An Update from Dottie

On Monday and Tuesday, August 10 & 11, I completed the fourth round of chemo and immunotherapy infusions. Only two more to go!

Prior to the Monday infusion, we saw my Doctor - her name is Dr. Vinjumari. She had ordered two CAT scans a few weeks prior to this visit. The great news is that the scans showed that the treatment is working well. The lymph nodes have shrunk!   She expressed that she was very pleased with my progress. I will still have to complete the six infusion treatments.  She will order a second PET Scan after the last session, which will give the most accurate results. We, of course, were very happy with this news.

After treatment, Steroids had me feeling pretty darn good until Thursday morning. Treatment kicked my butt a bit this time, and I felt like I got hit by a Mac truck for several days. As usual, Gary was right there for me, and I just rested and took it very easy.

I had actually been forewarned by the oncology staff that the infusions could have a stronger impact after a while... usually “Day Four” through “Day Seven to Ten”.  No real pain as such, just fatigue, malaise, and weakness. Fortunately, my appetite was and still is good.

I read, did a lot of crossword puzzles, and napped. Gary took care of business, did some shopping, cooked, and kept me company.

Today, Tuesday is “ Day Nine”. I could tell when I woke this morning that things were better. So I am happy to share the news. Hopefully I’ll keep feeling good and even stronger in the coming weeks before the September round, which will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 8 & 9, because of Labor Day.

We do like the newer schedule where my second day treatment is scheduled later in the morning.  With the first day treatment now lasting about four hours, we are usually done by around noon to 1 p.m. and can just drive home instead of staying at the hotel a second night. It feels much better to get back home and sleep here in my own bed.

I wanted to thank you all for thinking of me. Your wishes and support have been amazing. It all helps so much to hear from people - especially as I am trying to keep a lower profile as I navigate the treatment regimen. This has been quite the journey so far. Without all the support, it would be so much more difficult.

Love Dottie