First post chemo tests

It is difficult to explain how stressful it is going for all these tests. I thought I was fairly in control until I was lying on the CT scan table waiting for the doctor. Those 15 minutes of waiting were just the worst - all alone in a medical gown with a small sheet to keep me warm. The actual scan and X-rays were done very promptly and I did not have to wait too long for the medical report. In essence the report says “no evidence of metastatic disease” which means no tumours found. Good news! Tomorrow I go to have blood drawn for the various tests on cell counts, tumour marker and kidney/liver functioning and then I see Dr L on Thursday morning. She called this morning to reschedule. Must mention that I have regained all the weight I had lost!

Hair growth

In the past two weeks the hair growth has been amazing. I have a very good 5 day shadow on my head and my eyebrows and eyelashes have also made an appearance. The exercise side of my life is sadly missing at this stage except for the occasional walk with the dogs on sunny days. Added to that I have the most amazing appetite trying to make up for lost time, meaning that I am steadily picking up all the weight I lost. So, all is going well and slowly I am regaining all of my former self, plus a few extra fat rolls!

First post chemo Doc followup

Monday morning I headed to the local pathologist to have some blood drawn. Just one vial as they are only testing the tumour marker this week. The nurse was quite surprised that I did not need my ‘normal’ amount of vials extracted, but that is good news. I am done with chemo and if I can help it, I do not want to go through it ever again!
The gynae visit went well. Dr V is an absolute pillar of strength and support for me. He is my confidante and my psychologist. A couple of minutes of his time and I am in a better mood. I forgot to ask Dr V if my appointments in future would be for a shorter period and a lesser cost as he does not have much to check anymore. :) It is hard to believe that 31 July last year Dr V picked up that something was amiss… nearly one year down track and I am on the mend again! My tumour marker registered at 8 with the previous marker taken in May being 5. Normal range is between 0 and 30.

Sean 15

It was our baby’s birthday on Saturday. Sean turned a big 15! Ian was on his away week-end so we had a very quiet Saturday at home with Sean not even wanting to take a few friends out for a burger. His only request was pancakes for breakfast and this is a major cooking effort for me as there are many things I can do in the kitchen but cooking pancakes is not one of them. I did however manage to get a few cooked correctly and not as thick as doorstoppers.

Dark Days

The past 8 months I have been fighting a huge battle in terms of my health. It has been the only focus for many weeks and now suddenly the whole battle has ceased and this has felt me goalless. I am filled with emptiness where I keep asking myself “now what?” Whilst on an intellectual level I understand that it is normal to feel like this after a huge battle or project, I am feeling emotionally dark and quite depressed. No new goal or challenge seems to inspire me at the moment. I hope this phase only lasts a few weeks!!

Recovery progressing

With each week that passes I am getting better and am managing to do more without the need of daily afternoon naps. I need to measure the recovery progress in weeks as daily it is still quite up and down. Every morning I look expecting into the mirror to see if little hairs are starting to grow yet, but to date they have not made their appearance.
Ian is coming home tomorrow for the week-end and we are all looking forward to that.

House Sale

Our whole deal has crashed like a stack of dominoes. Our home buyer could not sell his home by the ‘due date’ and is not willing to resign as the lending interest rates are rising rapidly in South Africa with more hikes to come. Must admit that I do agree with our buyers and I am quite pleased from our own financial point of view as well, though a bit disappointed as the change would have been very nice. The change will just have to wait for a few months (or a few years depending on this depression). Now Ian and I need to make the decision as to whether we build on our entertainment room and then at the same time knock down are few walls in the living area, redo the flooring and the kitchen.
On the good new sides regarding my health – I must mention that I am off all medication for two weeks already including my sleeping tablets!!! Great stuff hey!!