Happy Halloween!

I am pleased to report that my white blood cell count recovered enough after my first intravenous chemo treatment for me to proceed with the second. I  even managed to do so without disturbing any fellow receivers of treatment - no snoring on my part.  The true blessing is I am tolerating the chemo well with minimal side effects. Less significant, but definitely on my list: a lack of nausea means Halloween treats will be indulged tonight.

Fortunately, I will not be required to go out and scavenge for treats personally.  Although, if I had to obtain my own booty,  I was well equipped for a costume.  Not too many trick-or-treaters possess a full radiation mask like this (picture from May 2012 whole brain radiation treatment cycle).

We Get What We Need

My good fortune continues in my journey to kick melanoma's ass. Of all the places my cancer could have spread to, the liver as a location is preferable to other places such as the bones which are difficult to treat.  This is because:

• Whenever a part of the liver has to be removed, it can regenerate itself.
• Since chemo is processed through the liver, it is easy for chemo drugs to reach this organ.
• You can live with only 10% of your liver function, unlike other organs such as the pancreas. 

As Charlotte Joko Beck (American Zen Teacher and Writer, 1917-2011) once said:

"Life always gives us exactly the teacher we need at every moment.  This includes every mosquito, every misfortune, every red light, every traffic jam, every obnoxious supervisor (or employee), every illness, every loss, every moment of joy or depression, every addiction, every piece of garbage, every breath."

Fortunately I have been a good cancer student. It could even be said  I have been at the top of my class for the last fifteen months.  Next lesson is scheduled for Friday.  I am headed down to Karmanos for Chemo treatment #2.  Thankfully, teachers love students who sleep in class.  Hopefully the other patients have ear plugs so they won't notice my snoring (ha ha)! 

Earplugs All Around

Last week, I began receiving intravenous chemo.  I am happy to report that all the anxiety I was experiencing about this process was baseless.

As is typical, Keith took me down to Karmanos well equipped:

•  laptop loaded with music
• book to read
• noise cancelling headphones
• various food selection to nibble

 I slept through most of my treatment.  Regrettably, those around me operating without the benefit of a mighty team like mine did not enjoy the same peaceful experience.  Apparently, I spent the entire time making my presence known by snoring quite loudly.  Fortunately, when Keith suggested I be woken up to be considerate of the other patients,  the nurses informed him that there were plenty of pairs of earplugs to go around for those within earshot of me.

Another item I a happy to pass on:

The anti-nausea drugs I was given before, during and after treatment are extremely effective - such a blessing!  The biggest side effect I am having is feeling pretty exhausted.  Luckily there is a simple solution to that - more sleep.

Expanding My Treatment Repertoire

One of my daily goals is to stay awake until 9PM.  This typically provides enough time each day to clear an item off my bucket list. Most of the time I can hit the target – as long as:

:

• I hold off having a glass of wine until 8pm
• I take one or two naps during the day (tough – right?)

• I remain realistic about what I want to accomplish

Admittedly, I am not too objective about the last item.  My family, friends and caregivers often challenge my idea of what is a reasonable goal for the day.

One thing everyone seems to agree on is that my infamous ‘drive’ has been a major asset in my cancer fight.  Beginning this Friday, I will be tapping into that ‘drive’ as I add another item to my repertoire: intravenous chemo treatments since the cancer has spread to my liver.

Fortunately, this latest development was detected early via a regularly scheduled body scan, rather than from an onset of physical symptoms.  I feel it is a blessing that there is a treatment option for me and that I will have all the support I need to get through the treatments.