Friday, June 15, 2012

1 Week Down, 5 To Go!

I'm so excited.  It's Friday and I got my little friend (the chemo-pack, affectionately nicknamed "Hummer" by my hubby because of the sound it makes every 15 to 30 seconds) removed today.  It was nice to have the tube taken out after hauling it around for 5 days.  Don't get me wrong, I was super happy to have the privilege of taking this thing everywhere with me because it's got a big part in helping to fix me up.  Since I love pictures, I knew I had better get some quick shots of this device before they took it out so the photos below were taken last night.  I'm a dork, I know.  

The "Connection"
Carry Case for Chemo Meds
On the inside (5FU)
The front and how it works (battery)
Anyway, I flew through the first week without so much as a side effect.  If I have to claim one, I'd say I was a little tired.  However, that might have just been from the sound of the pack going off all night long, or maybe having to rotate around the tube while trying to sleep, or maybe just having to get out of bed an hour earlier every day to make my 7:30 am radiation appointment.  I keep on hoping for the best, drinking lots of water (trying to drink the recommended 3 liters a day) and eating small meals every two hours.  Willie makes sure my snack bag is out on the counter every morning so I don't forget it.  So far so good.  I am staying ahead of the curve.  

Monday to Friday was pretty much routine starting out with radiation at 7:30, work at 8:00 and then home to rest.  Then, I'd do it all over again the next day.  I'm happy for the weekend and looking forward to a drive up to Bear Lake on Sunday for a visit with Amber and Adam.  Then home to pick up my friend Cindy who is coming for a few days to visit.  

I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop on the radiation treatment.  Apparently it can make you more tired than usual and I'm pretty much guaranteed to get a giant sunburn on my you know what and groin area since that is the target.  They are burning out the abnormal cells of the tumor which they say, will not regenerate as quickly as the healthy cells.  That's good news!  I can say that I am not looking forward to being sunburned in that area and how to "deal" with it.   I guess I'll just think about it tomorrow.  

For now I'm sliding into the weekend triumphant in knowing I have a little break from treatment, and reflecting on how many phenomenal friends, family, coworkers, past acquaintances I have and how much their love, prayers, thoughts of hope, and little pick me up presents and flowers have meant to me in the month since I was diagnosed with cancer.   Truly these things have brightened my days and made a stressful time one of the most remarkable in my life so far.  


P.S.  A lot of people have commented that they can't "comment" on the blog and have sent me separate messages which I love.  But it you want to post a comment on here what you do is scroll down to the bottom of the post where it says, Posted by at  0 commentsand double click on the word 0 comments.  Or, if it says 2 comments, double click on that.   That will open up the box to post a comment.  :-)  You will need to have a google account or sign up for one.  But, once you have that, you can post.  Easy....  Just sayin'


Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. barbieJune 16, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    You go Cathy... Enjoy your weekend! Seems like you have a hood hold on it... Yes the tired will come Abd you'll want to rest and need to... Just do it !!! Rest. It's really hard to let go and trust others van get the job done . When I was a manager at Ann Taylor very demanding schedule and demanding numbers... I stepped down for 6 months part time still passed out their first bridal show and did it all from home and the phone and emails.... It's amazing what you can do when it's push and shove time it's thinking out side the box... Remember that k?

    ReplyDelete
  2. barbieJune 16, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Dang typos;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. ang-a-seaJune 16, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Cathy, I can't thank you enough for sharing this oh-so-personal experience. You have helped me in ways that you may never know. But know this: You ARE an inspiration, & you ARE a positive influence in this world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Radiation... Try this... It worked for my aunt, & literally significantly reduced the "sunburn" effect. As you are getting the radiation treatment, close your eyes, & visualize yourself laying on the beach AT NIGHT, under a calm cool full moon. The sand is cool under your fingers & toes. The water is cool. The waves are soothingly slow. The breeze is cool, sometimes even giving you little chill bumps. Your favorite tropical sipper is cool. You feel you skin cooling in the ease of the evening...

    If they will let you listen to your own tunes, then let me know, & I will send or DropBox you the best ocean waves ever!

    Know that you are in my heart. I'm rooting for YOU!! Angela Seabury

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 16, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Cathy, I've never met anyone quite like you! You're so brave, amazing and such an inspiration in everyone's lives you touch! It sounds like you have the same invader my sister had and she's doing GREAT (6 yrs later) and, I know you will too!
    I'm Sending loving thoughts and prayers your way...
    Love your blog! Lynn Yowell

    ReplyDelete
  5. Birdgirl44June 17, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    Heya, Cuz. Doin' good! Have a good rest up with Amber & Adam. I know they'll take good care of you. :) You're one hell of a trooper I'll have to say. Good on you for keeping everything as normal as possible. I believe that will really help you. Mind over matter, right? You're so awesome! Love ya!

    E

    ReplyDelete
  6. cariJune 21, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    Hi, Cathy, keep fighting the battle. My wife currently is going through the pink warrior battle.And she just completed her chemo infusions, and she starting radiation on July 8. Keep fighting hard. Love, Brandon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy RixeyJune 21, 2012 at 10:30 PM

      Thank you. I am doing great so far and hope your wife is too. Take care and hug often.

      Delete
  7. UnknownJune 24, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    Cath.. you are so amazing. I love and admire you more than I can say. These folks have it spot on. You DO touch everyone that comes into your circle with positiveness, laughter, kindness and joy. I/We are SO blessed to have you in our lives -- and I look forward to growing wiser, older and watching our family thrive! Huge hug. Peg

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)