ROUND 6 DONE!!

MILESTONE REACHED!!

 

No one may understand the milestone that I reached today...round 6 is done! I remember Dr. Glaspy telling me in our initial meeting that "we are going to aim for 6 but, some only can take 4". I told him "I'm going to make the 6". I told myself that same thing over and over during and after each and every chemo. During the hardest of moments I would swear I was done and that I was giving up but, I knew I was expressing my feelings for the horrible things that chemo does to a person and I knew I wasn't giving up. By allowing myself those expressions, I also empowered myself. So, here I am with round 6 under my belt. The nurses were happy for me, too. Dr. Cohen was there to confer with me, as well. By now, she is a welcome face and I always look forward to seeing her. She referred to me as "tough as nails" today when I relayed the ER visit that I made on Saturday. I was well enough to go to work on Monday, though. I, do, seem to rebound quickly and completely when things happen like that. I am hoping that after this round that my body will rebound as quickly.

 

I, now, move on to Herceptin every 3 weeks with echocardiograms every 3 months. I had an echo today. I won't know how it looks until my first round of Herceptin, I suppose. I wonder when the hot flashes will stop? When will my sleeping return to something more normal. It is disturbed and I am, constantly, tossing and turning - cold and hot no matter how cold the room is. I have my portable air conditioning running all night and it can't keep me cool most of the night but ther are moments that I freeze and have to turn on my heating pad and add a blanket. Freezing turns quickly to sweating, though, and I'm kicking everything off.

 

I am going to shave my head in two weeks so all the hair will grow back evenly. I am lucky that my hair didn't fall out, completely.

 

In celebration of round 6 over and done, I went to the movies and watched "Into the Storm" at Valencia Regal Theaters. It was good. I was disappointed that the storyline focused on high schoolers. It didn't have the elements that I love about "Twister". The special effects were good in the new movie but, I prefer "Twister". Then, after the movie, I went to Stein Mart and bought an awesome new purse by Tignanello and two pants and 4 shirts. I spent $150. That's fantastic! I love Stein Mart because they sell outrageously priced "name brand" for less - and the sales are great.

 

Natalia and I went to church on Sunday and heard a great guest speaker. I bought a CD after the service to listen to him again. It felt great to be there this past Sunday. Fellowshipping is becoming easier and I feel more comfortable with everyone - like old friends. Natalia and I are being sponsored so we can go to the women's conference in two weekends! We are so excited! I wanted to go when it was first announced but knew I didn't have the money for us to go. Pastor asked me if I wanted to go and would I go if I had the money. I said "yes!". After the service we were told that we have been sponsored!! I am just beyond happy!!!!!

 

After church Natalia and I went to the San Fernando Mission Cemetery and Chapel. Everything is beautiful and peaceful! What a history!! And, Bob Hope and his wife are buried there within a beautiful garden that was added after Delores died. It has a babbling brook and winding pathway. There are other members of the Hope family buried within the grassy areas of the garden. It is located in the back of the Chapel. I'm glad to have, finally, made it there! I have wanted to see this Chapel and historic Mission for years!

 

Right now, I feel great. I don't know how long it will last. My carboplatin was reduced by 20% because of the kidney stones, bladder, head cold, fever and pleurisy after the last round. Dr. Cohen just felt it was time to give my neutrophils a break. I don't know how this will reflect in the side effects - will they be less or the same? I guess we'll find out in a day or two.

 

When I shave my head I am going to have Natalia take a very candid photo before and after. No sun glasses, adjusted lighting, right camera angles, or BB Cream! What's left of the hair on my head and my lined face. My skin has taken a beating and I have an indented scar from the Sweet Syndrome reaction to Neulasta. I am hoping my skin will return and I may have to go for plastic surgery to fix my forehead. Or, maybe not. The scar will be a reminder of what I went through and what I have overcome. A badge of honor. We'll have to see what bounces back and what doesn't. The treatment isn't over and I'm not out of the woods but, I have reached a major milestone in this fight and I am proud of my body and thankful to God and his army of angels from Heaven and earth!

 

"INTO THE STORM"

THE AWESOME NURSE, COLETTE

MY OTHER AWESOME NURSE

SAN FERNANDO MISSION CHAPEL AND NATALIA