Loving my Week 3

Hi Team,


I've actually had quite a busy week, thus the quietness on the blog here... but I've been loving my last week in the cycle and the energy that I have. I'm sure once I return back to normal and chemo is done, I'll start taking my energy levels for granted again... but I sure do appreciate having energy to go out and socialize, do things I enjoy and get out of the house!! I have never felt so cooped up in my little apartment.


So let's see just the highlights then.


First of all, I LOVE my Neulasta shot. I will have to tell the pharmacist at Kaiser (Lynn) that it's worth every penny - see my previous blog with reciept attached if you're wondering how many pennies. I can't believe what a difference this cycle has been vs. the first cycle of chemo. Like night and day. Granted I still was exhausted and still had some pain, flu-like symptoms (but no fever!) for the first two weeks, and the weird stuff like more hair falling out, numbness of my tastebuds, weird pain in my arm vein that got messed up last time, etc. This time was totally manageable relative to last time. I gave myself the mental OK to take percocet when I was in a lot of pain and I only took 4 during the whole treatment, which compared to last time while I was in the hospital and taking them constantly every 4 hours, was quite good! I did have to take ativan to help sleep as my body has not been great at letting me sleep through the night still, but at least I am not waking up in pain. Tomorrow I have a regular check up with my oncologist - I meet with him every time I get chemo a few days before, and this time they will take my blood from my port rather than sticking me with another needle. They will test my blood counts to make sure I am at an acceptable level to get my next chemo infusion, which I'm sure I will be, I feel far better than I did last time. Then I have another exciting appointment - my 6 week check in with my breast specialist/surgeon who will be doing my mastectomy. I'm not sure exactly what the agenda for this appointment is, but I'm sure we'll be talking more about the details of my surgery so I will keep you all posted.


On to more fun stuff - This past weekend was my friend Addie's birthday and we had a wonderful day. First we got massages at the Kabuki Hot Springs, then spent about 3 hours in their sauna/spa/just laying there relaxing. Then we went to lunch at Dosa on Fillmore (pic is us at lunch, me sporting my first outing with a scarf on my head), delicious Indian food - then shoes and swimsuit shopping. So much fun and we decided that this type of day should definitely not be reserved for birthdays.


Then... Anthony and I went to Vegas this past Monday, just got back home today! Since we fly for free (Anthony works for Jet Blue), and had a comped room at the Rio, we decided to plan it, and if I didn't have the energy to do it, it wouldn't cost us anything to cancel. I am SO glad we went... I have been feeling so cooped up in the apartment, and in need of some theraputic sun. We mostly laid by the pool the whole time except for a little excursion to watch the Lakers/Suns playoff game at Lagasse's Stadium/Sports Book at the Palazzo. The whole place was really fun except for the Lakers sucking at rebounding and defense. Anyhow, I wore lots of sunscreen and didn't get burned but I already miss the warm sun on me. There is something that does that makes me so much happier and more positive, I think whatever chemical reactions happen from warmth/sun must be on overdrive for me.


Lots of fun posts upcoming in the next days - Dr appointments tomorrow, Wig shopping on Friday and I have two visitors over the upcoming week - Kristina from Boston Sun-Wed and Michelle from Chicago all week! Can't wait!! AND, due to the wonderful holiday weekend, I get to have my chemo infusion on Tuesday instead of the regularly scheduled Monday infusions, which means an extra day of freedom this time around.

Love,
Amy