Progress report 3-3

As I was hoping I am happy to report that this week in particular the later part has been very good. I am still not back to my old self but I can feel that I am heading this way. I had my third treatment on Monday. My blood count was not optimal so my doc cut the chemo dose in half. I was supposed to receive the second drug “Avastin” but the insurance has not been very cooperative and had not approved it yet. It is a very expensive drug so I guess they do what they can to not have to pay for it. Hopefully next week I will be able to start that. The nurses who knew I was going for the MRI came by to give me a hug and check on me. Karen had a post-it note as a reminder to think of me. I keep telling you those girls have wings tucked in back of their T-shirts. I can’t imagine being in their care and not get well. I had another real treat that day. I saw Ruth. Do you remember her from my reports almost a year ago? Ruth is doing really well but she is back with her daughter who is being treated for lymphoma. I was sorry to see her under those circumstances but I have to say that her presence infused the place with smiles, laughter and hope. She came by and gave me a big hug. She was telling us she wants to write a book titled “don’t say that” about all the stupid and insensitive things that she heard some people tell her when they found out she had cancer. She is still teaching writing at the Jewish senior community center. She reminded me that she is 89 years old and she is ready to meet her maker; she however promised her grandchildren that she will live to be 90 so they can through her a big party. Ruth is the ultimate example of knowing how to live in the moment and her attitude says she still has another 90 years in her. As she asked how I was doing she also reminded me that her mom and sister had breast cancer, it came back a couple of times but she said they both made it through and lived a long life giving me another shot of much needed hope.
I felt good enough after treatment to go with Sharbel and Karim to lunch but by evening the side effects hit. I thought I knew what to expect having had this treatment before but once again I am learning that nothing in this journey is ever predictable. I got chills and flu like symptoms so off to bed I went. I woke up feeling better but for a couple of days my stomach dictated my mood. Throughout the back pain was improving and I have weaned myself of the pain killer except for one pill at bedtime. Despite all this, like I said earlier I am leaps and bounds better than the last couple of weeks and am grateful to every improvement that will take me back to my old energetic self no matter how minute it is.
I will keep you posted on my progress
Much love