One Down, 3-5 to Go

Short update that I had my first chemo on Thurs. April 11th and am happy to report no reactions so far!!!  I must admit I was apprehensive that morning, but was immediately put at ease when I was greeted in the waiting room with open arms from the receptionist, James, and then my nurse.  From that point on, I felt no fear.  It was like a reunion to see all the wonderful smiling faces of the infusion nurses.  The initial chemo took a little longer (3.5 hours) because of the new drug, they must infuse slower to watch for allergic reactions.  It really went well and it was entertaining to watch the "Kool Aid" colored Doxil go in!  Felt like a party!

So now for two days I take the Dexamethasone and Reglan to help control allergic reaction and nausea/digestion.  Next chemo is scheduled for May 9th.  Dr. Chen has ordered 6 infusions, I thought it was only 4, so guess we'll be negotiating down the line!!!

Yesterday was John's 68th birthday!  He will be forever young!!  He celebrated in the morning with a 55 mile bike ride using his birthday present, a new cycle computer.  He came home with a big smile on his face!  We ran some errands in the afternoon and then celebrated with Chelsea at home.  John BBQ'd his favorite salmon and we made shrimp caesar salads, quinoa and asparagus.  Wine and champagne were the libations and carrot cake for dessert!  Our neighbors Jan & Dave stopped by with  a ribbon wrapped bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale!  It was a great day!  Happy Birthday to the best husband in the world, I love you so much!

Thanks for checking in!

The Plan

Thank you everyone for the calls, cards, emails, flowers, dinners, caregiving, ongoing love and support you have shown me and my family.  I am surrounded by so much love it's amazing!!

My surgery went well.  Dr Chen was very pleased when he went in--he was able to remove both tumors and scar tissue on my right side, probably from the IP port I had two years ago.  He was very pleased there was no "sprinkling" of visible cancer.  Although the smaller tumor was against my colon, it had not penetrated, so no resection was necessary!!  I spent three nights in the hospital and then was released on Day 4 for good behavior!!!  I must say, El Camino Hospital is ***** 5 STAR!  The staff are incredible and so friendly-loved them all.
My first week home was a little rough, but once I stopped the pain meds, my stomach felt better and I have been getting stronger everyday.

John flew to Austin, Texas over the Easter weekend to meet our new grandson, Felix!!!  It was a wonderful opportunity for John to spend time with Jonathan, Emily & Felix, and spend time with his two sisters, Anita and Liga.  Anita hosted a fabulous Easter luncheon at her home with all the family