Yesterday was chemo Tuesday. Yup, it’s back to the once a week chemo. While I didn’t go back in kicking and screaming (no energy for all that!), I certainly was dreading going. I also got a shot yesterday since I’m just a tad anemic which would explain the constant fatigue even after no chemo for a week. So maybe next week I’ll have the energy to kick and scream, we’ll see.

Tuesday’s phlebotomist (the one who draws blood for the blood work), was excellent. She is so gentle that it’s more like a mosquito bite (ha!) than a hornet sting. The chemo nurses were also very gentle; the current problem is that my veins are starting to protest being stabbed on a regular basis. They collapse, roll, and just plain disappear from sight. So the nurses have to look, evaluate, and coax my veins to stand up and be brave. I wish I could encourage my veins, but I’m the captain of the USS Chicken, so no help from me.

Today, at least at this writing, I’m feeling pretty good. Better than I have in many days. It feels good to feel good. Oh, I know that it’s the lull before the storm, but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts. I’m still taking ibuprofen, but not every 6 hours like I was before, simply because I don’t need it that often. Sometimes I only need it once a day. I’m still working half days, and still resting at home once I get there. Now and then I’ll do some laundry, because it’s easy to throw some clothing in a metal box, and then 40 minutes later, throw it in another metal box. But for the most part, I’m quite friendly with the couch once I get home.

Before I forget, I’ll update on Mom & Dad. The scheduled procedure went remarkably well, no surprises at all, which makes surgery easy for everyone. Now it’s over to rehab for physical and occupational therapy, and then probably home by the end of the week. The illness was quite serious for several days, but after a barrage of unrelated tests, the issue has been found and is treatable. Once again, it looks like the end of the week will bring that one home as well. So both Mom & Dad will be home, with live-in help, and I’m feeling pretty darn good about that. So, I say thanks to V. and J. for coming to stay with Mom & Dad. I’m very grateful. I’m also grateful that if all this hospitalization had to happen, I’m glad it was on my off-chemo week, so I could visit with them and stay updated.

I am still so very grateful for all the continued support that I get. Thank you all for keeping me encouraged in this ever-changing adventure.

Addendum: As of this writing, the scheduled procedure has gotten an infection, so it's antibiotics and pain pills to the rescue. I did not go visit today, as both of us were worn out, but I'll try to visit tomorrow. The illness is getting much better, but (of course), there is a minor setback as well. Fortunately, it can be treated, so that's one less worry. Huh. Parents --who knew they'd be this unpredictable?

¶ 5:40 PM