Friday 10/29/10

I am down to only five more treatments and am feeling quite good.  I had an acupuncture treatment on Wed and am amazed at how much it has helped the fatigue factor.  K.C. leaves tomorrow and I will miss her.  However, her help has been unbelievable and now I am looking forward to Glenn and Scarlett coming for my last week.  I am looking so forward to a break and a time of healing.  I will then get prepared for surgery in mid December.  Again I thank everyone for all the love and support!!!

10/22/10

This has been a better week.  I think they have finally gotten the dosage correct and I am not having so many side effects (knock on wood).  I also believe that my body needed the week off to rest.  I am very grateful to have my sister here for another week and then Glenn and Scarlett will be here for the last week so that will be great.  I so appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers - I feel so cared about that it is sometimes hard to take in.  Today after treatment we are going to drive through Yellowstone on a long way home.  I look forward to seeing how fall is progressing there.  I have missed going these last couple of months.

10/15/2010

This is an interesting journey to say the least!!  Wednesday night I ended up with hives all over my body.  When I saw the doctor on Thursday he said that I was his "problem child" (very kindly).  I have that feeling - once again a side effect of the chemo.  So he has kept me off all treatment until Monday when we will start up again with a once again lowered dose of the drug.  My job is to just keep on keeping on.  One day at a time and eventually this will be all over!

10/11/10

Life continues to be a learning experience and a mountain climb.  I continue to have problems with the chemo drug so they have stopped it and the radiation today.  My mouth for the most part needs to heal before they are going to do anymore.  On Thurs. they hope to restart the radiation treatments and then on Monday hook me back up to the 24/7 chemo at a lower dose.  I am sorry to delay the end of this process but this sore mouth is taking its toll.  I would love to be able to chat with people without the pain.  I probably need to be able to eat better.  They don't like it but I kind of like the fact that I have  lost 10 pounds. :-)  I really appreciate all the notes and cards.  Everyone's love is certainly holding me up in a good place.

10/6/10

Well another day down and I am surviving.  A very sore mouth but right now my feet are okay.  they have reduced the level of the drug so i think that is helping a bit.  I am so grateful for all the support that i am receiving.  I really believe that love conquers all.  thank you everyone.

One day at a time

After a rough couple of days due to the fact that the chemo drug became toxic to my system I am now doing better.  the bottom of my feet had neuropothy (inflamed nerves) and my mouth was full of blisters, plus a sore throat.  But, my daughter came up and took excellent care of me.  they took me off the drug on Friday and now i will find out tomorrow how we are going to proceed.  If nothing else this is a great learning experience about all sorts of things.

Trying something new

Hi all - Some of you may not know that i have been diagnosed with rectal cancer.  I am presently having radiation and chemo.  In December I will have surgery followed by 6 months of chemo.  Long, rather unpleasant year.  However, the prognosis is good and I hope to be able to have a book to write at the end of this experience.  I know i will be learning a lot spiritually and about myself as time goes on.

For every one, I have  found that I get really tired of repeating myself and just tired.  So, having a blog was suggested as a way to keep people informed and then I only have to report what is going on once.  I will try and keep it updated.  I have tremendous support from my kids, sibs, and friends.  I am deeply grateful to everyone.  If you really need to hear my voice :-) do call - I just think this will be an easier way to communicate for awhile.