I can't believe I've let so much time slip by without any updates. Thanks so much to all of you who have emailed and asked after me. I'm still here, ragged but right, as the Possum used to say.
Wednesday I had my 14th treatment -- the seventh since my liver surgery. I've had two CT scans in the last few months and both of them were clean, which is cause for great celebration. Dr. Big Dog took the oxaliplatin out of my regimen because it had caused such neuropathy in my hands and toes, despite the calcium/magnesium infusions that I had. It's weird -- the neuropathy didn't show up at all until after my surgery. Guess they weren't kidding when they said that side effects were cumulative. By taking oxali out of the mix, the neuropathy hasn't progressed any, but I can't say that it's gotten better. It's not terribly painful but it is aggravating, especially in my feet. It feels like I've always got sand between my toes. As y'all know, I am not at all adverse to having sand between my toes, but I would much prefer to get the feeling from actually being on the beach.
My hair has thinned out a lot, but I started with very thick hair so it's not been as traumatic as it could have been. I recently had it cut from mid-back length to just above my shoulders. It was a vast improvement in the looks department, and the thinning seems to be slowing down, too.
Otherwise, beyond being tired nearly all the time, I'm doing great. Some days are definitely more high-energy than others, but I have finally learned to quit beating myself up about it and listen to what my body has to say. So I have spent a lot of time these last few months curled up in my big chair reading and napping. Funny, I used to think that was my ideal career! Now if I could just find someone to pay me for it.
I'm working about half-time. Typing is harder some days than others (again, the neuropathy) and I still am not as high-speed as I was before. Money is of course always a worry but I just do what I can do and the rest of it will have to go to hell until I get well. And I'm getting there.
One more treatment and one more scan and then I get to take the month of December off, which will be such a blessing. The chemo is tolerable, but the six hours on the road really wear Mama and me down. She has been such a rock for me, but I know she's weary and can use the break.
I'll try to do better with updates. Right now no news is definitely good news. I appreciate your continuing prayers and support so much.
