Nothing in life can prepare you for this adventure. Let me tell you how it started. I don’t think I ever have. About three years ago I contracted whooping cough. Isn’t that weird? Got over it, but developed a cough. After going to the doctor several times it was determined I had asthma. I knew people with asthma and their cough was just like mine. As a matter of fact my cough had become nonexistent after a month of medication. The reason I went to the doctor after that was because as I was swimming my right shoulder was sore. The doctor said I had a bone spur. It did not get any better so I had an MRI. This was June 21 … and so it began.

I have just completed my last chemo treatment. I am discovering that you may be through with chemo, but it isn’t through with you.

I want to make sure and give you all the details I can on these side effects (this is especially for my fabulous Sister, who needs details).

After brain radiation (that still seems so weird … I had brain radiation … unbelievable) I experienced a lot of orientation problems. It was difficult to stand still and when I did I was swaying due to dizziness. I am still working on this. Nothing happens fast … well … except the side effects showing up. That seems mighty fast to me.

The day after chemo, things start happening that are so weird it feels like maybe you are just visiting someone else’s body. This was not how your body felt yesterday and you don’t think you’ll put up with it. It looked like I was going to have stomach problems. I did. Food was not appealing. My favorite foods now are noodles and peach ice cream nightly with half of a Subway sandwich for lunch. Don’t even ask how I became set on this combo. Every time I eat my nose runs … I don’t mean a little bit. I am talking full-tilt. You can’t really blow your nose or it will bleed (I had to go to the hospital for this).

I do not have a port. It’s needle time, every time. I still get blood taken every week. There is this terrific lady that is QUEEN of the needle. She is fast and prays to Jesus to find a good vein so she only needs one attempt. I may be a little paranoid about this, but my first draw was with a woman who blew veins in both arms, declared I had no blood even though she had my blood all over both of us, and left the room in tears saying trying to draw blood from me made her too nervous … guess what? I know the feeling! I noticed she doesn’t draw blood any longer. Instead she calls people and tells you to get on the scale.

Please don’t misunderstand me—Vanderbilt is great. They have treated me very specially. Their infusion rooms are private and have chairs for anyone who accompanies you. The nurses will do anything for you and react quickly if you get into trouble with the chemo. My Doc is great and his nurse is very responsive. She always hugs me goodbye and tells me she loves me. How unusual is that?

One Sunday night I had to have an ambulance. Another side effect is sores in your mouth and throat with dangerous swelling in some cases. My air passage was being affected. After I got to the hospital I received a mixture of really good tasting stuff and spent the night. By the second day things were calming down.

I still don’t have any hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. Needless to say you won’t see me out for a while. It looks like my hair may come in snow white. That could be nice!

Yesterday I had an email from a very special person. 15 years ago Doris and I took Japanese. The instructor, Masaaki Tamura, was really good and loved to have a fun time. He put up with Doris and I really well. He would have us come to the board and read Japanese. Doris could break out in hives quicker than anyone I have ever seen. We went to “Go Ten” and ordered off the menu in Japanese as our final. Doris ran into him this week. He is a lung cancer research specialist (believe it or not—who knew?). He immediately got in his car to go see my doctor. He then e-mailed me to say my doctor was very good and he was staying close. After 15 years, what a pleasure.
Thanks Doris-san.

That just about brings you up to date except I must mention the “Big Guy”. No matter where I am J is there to catch me when I stumble; take care of everything that comes up, and is a superb noodle cook. I love this man!

I look forward to seeing all my friends. I am ready to enter the next phase. Thank you all for the love. 6 months later I still receive cards and messages daily.

Love

Sis

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

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