Somehow I hoped for different news, but we heard what we thought we would.... Dr. Basche explained that there was evidence of cancer cells having been in a couple lymph nodes and to assure that we get anything that may still be elsewhere in the body, I DO need more chemo. January 5th I'll be going in for minor surgery to put a port in my chest, then after that heals a few days I go back for my first treatment on the 13th, which involves a 3+ hour drip through the port, and I also get to leave with a fanny-pack of sorts of medication that continues to drip, then I go back to have it removed after two days. This whole process continues every-other-week for 4 months.
Side effects: I'm told to expect fatigue for about 3 days after each treatment; and neuropathy or tingling in my fingers and feet, along with extreme sensitivity to cold objects and liquids. Nausea can be expected but managed with medication. Hair loss, like the first round, should be minimal and probably just thinning. Even though I was expecting this news, it's still hard to hear, and hard to keep from getting emotional.
A while back I told my readers and advertisers that I plan to be back at work in February to start on a "March" issue, so I certainly hope I have energy enough to do just that. That's the plan anyway. Meantime, I have one month to continue to get stronger, to enjoy relative normalcy, such that it is, and treasure moments with my family and friends during the Christmas season, and ring in a new year.
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3 comments:
I know that you can do this, just surrender yourself to getting well,forget all other responsibilities,for now.
I am glad that you have the Holidays to regroup emotionally before plunging into the last round of treatments.
I know you can do this, Debbie.
You float on the wings of Love....
Debbie,
You have endured sooo much already. You have been victorious in the first two periods of the conflict. As the third period begins, you are still in the heat of battle and when the dust has settled the enemy will have been slaughtered! I can only imagine that this last part will be as challenging, if not more so, than the beginning of your journey. You can take pride in knowing you have, so far, barreled through this awful challenge w/grace, courage, and determination.
You have always led what looks to your fans as a 'charmed life'. What us 'insiders' know is you have planned, sacrificed, worked long and really hard to achieve the things that look as if they came easily for you. That is what will get you through this 'final period' of the hockey match. You are the most disciplined, capable, good-hearted, focused person in my life. (And I know LOTS of Saints!)
This too shall pass. Everything will turn out all right. You are smart and have done all the right things. Thank God for your medical team.
This will be another very special Christmas to appreciate each other even more (if that's possible). WE LOVE YOU
julie says...
how can i say much more than that? only to agree with our sister Laurel, with every inch of my being!
that this will all turn out allright.... and you will win with flying colors... you are my hero.
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