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Week 2 - Part 1

So when last I posted, it was the weekend we told my dad about my diagnosis. Good grief, that was just last Saturday!

Sunday 12th June: Told my brother and his wife the news.  We also planned to go out for brunch since my dad was in town, so we did that, after we all went for hair cuts (mine shocked the kids a bit).  They are not sure they like it.  That evening, a friend of ours was celebrating a milestone birthday, so we did go out and tried to forget about the week ahead, and enjoy some time with friends.

Monday 13th June: No food - surgery Monday morning to insert a port-a-cath. This is new technology where they setup a catheter directly to the large vein under your collarbone to allow for easy access to do the chemo infusions (since it is very hard to do an IV each time). It remains under the skin so the nurses can access it each time.  As soon as I was sufficiently recovered, we headed off to do an Echo cardiogram (since the chemo drugs could affect the heart - added bonus).  On the upside, got the news that the PET/CT scan did not show any spread of the disease to the bones.  That was such a big relief -that was cause for celebration!

Tuesday 14th June: First chemo treatment (I go every two weeks for this round). Came home a bit tired,queasy but not horrible.  You know they are giving you something powerful when the nurse tells you, "Make sure you flush twice after you use the toilet - to protect your loved ones."  Well, if you didn't understand about what these drugs do to you, you sure would know now.

Wednesday 15 June:  Felt ok, so I took a spin into the office. Full of drugs from the treatment.  Went in to hospital get a shot (to boost the white blood cells), to build me up for the next round of chemo in two weeks.  Then headed home and topped off the day with an MRI.

Fear Rating: Low - avoiding reading too much has been great to manage this
Worry Rating: Low - see above
Physical Health Rating: Well, I'm beginning to feel it
Mental Health: For me, so far so good, but concerned about my Dad, Gunnar.  The boys are happy, happy.  Stay tuned for Part 2 - or how may blood draws and IVs can I have?

To all my family and friends who have contacted me, I know you understand why I am not able to respond to all of you individually. Thank you.
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