Yesterday I started my fourth three week session of chemo.  As always, I had the backing of my family.  OHSU only allows two people to be with you during chemo, so it makes it difficult to have all my family be able to take part.  This time besides Kath, my brother BC and daughter Tiffany, were able to keep changing places.  This was probably the most difficult start to any of the chemo sessions that I have had.  I could not get comfortable in the chair and my pain level hit an 8.  Eventually I just said that we should get started to get it over.  After the session started, my pain declined and it turned out to be one of the best sessions that I have had.    Since I've had problems with the drug benedryl the past two sessions, they cut the amount they gave me in half this time.  So I was drugged, but was able to stay awake during the session.  I was able to visit and actually talk.  As a result, my ride home was comfortable,my afternoon and all of today has been great.  Hopefully I am starting a pattern of feeling really good.  Now I have to wait to see if I am sleeping well at night.  I'll just keep thinking good thoughts and smiling.  Just wanted to keep you all updated.  As always, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.  That is so vital in my healing process.  I love you all!

I completed my third chemo of this three week series on Wednesday.  I now will take one week off before I start the series again.  Like the ones before, I don't remember much about the three hours going through the chemo process.  I do remember that Tory and Kath were with me and how supportive all the OSHU doctors and nurses were.  I have had some good days since walking around Costco, socializing with friends I bump into, and enjoying getting out to anywhere.  Since I was finished at Western Oregon University on Monday, I now have to make sure that I get out each day as opposed to staying at home.  I appreciate my fiends and family that get me out of the house and concentrating on other things.  I experience pain everyday, but have found ways to reduce the intensity and level.  I have discovered that when I am using my walker and the pain begins to increase, that I will have to stop and stand for several minutes before I can continue.  Also when the pain gets too great, I need to find a place to lay on my side and the pain reduces quickly. When I am at Costco, I make a direct route to the summer lawn chairs to spread out. Kath and I have been seen to be sitting in the cuddle chairs every other day over the past week.  Love the cushions!!  I have been seeing an additional doctor this week who works closely with our oncologist to concentrate on reducing the pain.  So far it seems to be helping a bit, but time will tell.  Like everything, it all is in your attitude.  Staying positive in all that you do is so important.  I am getting use to the stares at Costco when they see me having to sit on my side at the tables when I am eating my pizza.  They ask me if I am okay and I say that I am great.  I am just learning to find a way to make the best out of the situation.  Yes, I can't do many of the activities that I use to do everyday, but I can still go on living making the most out of what I can do.  Like always. I love reading your comments and thoughts.  It is another important aspect of my life!  Love you all!!

I wanted to especially thank Chrissie, Brian, Reed, and Cristen for their latest comments.  Each entry I receive, brings back individual memories which brings constant smiles to my face and keeps me going.  Thanks again for everyone's comments, thoughts and prayers.  They all mean so much to me.

I finished my second chemo of this third three week session yesterday.  It went very smoothly, but it was a long day.  Kath and Brother "B" were with me starting at 9:15.  We met with Dr. Ryan at 9:30.  He told us that I would finish my third chemo session next Wednesday and then take a week off.  After that I would go another three weeks with chemo once each week.  At the end of June, I would have an MRI to see what effect the chemo was having.  Tory asked how long I would have the chemo.  Doctor Ryan said that if the MRI showed the chemo was being effective, then I would have it for years.  If the chemo is doing the job, then I am fine with having it for years.  After our appointment, we "hung out" until 11:30, until I had my chemo.  It took several times for the nurse to get the needle in one of my veins.  After that, a machine was not working properly, so it was a bit of time until the process started.  After I woke up, BC was able to "drive" my wheelchair to the restroom and then to our car.  So Wednesday went fairly well.  The great thing was that today went very well.  My cousin, Ken, picked me up at 9:00 and took me to Western Oregon University to a meeting with other supervisors and our student teachers.  I was there until 1:00.  After that, Ken and I went to Costco for lunch.  I got home at 3:30.  Then Jeff came over at 4:15 to play three games of cribbage (I won two of the three, but who is bragging).  He left at 6:30.  Kath fixed me dinner and it is now 8:30.  I still feel great and I hope tomorrow is just as good!  I really appreciate all that are still reading about my updates!  You are so important to my continued recovery.  A special THANKS to Mary for letting me know that she is always checking.  Have fun in Pacific City!  A Happy Birthday to my Mom!!