Post cycle 2

Hi all! Today is day 4 after treatment and I'm feeling better then cycle one so far! They gave me a new nausea IV called amend. It is supposed to help with the "vertigo/ nausea/ loopy feeling" I experienced right after treatment the first time. Also, the prednisone has worn off, so I'm not as hyper or shaky. Prednisone also bumps up your appetite as the chemo reduces it.

Some interesting things to note are:
1- my really swollen bulging nodes on my neck and throat/chest are much less swollen
2- my CBC was reduced from 16k to 4k
3- Sorry other Hodgkins people that weren't loosing hair either... My hair is now falling out :(.

Enjoy your Columbus Day. Xo, Gina Marie

Update

Hi everyone! So my second chemo is approaching Friday. Is it weird I'm looking forward to it? Why you might ask? I am one session closer to being cancer free. Also, it makes me my usual spunky self thanks to prednisone for two days.

Here's how cycle 1 has been treating me: Days 1-2 awesome. Days 3-5 I was nauseous, dizzy and felt loopy. Day 6-present I have leg cramps and fatigue. Days 9-hopefully not much longer MAJOR fatigue set in. This is tough for me because I'm so active and really have to slow down. Day 15 is my cycle 2 of chemo. There are ten more to go after this! Getting closer. I just want to thank my family and friends for being so understanding and supportive right now. Means the world. I'm thinking of my mom right now...here she is.

Golf's Legendary Holes

1. A very special person gave me a great idea: relate my experience battling cancer to the most famous (and difficult) holes in golf!

Here are the holes I will be relating to when the time comes....

1. No. 17 at Sawgrass. 
2. No. 13 at Augusta. 
3. No. 9 at Royal County Down. 
4. No. 13 at Muirfield. 
5. No. 13 at Pacific Dunes. 
6. No. 17 at St. Andrews. 
7. No. 12 at Southern Hills.
8. No. 16 at Cypress Point. 
9. No. 18 at Pebble Beach. 
10. No. 12 at Augusta. 

Chemo day 1

I'm at my first day of chemo! En route to becoming cancer free. Ok, so they used my port for the first time...ow! Just felt like a bee sting. Not that I have ever been stung by a bee before ;). I am grateful for friends and family here to support me. Love you all.

Friday's the day

My first chemo appointment is Friday. I will be at UM all day. They administer the drugs to you at a slow pace to see how you react. Lucky for me I have some best friends and family coming...and I have blogging to do. Wish me luck. Xoxo

Hair

I am chopping 10 inches off my hair tomorrow! The hair will be donated to locks of love. I cannot wait. This is so liberating...you wan't my hair?? Take that, cancer ;-)

Pre surgery dinner

I just had dinner with my best friend and my mom's godchild! It was nice to catch up and relax before tomorrow. In the morning I have surgery to place my port. Main concern: does this mess up my golf swing???? No! My mom had one and you are able to swing. Second concern: fasting! I can't wait until these tests and procedures are completed because this vegan needs to eat ;)!

So...the port is placed on your chest and filters the chemo into your body. An IV in your hand or arm isn't recommended. Wish me luck! I will check in tomorrow. Xox.

Hair is overrated!

I love long, BIG hair...and I have long, big hair. In a few weeks it will be gone! Ah!! There's something about women and hair...scary thought that my ponytail down my back will no longer be hitting me in the face when I golf. This is the least of my worries when I fighting stupid cancer!!!

My best friend Whitney cut off 14 inches for locks of love and another friend, Ryan, shaved his head after my diagnosis. Next week, I am cutting my hair short and donating it. Hair is overrated! But ladies with cancer, I feel for ya! In the meantime, let's rock some awesome wigs and scarves ;)

Alternative Medicine!

I am a vegetarian that is sometimes vegan. I told my oncologist that during treatment I will be following a CLEAN EATING and VEGAN lifestyle. He said that is fine! Also, there aren't any food restrictions. I told my doc I not really into medicine and chemo in my body makes me a bit nervous...

He is setting my up with the University's alternative medicine/holistic MD. He is going to assess my diet and I am super excited!! I think he also covers aroma and plant therapy, as well as natural supplements. Ask your oncologist if the program you're on offers a nutrition or alternative program that you can supplement with chemo! More to come on this...

Chemo for the caddie

Treatment for HL is pretty streamlined. ABVD is the chemo treatment I will be undergoing for the next six months en route to being CANCER FREE. For all my fellow cancer conquerors, ask your doctors about this treatment. You get chemo via IV day 1 and day 15 for six months. I do not need radiation, and I hope you don't either :).

Cancer Caddie Cure

Hi All!

I met with my oncologist at UM Sylvester in Miami yesterday. He is wonderful and so positive.

He told me I have Hodgkins Lymphoma- Stage 3A. I am almost a 2, but have a tiny spot on my spleen. The prognosis is very positive. This disease isn't about remission.. IT'S ABOUT A CURE. There is a 90% cure rate for HL. If you are a women, under 45, don't have cancer in bone marrow, are in good health, etc...you have an even better CURE rate. I'm all of those...yay!

Now I get to celebrate with my old and new golf team! Here's to kicking cancer to the curb :)

Pre Pet Scan

Tomorrow I am getting a PET Scan. I have to follow a special diet today: high protein & low carb. So, I had to deviate from my diet as only meats, hard cheeses, eggs, tofu and green veggies are allowed. Not sure how i will manage without fruit!!! But, this diet is to ensure a proper reading. Also, I have to stop eating and drinking 6 hours prior tomorrow. Wish me luck...let's fight!!!

Weekend

Morning cancer conquerers!!! Your caddie is reporting in from Delray Beach. I'm almost feeling 100% after BM test. I hope I can golf tomorrow...I'm with my second family getting some R&R and having many laughs. We are getting some sun (wearing spf 50) and listening to the calming waves...working on my mind this weekend and getting lots of positive thoughts circulating...enjoy the long weekend! #fightingpretty