Last FEC Treatment

Yesterday was my last FEC chemo treatment.  If we are on course, it may be the last chemo treatment I ever have to endure. WOW.  My next battery of tests are scheduled in 3 weeks and then surgery will be 2 weeks thereafter.  I am ready to get this beast cut out of my body.  Dr. Alvarez is very optimistic that the surgery should be able to remove all of the cancer. We discussed several testing options before and after surgery.  One of my largest concerns is spread of the cancer.  I must be back to my old self because I asked if cancer was in or around his penis whether we would be doing more testing, he turned red and grinned and called me "very frontal" in that Brazilian accent of his, pretty sure he meant "up front".   But assured me that he is confident. There are small moments of humor in dealing with this thing, you have to take advantage of them when you can.

It has been what seems like a long haul, although I know other patience's have had to go thru much more and for longer time frames. I see them everywhere, both in Midland and Houston.  Some have been getting treatments for years!  I try to get my act together after seeing these guys and to keep the complaints down.

I don't know how the "weak of heart" could ever do this, it's rough.  I would never had made it this far without Libby, Nita, Kelsey, Carolyn, Wana and the rest of my friends and family.  Each one has worked hard to accept my wicked attitude, my sick body and to help me with all matters of the day-to-day.  And some yucky stuff that is NOT on the list of help you readily ask for.  God bless each of them.

I have received phone calls from my old basketball coach, old teammates, from family and both new and old friends.  The get well cards are all proudly displayed and I will be keeping them all.  Even Ruby, my dog, works hard at keeping me active, going for walks and just having general play time. (If I sit on the couch or lay in the bed too long she makes me move!)  All of the friendship and love has made this easier. Thank You All, and please keep it coming.

FEC treatments II and III

The new FEC treatments are kicking my butt!  I really thought that the separation of three weeks between treatments would mean that I would get over the chemo effects sooner and have more energy. Not the way its working.  The second treatment and subsequent injection of Neulasta really kicked my butt too.  Down to the point I wondered if it wasn't time to get live in help here at the house.  The Neulasta is supposed to help with the energy, but they forgot to tell me that I would feel like I had been beaten all over first.  Dr. Carr saw me looking pretty pitiful for followup labs and suggested that we put me in the infusion room and give me an IV of fluids, it was amazing how much better it made me feel.  I was able to eat well for the first time in days!  So we have proceeded to give me fluids when needed and it has made a huge difference.  Although I am still fatigued, the nausea is not nearly as bad and that means that I can stop the weight loss.  Who would have thought I would be down to 135 lbs and the size 8s are falling off of my scrawny butt.

I did get to go to Lamesa and see my Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter and sisters two weekends ago.  It was just a family girl day at my mom's.  We put that beautiful Evie on the floor with her toys and encouraged her to finally try and roll over.  We were like a bunch of old guys when she finally managed it.  We all jumped in the air and clapped like it was a touchdown at the super-bowl.  Wonderful to have the time just to visit with them all and see Evie's smiles.

Last week and the III FEC treatment went well until I came down with a sinus infection. Between sinus infection and another Neulasta shot my Labor Day was spent just keeping my bones moving without whimpering too loud.