First of all, I’m sorry for the long lag between posts… Partly it is because my computer has been acting up (it may actually be time to replace this decade-old device!), partly it’s because I’ve been more tired lately, and partly it’s because the warmer weather has been inviting me out to look for signs of Spring! Many of you have assured me I don’t need to apologise or explain, but since I know that many of you are wondering and waiting for updates I will quickly write and post this before I head back out again!

Secondly, I want to express my appreciation for the many people who are contributing in so many amazing ways to our lives. We are so blessed! I’ve seen a physiotherapist at the cancer centre who is helping me learn to breathe better and improve my balance. I love receiving encouraging messages from friends near and far! I cannot express how deeply we appreciate the prayers of so many people in many places. We’ve received gifts and care packages and encouraging visits. Friends continue to bring us food and serve our family in so many ways. I am loving being able to be outside to enjoy the warmer weather to reconnect with many folks I haven’t hardly seen over the winter. I am so thankful that my voice is improving – I still can’t sing, but it is easier for me to talk now! I get to have significant conversations with people regularly, and this energises me. These good gifts nourish me deeply, and we are very grateful!

One of the many beautiful gifts!

Thirdly, here is the summary of Round Five of Chemotherapy: intensified highs and lows…

The first week plus I felt so tired I would often fall asleep within moments of sitting down. Afterwards, I wondered if I was fighting a bug in addition to the chemo effects. My feet and hands were feeling very numb, I experienced more painful muscle cramps, my balance was worse, and the nausea continued after the first three days. I didn’t take my extra nausea meds, but several times seriously considered it and took to wearing my anti-nausea bracelets most of the days and nights. Accessing vocabulary / remembering / thinking was often very challenging and multi-tasking impossible at times.

Suddenly I started feeling better: I had more energy and could walk farther and faster than I’d done in ages. The exercises I’d been doing started getting easier. I noticed a spring in my step. I focussed on getting out more.

Now I’m in my neutripaenic (sp?) phase, where I have virtually no immunity / red blood cells / platelets, so I’m feeling tired again, but finding with good rhythms of activity and rest I can still get out a bit and get a few things done.

On Monday I have an appointment with my oncologist to learn whether I will have a sixth round of chemo. If I do, and if things continue in the previous schedule, I will likely start next Thursday. Amazingly, I feel deep peace …

Thank you so much for travelling this journey with us. We are grateful for so many good companions.