Chemo Start Date

The day has arrived, next week to be exact.  Dr Watkins is away this week on vacation, we meet with him at 10 am on Monday and after he approves what Dr. Osborne has recommended, we will then proceed with Chemo. I did have a Chemo slot reserved for me in the infusion room for Monday, but received a call today that it has been moved to either Tuesday or Wednesday, they are still waiting on some information to return and were told it would be back on Monday.

One thing that I haven't shared with everyone is that through everything that has happened, my dear cousin Armida Nunez-Finley, MD has given us yet another great opportunity and allowed us to have a third opinion, by a colleague of her's and oncologist who also specializes in breast cancer at the Vancuver Cancer Center, Washington. We were able to send all of our information to them both from Midland and Baylor, the wonderful world of Technology. Brian and I feel very comfortable knowing that we not only have one, not two, but three opinions and all with the guidance of our cousin and of course the Doctors here in Midland who are not just MD's but friends and continue to provide guidance every step of the way.

I have had a full week of going to the Counselor, Dentist, Eye Doctor, who again all have been such a blessing.  Dr. Sears our dentist was wonderful, as always and full of information on what to expect and prevention, the kind of toothbrush I should buy, toothpaste, mouthwash and artificial saliva to prevent mouth sores, which are very common with Chemotherapy.  He said most people come in after the fact so it was wise of me to go in before so he could talk to me about starting now (a tip I was given by a great friend).

Then it was on to the Eye Doctor, it was time for my yearly exam and I had noticed my eyes had changed, get ready for this- they actually improved! YIPEEE for great news for once!!!!!!  He also was thrilled at my weight loss, he did extra testing and told me to go in at anytime if anything happens that is out of the ordinary, Dr. Phillips has always been so accommodating to our family.

As I have spoken to many of you, the advice I have received time and time again is, please see a counselor through this time, it is so important.  Most people don't like to admit that they are seeing someone, but I feel that just in case my story helps someone else at some point now or later, I am seeing someone.  Being able to talk to a professional that doesn't "know" everything, can give you an outside perspective, has been very helpful and encouraging.

My list of things to-do seems to be getting longer before chemo starts but I seem to be needing more rest and just take my naps when I need to and do what I can when I can.  I'll be honest when I was at the store yesterday I had to stop and take a few deep breaths because the reality of everything hit me all at once, but I just kept on walking! I know you all know how stubborn I am and I still am, but trust me I am in bed by 8 usually and get a good nights sleep.

The kids' are doing well, Bianca is wanting to be around me more and more, but is content just listening to her iPod smiling away.  Brooke wants to make sure we keep her informed every step of the way and has her GT test for Junior High next Tuesday, she scored 100 on math and science TAKS last year and 93 on reading which meant she only missed two! Blayr is my blue-eyed smiling girl who could run for school Mayor and might actually win because everyone knows who she is, she loves to read and read and read.  Lincoln, he is at the ranch right now, "running" things there before he comes back to run the baseball field :).

Again, Thank you all!
Leticia