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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Chemo Treatment #3!

All went well today. And it went faster than the other two times. This time I went prepared with some cookies, bottled water, grapes, etc. I seem to get sooooo hungry with this. And then Juri and I went to Denny's for club sandwiches and a salad. You would have thought we hadn't eaten in days!!!!!

My blood work was fine, BP was fine, etc. Got to see my oncologist again and he was in a VERY happy mood today. Called me his trouble patient!!!???? But when he looked at the "hole" at the tumor site, he did say in a very excited voice that it was looking soooooo much better ---- wonderful!!!!! That made me very happy. I pressed him for some kind of number with these chemo treatments. Just so I could have a light at the end of the tunnel, a number to cross off, etc. He rubbed his bald head, grimmiced a bit, but said he could be sure, but probably 6. So I'm half way through. That also made me feel very relieved. The chemo treatments will take me to Thanksgiving. I hope I get some break after that, but in some ways, I just want it all hurried up and over with.

So now I begin the three week journey over again. I hope it's easier this time. At least I'm more prepared for the black days, and I did get the Prilocec for that "brick" that seemed to never move from my stomach. It's already helping. If I can remove every little whiney annoyance that I can, at least I can just lay in bed in peace and count off the days! But when you have a rock lodged in your stomach, you can't eat or drink because of it, on top of feeling like flattened out road kill -- well, that was just one thing that had to be resolved.

Tommorrow I go back for that Neulasta shot (keeps the blood count up). It's usually the day after that that I start noticing the downhill slip. By Friday night, I expect to cave in. Then it's like, "See ya next week, gang!"

Thanks again for everyone who has been praying for me. I can't beleive all the support, love, prayers, emails, etc., that I've been getting!!!!!! I've tried to get back to everyone, and I will eventually!!!! Just know that it has meant everything to me to know that you are all there praying. Couldn't have come this far without you, believe me!!!!!

38 comments:

Gone said...

Praying you through...

~Blessings,
Jan

Juri said...

Yup, Sis, we made it through number three!! And just think of all we learned....not only the thrilling news that the tumor is shrinking, and you are half-way through chemo, but also that the very best steamed crabs on earth are right nearby....at Trader Bay Seafood! Steamed with garlic, no less!!! And that the 90-old-man that sat next to us likes sex!!! We really need to write a book on all we learn while in the chemo fishbowl! Love ya and I am so proud of you!!!

Juri

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Cora - did anyone ever tell you that the Neulasta can make you feel as crappy as the chemo? I have heard that time and again from my friend who went through this and my patients. I hope that this week it does not hit you as hard. You seem to have prepared the best you can though. I have you in my prayers!

Ruthie said...

Glad to hear things went well. I just "met" your sis today - so glad you have her for your support.
She seems like a special person.
My prayers will continue for you. I think it'll be easier now that you know your tumor is shrinking and the treatments are halfway through.
I have a plaque on the wall of my study that says "Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can't handle."
Hugs.

Eve said...

I never thought about it like that, flattened out, road kill...but that sure says it, doesn't it. Glad to see you still have a sense of humor about it.
Half way through, that's great. You can see a light ahead. Just keep on trucking as we say here on the Coast and you will get through it. xx00

Debra said...

Love you , Cora. It is my joy to pray for you.
Debra

Anonymous said...

So happy you had a good day and good news! I somehow got my days mixed up and was praying so hard for you yesterday and today both...between all of the prayers and the skill of the doctors, you are already half way through...its downhill after this
God bless you, dear sister

Julie said...

I'm glad you got some good news today--you deserve it!! Half-way--YEA!!! Hope your days aren't too dreadful--I'll be thinking of you!! julie

Renna said...

I'm continuing to pray for you. You take care of yourself, and don't worry about what's going on outside of that. I don't think anyone will get offended by you not responding to e-mails, etc. God bless you!

Wanita said...

I'm continuing to pray for you. You continue to take good care of yourself and do whatever you must to get well.

Blessings,
Wanita

Addicted to Beadz said...

Cora,

I have not been here to visit you much lately, but you are in my prayers every day. Will pray especially for the next week, but mostly for cancer free for life.

Take care

Cheryl

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Me again Cora - I guess there is no alternative to the Neulasta and I hope you didn't think I meant you should or shouldn't take it. Just wanted to make sure you knew it was probably the cause of some of the side effects. I know some of my friends were never told and they were thrown for a loop. No need to respond my friend! Save your energy for this week. Many hugs and prayers!

papel1 said...

Hope the end of this week goes fairly smooth. Hopefully you are half way through the treatments. I think of you often.
Judy

Joyfulsister said...

Cora,
You are a special woman to us all, an inspiration of strength, and courage. I felt such a kindred spirit with you ever since I found your blog. I'm glad to hear all went well today, and pray for the rest to follow even better.

Hugz Lorie

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Cora. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Debbi

Kay-The Rustic Cottage said...

Sweetie, I pray for you every day but especially on your chemo day. Praise God the tumor is shrinking!! Love you bunches.

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Cora, it is so good to hear that the doctor is pleased with your progress. And to think that you're 1/2 way done! Hurray.

Even though the subject is a sobering, your choice of words still makes me smile ... flattened out road kill? That paints a pretty clear picture in my mind.

