I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted an entry! My apologies to anyone out there who got concerned about my well-being due to my long silence.
My check-ups have been good all this time. The only issue I had was that a certain virus called CMV for short (I don't remember the long version of the name) came out in a blood test. It is similar to the chicken pox virus - most people have it, but it leaves us alone unless our immune system is weakened. I had to take an IV medication for that, and it was gone in a week. I continue to take it just as a precaution. The IV med was quite interesting. It looks like the lemon juice sold in lemon-shaped containers in supermarkets, but with a tube coming out of one end to attach to my PICC line (port). The "lemon" becomes smaller as the medication goes into my system. Once it is finished, I just take it off myself. So easy. I love technology!
I will be going for my check-up again tomorrow morning. The doctor has been very happy with my progress, so I do not expect it to be any different tomorrow. The doctor continues to reduce my medications, and I continue to feel better. God continues to be gracious to me and my family. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.
So what has been keeping me busy these days? Partying! :-) Not really. I spend two mornings a week at the hospital for check-ups. Then, it is mostly activities revolving around food - grocery shopping, cooking, eating and cleaning up. Since I cannot eat restaurant food, I had to prepare most meals by myself. Takeout food has taken a backseat to my culinary skills (or lack thereof). :-) It feels good to feed my family our favorite foods again. Then, there's the visits to the dentist and optometrist for myself and the kids, and some shopping (yes!).
I read something interesting recently. Apparently, spending 10 minutes a day to meditate, pray, or just clear the mind and do nothing can make a big difference in managing stress. There is some positive physical effect on the body, but I don't remember what it is anymore - blame it on my chemo brain. :-|
Another interesting thing I read recently. If you know anyone who has cancer, you can help them by trying to make them laugh or get them to be happy. Apparently, a recent study has shown that cancer patients who are positive and happy tend to recover faster than patients who are down, worried or depressed. The mental and emotional state of the person has a lot to do with the body's ability to recover.
Thank you all for your continued support through your prayers and well-wishes. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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