Chemo #5 Coming Up....

I will be getting my 5th round of chemotherapy this coming Friday. I am still doing very well. Last week I returned to work. I was certainly tired at the end of the first day, but I picked up as the week went on. My stamina is vastly improved over any previous time in recent months. I am taking time to rest in the afternoon, but other than that I am zipping around and being pretty productive. I take nothing for  pain now. I have not been able to say that for a year.

It has been good to see the kids at school. The 6th graders made me a giant get well card. They all signed it at their lunch, and it is taking pride of place in my room. The kids have been very caring and concerned about me. That is very touching, because at their stage in life (age 11/12) developmentally they are generally very wrapped up in their own little world. I have been surprised and moved by many of the kids reactions this year at school.

I am working on trying to put on some weight. Hard work I know, but someone has to do it :-) I got down to 160lb shortly after my surgery, about 25lbs or so below my norm. I know I am getting physically stronger, but I will be happier when I put a few more pounds on. I am eating very well though, and  eating snacks in between meals.

I am still hoping that it will just be the 6 total chemo treatments for me. You may think it would be better to get 8 "just in case". The only concern there is that some of the side effects of the drugs are cumulative, and you really only want to get exposed to as much as you need. Adriamycin is one of the chemo drugs, nasty stuff,  this can cause some cardiac problems if too much is received during therapy.

Come December I will bottom out on the side effects of the chemo.  The hair is pretty much gone already, as are the eyelashes. The eyebrows are on the way out. I mentioned the weight, but I think I may be on the rebound already there. I have also lost sensation in the ends of my fingers (does not help with my table soccer playing!) and my toes - another side effect of adriamycin.  I honestly do not care too much about any of it. It is good to be alive. Sure, I want the chemo to be done, and I am hoping it is just 25 days to go until I am finished, but if I need more I will quickly regroup.  I know I am doing well at the moment, getting stronger by the day.

Paul. November 12. 2007.

Comments

[Janet Tillman]

Paul,

This is good news indeed. I'd be happy to donate a few pounds your way (trying to gain weight, must be rough!). It sounds like you and your family will deed have much more than normal to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

As for the fingertips, there might be a few young men who say that handicap is just what is needed to level the playing field at the next table soccer match-up. There are a few who would like to beat Mr. Eyes "just once".

You continue in our prayers. If we can be of any help, let us know.

[Greg Lertora]

I can attest to Paul "zipping around and being productive."

Paul it's great to see you "zipping" and have you back in your classroom and doing what you are so wonderful at doing!

I see it in the kids as well!

If cookie snacks help...I'm happy to deliver.

[Massimo]

I haven't seen the ball for 12 minutes out of 15, your table soccer playing looked good to me.. :)
Very glad to see you last weekend, and very happy to see you doing well. A few more visits to CT for those fish & chips, and your weight will be just fine. ;)

[Mandy and Geoff]

Thinking of you tomorrow as you have number 5.
Love and best wishes to you all.
Mandy Geoff Auntie Jessie and Uncle George xxxx

[Krista Wheatley-Heckman]

Hi Paul,
Your news has been getting better and better each time I read your blog. I am so happy for you Louise, Emma, Katie and Tommy. It must feel fabulous have no pain, to be able to go out for a walk, to work at what you love and to have seen that PET scan. We will all be thinking about YOU this Sunday at 6:15 am as we head out to the race route. I ride my bike out along Kelly Drive so I can cheer Bill on at 17 and 23. I will call and give you an update or leave a message after mile 14 and mile 23. Bill's goal is 3:25.
The NIKE slogan this year, which we have adopted is LEAVE NOTHING....I think it works well for the cancer too :) Hang in there tomorrow. I can't wait to hear about the movies :) Krista

[Daniel Cranston]

Hope this chemo weekend goes ok. I've got some work for you! haha. I got my new bases 2 days ago and I reallllly like them, but i need figures to go with them. My bases are red and navy, if you have a set that matches (i dont care what) that would be awesome, and maybe I could pick it up on Wednesday or Thursday. Also, you know the blue and white profis I used to play with? Well, one of the figures broke on him so I only have 10. If you have another one of the Blackblurn figures that would be awesome as well.

Hope you have a quick chemo recovery,
Dan

[eddie]

Good stuff Paul.

You need to get on the milk shake and pizza diet. Sure helps me put on the pounds.

[Mandy and Geoff]

To Paul, Louise, Emma ,Katie and Tommy
Happy Thanksgiving

Love to you all
Mandy Geoff Auntie Jessie and Uncle George xxxx