You are in the home stretch! I have loved hearing about your progress on your finals and that you're really putting in the effort needed to do a fabulous job and get a good grade. You get out what you put in, and you need to keep plugging along regularly to do that. It sounds to me like most of you are doing just that!
So, where am I in my treatments? Last Wednesday, April 27, I had my third infusion of the six that are planned. It was a looooooooong day. We checked in at 8:30 am and were done shortly after 5 pm. Whew! For some reason ( tiny veins, not enough hydration, or a combination of issues), it took the nurses almost two hours to get the infusion started, including three sticks that didn't work. Finally, on the fourth try, we got a vein that would cooperate. It was nerve-wracking and a bit uncomfortable, but not the worst thing that could have happened. We just have to make sure we do everything possible to avoid this for the next time. I have an appointment with my oncologist (cancer doctor) this coming Wednesday, so you can imagine that this will be a topic of conversation at that appointment. Over all, though, I have had very little nausea, no fever this time and few other side effects that are not being managed with the correct medications. I must admit that this whole treatment has gone fairly well so far. The biggest thing to keep on top of now is to avoid infection. This week, my immune system is going back into nadir (very low immune response) and by the end of next week, it will begin to climb up again before my next treatment on May 18. All I have to do is to stay healthy and well in the meantime.
Activities and other interesting bits. I have mostly done my daily three mile walks, with a cheat day the day last week that was really rainy and of course my infusion day. I have bumped up my yoga routine to a new and more challenging video (soooo not graceful and grateful I'm not in a class where anyone can see me!). The new workout is getting easier, but the first time I did it, I wasn't so sure I could handle it. Not to be put off, I just kept practicing and now it's a challenge, but I don't feel like I'm going to fall over all the time. I'm gaining strength and control. Practice, practice, and more practice, and it's making a difference.
A couple of you have asked what crafts I've been doing, so I've included a couple of little photos below to share. Hope you like them. Good thing I have a hobby I enjoy to fill my head and keep my spirits up.
One last fun item to share. On Sunday afternoon, May 1, I was allowed to sit waaaaay at the back of the theater for the Beauty and the Beast performance done by California Regional Theater. Thanks to the folks at CRT for the amazing and thoughtful accommodation. As many of you know, my daughter, Mrs. Fox, our theater teacher, played Cogswell in the performance. I was (and always am) so proud of her performing skills. She works so hard to get into the character and hone her performances and of course, it certainly showed on Sunday while we watched. BTW, the whole cast was awesome and the play was delightful.
Thanks and thanks again for your notes of encouragement, keeping me in your world and thoughts, and for the kindness and cheer you bring me! You all brighten my days and make me smile A LOT!
Hugs to you all!