Doing ok

Made it through the week after chemo treatment #4. I'm finally getting strength back on day 9 - not too bad. The nausea patch and different intravenous med seemed to work well. I was able to do the Relay for Life. It was fun, but also a bit weird being a "cancer survivor".

The family got back from Ireland. Had a good time - even got sunburned! (I'm wondering if they REALLY went to Ireland.) They said things were a bit rushed. They saw a lot and didn't get much down time. The LA Rugby team beat one Irish team and scared off another. Jodi said the clinics were really good.

Happy Independence Day everyone! If you are at Overlook Park, look for the Sage Cottage tent.

Going for Chemo #4

Nurse told me I just passed my blood count - 1.6. So..., I get to go to chemo with Emmy tomorrow.
I'm opting out of the $400 anti-vomiting pills. I think I would rather vomit than have my brain in a haze for days. (Might change my mind after this weekend.)

Friday-Saturday is the Relay for Life at Ashley Pond.
(http://www.chamberorganizer.com/Calendar/moreinfo.php?eventid=21347 )

I plan to be there Friday night. May not last long because of the chemo this week. Possibly will see some of you there.

Theresa, Jodi, and Jamie are in Ireland. Went with the Los Alamos Girls Rugby team. They are touring, playing, and attending clinics. Will be back this weekend.

I'm doing well. Getting a bit more tired at times, but still going for walks and bike rides.

Thanks to all of you for thoughts, food, and support.
Cheri

3 months down

It has now been 3 months since my diagnosis. (Happy 3 month CD to me, happy 3 mth CD to me...)

Went to chemo with Emmy Hopson last week. Was nice spending time talking with her. She gets the "firehose" meds, I get the "faucet drip" - so I sat there much longer.
I asked to forgo the benadryl, the fun of the "benadryl buzz" has worn off. They still had to give it to me, so I slept a good bit of the "drip" time.

Got a new drug, "Emend" to curb the puking. It is over $400 for 3 pills! It's major side effect is nausea - go figure. Anyway, I didn't puke, but was unable to think or concentrate for several days, + couldn't sleep. (Try not sleeping and not thinking!)

Starting to feel a bit better. I think the acupuncture today gave me added strength. I went into work after my LAMC blood letting. It was nice seeing everyone - for a little while. (Don't know how I did it daily before!) The hardest part was wallking up the stairs to the second floor - did it twice. I probabaly needed the workout.

In case anyone is wondering, I have not lost much weight and my appetitie is pretty good. I lost a little weight after the surgery, and have stayed steady since.

Thanks to all you nice folks who give me and my family your thoughts and prayers and to those who have brought food.

Blood count up - get to do chemo #3

Oh boy! With Kay's help, I won! Got my blood count up to 2.7, so I get to do chemo tomorrow. Such joy!
I ate pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, asparagus, had acupuncture, and ran the hospital stairs just before the blood draw. Seems to have worked.

Emmy and I both get to take on the cancer killing drugs tomorrow. Emmy gets to drive, since she doesn't have to do the benadryl high.

All is well except Jamie being sick and me having a tooth infection. Antibiotics seem to have helped my tooth and rest is helping Jamie.

All take care.
Cheri

3rd Chemo delayed

Dr. called me today, and the good news is that my ca-125 (cancer marker) is down to 75 (from 1066 4 weeks ago). The not so good news is that my white blood count is down, so I can't get chemo tomorrow. I'm now scheduled for next week. The good news is that I won't be getting real sick this weekend - get to save that for the following weekend.


Here is a picture of the kids and me with our hair dos.




Here is me and Jamie with our pirate scarves.

2nd round - not quite like the 1st

Now I'm several days past my 2nd round of chemo. This one hit me a bit harder and seems to have zapped more energy, but I'm bouncing back.
Jamie got his hair "buzzed" on Sunday. His sister finally talked him into getting rid of the tail. HE looks cute. I'll try to post a picture soon.

Haircuts