Chemo Round 4 and 5 (current)

Hello Everyone,

I have been remiss at updates, returning texts and calls, sending thank yous and all the little things.  The major reason is the side effect of extreme fatigue has entered the ring and is kicking my ass.  After chemo round 4, I attempted to go back to work as normal, but was falling asleep at my desk after having full rest, naps and relaxation time so I had to take more time off just to lay around and sleep.

My nephew asked about the fatigue and we looked it up together.  Basically the chemo kills lots of good cells with the bad and the process your body takes up to rebuild all the good cells like white blood cells and hemoglobin is where all your energy goes.  Also, my hemoglobin has been very low so I have had to have two blood transfusions in the last couple of weeks. I have always been Anemic and the chemo (which kills of many of my healthy blood cells) complicates the anemia, contributing to the fatigue.  I feel so tired all the time, like I could lay down on the dirty, rocky ground and comfortably slumber away.  From what I have read the fatigue and aches compound with each chemo session so I can expect more after round 5 (current round) and 6 (my last!!!!)

In addition, I still have the bone pains and get pretty winded upon light exertion.  Last weekend Natalie and I went to pick lavender, a fairly simple activity, and I was sore and achy for 2 days after.  I still need exercise, though, so I am going to start walking the lazy river at Sholem pool 7:00 in the evenings, any Champaign people are welcome to join me!  It could be fun and you can hold me up if I get too tired!

I am currently in the hospital for Chemo round 5!  It is going well.  Like always, I have had a stream of visitors that I am grateful for, am able to work from here, and have some fun activities (World Cup, Book Nook Puzzle) to keep me busy.  My mom, dad, and Westley are currently here and they made me a picnic lunch today!  We picnic-ed in my hospital room but it was still really nice. 

The positive news is still very positive.  I feel functional and well, I have little to no nausea as a side effect, I only have one more round of chemo after this, and I feel very loved and supported by all of you.  

After the last round of chemo, there is a big bell here, at the hospital, that you ring to celebrate.  Apparently, many people make a big to-do about it and invite people, take pics and videos.  I will keep you updated about my bell ringing and my next PetScan.  Keep the vibes and prayers coming that the scan shows that I have beat this on my first try!

PS - I've chosen to just be bold and bald with no head coverings!  My head just gets too hot with any covering or hat or beanie or scarf on it.  Believe me, I have tried them all: trucker hats, mesh beanies, silk scarves, cotton slouchies, you name it.  Plus my head looks better than I thought it would and I've come to enjoy it.  I like the feeling of the wind on my skull and the ease of care.  I could get used to it!

Pics attached: Natalie and I picking lavender, Watching the world Cup from my Hospital Bed, Visitors, obligatory cute cat pic.