recuperating from my yearlong cancer treatment. Her answer:

"The best thing for you is Vitamin D, exercise, and Eastern diet."

So I e-mailed again for details, and it seems that the 1,400 IUs of Vitamin D that I'm taking daily now is sufficient (400 IUs is the recommended daily allowance), since I'm not "deficient" in that particular vitamin, and the "Eastern diet" is basically the Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegies (at least seven servings a day), whole wheat, olive oil, and no major junk food. (And a glass of red wine is OK! Antioxidants!) Plus, I'm trying to get 15 minutes of sunlight every day or two -- even MORE Vitamin D!

I'm still walking my two miles -- sometimes more, sometimes less -- but I'm thinking of branching out to some additional exercise, now that I'm off the chemo.

It seems to me that this recommendation might be good for everyone, not just cancer patients, so do with it what you will ...

Until next time ...
P

What a week!

OK, so I've made it through this "bear of a week," and now I can get back to regular living (is there such a thing?) ...

Let's see, Sunday was a get-together with childhood girlfriends (we missed you Kathy!); then Wednesday we moved Dylan into his out-of-town college dorm; then Friday was Hannah's 21st birthday, and she insisted on having her celebration at a bar (but it was a cool/fun/crowded bar, so at least she has good taste!). Hannah shows off her birthday outfit in photo at right.

So we reserved some tables on the patio outside, and it was a beautiful night, but I think we adults were outnumbered by "twenty-somethings" by about 5 to 1! But she (and her parents) lived through it, in spite of EVERYONE wanting to "buy her a shot," sheesh, so I feel like I can finally relax, now that it's over ...

Speaking of Hannah, she had her first follow-up scan since her surgery and everything is A-OK in the brain department (it probably helped that her scan was BEFORE her party!) So, thank God and hooray!

And, re: Dylan's big move to college, he showed up back at home THREE DAYS after moving into his dorm! It seems his girlfriend (who has a car at her school, which is right next to Dyl's school but is starting its classes a little later) came home this weekend, so, of course, Dylan rode along! But I had just baked some peanut-butter cookies (his favorite), so he came home to freshly-baked cookies and surprised us!

Ah well, he's gone back now ... Both kids' classes start tomorrow -- yay! -- so things should settle down. Should ...

Re: me, I've STILL got the numb fingers and toes, but it's OK, I'm feeling pretty good otherwise and don't miss chemo -- or "Fanny" -- at all!

Thanks for checking on me!

Until next time ...
P

Dropsy

Yeah, so I had my last chemo treatment a week ago, but my fingers are worse than ever, as far as the numbness and tingling go. The oncologist DID say that effects are at their worst about a week or so after treatment, so I guess I was warned.

But this is crazy -- I keep dropping things and knocking over things, sometimes spilling drinks all over (like yesterday!), and tonight I was trying to open a bag of cat food and man, it was hard to do! (But I did it.)

But things will get better, I'm sure, it will just take time (sigh) ... Probably about a month or so (ALL-CAP SIGH) ... But, hey, I've come this far so I'll make it!

So, thanks for checking on me. And thanks for listening ....

Until next time ...
P

Chemo free!

OK, so I still have the numb toes and fingertips -- and I'm sure the nasty chemo is still making its way out of my system -- but I had a glass of red wine tonight to celebrate my freedom from chemo pods, "Fanny," doctors, lab tests, and all other cancer-related things! I am now CHEMO FREE (and hopefully, cancer free)!

Yes, the visiting nurse, "Boots" (that's her name! It's on her ID badge!), came by Saturday around noon, took my vitals, and removed the needle (and chemo bag and pump) for the last time. (At least for the next three months.) And I am happy beyond belief!

She was the first to give me a congratulatory hug (not counting the chemo-pod nurses on Thursday when I rang the "no-more-chemo" bell). I met a couple of friends for dinner and shopping Saturday, and got a free meal (a cancer-treatment silver lining).

And I've got a few more mini-celebrations planned over the next few weeks, so I'm happily making my way back into the real world. I fully expect to feel better and better as I get further and further from the chemo! (Numbness be gone!)

So, thanks again for the cards, prayers, and well-wishes over the past year! They truly helped me through my "temporary setback."

Love you all ...
P