Round 3- Good news!

I can't beleive I am officailly half way done!  Hurray!

I am happy to report that my last PET scan, done last Friday, was completly NORMAL!

No sign of any cancer, activity or tumors. All GONE. This means I am responding very well to treatment and once I complete my treatment I have a better prognosis for the future. 

As I just finished chemo yesterday and feeling all the gross effects at least I can be encouraged to know that it is really working. My "search and destroy" mission is in effect and all those cancer cells are dying. So far, I am in control of this battle and WINNING!

As some of you already know, I decided to switch my treatment to Palo Alto Medical. I am seeing the head oncologist there. She has a delightful bedside manner and is very attentive to my needs, which I am sad to say I did not get from Stanford. After waiting four hours to see a fellow resident ( not even my own doctor) and then another 8 hours in the chemo ward. I decided that environment was not healthy for me to be in. I have enjoyed my experience at PAMF it is much more personal, you are not just a "chart" but a real person with feelings. 

For example when I had my scan I got a call from my doctor a 6:00 that night to give me the good news, at Stanford I would have waiting at least 5 days to get the results. You can imagine how pain staking it is to wait.

Now, I am at a better place so I can continue to keep positive and generate good energy.

As I have had some time on my hands during my "sucky" days,  to relive my "cancer blues"

I have decided to plan some traveling. Although I have always had the ambition to travel the world, my fear of flying has always stopped me. Well, that has changed. Flying is the last thing I am afraid of, in fact after this battle there is nothing I am afraid of. That is one of the good qualities this disease brings. Is lack of fear.

My first trip will be to Spain to train with silver Olympic medalist, Juan Matute. He happens to be the the trainer of my beloved Andalusian stallion, Bizarro XX. Who passed away from a fatal condition last November. There has not been a day that goes by that I do not think of him. He was an angel and he brought me so much joy and happiness. I look forward to seeing him again someday.  This trip will not only be inspirational for me but also full fill my passion for the Spanish arts and architecture. 

We spent a lovely weekend at our Delta house, swimming , boating and skiing with our dear friends the Anagnostou's. They bring so much positive energy and a sense of calmness. I appreciate their company. I'm even sporting a pretty good tan!

Otherwise, getting through this phase of my life. Loving my family and friends. I could not do this alone. Thank you.

The best part of my day; BBQ with my family- and being able to eat it.

The worse part of my day: Getting my "Nulasta" shot, ouch.

Round 2

                                  My Mom and I.
It is getting harder.

This was round two, almost halfway there. I am starting to really feel the effects of the drugs.

 My "cocktail" consists of four chemo drugs, this one is called "Doxorubicin". In my case this drug hits me the hardest. It is responsible for all my hair loss, severe nausea and stomach cramping.

I can't even look at any beverage that has a similar color without heaving. 

I had this drug the first time I had chemo and am reaching the lifetime maximum dosage a patient can have.

This drug causes heart damage which is why I have had a heart scan and am scheduled to have another scan next week to determine if we can continue this drug.

 It robs us of our "vanity" by giving  us the physical appearance of a real "cancer patient". In my case, wearing scarfs and doo rags only to feel strangers looking at me wondering, "oh, poor thing, I wonder what kind of cancer she has? or worse, "Is she going to live?"

You can't help but "feel" these emotions when you see the looks you get in public. They seem to be extra nice but you can't help but feel their pity. It makes me want to wear a sign saying, "Yes, I have cancer, but I am kicking it's ass and I will be fine!

After being "down" for a week this time, I  have been enjoying the past week. Back in the saddle 

for those "grueling" lessons from my trainer. Not that I am complaining. I am blessed to be able to stay so active and maintain some of my strength and conditioning while I am going through this. It is my "plug" to stay charged so I can fight this while keeping a positive attitude for myself, as well as my family and friends. It's bad enough I have to look like a cancer patient, I sure won't let it make me act like one.

The best part of my day: Having Kaila come home from her trip to Tahoe.

The worse part of my day:  Doing seven loads of laundry.