Response

Hey everyone!  I haven't updated in awhile...  I guess I was worried that I would bug you all with my ramblings, but the response I have received has been wonderful!  I have read your comments and received emails and facebook posts and it all has been so encouraging and helpful.  I am so thankful for all of your thoughts, prayers, and involvement. 
I just finished cycle 6 of this latest go around with chemotherapy.  My doctor judges me on three factors...  First being clinical health-meaning how I feel overall.  Second is tumor marker, also known as a CEA number, and third is scans.  I will say that I am feeling pretty good.  Definitely doing better this time than last.  Yes, I am a bit sluggish, but I fight through it and try to keep moving.  The doctor feels that my clinical health is good.  Second, my tumor marker...  It is important to know that this is only used to show trends....  so it does not matter how high or how low the number, it is the direction in which the number is going.  Before I started treatment, my tumor marker was at 154, I am down to a 64!  This is very good news!  It did bump up 6 points last week, but again the overall trend is downward.  As for scans....  I hate them, and I guess I am not alone.  It seems that all cancer patients get a little edgy when it comes to scans.  I haven't had one since August or so, that means I am due for scans very soon.  They are very stressful, and when the technicians write up their results - they leave out the warm-fuzzy words and call it like they see it.  In my case it usually reads "numerous nodules in both lungs" "too many nodules to count but all very small in diameter" growth is usually just a fraction of an inch.  I am hoping for the same results... or maybe even a reduction in size when I have my scan in early December, but we will just see what it says.  I will post again then to let you all know.  So I have 2 out of 3 going my way as far as the 3 factors go. 
Some more good news...  after finishing cycle 6, I only have maybe a few more cycles to go before I'm up for my "chemo-holiday".  I will probably have cycle 7 for sure and then call it quits for awhile to let my body repair.  It will be nice to have some stamina during the holidays!  I still go thru some downer days at times, but your correspondence helps so much!  If I manage to get to my computer, there is usually a message or two that reminds me things aren't so bad and helps me get to smiling again.  I still really miss my job, but I have to say that I am settling into my "retirement" lifestyle quite comfortably.  More home-cooked meals, movies, visitors, and games.  The days are a little quiet with the kids at school.  Thank heavens Derek has early dismissal so it's not so bad. 
Last thing I feel I should mention...  my hair is finally giving up.  It is still there but very thin and I have some bald spots starting to poke thru.  Ugh!  It's a small side effect but I do miss my long hair.  Not sure what I'm going to do about it yet, hats for now I guess.  I'll just take it one day at a time. 
Thanks again everyone for being so kind.  Hugs & Kisses to all!  I will post again in a couple of weeks.
~LeAnne