Here at the Chemo Bar for Round Eight!  Eight down, four more to go, which is two-thirds of the way DONE!

Keep the Faith.

::faithful – Prayers of rejoicing – Cherry Ames has been called back for several job interviews; DirtBike currently has an 88 in math; spring is upon us; I had the energy and strength this weekend to do some serious house cleaning.

::creative – Hmmm….not much this past week.

::Kill All the Cells! – Round seven done, five more to go.  This week is Taxotere, Gemzar and Neulasta, and I hope to stay ahead of the nausea and pain this time around.  I really overdid it last round and it took a longer time to recover.  This coming weekend, there is nothing on my schedule except for rest. And maybe some couch lounging with knitting and watching old movies.

::delicious

• Lentil and Carrot Soup
• Ribs, Green Beans, Salad
• Chicken Curry over Quinoa and Peas
• Turkey Sandwiches
• Vegetable Soup
• Tuna Sandwiches
• Hamburgers on the Grill if the weather cooperates

::fun – Yes, but very quiet kind of fun.  We watched Frozen from the comfort of our own sofa.  We went to see the Butterflies in the Garden last weekend. 

::fashionable –   Sunday evening = black yoga pants, electric orange tee-shirt, stretchy grey cap.

::looking ahead –  Rest.  Recovery.  Building up my strength with some very healthy eating and self-care. 

Keep the Faith.

::faithful – Prayers of THANKSGIVING!!!  I had my first post-surgery mid-chemo CT Scan last week, and it was CLEAR!!  No obvious cancer growing anywhere in my body!!  Happy Dancing at the Pea House!

::creative – Halfway through the spring cap, so I started a pair of socks.  Because knitters are just silly that way.

::Kill All the Cells! – I’m getting more tired, and it takes a little longer to recover after each dose of the chemotherapy.  I’m halfway through, now!  Six more doses of Gemzar, three more doses of Taxotere, three more Nuelasta shots, and then I can welcome the return of my hair, my short term memory and my strength. I’m starting to plan out my long term recovery and survival, reading and researching about ways to boost my immune system;  making specific plans to reduce overall stress in my life; learning optimal nutrition for preventing/fighting cancer; and working out how to build my strength back so I can exercise every day again.  That’s something I can’t wait to get back to.  I’m able to walk every day, but Oh!  I really miss my bikes, and serious cardio training.

::delicious

Taxotere recovery week is rough, so we’re grateful for the generosity of friends and neighbors in providing us with meals for most of this week.

• Barbecue Beef Sliders, Green beans
• Shepherd’s Pie, Salad
• Lasagna,Salad
• Vegetable Soup
• Sandwiches
• Leftovers
• Tilapia, Rice Pilaf and Roasted Broccoli

::fun – It’s Spring Break!  The girls are working, the boys are staying home sleeping, eating, taking care of school projects, sleeping, eating. Mr. Pea and I are working.  Just two more months, and I’ll have vacation time to use.  For now, we do what we have to do, because health insurance coverage isn’t optional. 

::fashionable –   Spring! Spring!  In defiance of the cold front barreling down on us and promising 40 mph gusts and highs in the 30’s tomorrow, I pulled a dress out of the closet this morning.  A fabulous red, black and white geometric print wrap dress, peep toe wedges and a soft silk scarf for my head.  Winter needs to go away, because I’m tired of wearing pants and boots.

::looking ahead –  Off week from chemo, lab work, dentist appointment for DirtBike.  Playing hookie on Friday afternoon if I can get away with it.