Chemo starts February 28th

Once they decide to get you started on your chemo regimen, they move fast! I met with Dr. Te today. We discussed the results of my CT scan. Most of my affected nodes are in my neck, head and jaw. They are numerous and some have grown, but not dramatically from the last scan. I do have some new inguinal nodes that were not there on the last scan. The rest of the axillary and abdominal ones have basically stayed the same. My blood tests showed another big increase in my white blood count, and in my absolute lymphocyte count. Along with the fatigue, night sweats, and fever, Dr. Te just said lets get treatment started.

So tomorrow (Friday the 25th), they will surgically put in the portacath in my chest which the chemo will be given through. From everyone I've talked to and what I've read, this is a great option so there won't be so many holes in my arms, and my veins won't take a beating. Then Monday the chemo will start. I will go Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the first cycle. And then I will have 24 days off. The rest of the cycles will only be on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Probably 6 months worth.

This chemo has shown great remission rates lasting around 7 years. It is a blessing to have such great advances in medicine that will continue even as I go through my journey. Dr. Te says that he will keep me on antibiotics for the 6 months to prevent shingles which is a common complication. They can control the miserableness of the old days of chemo with drugs to help with nausea and pain. So I am encouraged and hope to be as well as possible during the cycle.

I am nervous, but I am also ready for this. It is hard to just watch and wait and wonder. I have been so tired, and drained and just not wanting to do much. So I know this will be a tough road, but I look forward to coming out the other side and hopefully feeling myself again. I am tired of being tired.

Thanks for reading, and caring. I will hopefully post often and can let out a little venting here.