Haven't done a cancer update for a while, 'cause basically there hasn't been anything really noteworthy to mention, but I thought I would have someone take a picture of me today to show how I'm doing here at the halfway point in my chemo treatments. Pretty well!
I actually had a whole week without a doctor's appointment last week (woohoo!), I'm done with the weekly reconstruction appointments and now I just have 4 more chemo infusions, each one 3 weeks apart. I'm glad I took the kinder, gentler of the 2 chemo options I was offered; on the one hand, I would most likely be done with the chemo at this point (4 sessions 3 weeks apart instead of 8 sessions 3 weeks apart), but from what my oncologist and her nurse said, it would have been a much more disruptive process - like I probably would not have been up for the fantastic 7.5 mile paddle I went on with friends at Sebago today, and I certainly wouldn't have been out and frolicking about the way I was on New Year's Day. There will be a 2nd operation for the reconstruction in April, after the chemo's done, and I'll have to stay off the water for a month after that (boo) but I should be able to paddle again in time for the Hokule'a's arrival in early June (that has been my main goal through all of this!) and the initial recovery from this one will be much faster than the October recovery.
I do get a slightly upset tummy for a few days after each infusion, with a couple of more intense, but isolated, gastric rebellions (mostly a matter of learning what I can and can't eat after an infusion, I really do have to go bland for a few days afterwards), and I think it may make me a little tired, but I haven't missed any work, and I've been getting out and having fun on weekends. As I think I've said before, some people have ordeals when they go through this, but at this point, I'd still rate my own experience as more of a hassle than an ordeal. So far so good!
I actually had a whole week without a doctor's appointment last week (woohoo!), I'm done with the weekly reconstruction appointments and now I just have 4 more chemo infusions, each one 3 weeks apart. I'm glad I took the kinder, gentler of the 2 chemo options I was offered; on the one hand, I would most likely be done with the chemo at this point (4 sessions 3 weeks apart instead of 8 sessions 3 weeks apart), but from what my oncologist and her nurse said, it would have been a much more disruptive process - like I probably would not have been up for the fantastic 7.5 mile paddle I went on with friends at Sebago today, and I certainly wouldn't have been out and frolicking about the way I was on New Year's Day. There will be a 2nd operation for the reconstruction in April, after the chemo's done, and I'll have to stay off the water for a month after that (boo) but I should be able to paddle again in time for the Hokule'a's arrival in early June (that has been my main goal through all of this!) and the initial recovery from this one will be much faster than the October recovery.
I do get a slightly upset tummy for a few days after each infusion, with a couple of more intense, but isolated, gastric rebellions (mostly a matter of learning what I can and can't eat after an infusion, I really do have to go bland for a few days afterwards), and I think it may make me a little tired, but I haven't missed any work, and I've been getting out and having fun on weekends. As I think I've said before, some people have ordeals when they go through this, but at this point, I'd still rate my own experience as more of a hassle than an ordeal. So far so good!
More pix from Sunday here. What a beautiful day on the bay! Full description of the trip over there.
12 comments:
Congrats Bonnie! Hope there is more paddling (or sailing) and less doctor's appointments!
Thanks! That's the direction at this point. Now if only the weather cooperates!
Congrats Bonnie
Half way is a cup half filled (for the worst fortune cookie message ever)
You're inspiring but you always have been!
Thanks, Pia! I feel so fortunate in having caught this early enough and in having access to such good care - never would've dreamed that it would be so easy to live with cancer treatments, but I'm incredibly grateful that that's how it's been so far.
Hope the trend continues! Half way done without any hiccups of sorts is a good thing!
I am very happy for you, and more than a little jealous you got out on a water !
This just made my day to read your update! So happy for you...
Ellen Wagner
Awesome news... I really like hearing about success and happiness. Monday was my LAST chemo shot and I celebrated with three hours of cross country skiing in the Mashpsee Woods. Of course, the next day, all the beautiful snow had melted so I was again reduced to a SLOW jogger up and down some sloppy salty roads. AND I realized that in 8 more weeks, April will be here and time to get boats wet again. Time goes fast, eh? 10 months flew by for me. You are young and busy, so you probably don't notice the second half of your healing. Enjoy every day!!!!! Sincerely, Calico's Cptn.
Congratulations Calico's Captain! Thanks again for telling me your own story before I'd even started in on my chemo, it was most encouraging to hear that you were able to keep running all the way through!
And thanks, Haralee, Julie, and Ellen! This is all going so well I feel like I'm cheating. There was a woman who was consulting with one of the nurses - I don't know her whole story but she was having all the traditional nasty side effects of chemo (sore mouth, nausea, no appetite) and it made me appreciate the option I chose even more. She was keeping it as positive as she could, but it just sounded pretty unpleasant. I'm glad I chose the regimen that I did.
Thanks for you updates! I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well. I was worried originally, but am more relieved after reading your blog. Take care and keep us updated. I also hope that we can both be in Hawaii at the same time one day, so we can see each other in person. :)
so glad you are keeping well. many blessings. xx
Thanks, Mary and Claire! I was worried at first too, but it's all going so nicely!
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