Chemo 5: Neuropathy sets in

It has become a routine to get my chemo now a days. I expect similar symptoms each time, but do notice that some things are improving. The nausea I used to feel has greatly decreased. With this latest chemo I did not throw up at all. This is definitely a good sign. I am as always exhausted by this ordeal. I spend Monday through Thursday at the hospital at least for 5 hours or more hours each day.

The side effect of one of the drugs are increasingly becoming rather tiresome. When exposed to cold, my fingertips and toes become extremely painful sometime to a point where I am unable to use them. This morning at the Minneapolis Farmers Market, I went to get money out to pay and my fingers cramped. I had a hard time using them. Today was also some what cold and my toes felt like icicles.

I have 2 more chemo sessions on the calendar and then another CT scan to see if I am making more improvements or not. We will then determine what course of action next to take. I know that if this neuropathy continues down this road, I will need to switch to another chemo drug otherwise the damages will become permanent.

I am missing my son, David, very much. I cannot believe he will be 16 years old soon. Where does time fly? It only seemed liked yesterday I was changing his diapers.

I think about how fortunate I am to have a son like him. He is the most amazing, caring, compassionate boy his age I know of. He has turned into this respectful young man. Handsome as ever with a charm to follow the looks. That boy is going to break hearts :). I am so proud of him. David, you are my miracle and a gift from the Heavens.

I want to shout out to all my friends who are reaching out to me and coming to visit me. All of you are amazing and I am so grateful for your friendship and love. I am so blessed to have so many who care. Thank you!

To my sister Selina, I want to thank you for all you are doing for me. I could not do this without you. You are an incredibly strong woman and I am so lucky to have you by my side through this ordeal.

To the rest of my family, thank you for staying in touch and helping.

Love you all!

Chemo 4

Monday of this week was my chemo 4. With the past weekend having quite a bit of excitement, it seems I need the care of the chemo and all else that went with it. This chemo was as hard as all the others, but I seem to feel much better after each one. I have only managed to throw up only twice. This is such an improvement.

I also has some good news after my CT scan results. I have been informed that things are shrinking and chemo is doing it's job. We will continue chemo for another 6 weeks and then determine what course of action we will need to take.
I was able to spend 1.3 days with my son David, it was the most fun time I had with him. We had a good time and had a good talk. He has turned into an amazing young man. He is so compassionate and understanding. We went to Taylors Falls. We had a great time walking and hiking around. He was so playful and lot of fun. He made me smile and laugh. David also gave me a very soft tiger pillow that now I sleep with every day and night.

My sister, Selina and her boys (Russell, 13, and Elliot,10) came to stay along with my wonderful friend from Atlanta, GA, Lisa Ryan. It was good to see the boys that I have not seen forever it seems. I feel as if they are my own. They are so amazing and talented kids. I'm so proud of them.

I am grateful for all the people who have taken the time to visit me. It has been such a blessing. Sometimes it gets quite lonely, these voids are filled when my friends and family come to see me. It makes me feel as if I am part of life out there and not simply weathering away sitting in my flat all day and night. I can't thank you enough all. God bless all of you.