Saturday 3/29/08

Well, a very successful first week ended of chemo and working. Still feeling good but a bit tired at times. I continue to be amazed by all the support from everyone. Very moving. Thank You.
My dear friend Mary gave me a Reiki treatment last night. For those who are not familiar with this, it is a method of spiritual healing focusing on one's "life force energy." It treats the whole person, including body, mind, emotions, and spirit with the effects creating a feeling of peace, relaxation, security, and well-being. I'm a full believer the mind is very powerful and can help over come just about anything. Needless to say, Mary was able to remove a lot of negative energy leading me on a spiritual path of healing. Thank You Mary! Next week is my "off week" which means my next Chemo is 4/8/08. Next week will focus rest and keeping busy. Sounds alike a double-negative but for those who know me understand. I have to stay busy or I'll be crazier than I already am. My scrapbook is coming along. I'll enjoy sharing this with everyone when this is over. So I hope everyone has a great weekend. Remember to smile!

Wednesday 3/26/08

Feeling pretty good today. No side effects so far, except a little tired. Worked on my scrapbook today inserting all the wonderful cards and email notes from everyone. Creative skills are truly challenged trying to make this look good. Aside from enjoying the sunshine, that's been about it. Very relaxing.

First Chemo Treatment

Well, one down and seven to go. What an experience today. Sitting in the chemo chair for the first time was a huge reality check. I couldn't stop my eyes from tearing up. I knew this was coming and thought I was prepared. I don't think anyone can every be 100% prepared to feel what I felt today. But I made it. Doc said my bone marrow is good which means no cancer. Yes!! Huge relief. The chemo treatments are made up of 4 cycles. Each cycle is 4 weeks with each treatment every two weeks. Looks like my day is Tuesday. So that means every other Tuesday will be a chemo treatment. So far I feel good. Taking it easy today and listening to my body. I've slept a little and just chilled with Ric. He's such a comfort for me. The girls are doing well too. Got my first order of hats/scarfs today. Just in time too. Chemo nurse says my hair could start coming out by the next visit, which is 4/8/08. That will be another experience for me. But, I'll get through that too. Everyone's prayers, support, care, and concern has been just amazing. That along with my prayers has really given me the strength to deal with this. I still feel strong and especially blessed. Saying thank you just doesn't seem enough but Thank You!

Monday 3/24/08

This is my first blog so hopefully somewhat easy to keep updated. Thought this would be a good way to keep everyone updated on my progress with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Never thought I'd be dealing with cancer but who does? Today I had a Port installed. Tomorrow, as my friend Tony stated, is "the first day of the rest of my life!" I start chemo. For those who wish to Google what I'm going through, the chemo drugs are ABVD. Pretty aggressive but overall successful with this type of cancer. I also find out the results of a bone marrow test, done last Monday. This will not only determine the stage of the cancer but the final treatment plan. If the bone marrow is clean, meaning no cancer, I'll go through 4 cycles of chemo, each cycle being 4 weeks, with one treatment every 2 weeks. Radiation would follow but I haven't met with them yet so not sure about the details. If the bone marrow comes back showing cancer, then there will be no radiation but 6-8 months of chemo. Guess we'll find out tomorrow. Overall I feel good, strong, and positive all will work out. I appreciate everyone's support and prayers. I've been so overwhelmed by the number of people who care. Everyone has been wonderful. Thank you!! Your support gives me the strength to deal with this. As I've said before, I have a dance with the devil and I intend to win. So bring it on Mr D! My partner is much greater than you....that would be God....