Going into the 3rd Cycle

My week off at home (week 4) has been challenging. As usual, on Monday I started getting the low-grade fevers and by Wednesday the fever got up to 101. So, I went back into the hospital on Thursday for the usual tests to see if I had any infection. And, as usual, nothing was detected and my blood counts were good, so they sent me home on Friday. I continue to get the fevers at home, but they are low-grade and with a little rest, plenty of fluids and a blanket, they go away. The problem is, they keep coming back.

I still can't speak. It's been over a week now. Sometimes it is VERY frustrating not being able to communicate or get someone's attention. Like in the hospital. You know the nurse's call button? You push it and a moment later someone answers on the intercom and asks, "how can I help you?". They are unable to hear my response.

I really don't mind these minor little setbacks. My goal is to go through the entire treatment and get better. I realize that things will come up. I just want to stay on track and NOT fall behind schedule. 6 little fishies remain.

I'm back in the hospital again and have started cycle three. With pain medicine I can control the pain, but I still don't want to eat or drink very much. I've lost about 10 pounds so far. I know what I have to do to maintain the weight, but with the fevers and the sores, it has been a challenge.

The radiaion has not only affected inside my body, but my face and neck also. Most of last week while I was at home, my face and neck have been peeling as if I had a bad sunburn. As of today, my face has healed up nicely, but my neck still has some discoloration and a few scabs from sores. You can definitely see where on my body they have been giving the radiation.