CHEMO #5

Had a little setback for my fifth chemo treatment.  When I went to get bloodwork done, my platelets were too low.  They were at 82,000 and needed to be 130,000.   There was nothing I could do about it because it is one of the side effects of chemo.  However for two days I tried to eat as good as I could, and that in itself was a real treat!  I went back two days later and still couldn't pass the muster as they only went up to 85,000.  I was originally scheduled for April 27 but it didn't happen.   

Thursday night before I had to go in for bloodwork again,  I decided to try my old standby--Mary's beans--tostados to see if that would do any good (even though I was told it didn't matter).  So Friday morning I went in and GUESS WHAT??  The platelets had gone up to 135,000 in just two days.  So I was scheduled for last Monday, May 2nd.

Previously, all of the treatments had been on a Wednesday and my "tough" days were Saturday and Sunday.   So having it on Monday would probably mean that Thursday and Friday would be the tough days.   And they were but they have been the easiest ones so far.  After five times, I finally figured out how to stay ahead of the discomfort I had previously.  I took my pain meds every six hours and drank prune juice every day!  So I didn't have any of the pain and other problems as in the past.  For the first time I truly experienced "chemo fog."  I don't even know how to explain it, but for two days I was totally out of it.  I could hardly type, couldn't make a decision, tried to order food for Mother's Day and put in the wrong date--all of the things I normally have no issues with became a huge deal!  Needless to say, I would rather be in a fog than in pain!!  The fog lasted a little over two days!!

Today is Mother's Day.   I finally got the food order straight from Buca and we will be eating around 5:00.  I feel very good other than the lack of energy that has been consistent throughout this whole journey!  

When I hear others stories, I consider myself fortunate that I haven't had to deal with what others  go through!   

The problem with this setback is that it probably means I won't be able to participate in any graduations this year, which makes me sad.  It is because if my next chemo is on schedule, my "fog" days are on graduation night.   I am scheduled for Mesquite High and the current class graduating were in kindergarten my last year as principal at Gilbert El.   I have loved being able to say  when I am presenting the graduates that I gave a number of the students their kindergarten diplomas!  But there is nothing I can do about it.

I am trying to eat well, drink plenty of water and do everything so that I don't get pushed back again.  I am scheduled for the sixth and last chemo on Monday, May 23 if my bloodwork is okay.  I have a PET Scan scheduled for June 8th to determine how successful the treatment has been.  So far, all of my scans have been clear and I continue to be positive that this will be the outcome.   I didn't have to reschedule the scan, which is good news as I have an airplane ticket to go to Butte on June 9th.   Dave is planning on driving up before with our pugs and then I will fly.  My appointment with Dr. Bhoola will be done over the phone or on zoom. 

I am thankful for all of the help I have received--it has been hard for me to rely on others for basic needs! As I have said before, I am not a very "patient" patient!  I am looking forward to the final treatment and regaining my strength and getting back to "normal!"

TO BE CONTINUED.................!!