Round 7. Half way done. Unfortunately, I did not go into round 7 thinking half way done.  I went in thinking, WTF, I have to do it all over again?

Tuesday, July 14. “It doesn’t get any easier”

Infusion day: platelets are at 84. (Note, when I started chemo, I had 246,000 platelets. The state minimum for treatment is 100,000. But I’m special, so my minimum is 80,000.)

I have been having terrible stomach cramping, and after an exam, it is most sensitive where I had surgery. It’s hard to believe that surgery was just and yet was already 4 months ago. But all feels ok and if needed, I may have my CT Scan and colonoscopy earlier then March (the 1 year mark from diagnosis.)

As we headed to death’s row, I told Betsy, that I knew I was going to throw up. (I had already been handed a puke bag during labs) and before they even hooked me up, I was vomiting, and crying. Why does this have to be so hard?? Lucky for me, Betsy was there, and as I vomited, I heard her tell the nurse, do not give her any drugs until she can talk for herself.  So, I was able to have a conversation with the nurses. And we did 1/2 mm of adavan and a zofran.  Egh.  I hate throwing up.

And chair 16. How appropriate. I sat in 16 for my first treatment. Little did I know what was ahead.

 
Lyndsay then took over in the companion chair, and we made it through an uneventful rest if the day. 

July 15-17, Wednesday through Friday

I was on my own with the kids Wednesday. And had a sitter Thursday and Friday morning from 9-11am. The kids were actually really good.  Most importantly, they napped and at the same time. I have found as long as I can get a nap in, I don’t feel like complete crap. Overall, general nausea and discomfort. The neuropathy is terrible and getting worse.  First few bites of food, burns the inside of my mouth. Painful!! My hands and feet tingle a lot more often to constant and they cramp really easily. I can tell my feet are starting to dry out,do need to remember to keep lotion on.

Friday night, I rallied!!  Scott, the kids and I walked to a Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood and had dinner.  It was great.  And by great, I mean, just fine, but we hadn’t been to a restaurant as a family for dinner, since late February!!!  The kids were great and the food was good. Water was too cold,but hey, that only bothers people on chemo!

Saturday- Sunday “why does this have to be so hard?

We actually had a nice weekend. Hot, hot, hot, so got out early to play in the water out back. And just had a family day.  As I laid in bed for my nap, Scott was cleaning out his closet. I asked him to switch places with me. I wanted to be productive. But instead, I slept.

Sunday: I’m awake and the house is quiet!! And I feel ok!!!  I went downstairs to make coffee and cleaned the kitchen. I know. Not what everyone would do if they had 30 mins to themselves!  It was amazing.  Floors, countertop. The bar is set at running the dishwasher and have the sink empty at night. 

Took my pills, feel like crap. Nothing some peppermint gum can’t handle.  And off to mass we go! Scott asks if we should adopt a family that the missionary spoke about. That’s why I love him. And he buys me icecream from the store.  Which, now, I do have to suffer through a bit, the further I get out from infusion, I can handle colder things.  But it does make my lips and tongue numb.

I’m getting down in the dumps. I’m sick of feeling sick. People with cancer are rock stars!  And the people who support them are saints.

Monday, last day of pills and 6 days off!!

I finally feel like, ok, I can do this. 5 is less than 6.  I have completed more than I have to go. I will still be throwing up next Monday. But at least we are getting closer.

Nikki commentary: I tried to take an athletic, competitive mindset to this round. Before taking my pills, act like I was about to take the dance floor.  So to my Bellettes out there, “Ride, Sally, ride!!!” 

   

  
 Chloe is our 8yr old bichon. I got her when she was 8 weeks old. She has always been a great napping partner, the dog can sleep! But lately she has been following me around.  From room to room.  Makes me nervous. How they say, dogs can sense things?  I’m just going to say she just loves her momma!
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