It's REAL!

(Click on pic for info about chemobrain)

Chemo #22 is behind me, everything went well yesterday. Vinda was with me and it was great to spend some time with her. Believe it or not Vin, I had fun too...thank you SO MUCH for being there with me!

I got the results from the CT scan I had on Friday. Everything looks good/stable except there is a 'slight increase' in the pleural effusion (fluid in the lining of my left lung).

Dr. Doane isn't worried about it and hasn't ordered any other tests at this time. I will have my next CT and bone scans in mid-October, so we'll be keeping an eye on that.

I have noticed lately that I have had more difficulty breathing. My lung has been irreparably damaged by the fluid build-up that I had last year and the two lung drains I had to have at that time, so I will always have limited lung capacity because of that; but when there is fluid there it makes it even worse. It's funny how you can take little things, like...breathing for granted until you can't do it.

I am afraid that I might have to have it drained again if the fluid continues to increase...that is not a pleasant procedure. If I have to have it again, I am going to ask to be sedated. I hate drugs, so that should tell you how bad it is. I am also afraid of the reason why it is increasing (i.e. cancer spreading/coming back, lowered dosage not working as well as higher dosage).

I am feeling okay so far. Still on the steroids, but today is my last day for those, so the bad stuff should be hitting starting tomorrow. Luckily my really bad days only last for about 3 days, and then I gradually feel better each day until the next round.

And now, for some Good Things:

• Getting to spend time with Terri this weekend.
  

• Holding Wes while Terri took a shower. He fell asleep on my chest...BEST feeling EVER!

• That feeling of freedom you get from just getting in your car and driving away.

• That feeling of security you get from coming home.

• Being with Vinda yesterday.

• Seeing, talking to, and laughing with some of my chemo buddies.
  

• Going to Cactus Grill last night with Cathi (gotta take advantage of riding high on the 'roids while I can).

• My new little shelf stereo which I got all hooked up and sounds awesome! I now know how to splice speaker wire.

• Getting caught up with Toye today, and making plans to get together soon.

• Book club is coming up next week. Either Monday or Tuesday...not sure which yet.

• If all goes as planned I will be going to Terri & Bob's wedding on 9/15 at the Lake. I've switched my next chemo to Friday, 9/7 so that I'll be feeling well enough to go (hopefully).
  

• And always, always...my family and friends.