Today was lab day, the day we go to the Health East Cancer Center and get a line put into my port so they can draw blood for various blood tests. Then an appointment with the nurse practitioner who works with my med oncologist, where we got the surprising (and VERY welcome) news that tomorrow morning I will begin chemo.
The regime that I’ll be on is, basically, the same one that Mayo wanted to put me on. I’ll be in the hospital for 5 days, during which I’ll be receiving pretty strong, high-dose chemo which they will be monitoring (hence my 5 days in the hospital.) I plan on bringing my own fan (it gets REALLY HOT in the hospital, I’ll need some fresh air.)
I’m eager to get started, and I’m also terrified, but definitely more eager than terrified.
In so many ways, this is the best of all worlds.
No, it’s not Mayo. But I WILL be given the strong CODOX=M/IVAC chemo that Dr. T. was proposing, which should work better for my specific cancer and the way that it’s manifesting itself. I’ll be in the hospital just 6 miles from my house, and when I’m out of the hospital I’ll be HOME (which is lovely!)
I don’t know if we’d even be talking about this stronger chemo if I hadn’t gone to Mayo for a second opinion, so even with the stress and heartache last week, it seems that going down to Rochester was, ultimately, a very positive move.
The stress of the travel and the stress of the insurance snafu last week have left me exhausted, though. Absolutely shattered, just SO tired that I feel as though I’m sleepwalking. My body and my soul need rest, so perhaps these five days in the hospital will be a bit of a respite for me?
I had signed up for a class at the Textile Center that’s due to start tomorrow; Wearable Art. It’s a class for women over 55, but I know they were working to fill up the class, so I’m not certain how strict they’re being with the age limit. If it’s possible, I’m going to see if Andy might be able to take the class in lieu of me. Every Tuesday for the foreseeable future will have me undergoing some kind of medical appointment; chemo or testing or something along those lines.
And, of course, the most important thing is to get the chemo GOING, and to do well with my recover weeks between the chemo. Time to stock up on salmon and spinach!
You’re ready for this Annie. And Gerry, Andy and Max are behind you, as well as many many more. All of us in the Stillwater group are pulling you along, so when you think you can’t take another step, imagine a bunch of us with ropes (colorful velvet ones?) gently pulling you along.
I love Barbara’s image of colorful velvet ropes.
Annie- sit back in a glorious gilded comfy sleigh and imagine all of us picking up big fat velvet ropes and pulling you along!
You just sit back and imagine all those drips of chemo sneaking up on those black cancer cells in your body and KA-POW! Bursting them into tons of beautiful, healthy colors!!!!!
You got this!!!!!!!
So glad for the news. I’ll be roaring (gently) from Utah on ease and amazing success for the chemo, love. xo.
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow. It’s only. a day away!
Give that cancer hell, Annie! Sending you much love, hugs, positive vibes and strength to get through your treatment and beyond.
Love you honey!
xoxox
I love your attitude so MUCH!
I’m so happy to hear this! Behind every cloud there’s a silver lining.
I’ll be cheering you on! Beat the crap out of that cancer!
So glad to hear that not only is the chemo starting but that it is the one Mayo recommended! You might not realize it when it happens, but hopefully the lack of travel stress will make a positive energy difference for you down the road. And knowing that all three of you can stay together thru this is good.
I am so happy to read this. I’ve been thinking of you every day. You’re attitude rocks!
This is good news, and best wishes for the whole business. I’ll be sending rolling clouds of good chi, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. You have so many friends, known and unknown, who care about you!
Saint Peregrine watch over you and your oncology care givers and give you strength and hope that this wretched cancer gets it’s just desserts and leaves you better and better each day. ( Saint Peregrine is the patron saint for cancer patients, I have complete faith in the gifts he has been given to heal cancer patients)
Best of luck Annie, you got this
Damn, this is good news, Annie. I’m with you all of the way. Kick .*ss and don’t forget to take names.
Mazel Tov!
Yes yes yes, Imagine all your friends and loved ones holding you up in those very colorful velvet ropes and sending you healing energy and love through them! What a beautiful image that made in my mind when I read Barbara’s message to you! You have sent such love and colorful positive energy out into the world its time for you to receive some back ❤️
Sometimes things work out the way they are supposed to. This may be one of them. You’re getting the chemo Mayo thinks is right, but you will be close to home and family. Yes, take the fan. Maybe they could keep a supply of wet wash cloths at your bedside to wipe down as needed? Sending cool thoughts!
Sending much love your way. XOXO