Kind of lost track of days...

Sorry everyone! I know the majority of you depend on this blog to keep you updated on my progress, since I haven't been answering private emails and my track record at returning phone calls isn't much better. Although I've been home since Friday night, I haven't felt much like writing--but I do check in for new comments at least once per day, so keep them coming!! Yes, I've become kind of an attention-whore (sorry for any offense, but it's the truth!). Coupled with my lack of energy with little desire to broadcast the dreary details of my daily life, and you have...no updates. Again, sorry!

Okay, I was officially sprung from out-patient care last Friday. I've been home--or more specifically--I've been on my couch, since that time. With the exception of when I am in my bed. I am not napping at all during the day, which my oncologist feels is good. Luckily, I AM sleeping somewhat better at night. Eating is not so great, but I did make myself take a compazine today and actually didn't feel like vomiting my lunch WHILE I was eating it--yay me!! Cognitively, I'm pretty cloudy, meaning I don't always think clearly and I have a hard time finishing sentences without assistance. I feel like my mind is on semi-permanent vacation. Unfortunately, it's been raining like crazy here, so my mind is not even enjoying sunshine while gone...emotionally I feel like I have actually stabilized a bit! Being back with my family is at least helping in that area!! Lots of other lovely side effects too, like the feeling my gut is being ripped from my body, diahrea (however that is spelled), numbing/throbbing in my hands and feet, and little motivation to do much of anything seem to top the list--but at least I've got my health, right?! I sure hope so!! Which reminds me, anyone who plans to spend significant time around me this winter may want to seriously consider a flu shot since my own immune system is too young and fragile to be able to accept the immunity from a shot. Guess we'll see who wants to hang with me this year!!!

So, the plan for the future...my oncologist (onc) wants to see me "perk up" before he starts radiation. He will send me to a radiation onc in 4-5 weeks, who will be more specific with me regarding the kind of treatment I will get. We are guessing around 4-5 weeks of daily radiation to my neck and possibly my chest. My onc is trying hard to convince me to get radiation in Omaha, which I can tell you now will NOT be happening since that would practically mean I'd have to live in Omaha for the duration of treatment. No thanks. Especially since each treatment lasts only about 15-30 minutes. I've been a very cooperative patient so far, but I draw the line when it comes to being away from my family--again. With any luck, I will then be done with treatment and "just" be under the very watchful eye of my onc, most likely for a very long time. I have been approved for disability, but unfortunately won't see a dime until the 25th of February. That will obviously make Christmas a little tight at our house, since the electric company doesn't really care about cancer!!! But, we will be together, and hopefully cancer-free, which is way better than tons of presents! Hope this finds you all doing well!!!