If you had told me in October 2012 that I would still be here and feeling pretty darn good in August 2013, I would have thought you were very optimistic. Facts back up my pessimism. Less than 50% of all Stage 4 lung cancer patients live for one year after diagnosis. I realize I haven't actually made it a year yet ... I have to make it to the end of October for that ... but God willing, that is going to happen.
This picture was taken at UT Southwestern where I was receiving a test drug as part of the research study I am in. It marks the last time I will have an infusion through a vein in my arm (or hand, as the case may be). Tomorrow, I go in for a port. No food or water after midnight. Arrive at St Paul Hospital by 7. St. Paul is an hour away! We'll be getting up and getting with it early!!
As you can tell by the picture, I don't look particularly sick except for the tubes coming out of my arm. It is because I am NOT very sick. My blood tests continue to be nearly perfect. My organs are holding up beautifully. I haven't lost weight (not necessarily a good thing in my mind but most people find that a positive). Despite receiving chemo for six treatments of a 3-chemical cocktail and six more of one chemical, I didn't lose my hair. It did get really ugly though so I had just had it all cut off not too long before the picture above was taken.
What's It Been Like?
Once you receive a cancer diagnosis, I don't think it can ever be forgotten or even pushed very far back from the forefront of thoughts. The fact that I have stage 4 lung cancer - the deadliest of all cancers - with only 15% of all those diagnosed, including those diagnosed at an early stage - living for five years - controls nearly everything I do. For instance, vegetables are not my favorite dish but I try hard to eat dark green vegetables every chance I get (realizing, of course, that we eat out most every meal). When we eat at a buffet, I will frequently choose to eat fish. I drink vegetable and/or tomato juice by the gallons. I try to stay away from carbonated drinks and, despite craving on occasion a mixed drink, I have refrained from imbibing. All in the interest of a healthier lifestyle.
Likewise, you will find me walking my dogs every morning. They are such a blessing. If I didn't have them, I know I would not make myself get up and out. Not only do we walk, we also go to agility practice most Saturday mornings - even now in the hot August Texas summer heat. Last week, between the two dogs, I ran 6 or 8 complete courses. I have to sit down between runs and catch my breath, but I can still run! Thank you, Jesus!!! I am blessed.
For the first few months, I refused to buy anything for myself. I didn't want to spend any money on someone who was short for this earth. I finally broke down and purchased several pairs of slacks and lots of little summer tops (admittedly, the tops have all come from Walmart or Sam's, but still!). I've signed up for magazines that have subscriptions that run for a year. I've signed up for dog trials and photography classes.
On the other hand, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening for hours to the Gaither Vocal Band. Some of their videos make you happy; make you want to clap and sing along with them. I looked into going to a concert of theirs. There is a 3-day event in Tennessee over Memorial Day 2014 that sounds like a ton of fun. Tickets would amount to several hundred dollars. I have chosen not to invest despite the fact that really good seats are still available.
I'd really love to have a new car, too. But, I don't want to purchase something long term that Robert might be stuck paying for without me here to help.
So, short term, there are not huge changes in my life. I can't go to as many agility practices or trials because of stamina, desire not to spend excessive amounts of money, and a growing lack of interest. But, I have developed new interests that take a little less stamina (maybe), such as photography. Why can't I ever find a cheap hobby??!!
I have more to say, but it is getting late and I have to get moving early in the morning. I'll try to revisit here a whole lot sooner than I have been so far!
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