I completed my 6th chemo last Thursday! Only 2 more to go!! This time around, I have been sleeping a LOT. I would rather sleep through the bad part, so I am not complaining. I have been lucky to have my sisters here to help. Karen left yesterday to go back to Chicago and Kim came in to help for a few more days. I hope to be back on my feet by Wednesday.
Last Tuesday, I went to the doctor to have my blood count checked and it was high enough to have my port fixed on Wednesday. Scott took half the day off and went with me to the hospital. I admit now that the anticipation was worse than the procedure itself! I don't want to have to do it again, though! I was awake the whole time (I think!). I asked for more versed at least once. It was freezing in the room, but they covered me up with warm blankets except for my groin area (nice!). They told me that I would feel the needle for the local anesthetic and some pulling and tugging during the procedure and that is about it. It was uncomfortable, but I don't think it took very long. I could see the catheter and my chest up on the monitors. They just snaked it up there and grabbed the end and put it right where it belonged. I don't have any stitches or glue or anything. The wound is tiny. After the procedure, I was in "recovery" for a while. I ate some lunch and then they sent me on my way. We even got home earlier than expected.
When I went to have my treatment on Thursday, they were able to get blood from my port very easily. That was a first and it is a great relief that it is working properly. When I saw my oncologist, she reassured me that we shouldn't have any more problems with my last two treatments. She measured my tumor at 3cm. I was disappointed because I had hoped that it would be smaller, but she told me that her measurements are rudimentary (she measures with her hands for the purpose of the study) and that there is likely tissue surrounding that is not part of the tumor. She told me that I am doing fantastic, which is really good to hear! She also reminded me that my treatment is very aggressive. I am glad that the tumor is shrinking, but I really hope that when they operate, they find nothing there. Kim says she envisions a pile of ashes. Ha, ha. I am with her. I am done with this crap and I want that thing annihilated. Anyway, it was good to have my doctor's reassurance. The treatment itself was not too bad. Karen was with me and Scott came for a visit on his lunch break. My regular chemo nurse was out taking a class, but she left me in good hands. It is a long day. When we got home, I ate some lunch and went to bed. I have pretty much been sleeping since then. I can't seem to keep my eyes open. I do usually sleep a lot after a treatment, but never this much. I am glad for it, though.
My plan for this week is just to take it easy. We are planning to go to Knoxville again next weekend for the TN/GA game. I am not planning to go to the game, but I hope to be able to get down to campus to tailgate for a bit if I'm feeling ok.
Less than 6 weeks left of chemo! My last treatment should be on November 12th. They will schedule my surgery 4 to 6 weeks after that, which will fall right near Annabel's 2nd birthday. It is going to be a rough holiday season this year with recovery, but I will just be that much closer to being cancer-free.
Annabel has been a busy girl! She is talking more and more every day and loves being around people. I have gotten extra kisses today for some mysterious reason. Not that I'm asking questions! I'll take every one I can get!
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