Meet Buster: My Big, Fat Tumor

I’m beginning Day 2 of Round 3 of chemotherapy today and I feel better than I have in a few weeks. My energy has returned and I have something of an appetite again. One big change I need to make is to get back on an exercise regimen. I’ve fallen off the wagon and my body- especially legs and feet- are suffering as a result.

Last week was a really rough one and in all truth I was scared. I had never felt so weak, and I believed I would get no better from that point on. But new days, hydration and pills (not to mention a renewed optimism) brought me back around. Kasha and my mom have been overlapping schedules to be with me almost around the clock. It’s been so great for me, to have that support. It re-energizes me. Right now Ruth, my mother-in-law, is here at the hospital. I appreciate her companionship, and she’s able to help me with little things throughout the day so I don’t have to wait on the nurses.

I haven’t been having any noticeable side effects from the chemotherapy so far, just like last time around in September. Usually my levels all drop around the beginning of the 2nd week. We’ll see what happens. It shouldn’t be too bad.

My amazing friends, Ben and Dan, will be coming in this weekend to visit me. It’s a shame I won’t be able to leave the hospital while they’re here, but I hope they will take my family up on some hospitality to see the city a bit– go out to dinner and see a little of what Phoenix is about. I haven’t seen Ben, from outside Portland, Oregon, in over 5 years. Unbelievable. He’s been such a vital friend over the years. Dan I was able to catch in California back in August, but the visit was brief. Glad he and Ben were both able to sacrifice family time to spend it with me all weekend.

I was originally supposed to go to the U2 360 concert next week, but I now know my chemo schedule won’t allow it. I’ve told Kasha I still want her to go, since Melissa and Nick will be there, and possibly some other family members. It’s silly for her to forgo the concert just because I can’t be there. I want to hear all about it! Plus, no reason for my family to sacrifice everything on my account. I did get to see the U2 360 movie, which was amazing, so I know the concert will be incredible.

It has been a long time since I’ve personally checked in with you all on the blog. Thanks to all of you for your patience. I’ve got some work to catch up on this week from the hospital bed and also hope to write some emails and letters. We’ll see how far I can get. One thing’s for sure, my spirits are higher than they’ve been in a long time and I’m motivated by it!