Pre-chemo #4

I had my oncologist appointment this afternoon.  No big changes.  The tumor was measuring about the same as two weeks ago, but she said its becoming "nondescript" - The edges are less defined and harder to measure.  Which I agree, its definitely getting softer and closer to when I first discovered it and was unsure if there was actually something weird there or not.  I'll be meeting with my surgeon for an ultrasound in a couple weeks to get more clear information on its progress.

We also discussed my Sunday-Sad-Day a few weeks ago and she said it was a result of "steroid crash".  I take steroids for two days after each treatment.  She decided to extend (but not increase) the steroids to taper off the dose so I wouldn't experience the crash as much.  Ween me gently.

TOMORROW IS MY LAST A/C CHEMO.  YEAY!  But I'm also anxious about this end, and the new beginning with Taxol.  I was becoming used to A/C and comforted by the predictability of its side effects.  Now I have to get used to a new type.... sigh.  I want to be friends with my healing materials.

I submitted my FMLA papers to work and it was officially approved today.  That means that I can miss work for up to 60 days without penalty of losing my job.  Woohoo!  Yeay, for keeping my job.

Something strange that the nurses and doctors keep asking me:  "You still going to work?"  Like, at some point, they expect me to stop going.  I plan to continue working as long as I feel able.  The question just makes me feel weird, as if they expect me not to.  I really hope that's not in my future.  Anyway, I think its the best thing for me.  Keeps me feeling somewhat normal, and moderate exercise is good for healing and treatment.  I just need to make sure I maintain a balance between staying active and not working TOO much and hindering my healing.  I do feel like I'm staying balanced, however.  Last Monday, I went home after lunch, and after a super looooong nap, it became abundantly clear that the extra bit of rest benefitted me the whole rest of the week.

So a BIG HUMONGOUS BOX showed up on my doorstep today.  :)  My cousin and her family sent us a bunch of awesome stuff:  healthy snacks for me, not so healthy snacks for superman and superkids, elephant paraphernalia, superman paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous gifts.

And I received this cross in the mail from my aunt a few weeks ago as well.

Gratitude, acceptance, and healing!