Hang in there sweetie! We are here praying for you and cheering you on. Colton sends his love.

Hugs,
Lea

Raquel said...

Halfway done! I am so excited that the tumor is shrinking - what good news. I am so proud of you for being so brave! You Go GIRL!Much love, Raquel XO

Deb said...

Hi Cora, you are still in my prayers. Deb

LindaSue said...

Glad you are hanging in there - your tone is wonderfullly positive -really glad you took the cookies and drink etc. - always better to be prepared and NOT need it than not be prepared and be made miserable. I have to give your our definition of the term "practice of medicine" - that good doctors will keep on practicing until they get it right! (just a bit of humor here no slights intended to doctors who read this blog or otherwise might consider themselves targets - how's that for politically correct??HA!)

Pam said...

Haven't been able to get by and check on you as much as I would have hoped, but I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers....glad to know this treatment went well; will be keeping you in my prayers.
Hugs,
Pam

Aliene said...

Cora, Doesn't matter if you can't answer - just so you know you are loved and so many are lifting you in prayer. Like one comment " we are praying you through." Hang in there and know we care. Love you!

Brooke said...

Hello Cora!

I just found your Blog from another friends! I'm praying for you! I visit another friend thats a blogger also and she just yesterday finished chemo # 6! Her name is Jodi and she is amazing! Please Please go visit her blog maybe you guys can chat and help each other through! She posts a lot and I have read everyone and she is amazing! Here is her site!
http://happyhousequilts.blogspot.com/

Have a lovely day Cora!
Brooke

Ann said...

Keep going, hang on and savor those good days to get you to the other side of the bad ones.
This is so hard for me to read, as I keep thinking of my friend who must have kept so much to herself.
God bless , I will pray

Toni said...

Oh Cora! That`s wonderful news!! only three more chemo treatments!! Woohoo!! Also praise God that the tumor is shrinking!! I`ll contuinue to pray for your physical and Spiritual strength:) love and blessings,Toni

Nicole said...

Such good news my friend. Lifting you up. You are such a trooper!

Love,
Nicole

Leaon Mary said...

I hope Juri gave you my hug Cora!
Yikes, I just read her comment on this post. LOL Egads girl... sounds like you ladies are getting quite thee education when your'e out and about aren't you? TAKE IT FROM ME... stay away from that guy! LOL
I mean it!!! heehaoaoaooa
I love You Cora!
eagle wings
Lea

Wildcrafter said...

Praise God that the tumor is shrinking! You don't know me, but I'm a member of MaryJanesfarm. I have been praying for you. God can do awesome things and I know He is doing a powerful work in you. Just know that you have so much support and prayers from so many people you don't even know! xxxooo

SweetAnnee said...

Cora dear..your chemo..every 3 weeks..6 treatments..that's what I did too. I got Neulasta the same day.
I used Tums for my rock in my tummy.
Glad to hear the goods news about the shrinking.
It's good to have a light..
love to you.

ByLightOfMoon said...

Cora, Cora,

I am SO happy to be your 30th Post and please know you have been in my thoughts and preayers even when I have not been on the computer lately. You know if the phone doesn;t ring, it's me! Quoting a Jimmy Buffett Song. Music helps me so much thru times I have to just lay around. Gosh, I weish I had those days back, NOT, just kidding. But I do need to slow down and smell the roses, if I don't Emma will eat them up! She ate my New Purple Cosmos yesterday while I was gone and DH was watching her. Well, I guess he was not watching her. Anyway, I can see your cheerfull attitude when you wrote and so hope you are not as down as you thought.
God Bless You on your hard days and
please know you will see the sun again.
I send ((UGGIES))

smiles, cyndi

naomisnotions said...

I hope you are doing okay this time? I'm still praying for you!!! :)

(((HUGS)))

Naomi

Tricia said...

Bless your heart. I just found your blog by surfing around and want to say you're in my prayers. I know God will take care of you. You seem to have a loving relationship with Him. I think Buster is the most beautiful Lab I've ever seen. They are super smart aren't they? Happy weekend.

Farmhouse Blessings said...

I know I already commented, but just wanted you to know that your being thought of today.

Love,
Lea

Claudia said...

I'm new to your blog, but I will be back. I'm also going through breast cancer treatment right now (I'm in radiation), so I understand. You have my prayers and my husband will also pray for you. He's come into a real understanding of women and our problems and fears.

Hang in there. You and I will both come through this just fine.

*hugs*
Claudia

Anne Fannie said...

Dear Cora, I always visit your blog to check in on you to see how you are doing. Most of the time, I don't say anything but today, I just wanted to let you know that there is more of us bloggers than you know praying for you.
Love, Ann

Toni said...

Hey Cora,
Just wanted to let you know I`m thinking of you today:)Hope your not feeling too bad. I tried your recipe for the pot roast. It was very good. My family really enjoyed it! I didn`t use any fresh veggies or onions though. I hope you have a blessed evening!! Love and blessings,Toni

jan said...

I want to wish you all the best.
I will be praying for you.

Grama's Gourds and Primitives L.Akin said...

Praying for you and your family. It's a rough road but your strong with Him by your side. God Bless you and hold strong.

Linda