Chemotherapy #9

I am done with 9 out of 12 of my chemo therapies.  I am ready to be done, have to get through three more and then hopefully I am done and cancer free.  This last one was the same as the few before, homework and got my dad his own recliner to sit in.  We did get the results of my latest PET/CT scan though, however we did not get to see the image.  The computer was real slow.  We were told that next time we will be able to see it.  The report was good news, the cancer is shrinking!  By a lot from the sounds of it.  I don't think I completely understood what he said, but I think seeing the image of the scan will help a lot.  He threw out these numbers for the sizes of the stuff inside of me, they were all a lot smaller.  The ENT that diagnosed and did my surgery said himself that he couldn't feel any lymph nodes in my neck anymore.  It's nice not to have a huge lump on the side of my neck anymore, I can live with a scar.  One of the nurses there at the cancer center who has been with this since I have been going there came by real excited after reading the report herself, so that made me and I'm sure my dad feel even better about it.

My oncologist did however say that when we finish my chemo therapies, and I'm assuming after another scan, will talk to a radiologist and see if they need to radiate anything.  Hopefully it won't be necessary, but I have been told by a few people that radiation is easier on you than chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy #8

February 3rd was my eighth chemotherapy, marking the end of cycle four.  Four more to go, two more cycles. This one, I think my Dad will agree, was the quickest we have been in and out of there yet.  Once we got in with the doctor it felt like time flew by.  I was given this stuff called Magic Mouthwash this time for mouth sores / sore throat.  It is really thick and tastes awful.  I've only used it once so far, and it made my mouth numb.  Kind of like at the dentist.

I like that I can pick the room we go into at Altru.  At Coborn they chose for you.  I got a room with two recliners again, one for me and one for Dad.  We both had our own TV's too, however I didn't use mine.  Just like last time I spent the entire time doing school work.  Have to keep up, don't want to fall behind.

My PFT and PET/CT scan now have dates on them.  Feb 13th - PFT.  Feb 15th PET/CT.  Also, our flight has been booked!  Taylor and I plan to spend spring break visiting her grandparents in Arizona.  This is something I am looking forward to.  We will go for the week, and I will come back and have I believe my second to last chemo, #11.  I will be wearing a mask on the plane, and Taylor says she will wear one too so I won't have to do it alone.  I have talked to the doctor about it back a month or so ago, but plan to bring it up to him again next time I am in to let him know that I'll be out of state for the week.