The Waiting Game

I am now officially finished with round one! Seven days of 24 hour chemo drip ended Saturday evening. I am finished witht eh IV pole and I feel free! Now is the beginning of the waiting game.

I have learned a couple things about chemo I thought might be interesting. THE STUFF IS TOXIC! The nurses have to suit up and put on special protective gear before they can even handle the injectors. They ahve a toxic spill team dressed in space suits that would be called immediately if even the smallest amount is spilled. It's called a code orange. make me feel kinda funny getting the stuff pumped right into my veins.

How it works: chemo destroys rapidly dividing cells. Cancer cells are rapidly dividing, but so are blood cells, hair cells, inside lining of your mouth cells, etc. That is why there are so many bald chemo babes with mouth soares out there. Actually so far, (can you see me knocking on wood?) I haven't developed the mouth sores. I am gargling up a storm with saline (salt water) and that is supposed to be one of the best defenses. I have quit flossing my teeth (is this too much information) because my platelets are so low, if there was any bleeding, it could be different to stop. I'm winded and tired because I have so few red blood cells left to carry oxygen to my body, but transfusions will help me with that. Good grief, I sound like a mess!!! It was hardly a month ago Ron and I went hiking seven miles...ahh the good ol' days.

A word about blood donations; someone gave so I might live. If you're hanging around with not much going on, it would be wonderful to give to the blood bank. You can do it in my name if you like or not, but if you can, pleae go see the nice nurses at the blood bank and enjoy a cookie and orange juice on me. :-)

Some good news: because I ahve the rare XXXX split chromosomes, they don't know much about them. Tests were ordered to see if I had the highly mutating, long protien strand type that is very agressive and is difficult to treat or if I had the short, less agressive type. (I can feel bio-chemists everywhere cringing at my explanations). Anyway, HALLELUJAH, I have the short stubbies!!! the Doctor said he couldn't have been more pelased with the results! Treatment stays on track...beat me down and then build me up; double zero on day 14; only good white cells on day 28; go home!

More good news: I have the most fantastic friends and family anyone could ever hope for. Ron and I are blessed beyond words and will always be grateful to each and every one of your for your kind wishes and prayers.

God bless you.
Connie