Round 2 Begins and Summer is Over Half-way Gone

Round 2 began yesterday and I've got the Decadron Flush and headache going on today, but that's to be expected.   Met with the doctor yesterday and will do my August round before we scan again in September to see how this is working.  We also discussed my status for work, so I will be meeting with my principal next week about that plan.  Luckily, I have enough sick leave banked at this point so I don't have to worry about that yet.

Speaking of sick leave, I met with the STRS (retirment) rep this month and if I can hold out another year or two, I will have enough to retire on to pay my bills and eat.  If I retire today I can pay my bills but no money for food or fun leftover.  33 years in public education has been a good investment for retirement though and I do feel more optimistic.  Also met with my 403B manager and that should be able to help cover medical costs depending upon what happens in Washingon DC as that is a moving target these days especially with a "pre-existing" condition.

The two week break was helpful and by the second week I felt almost "normal".  If you saw my Facebook post, you know I got away for a few days to Sebastapol with friends.  It was lovely to get away.  Next weekend, Mom and I depart for our mother/daughter get away.  Returning to the coastal Rogue River for 4 days will certainly help recharge the batteries before work returns on August 10.  Can't believe how quickly the summer goes by.

Round 1 Complete

Round 1 was completed yesterday with my last 4 pills.  So far, everything is manageable.  As anyone taking medications knows (or listens to TV commercials), they all have side effects and the degree of severity is always the balance.  Mine so far have been mild and manageable.  A little queasiness that I can manage with food rather than more pills.  Tiredness that I manage with a nap.  Some other minor issues that I won't go into detail on, but nothing to keep me housebound or unable to venture forth.  Now I get a two week break before it all starts again. 

Meanwhile I'll keep chugging the water to flush the chemicals.  Celebrating Dad's 78th birthday on Sunday and a quick get away to Sebastopol the following weekend with some friends. 

One of my friends posted this on her own Facebook recently.  I've been reading it over as I face this newest twist in my cancer experience.  I don't feel "ripe" yet so I keep going forward one step at a time.  That is life for any one of us. 

In all honesty, when I think about dying I wonder if I will be afraid or if my faith will be as strong as I think it is. This quote by Jonathan Edwards really comforted my heart. When the time is right, I will be ready to go.

"When the fruit is ripe, it is easily gathered; it does not cleave fast to the tree, but is ready to quit it, and is picked without rending or making any wound. So is a saint that is ripe for heaven, he easily quits this world."

Thanks for following my ramblings.