Cycle 9 - Fertig! Weeks 4-5 of Radiation, Blood and Platelet Tranfusions

Wow, I can't believe my wedding is exactly 2 months away.  Sean and I went and finalized the menu, table covers and went over the plans for the wedding at the venue yesterday.  We also get "fun mail" everyday with our RSVP's coming back.  I actually enjoy going to the mailbox :o)

Well, a lot has gone on since I last blogged.  If I recall correctly I had let you know that I was scheduled for a blood transfusion during week 4 of radiation. I was lucky enough to get a place in the infusion clinic on the 9th floor of the main tower at Ffx hospital.  Those ladies had me in and out like clock work.  Shortest time yet, 5 hours, amazing!  Well, the following day, I went in for labs like usual and my platelets were a mere 28 (lowest in the range is 140), so needless to say, they told me I had to go right back to the hospital for a platelet transfusion.  Luckily, this doesn't take nearly as long as blood and I was in and out of there in no time. 

Last week, despite having the transfusions, my platelet counts were still not quite high enough to receive chemo on Monday, so they pushed me to Thursday hoping everything would recover by then.  On Thursday I went in and they drew my blood, everything was good to go so I was able to get chemo.  Unfortunately, the nurses told me that my Dr wanted to talk to me about going to 3-week cycles instead of the 2-week cycles I'm on now since my body isn't responding quick enough.  This upset me because, well, I just want to be done! Dr Spira told me that we knew there may come a point when this would happen.  The regimen is set up for 14-15 kids, not adults.  Our bodies just don't regenerate as fast, thus having to change the cycle weeks.  I was able to show Dr Spira that in April I basically have a 3-week cycle since we are going to Florida, and in May, well..... I will only have one cycle of chemo and I'll have 3 weeks off before the wedding (perhaps a blessing in disguise?) and then 3 cycles left after the wedding.  Originally I was only going to have 2, but with the changes, another long cycle got pushed to directly after the wedding *sigh*  In the whole grand scheme of things, it won't matter that I finished in July instead of June, the only thing that matters is that I no longer have cancer. 

Week 5 of radiation really took a toll on my arm.  It is so red now especially in my elbow area.  I keep it lathered in Aquaphor as much as I can but I have to keep it covered when I got outside as well so then the lotion just comes off on my sleeve.  The nurse told me to try Aloe, but that dries so quickly and then my arm still hurts.  They also suggested using powder to prevent friction but that really dries out my skin so the best solution is still the Aquaphor.  Last Friday once I finished my treatment they told me I still had 6 more treatments.  I was confused, I thought this week was my last week, so 5 more.  Apparently, somewhere, someone added 1 more treatment making it 31 sessions instead of 30.  Ok, so you would think one more session, isn't a big deal, BUT IT IS!!!  I was so mad.  I couldn't believe that they somehow forgot to tell me that they added another session.  So now I finish on a Monday, instead of a Friday. And on that Monday I have chemo, so I'm not going to feel like celebrating afterwards.  Again, will it matter in 6 months?  No, but I feel like I've had so many setbacks recently that this just really upset me last week.  As of today, I have 5 sessions left.  Next time I blog the radiation piece will be completed! YES!!!

I just wanted to Thank everyone who reads this blog and has followed me through my journey.  Even if I don't hear from you, I know you are out there and I really appreciate all of the support!  Not much longer :o)

Chemo: 5 more cycles
Radiation: 5 more days

April: Trip to Florida
May: Bridal Shower
June: Wedding!!!

Let's do this!!