The Games Begin.....

Dec. 12, 2008

Game Plan…finally we have received the “game plan”.

I have been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and will begin my first round of chemotherapy next Friday, Dec. 19th. It is a relief to finally know what I will be facing. Right now the plan is that I will go through 3 rounds of chemo with a treatment once every 3 weeks. After that the doctor will reevaluate how effective the chemo is and then I will start a weekly round of radiation that will concentrate on getting rid of the cancer in my lung. The doctor feels that I shouldn’t have any severe side effects except I will lose my hair. So I will be getting my hair cut short soon, then I will be sporting a fashionable wig!!! I’ve always wanted to have short hair, so now it will finally be my chance since Ron can’t object!

Next Monday I will have an MRI to make sure that there is no cancer in my brain and I will also have a port installed so that I won’t have to be “stuck” constantly with needles for my treatments. On Wednesday Ron and I will go to “Chemo Class” to learn the finer details about chemotherapy. Friday the game begins…my first round of chemo. This first treatment will last between 5-6 hours, after that the treatments will only be 3-4 hours. I plan on taking up either knitting or crocheting and of course I will use some of the time to read! I am looking forward to having less visits to the hospital, it seems that I have been there too much lately! My treatments will be taking place at the Utah Cancer Specialist Building that is just down the street from my school.

I continue to feel calm through this whole ordeal, I’m sure that this is a direct result of everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Thanks!!!!
Now l just need to decide on a cut, short haircut! I’m sure that my girls will be helpful!