Getting Closer to Normal

Today was my second-to-last chemo. I really don't mind chemo days, because I generally feel pretty good for the first two days of it. I just sit in a comfy chair while the drugs drip into my veins via the port. Today was a bit of a shocker for me. I put the numbing cream on the port site well before leaving home, as I have always done. For some reason, it didn't "take". When the nurse stuck the BIG needle in, it hurt like the Dickens! (usually don't feel a thing) I let out a loud holler, and immediately felt embarrassed by it. It startled the nurse, but ultimately, we were all laughing about it.

Then, she couldn't get a blood-draw from the port, because it had become clogged, so she ended up putting a special drug in there to break up the clot (or whatever) and then sticking a needle into my arm anyway. The blood-draw is the first thing they always do right after I get there. It has to be analized (I am amazed at how quickly they get the results printed-out!) because then I have to go talk to the Doctor or her assistant, to review my case and how I'm handling the chemo. If my blood count is too low, they can't give me chemo until it gets up to normal. Mostly, they are concerned with the White blood cell count.

Well, apparently, I have some good blood, and her assessment of my case was very positive. My cell counts are above average. That is the main reason why I am having chemo every two weeks. If the cell count is down, they have to have more time in between treatments. The way I am doing it, I have the best chance for the drugs to do their dirty work and kill off all the nasty cancer cells, because we are hitting them hard and often. It gives them less of a chance of coming back.

I have a visualization of Pirates (the drugs) coming down the nets and ropes and sails to attack the cancer cells (enemy pirates) and they kill them and and then throw them overboard. It's all very loud and nasty in my head while this is going on, with the sound of swords clanginig and Pirates yelling, "Rrrrrrrrrrrrr! Die cancer cells, DIE!" Works for me!

Tomorrow I get my shot, and then another blood draw in-between now and my last day of chemo on the 12th of December. I have a CT scan on the 28th of December to see my progress. Sometime the next week ( the first week of the new year) I will begin radiation.

I have been keeping busy in the meanwhile with my cards, and making things for my granddaughters and cleaning up and throwing stuff out. I can manage a little bit at a time, in-between rests and naps.

Love to ALL!

Mary