I took part in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event a few days ago. They always open the event with all of the cancer survivors walking the first lap around a track called the "Survivor's Walk." It is always very heartwarming to watch, and I had watched it a few times before when I had gone to the event. However, I never figured on BEING in the Survivor's Walk myself! It really made me feel special, and I was humbled o be in the presence of so many more who had come through the battle with cancer themselves. Since this was my first walk, I filmed it for posterity!

Energy Coming Back

My energy is grtting better. I worked from 9 - 3 Saturday and went on a ghost hunt that night from 8 - 2 am. A LOT of standing and walking, and I made it ok. Today I am a bit tired, but not too bad.

Off Topic Joke

I was going to apply for a mortgage on my home. The mortgage company was in an office complex, and next door was a proctologist's office. Not paying attention, I went in the wrong door. Before I knew it, this guy had his finger up my ass and I'm thinking "Man, I knew these loan applications were thorough, but..."

Slowly Feeling Better

My tolerance for cold stuff is better, since I am no longer receiving treatments, but taste buds overall are still kind of off. However, my energy level is slowly improving. The warmer weather is helping some, I'm sure, but over the next month I hope I'll see a big improvement. I still get sleepy early at night, and I still need an energy shot during the day. In fact, as I type this I can barely hold my eyes... Zzzzzzzzz

Back to Work

I've started back to work for a bit after being unable to do much for a month. It is good to feel productive again. I still can't work the whole day without having to go back home and nap, but it has only been less than two weeks since completing chemo.

12 Down, 0 To Go!!

Too Sexy!

Weighed 186 on the scale this morning. WOOHOO! I'm too sexy for my shirts, my XXL shirts, so sexy it hurts!

Started Final Treatment Today!

Well, the long awaited time is finally here! The start of my final chemo treatment. Three days  - today, tomorrow, and Tursday and I'll be done. Then for the next year a series of follow-ups every few months, but the outlook is all good!

Dragon Breath

In the latest "Hobbit" movie, there is a dragon that belches fire. Before he does, his whole insides glow. This is what I feel like now while eating something spicy! 

I mentioned in an earlier post about the fact that before chemo started, I loved spicy food. Now, though, even the mildest of spices sets off my dragon breath and I feel I will roast the table if I happen to sneeze. The other day I ordered boneless wings with spicy barbecue sauce, normally quite a bit milder than I normally would order. Five minutes later I am sitting there with tears running down my face and my nose running like a faucet. My mouth id burning and I'm gulping water. If I had ordered what I usually do, the extra hot buffalo wings, I would spontaneously combust right then and there!

And Then There Was One!

Only one more treatment left and I'll be DONE WITH CHEMO! Two weeks from today!

11th Treatment Started

Started the 11th treatment today, so my last day of chemo is February 20th. After that, i know there will be follow- ups, but no more chemo is the real big thing. I will walk with a cane for a while to recover my balance, but recovery is looking good!

Only Two Treatments Left!

I am in the home stretch! Less than a month and I will be done with chemo, hopefully for life. Dr. Waples cut a few of my medinies back, so my hands have slightly improved. My energy is practically gone, and I hsve to take advantage of the times I do have some to go out or do something. Mentally, I think I am mostly OK. I will readily admitt that it is easy to get down and depressed sometimes. I am irritable and just basically slightly off center most of the time. I am now getting around with s cane because my balance is affected, but that's better than falling. On the lighter side, I have gotten lighter - under 188 now. Woo Hoo! Hanging in thete, though. Sometimes it is hard now, but take your small victories when they come and count your blessings!

An Apology

First, I want to apologize for not updating in a long time. Nothing much was changing, and I kind of got in the doldrums. Now, though, they cut back the dosages of my oxylaplaten and the 5-FU. I can feel a difference. My hands are much better, and my diarrhea has dramatically improved. Mostly now I am dealing with tiredness and appetite loss. Only three more treatments to go, though, and the celebrations will be on!