A Plan Of Attack!

My brain is on overload. Do not be afraid!

As many know I met with the oncologist today. I did mention my brain is on overload...right? Well, I'm going to try a mind dump since it's late. Nothing fancy.

My diagnosis is Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is in my neck, chest and spleen. He said I have an uncommon form of it. I have always been unique though, haven't I?

I have several tests to get done next week. In Averi words, I need one to check out my heart, another for my lungs, another CT scan to use as a baseline (can't wait for that pee in my pants feeling), some basic lab work and a bone marrow biopsy. Something else was on that list but can't remember.

I go in on the end of the week for the bone marrow fun. He said he goes through the dimple in my butt....I'm curious as to which one...and pulls from the hip...unfortunately lipo is not included in this procedure. If the bone marrow comes back showing the disease then this treatment plan may be revised. As of now I'm at stage 3 cancer. If it's in the marrow then I will be considered at stage 4. Do not be afraid.

The plan of attack is.... I should start chemo treatment the Monday following the biopsy (day after Easter). I will go in every other week for treatment and the day after, will always go in for a shot to increase my white blood cell count. Two treatments = one cycle. I have to go through four cycles and then we will do another CT. If results show everything gone I will have two more cycles and be done. If it shows something then he will increase to four cycles and do more testing to make sure it's gone. Soooo, I'm looking at about 6-8 months of treatment.

He will give me 4 different chemo drugs. Can't for the life of me pronounce, spell or even remember them but he went through them one by one explaining side effects. I remember him saying I will loose my hair...which is sooooo ok with me AS LONG AS I loose everything between my arm pits and my toe hair. I'll consider myself jipped otherwise:) One drug may give me the runs but another may constipate me...so that balances things out... right? I can get mouth sores....ehh, ok. Tired and nauseousness is also common....been there done that two times for about a nine month stretch each (seriously guys I know there is a difference). No problem! Why??? Because there is no problem too big for my God! He is in control!

Max has been at EVERY appointment with me so far. He is an excellent question asker and I have grown to love him more every day. We have lots of military related paperwork to do (EFMP for you military folk that understand)...but pray that it's all made easy for him/us and the Doctor.

Kalee and Bear have and understanding appropriate for their age. We have been answering Kalees questions as she asks but am not overwhelming her with too many details. Bear said "no more nu-nu when you get the medicine, huh Mommy?"...so I take it he understands they will be out of commission after 6 1/2 years of honorable service.

I'm so tired...I need to sleep. I missed my regular nap today. I bet when I read this tomorrow I'm going to ask "What was I thinking?" I know better then to blog when I'm delirious...see how much I love you guys?

... God's love is unconditional.

Do not be afraid!