Good News Tuesday!

After a well-deserved 3 day vacation from poison and radiation....I was back on squatter patrol today in full force with Jaclyn at my side.

We were very efficient this morning as we arrived at the cancer center before most people and even the nurses (well, I forgot they have meetings on Tuesday mornings). But, I had my blood drawn (white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelets are still going down slowly but as expected and not with any alarm), received my radiation treatment complete with a new set of films (they take them weekly) and was upstairs ready to see my doctor within an hour....by 9am. I was impressed by us.

Today, I had an exam (speculum style) by my gynecological oncologist and my radiation oncologist observed (along with a medical student who marks the 13th person who has looked in my lady business on this journey). The exam revealed 2 very positive things: 1-that the tumor was not hanging "as low" in the vaginal wall as before (shrivel, squatter, shrivel) and 2-my tumor was looking "crusty". I have never in my life heard the word "crusty" when describing my vaginal area and have felt so happy! This essentially means that radiation and chemotherapy are having an effect on the tumor after only 2 weeks of treatment(fry, squatter, fry) . So, this is superb news!! This does not change my treatment plan for the next 3 weeks but I will be examined again by both doctors on June 17th to determine the hopeful plan for the next stage: brachytherapy.

Following the exam and the positive news, Jac and I headed to the chemo room. I was so hesitant about the start of chemo after the horrible experience with my veins the week before. We began positive thinking, visualization of large, cooperative veins and chanting "super veins, super veins" last night and today to get them ready. Plus, I drank a liter of water overnight and this morning to keep them going. Luckily, our hard work paid off....they got the IV in on the first try in a great vein on the top of my left arm. I was soooooo relieved. On another positive note, I gained 1 pound from last week and actually was hungry for dinner tonight. Woo hoo!

So, Jac and I set up shop for about 6 hours today in our private section watching our chick flicks. We were entertained by Just My Luck and A Cinderella Story....both cute little PG love stories.

I fully realize that these little milestones are only small battles won in my war with cancer but I am re-energized by the positive news today and believe that even small achievements in life are worth celebrating!

Love, Hugs and Good Health!