Stanford Medical- Mele Kalikimaka

As happens on journeys things can change direction at the last moment and flexibility has always served us well. Our plan to enjoy a few weeks of getting to know our surroundings and have some fun shifted to immediately starting a round chemotherapy upon the advice of our oncology team.  This is an 'extra' chemo round while I am waiting for the radiation treatments to begin mid-January. The doctors are hoping that a strong course of chemo while I am fit and strong will reduce the tumors before the main treatments begin.

I now look at this ‘bonus’ course as training for the marathon that will be ahead of us when the next rounds begin. *swimming metaphor, I am not jumping into that freezing pool with the Amazon women of Stanford* 

My super charged 'bonus' round punched a wallop but I am happy to report ‘all things considered’ I have weathered it very well.  Now I will have about 3 weeks to rebuild and be more prepared for what lies ahead.

We always prepare before a hurricane hits and I felt strong but definitely scared as this one approached. I knew I would feel bad physically but it didn’t occur to me that there would be a big psychological and emotional component to it. Breathing and meditating to help stabilize underlying fears of mortality as they edged their way to the forefront were completely dashed once the fluids started coursing through my veins. I believe that the much-needed steroids pushed me over the edge, my mind went haywire with uncontrollable racing thoughts, my body felt like constant ‘static-electricity’ all the while the tears never ceased to flow. Alas, now that the steroids are through my system I feel 'back' and myself again and am breathing with ease with no more static-electricity.

 

Whew, 3 consecutive days of chemo and 3 more of mania and I’m back. I have 3 weeks to train for the next rounds and this time I will know what is coming, we can do this. I say we because it is not just Janet and I on this journey, we both feel everyone holding and supporting us during this time, every one of you is helping Janet and I through this marathon.    

Here are 2 screen shots of scans showing my tumors before any treatments had begun. You can also see how cancer is navigated during Covid via tele-med. It's wonderful because both Janet and I can be together safe and sound in the comfort of our own temporary nest during each appointment.  Treatments are different, I must go alone. They allowed Janet to accompany me for the first treatment only. 

The Cancer center is very quiet and peaceful with only patients and medical staff and exquisite artwork everywhere, I feel completely supported at Stanford and am so happy to be here.

So let's all join in a toast to say good riddance to this miserable year! I with a laxative and Janet with a sedative to a new year of world health, high hopes, renewed vigor and a breath of fresh air in the White House!