Progress

I saw my medical oncologist before my second blast of chemo yesterday, and the good news is, the tumor is already shrinking! He said it was remarkable. I've had no really icky side effects, other than fatigue, and I was pretty sore all week from the surgery to put the port in. I hate that that thing is in me. I don't know why, but it totally grosses me out. But, it beats getting stuck by needles every week. The week was a little rough. I was on pain killers for the pain from the incisions, but they made me feel too goofy so I got off them by Tuesday. They also constipate the hell out of you, which is no fun. I'm tired today - I didn't sleep well even though they pumped me full of drugs yesterday. My white blood count is down, which is not unusual, so I have to get some shots this coming week to bring it up before next Friday's infusion. The white blood cells boost your ability to fight stuff, so it's important that they don't drop too low. But everything else is cool. I've had very little nausea, in fact I haven't tossed it once. The fatigue is the most frustrating part. I'm so used to being so independent and just going and going, that this sort of kills me. I'm also seeing a psychiatric oncologist (they have everything) and she told me I have permission to rest and take care of myself and to include some fun in my life, not just have my life consumed with cancer, work and errands, which is what it feels like. I need to get back exercising, too. That's next week's goal. Meantime, I am scheduling some fun things. It's obvious I can't leave for a real vacation, but little get-aways and events will make me happy. Tonight Brad and I are going on a "date." Dinner at Dahlia downtown, followed by the Broadway musical "Billy Elliot" at the beautiful Paramount theater. I'm very excited and I'm going to dress up! April 16th is Brad's birthday, and I have a reservation at the fabulous Book Bindery restaurant in Fremont. It's fairly new, and spectacular. April 23rd we are going to Spokane for one night to see my dear friend, Sherry, compete in her first fitness competition. She looks amazing. I was a bodybuilder in the 80s (true story) so I am really looking forward to this. It's hard, hard work. Ten of us will be cheering her on, all the groovy Spokesman Review gang I worked with. Sadly, only two or three of them still work there! But they were the best, and I'm still very endeared to all those peeps. Then in May, I'm taking Brad to my fabulous "glamp" site for two nights on San Juan Island. It's so beautiful and relaxing. They are having a half-off special, and since I stayed there before they sent me an e-mail. Now, Brad's a real camper, he's never been "glamping," but I think he'll get a kick out of it. If you're not familiar with my glamping experience, I have an earlier post on it. Love that place. Oh, and I must mention the coming concert season! Of course I am still holding tickets for U2 at Qwest Field, now on June 4 after it being cancelled last year due to Bono's back injury. My dearest Colleen will be here from Alaska for the occasion! And just yesterday....drum roll.....Brad and I got killer tickets to see my true love Eddie Vedder, solo, July 15, in beautiful Benaroya Hall. I'm so stoked!!!! He's touring behind a solo CD of ukulele songs. I cannot, cannot wait. I keep hoping I'll run into him somewhere, as he lives in West Seattle, and people do see him, but I think he stays under the radar. I'd probably faint. For those of you who, God forbid, do not know who Eddie Vedder is, he's the lead singer for Pearl Jam, and the finest rock baritone ever to live, and a fine, fine humanitarian, and hunk of man. Brad understands. Eddie's married anyway! Sigh. I can still let the music touch my soul. Little things to look forward to make me feel like I can deal.