Chemo #4. Kicking Tail. Taking Names.

Today begins chemo cycle #4 of 6.  My counts were good enough and on some level I was giddy for today's infusion.  All 5 hours of it.  You see, in a few days, I'll hit a rough patch.  And after that, I will officially be on the downhill slide.  Only 2 more left after that.  THAT is a number I can live with.

My day started out with a tissue expansion fill.  Things are shaping up nicely so far.  Pun intended.

Today, during chemo, I realize I am especially blessed after I spoke with a lady about her journey.  She has pretty much been in chemo for the past 8 years.  She started out with breast cancer.  But it had reached stage 4, and had also spread to her lungs and her brain.  Her attitude was amazing.  Her journey, no doubt will be very tough, and the way it sounded it will never end.  Chemo can help manage her disease, but it won't cure her disease.

I can hear them ordering another patient morphine.  Me, I'm sitting comfortably in a recliner with my handsome, supportive husband by my side, ever so gently rubbing my leg and asking if I feel okay (chemo makes my face puffy from all the fluids and flush).  So, today I count my blessings.

Also, a good friend of ours came to hang out for a few hours of my chemo session.  And he brought lunch.  YES!  Thanks, Zach!  That reminds me of another friend, Debra, who has managed to send me a care package, complete with toys for Mason in it, for every treatment.  Even though, she has been dealing with some family health struggles, too.  And I've had numerous texts and messages from others checking in on me today.  Thanks for all the love.  Again, counting my blessings.

Richard has decided that the worst part of my chemo appointments is that I make him take a selfie with me every time.  And he can't even say no since I have cancer.  Hang in there, R.  Only 2 more to go.

Our friend Zach came to visit.  I made him join the selfie fun, too.  Loved seeing him.  He always makes us laugh!

UPDATE: While on infusion day I felt like I was kicking tail, truth be told chemo kicked my tail a few days later.  My 4th cycle hit me hard!  I spent well over 48 hours lying in bed or on the couch.  I was so exhausted I didn't even have the energy to watch TV.  I didn't sleep any more than usual, just pretty much laid there and chatted with mom when I was up for it.  Honestly, it felt like a setback ~ I handled cycles 2 and 3 so well.  I wonder if some of the chemo drugs have a cumulative effect and my body was angry, as it has reached its threshold.  I don't know, but I know it was a tough struggle for a few days.  This too shall pass.