Down to one hand aka 5 more chemos!

I had chemo about a week ago. It was less than 14 days since my previous treatment, so everyone thought my counts would be too low for treatment. Yay... somehow they were not! Now I'm down to 5 treatments, so I am on track to a March 2013 treatment completion!!!! Still trying to manage side effects, but they will be gone before I know it!!!

Great Bloodwork!

I went in for chemo Friday after being neutropenic for a week...and got great results! All of my blood levels were in range. Yay, I was able to get treated. My body was a week extra off of the prednisone pre meds, so it really hit me! I was super hyper and could not sleep well for two days...at least I had my best friends bday to celebrate and another bf in town from New Zealand.

In less political news...me

So, we have a new president...or re-elected president! Political stuff is all over the news, all over Facebook statuses, and really every where you go today.

I am also in the news. Yes...little ole me! 

Check out this article:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boca-raton/fl-brf-light-1107-20121107,0,3082351.story

If you are in the Palm Beach County area, please join me in the 2012 Leukemia and Lymphoma Light the Night Walk.

It is from 5-8pm at Sunset Cove Amphitheater in West Boca Raton, Florida. I will be with TEAM GEO Group.

Let's Light the Night, Keep Calm, and Beat Cancer!!!!

Cycle 2

Good morning!! All is well at chemo day 15, cycle two. I'm at a beautiful facility with beautiful friends. I even got a surprise visit from someone! This place is so wonderful. You can feel the positive energy flowing with this supportive staff of nurses! Also, they bring around fresh cookies every few hours and I have a lake view!

Today, I am getting one more IV treatment for nausea. This might help the weird feeling I got days 3-5. Your cancer caddie is in great spirits and feeling great! xoxo

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.

After chemo

It has been two days since my first chemo appointment! I feel great. Part of the ABDV regimen includes a steroid. So...I am pretty hyper :-)! They said days 5-10 after chemo you might feel a bit crummy. During this time your counts and resistance will drop so avoid crowds, sick people, etc.

My doctor really wants me to continue to live my life! He's all for me going to the gym, playing golf, and spending time with friends and family. Last night I to a Zumbathon for my mom. It was beautiful and she definitely was with us there dancing away. Love you, Ma xoxo, Gina Marie.

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

Port

Yesterday I got my port put in! I am sore and bruised today, but nothing a caddie can't handle ;). Here is what to expect: 1- you must fast, 2- you will be sedated, 3- you will feel pressure on chest, 4- you'll never have to get pricked or poked again...yah!!! Xoxo

PS: Anyone out there have port tips??

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.