Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Day Before Treatment

And I'm TRYING To Keep My Blood Pressure Down.

Truly, I've been in bed most of the morning, eating breakfast, reading the paper, talking on the phone. This may have something to do with the fact Steve and I were up late last night. Terry and EG's January Christmas Dinner Party went on well into the night. So delicious and so much fun, not to mention engaging friends, presents and "the world's cutest" dogs to pet and play with. Thanks for such a great time guys !!

You know I'm tired when I back out of a shopping/lunch date (with Martha), scheduled for today, gift cards burning holes in my pockets. Rain check for another day when the arctic weather has blown out of here.

I'm in a reflective mood as I approach tomorrow's treatment. This will be the last "killer toxic" chemo mix, Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide (with Avastin). (Specific names for Garden Club and other techies.) Subsequent treatments will consist of Paclitaxel (with Avastin). I've honed a routine to keep my mind in a good place and my blood pressure down. This includes a combination of relaxation and drugs, a combo I will endorse from now and forever.

The biggest contribution to my psyche and feeling of peace and well being is, of course, the strength and support I receive from you each day. I'm overwhelmed by your generous outpouring of prayers and well wishes. Mimi remembered me to the S.M.A. Fathers. Don remembered me to the Monks at St. Benedict. Everyday I receive emails, cards and phone calls from you, not just serious well wishes but funny stuff, too, which makes me laugh out loud. I mean, I've got angels and Monks on my side !! I am blessed beyond all reason.

A few months ago I was worried about cholesterol and weight gain. OKay, frizzy hair and belly fat might have been an issue every now and then. Today, I'm thankful for waking up each morning. Being able to check the treatment side effect list to see what's developed overnight, knowing that even a new wave of hives could be worse. I have a team of doctors who are working together to make me well. I have loving family and friends who care how and what I'm doing, bring me food and comfort me.

When the chemo round is over, I'll be ready for a make-over. We'll wait to see if my hair comes back frizzy, if my cholesterol numbers are more in the ball park, my weight more in portion to my height. Small stuff to sweat !!

Stay warm and well. My thoughts are with you.

8 comments:

Sarah said...

ahhhhh yes, weight proportional to height, I remember that mantra from years ago.
Just wanted to check in with you Kath, and see how things are going...as always good writing and great spirit on your part.
As always I am proud of you , and know that you will keep "your eyes on the prize" to get throgh this, love to Steve as well.
Sarah

kanji's granma said...

Terry told me about the delayed Christmas dinner. She said the cake was delicious.

I look for your blog every day and with all the support you are receiving from so many friends I know that Igor will be history some day soon. Love your attitude. What a gal!

steve said...

I'm pleased to report that Igor took another merciless beating today, is reeling and appears to be going down for the count. Kathy came home full of energy and optimism. It appears as if the worst of the chemo sessions are over now and the next 4 should not be nearly as physically demanding. Thanks for all your support

Cause to Paws said...

It was great seeing you on Tuesday. With everything you have been going through I will say you looked great and the hairdo is a winner-looks like the real deal. Hopefully my dinner gave you the energy to beat up on Igor. Glad we could fit it in between treatments. Hopefully next "Christmas" dinner will have everyone in good health and all your current issues are a thing of the past.
Love ya
Terry

Country Martha said...

Chemo yesterday went very well. The staff at MGH are great and Kathy has them wrapped around her finger. The oncologist confirmed that Igor is shrinking. She is really toughing it out with high spirits and a focus on low blood pressure.

Denise said...

Good Morning Kathy,
This is Denise and Ellen at 0600, you remember those days, oh yeah, you never had to work that early. It is Saturday am and it was 1 degree out this morning when we started our cars and grateful it was above zero. Enough about our glamorous lifestyle. Glad to hear the bad chemo is behind you. Hope the next round is a little bit easier for you and your kitties. Looking forward to the "spa" treatment party, Denise and I can finally go with you and Irene. Where did you guys get your matching underwear we want to be included. Stay strong,your postive attitude is inspiring. Talk to you soon.

Anonymous said...

Kathy so good to hear that the Bad Bad Chemo is in the past. I can hear Igor yelling for help from here which he is not getting!! Soon this will all be behind you. As always you are in my thoughts and prayers and hope to read about the demise of igor soon
xoxo
Love
Katie

Anonymous said...

Yeah Kathy.
You made it through another cycle. And how thrilling. Igor is shrinking.
Thanks for the updates, and know we are all thinking of you.
KV