Tuesday, May 08, 2007

From Donna..

I graduated from chemo (literally) on April 19th. The nurses made me a graduation cap, they all signed it and then took my picture with them. My friend Debora brought me balloons and lunch, and of course, Jane was there. I am so glad that this part of the journey is over.

This month I will have a CT of my chest to make sure the cancer is gone, I will start radiation, and begin a cancer drug that I will be on for five years. The cancer drug has some side effects that do concern me but it's one day at a time and if this drug doesn't work, they have others to try on me. Anyway, my calendar is pretty much filled with appointments this month.

I did not have to have a shot the day after, which meant no steroids - yippee! I have been very tired but otherwise I feel pretty darn good.

I am going to start getting back into the swing of things by starting to work from home this month. Hopefully, I will get a release to go back to work in June.

My hair is starting to grow - it feels all fuzzy. I can't tell yet what color or texture it will be or if it will grow back thicker - that would definitely be OK by me.

I have gone to physical therapy for my right arm. I have had swelling and I am learning how to manage lymphedema. Things that I would normally do, like carrying a bag of groceries, or just doing chores around the house can cause my arm to swell. I don't like this but I have to accept it and learn to deal with it.

Well, that's all for now. God Bless.