Chemo #11

HI Friends,
I'm done with chemo #11. So far, I'm doing okay. The neuropathy (tingling/cold sensitivity) in my toes and feet have worsened. I expressed my concern to my doctor and he said, if I wanted to, I could skip my last chemo treatment if I felt the neuropathy was too bad. Apparently there's a possibility that the neuropathy can stay permanent if the symptoms get bad enough. I really don't want that to happen. So, I'm in a quandary, really. I don't want permanent neuropathy, but it feel weird about not finishing all the rounds of chemo. I'm not sure how I feel about it. My doctor is in the business of curing cancer, so I'm sure he wouldn't have suggested stopping the chemo if he thought it would harm me. So, I could use some prayers to help me decide what to do.

School is out and the boys are very active. Fortunately, they are attending Summer Spectacular at Southwest Community Church this week. I can't wait to hear what it's like. I am not volunteering, for the first time in 3 years. I miss it, but knew that I would be rather unreliable. Tom, of course, is participating as Captain Smirk. This will be Hudson's first year to experience all of the venues of the program. I can't wait to hear what he thinks. Pastor H does such a great job reaching the children. They had 800+ kids already registered. So, this might be a record breaking year for attendance!

Well, that 's if for now. I'm really tired of the chemo treatments. I'm surprised at my reaction, since I'm almost done. I thought I would be more excited about being so close to finishing. But all I can think about is how tired I am of being tired!

Love,
Karen

Chemo #10

Well, it's done. Chemo #10!! I only have 2 more left - phew. This round is kicking me in the behind, though. All I've managed to do since Friday, is a couple of loads of laundry and sleeping alot! And I mean a lot! For whatever reason, I'm totally exhausted and nauseated with this round. It's hard to deal with, because I usually, at least for part of the day, feel decent enough to accomlish something. But 'tis not the case this time. The neuropathy has spread to my toes now too. That's a wierd feeling - tingling in the toes. And my fingers are more sensitive again. I had to get the gloves back out to get in the refrigerator.

So, since it's hard on me, it's also hard on Tom. He's really had take over a lot this time. Fortunately, we are still getting meal support - such a huge help. Thanks to my friend, Leslie, for the angel coin. I really love it. I'll carry it with me.

I keep thinking about when all of this is going to be over. I can't wait to have energy enough to give back to my friends and community. I also can't wait to teach Jazzercise again. I really miss it. I love attending classes, but am steadily getting antsy (a word?) to get back on that stage!

The weather has been pretty horribly hot. So, the boys are currently in the living room, playing light sabors to the music of Michael Jackson's "Beat It". Tom is too funny. He bought season tickets to our local water park. Hopefully we'll use it a lot.

He is growing a beard for his upcoming role in the the VBS production at Southwest. I really like it! We'll see if he keeps it after VBS. He may be too clean cut for it. My honey.

Well, I just wanted to update you all. I'm hoping to wake up tomorrow feeling a whole lot better.

Love,
Karen