I had an appointment with my oncologist this past Thursday. We decided that because it took 5 weeks for my blood levels to come up for the 5th chemo treatment that I should forgo the 6th chemo treatment. My doctor said that most people get between 4 and 6 chemo treatments. Since I had 5 successful treatments, she felt that I wouldn't gain a lot from having a sixth.

So, I'm done with Chemo!! Yeah! It's nice to think that I can start getting back to normal now. When I went the 5 weeks before my 5th chemo treatment, I started feeling so much better and my hair started growing back.

Well, my blood levels finally came up to the required amount this past Thursday (1/3).  So, I was able to get my 5th chemo session.  I'm feeling pretty wiped out right now.  Been sleeping a lot this weekend.  I'm feeling draggy (is that a word?) the past couple of days.  This to shall pass....

Well, I went for my chemo treatment this past Friday (12/28). Still no go. My counts are up a little but not a lot. They are now in the normal range but the low normal. My doctor was concerned that if I got my chemo treatment that it would wipe out my marrow. I didn't get any new shots, I just have to let my body do what it needs to do. I go back again this coming Thursday (1/3) to see if I'm ready. There is a chance that I might be done with chemo. I have a doctor's appointment on January 10. If I'm still not able to do chemo this coming week, we might just stop it all together.

Well, today was supposed to be my 5th chemo treatment. They always check my blood before my treatment to make sure that I'm okay to have chemo. Today, my red blood cell count was right at the point where they usually give you a shot to help you produce the red blood cells and not let you have chemo. So, the nurse, Louise, checked with the doctor and she decided that my body wasn't ready for chemo today. So, it's been delayed until next Friday.

It's kind of upsetting which is weird. Why should I be upset because I can't have chemo?

Well, Aveek was sick last week with a pretty bad cold.  Of course, I caught it.  I was afraid of getting sick from someone at work, but didn't plan to get it from someone at home.  Of course, what can I do about that?  Anyway, the cold is hitting me pretty hard.  I guess with my immune system down that's to be expected.  I'm not running a fever, so I was able to get my Herceptin injection yesterday.  I asked my nurse and she said the only thing I can really do is just treat the symptoms.  I want to be over it by next week when I go in for my 5th chemo session.  I'm afraid that getting chemo wi

I had my fourth round of chemo this past Thursday (11/29).  No problems.  My nurse, Val, had given me a prescription for cream to help numb the skin over my port.  For some reason, I was always really jumpy when she would stick the needle in the port.  It hurt.  The cream is great.  My leg went up in anticipation but I didn't feel anything!!!  Makes everything so much better.

I went and got my white blood cell count shot today.  Stung a bit but not too bad.  I'm starting to feel tired now, could probably use a nap.

I'm due for my fourth chemo this Thursday. I've been feeling really good this past week almost back to normal. I went in for my Herceptin this past Wednesday because of Thanksgiving. My blood levels were checked and my nurse, Val, said that everything looked good. I was ready for my next chemo treatment. Val said that they check the levels in your blood to determine if you are ready for your next treatment. She said that usually they spike up and then slowly get better.

I had my third chemo session this past Thursday. Half way there. I've just been feeling a bit tired, but nothing great. I ended up sleeping most of the day yesterday (Saturday).

I realize that I haven't given an update lately. Aveek and I were in Reno last weekend. It was a bit tiring for me but nice to get away.

Anyway, I'm not wearing my wig. About two weeks ago, I ended up cutting my hair short. Didn't shave it. So, the next Monday, I wore my wig to work. No one recognized me and I just felt weird. So, I went home at lunchtime and changed to my turban.

Well, as I mentioned in the previous post, my hair has started to fall out. Last night (Saturday), I decided to go ahead and cut it really short. I am balding in a lot of places. Of course, I have never had my hair this short -- kind of free. Anyway, I'm going to start wearing my wig -- just got to get use to it.

Well, my 2nd chemo session was last Thursday (10/18). I took the new medicine for my stomach pain (Emend). It did help somewhat. I didn't have any real stomach pain until the Tuesday and Wednesday afterwards.

Well, Aveek and I went away for a long weekend to Tucson.  It was nice to get away, but my hair decided that this was the time to start letting go.  Today (Monday) was particularly bad.  I would say that I think I'm going back home with about 25% of the hair that I came to Tucson with.  It is amazing how much hair you have on your head.  I can tell my hair is really thin and I figure that probably by the end of the week it will probably be all gone.  I'll probably cut it really short tomorrow so that I can just start wearing my wig.  I think it's almost noticeable.  I'll take pictures later of