On Monday, July 20, I will have my final Chemo treatment. It seems that I was all wound up over No. 1 just yesterday. I never thought half a summer would go so fast just sitting at home for two months.
The second week of my fifth treatment was largely uneventful. The most significant day was Wednesday – I felt fabulous. Wednesday was best day I’d had since maybe the third week of treatment No. 1.
I was good Thursday morning but was hit with a “fatigue bomb” Thursday afternoon and mostly slept. Friday was pretty good but a bit of mouth yuck, so far this Saturday morning I feel okay. I walked to local Farmers Market this morning and the walk was good but the humidity was ridiculous. Humidity makes it near impossible to breathe with reduced hemoglobin. High humidity – at noon today 84 degrees and 76% humidity – make it nearly impossible to breathe outside. So doing a lot of writing today.
If you have not read previous posts, I had a CAT scan before No. 5 which showed a “substantial reduction” of cancer cells. My oncologist noted only one node lit up during the scan and that he was very happy with my progress. Of course I had a chemo treatment that day with one to go.
What I’ve read about recurring cancer is that you must get every cell killed off to increase your chances of remaining cancer free. That’s my summary but in essence what I’ve read – so okay, I’ll be sick Monday from No. 6. You deal with it.
I’m anxious to start ‘recovery’ and build back my strength. Fruits, vegetables, exercise, and eliminating as much sugar as possible and more.
It may be mid-August before I can really go at the recovery and improved overall health, but the motivation to do that will get me through this final treatment.
Lymphoma, My Stem Cell Transplant 