The Beginning of Cycle 5

I have been accomplishing my goal of eating. I still do not have a feeding tube and have only lost one pound since last week. While I was home last week, Karla and I did a little shopping for new clothes. It's neat to see that I'm wearing the same waist size I did in high school!  I'm not feeling too thin. I feel like it's a good weight for me. Now I have to continue to maintain it. My mouth and throat are still very sore. I am reminded every time I eat. I have found creative ways to numb the pain during meal times so that I can get the food in, but it's still a chore and quite painful.  I've been told that this battle will continue for several weeks after my treatment. The difference will be that I will no longer be receiving the chemo and radiation and can expect to see signs of recovery.

Last week, during my week off from the hospital, something else very unusual and different occurred. I didn't have to come into the emergency room for an overnight visit! I did have a few low-grade fevers, but managed to somehow stay below the 100.5 degree warning level.  Being able to stay at home for the ENTIRE week was a gift and I really cherished it.

As you can tell by my last few postings, my energy level has been very low. As I've been told by many people, I must listen to my body.  Do what I can to be active, but rest when I feel like resting. I did. I slept away a few more days last week and got caught up on several episodes of Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Unfortunately, I haven't been up to do much writing or reading. And I haven't been playing the guitar as enthusiastically as I had been early on in the treatments.  I'm certain that the pain medication is contributing to my zombie-like tendencies (Halloween idea). My voice comes and goes. The mucusitis has taken its toll on my vocal chords. It's just easier to NOT talk.

So now I am finally in my last cycle of treatment. Cycle 5. I am feeling upbeat and positive knowing this is my last week of treatments. This entire week kind of feels like a Friday. You wake up on a Friday knowing that you'll put in your day and then you'll have time off on the weekend.  And I think cycle 4 felt like a Thursday. You know when you wake up on a Thursday and you hope for a minute it's Friday, but it's really only Thursday. It's kind of a let down, but you manage to get up and get on with your day. I am really psyched that this is the last of the treatments. Karla and the kids too. They are just as upbeat and positive that this is the last of the hospitalization. So far, it is going well.  It is now Tuesday morning and I just got back from my 6am radiation treatment. My next one is at 12:30 today.  I have now completed 44 of 50 radiation treatments. Twice a day for 5 weeks. It's hard to believe I've come this far. It's already the end of October. The World Series is beginning, the Bears are in the middle of their season, the first quarter of school is almost over, Halloween is next Sunday, hockey season has begun. There are so many things to look forward to. I wish I can make the time go faster this week, but for now, I must just chill and take things as they come. Put in my time.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge all of the emails, cards and other gestures by everyone that offer support, love and encouragement to me and my family during these difficult times.  It is so nice to hear from everyone. I have had some difficult days, as you can imagine, and your positive and encouraging comments have really helped me to keep my focus optimistic and my spirit up.  So thank you again for you prayers, thoughts, cards and gestures. We really feel blessed by the amount of support and love that has been given and offered to us.