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.
That's really good news. I've been wondering how you're doing, I'm glad to hear things are going okay.
A very, very Happy Thanksgiving! to you and your family.
Posted by: cate | Saturday, 24 November 2007 at 01:27 PM
I'm glad to hear that the CAT scans are clean and that life is otherwise going well. I can feel your exhaustion on the page and hope that December brings some much needed rest and recovery.
Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful your treatments are working so well.
Posted by: Jody | Saturday, 24 November 2007 at 03:51 PM
Good to hear from you, and about your progress. All my wishes...
Posted by: sea & sky | Monday, 26 November 2007 at 10:31 PM
It's great to hear from you. I'm glad to hear things are going so well.
Posted by: Major Bedhead | Thursday, 29 November 2007 at 07:39 PM
Continuing to keep you in my thoughts. Good luck to you and your lovely son!
Posted by: M Crawford | Friday, 30 November 2007 at 01:10 AM
Yay. I'm glad things aren't exactly going great, but it sounds like there is an upswing coming.
Hope you and Liam are both having some cozy times. Screw the work, normal life will be back before you know it.
Posted by: Lisa V | Friday, 30 November 2007 at 05:49 PM
Glad to hear you're doing so well. Hope you have a great December.
Posted by: Moonwaves | Saturday, 01 December 2007 at 06:21 AM
So good to hear from you. I think about you often and I am happy for you that there is good news. Take care.
Posted by: Susan | Monday, 03 December 2007 at 01:41 PM
How did I MISS THIS UPDATE WILL YOU PLEASE TELL ME?
It's so good to "hear" your voice again, on the page. I hope you do update more often. It makes me feel a little more closely connected to keeping tabs on you.
I bet your haircut looks absolutely adorable.
xoxo
P.S. Love what you've done with the place! :-)
Posted by: Jennifer | Saturday, 08 December 2007 at 10:00 AM
So good to "hear" from you again. I know you will just be thankful when this is over. Hope you and Liam have a wonderful, simple Christmas. Take care of yourself. I am sure you worry about the money, but your health is the most important thing.
Redhead
Posted by: redhead | Monday, 10 December 2007 at 10:16 PM
It is nice to have an update. I think of you often and how you are recovering...how you are feeling. No one ever imagines that something like this will happen to them and you have been so graceful through everything.
I hope the tiredness will leave you...your energy will continue to grow and that you and your sweet boy had a wonderful holiday together.
Posted by: Deana | Wednesday, 26 December 2007 at 11:39 AM
I've been thinking of you, Terrilynn, and hoping that you and Liam are doing well. I hope that your December "off" from chemo has given you and your family time to rest both physically and emotionally, and that you had a lovely, peaceful Christmas. Wishing you increasing health and happiness in 2008.
Posted by: Kimberly | Wednesday, 26 December 2007 at 11:44 PM
Terrilyn, how are you? Let us know. I'm thinking of you.
Posted by: Lisa V | Saturday, 15 March 2008 at 10:58 AM