Day + 108 Appt. with Dr. Anderson

Since my last posting, things have definitely improved....

On day 101, I stopped vomiting....on day 102 I managed to have Smoked Salmon flavored with Maple Syrup...cooked on the bar-b-que....with some Jasmine Rice on the side....YUM! I do like my food!!!
It was like...."One day I couldn't eat ....& the next day I could"!!......Just like when all the problems started....One day I felt strong & managed to do a 3 hour hike in the woods on the Thanksgiving Monday....then had a delicious meal at Mom's.....then the next day I couldn't eat. The mucositis in my esophagus came on suddenly & left suddenly.

I have to say that the radiation has taken more out of me than any of the other treatments. In addition to feeling week from not eating for over 2 weeks.....the fatigue is adding to the challenge. According to my doctors, I will be looking at months before I will get back to feeling "Normal". Dr. Anderson, wants me to be gentle with myself & not to rush to quickly into my work-outs, as my body needs me to manage my energy for healing. He told me that I will have good days & bad days....but slowly I will see some progress.

I had a terrific meeting with Dr. A today.....he still feels we are moving in the right direction with my treatment.....he was not overly concerned about my positive PET scan in August & was pleased by my CT Scan on October 12th. Of course, we take nothing for granted in this unpredictable world of cancer.....but things are looking good at this point in time.

He talked to me about how important it is for me to start re-building my life again & adding some normalcy to my day to day life. As he noted, I have been on a roller coaster during the last year & through some very intense treatment in a short period of time......so he wants me to gently start thinking about life after treatment. He is a very kind man & really seems to have my best interest at heart.

I am so thankful that my own personal experience with my nurses, doctors, technicians & other hospital staff has been a very positive one...for the most part. It really makes the journey so much more bearable when people are kind & seem to care. There is so much negative talk about our health care system....(which I know has definite merit due to funding)......but the people who work the system give so much of themselves & do their very best with the tools available to them.

Anyway, I am greatful for so many things......including the endless support of my family....& friends....How awful this last year would have been without the love of so many! I wouldn't want to travel this alone.

I send my love back to all of you!!! THANK-YOU...