Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Tomorrow is my last chemo (ever) ! ! !

I'm usually of the 'never-say-never' philosophy, but in this case I'm okay with saying that tomorrow, #8, will be my final chemotherapy session. No qualifications. I'm of mixed emotions - not that I will miss the nausea, diarrhea, sleeplessness, hair loss, fatigue, and crabbiness. On one hand, I will not miss those things at all. I will not miss having lymphoma at all. But on the other, I'm not looking forward to the next week. The doctors say that the effects of chemotherapy are not cumulative, but they are in me. The day after my first chemo I deadlifted a personal record (at the time) of 335 lbs. I won't be attempting the same on Friday. One thing about cancer, no two are the same, no two people have the same cancer experience. So I expect the next week to be rough. Hopefully this isn't a self-fulfilling prophesy. But each morning when I wake up feeling better than the day before, I'll know that I'm on the mend. And then the long five year wait begins. I don't like to think of it as a wait, though. Wait implies that something will happen. Nothing will happen. Let's call it five years of confirming continued good health.

7 comments:

Amanda said...

Congrats! Looking forward to a visit to celebrate, well, the last visit!

Anonymous said...

The road's been bumpy these last few months but it will be sure to smooth out soon. Tomorrow is the beginning.

We are thinking of you. Be strong. Good luck.

Talk with you tomorrow.

Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Yay Bob!! Congrats! Looking forward to a celebration in June!!
Jodie

Anonymous said...

Hey there Bob, Patricia from Nashville here. I just wanted to send my very best wishes to you for a successful chemo tomorrow. Aren't you glad this nightmare is over! I had my last chemo the same time you had your last chemo and I am getting better and better every day. You will, too. One thing I've found to be so interesting in your case is your exercise maintenance. I've had so little energy for barely more than recuperating and trying to stay alive. It's been a real you-know-what, this cancer crap. But then again you're a young dude, right! Nevertheless, blessings to you and your lovely bride (AND your furry babies - can't forget them!. Take good care of yourself. If you guys ever get to Nashville, please look me up. I can be reached at poocinty@hotmail.com and I'd love to meet a fellow comrade. Bye for now. Patricia

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and well done mate!!!!!! Thinking of you guys!!! Lots of love
Hebe, Lee and Theo-munchkin xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Over the past few months I have loved watching you check off each finished appointment in that right column. Yay, #8 down! We're drinking a toast to you and Anna tonight here in NS...
XO
Roxy and Jamey

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Bob,
This is great news, look forward to seeing you guys again

Yves