Chemo #6 and other stuff

Today was chemo #6 and the second of the Taxotere. We were about 10 minutes late getting to the hospital because we weren't used to having to be there so early and dealing with rush hour traffic. It ended up not mattering because the doctor didn't get in until 45 minutes later.

The visit went well and he seemed pleased with the fact that I was dealing with my blood sugar and working on bringing it down. He felt that the tumor was still shrinking and he couldn't feel any of my lymph nodes at all.

MFS and MFD ended up coming to see me around 10:30. MFS was in town because a neighbor of ours from when we lived on Vance Avenue had passed away and he wanted to go to the visitation. He didn't have to be back at school until later in the day. He had never made the trip with me and figured this would be a good time. He picked up MFD and they came in together.

The treatment went well; no ill effects from the Taxotere. However, like the last time, I had great difficulties in getting to sleep the night before because of the steroids I had to take to prepare myself. This time I tried sleeping until 2:30 a.m. when I decided that I was so hungry (steroids) I was considering putting on shoes and a coat over my nightgown and going to get a burger somewhere. I went downstairs and made myself a turkey sandwich instead. I ended up reading until 4:30 a.m. when I decided to try to go back to bed. I did sleep a little and the alarm went off way too early--6:15 a.m. It's now 10:12 p.m. and I'm still not sure I can sleep.

I finished up around 12:15 p.m. and the four of us went to Fuddruckers for lunch. I hadn't been to one since we lived in Texas. It was as good as I remembered. I took a picture of MFS and it's below.

After lunch, we said good bye to MFS and the three of us, BDHA, MFD and myself went to Sarris Candy for our obligatory Easter trip. I think it was the fastest I've ever made. We were in and out of there within 20 minutes. Below you will see the famous Sarris Candy chocolate castle (as much that would fit into the frame) and also a picture of MFD and BDHA standing in front of it. (He would like you to know that the Cubs are playing tonight).

After dropping BDHA off at home, MFD and I ran some errands and went to Pat Catan's (craft store) and figured out what we were going to do for her shower favors. Her maid of honor lives in Chicago so we'll be doing most of the work to get ready.

It's now pretty late and I should be heading to bed. I have my ultrasound tomorrow morning and will be going in to work afterwards. I have plenty of Advil and Motrin to see me through the week. Now that I know what to expect, I'll start taking the meds as soon as the pain starts. By the way, the other doctor who also examined me (fellow) was surprised that I felt the pain the first time. She said for most people it didn't kick in until the second one. I guess I was one of the lucky ones who felt it the first time. Wish I was that lucky at the lottery.

Change of subject:
I have had a facebook account since last summer. However, after I set it up, I didn't go back to see what was going on until the other day. Turns out I had two emails from people who knew me. One was one of my best friends from highschool with whom I had lost touch. The other was a name that I didn't recognize. He said that we went to junior high together and were in french class together. He said he used to call me Suesan LaVoie-Ture (la voiture in french means the car). My name was Suesan LaVoie. I still don't remember his name but I do remember some boy calling me that. Funny how that brings back memories of things mostly forgotten. Just wish I could remember more about him.

My neighbor who passed, was a WWII veteran. He was wounded twice and earned two purple hears with the oak leaf. He was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. He, along with many others, were captured by the Germans. However, they didn't want to deal with pows so they lined them up and shot them. My neighbot ended up being covered by other soldiers who were killed and he made it out alive. It's an amazing story of survival and he lived a good long life. He was 86. He has a way (street) named after him here in Coraopolis. I am proud to have known Albert M. Valenzi.

Take care everyone and good night.