On with Week 5

Last week, I sat in my chair in the chemo clinic and listened to the inauguration, at first feeling sort of sorry for myself in a "where-were-you-when" sort of way. But as soon as those first notes of the Air & Simple Gifts began, I took a deep breath (with tears, I admit) and realized how grateful I am. Grateful to be here, to have good health insurance, to have such incredible care that is doing its job, to be looking out at snowy mountains and a green river while our nation took such a giant step. Simple gifts, indeed.
Now the hoopla is over, everyone's getting down to business again, and I'm buckling down for the last few weeks of treatment.
We've just begun week five of the six of chemo, and I'm happy to report no big changes in side effects, no surprises. I'm generally just a beat or two behind, feeling a little queasy, suddenly a super-picky eater and a teetotaler. Other than that, same old me. (And yes, I still have more than my fair share of hair on my head--my particular cocktail of chemicals lets me keep it.)
Radiation has gotten a little more involved--the good news of a few weeks ago means that we're able to start the final phase now, which means 5 outpatient procedures that each take most of a day of prodding and planning and zapping and waiting. We did the first one last friday, and while it wasn't the most enjoyable experience, Mark by my side, some good drugs and audiobooks got me through just fine.
So now, just steady marching toward February 12, which is the last scheduled day of treatment. My days have gotten surprisingly full, between various appointments, acupuncture, and the little bouts of fatigue that land me asleep on couches at one of my parents' houses.
As always, many thanks for the good thoughts,
jmb