Monday, December 31, 2012

December 31, 2012

Surprised even myself, didn't think I'd be in New York City for New Year's Eve but hey here I am!

So far, so good with the infection. Not nearly out of the woods just yet, but moving in the right direction. It's been a very tough 48 hours. Things certainly don't get too much better from here though with the whole second week after chemo coming up, but we'll power through it.

So in the past week I've been home for a mere day or so. This is simply no good. Katie must be struggling in my absence. Who is she talking to? Tilting her head at? Losing in staring contests to? (yeahhhhh she's always number two) These are my concerns.

And so I'm stuck in here for at least another night. Sigh. Happy New Year everyone!


Sunday, December 30, 2012

December 30, 2012

Aaaaaaand he's back. In the hospital...ugh. Good news though: the fever has broken. Now if only my blood pressure would cooperate.

It's been a struggle for sure. Nothing like a 105 fever followed by 5 forced liters of hydration. But hopefully coming out of it! We can only pray that the last tests tomorrow show that everything is good and I can get out of here for a little while.

Love how the Giants figured out how to score points today...anddd the Hynocerous, gettin that TD!! 

Resting up and hoping for the best tomorrow. Until later everyone.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

December 29, 2012

A severe delay in today's blog post due to someeee fever that I still can't seem to shake. Bumped up to 105.1...don't act like you're not impressed. But it's actually not funny: a trip to Sloan this morning followed by that spike in temperature has landed me on the couch feeling quite terrible.

Hopefully the fever breaks otherwise I'm back down to Sloan and getting admitted. Really want to avoid that for as long as possible, but it appears at some point next week I'll be back in there. Obviously don't like it in there.

So what happened? Fighting an infection I must've picked up while at chemo. What infection? Don't know. Right now my white blood cell count is high: means that I'm fighting the infection but those counts are about to go down due to chemo; hence, my likely return to the hospital soon. Hopefully it gets beat by the antibiotics they gave me today. Fingers crossed, prayers said.

Until tomorrow everybody. Stay well!

Friday, December 28, 2012

December 28, 2012

A late start today thanks to the lack of sleep I've been getting the past two days. Took a nice little nap here at Sloan, no small feat given the noise level here.

So far so good, gas pains have picked up a bit but I just remain waterlogged. So...much...fluids...I'm blown up! My face hasn't been this round since like age 4.

Hydrating today, very quiet in terms of actual medical news. Not feeling so great, bit of a stomachache which may or may not be the nausea they speak of possibly occurring that I had avoided so well for so long. Rats. I hope it doesn't progress! Hopefully out of here by this evening and continuing the last day of hydration at the homestead. Nothing like it.

And so wraps up chemo #3. Nearly halfway there!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

December 27, 2012

Day two. The sun rises in an empty sky and the heat of the desert awakens...no water in sight and my canteen has been arid for days. Talk about polar opposites...I've never been more hydrated in my life.

On to day two of treatment and all is swell so far. Barely slept last night, as is to be expected, so frequent naps will be on the agenda today indeed. FYI, a  little French Toast for breakfast...delectable.

They tried to convince me it was a good idea to send me home Saturday and once my hydration is done, de-access (remove needles from) myself. BUGHHHH needles are my nightmare. And then recommending a parent to do it if I can't...never. Sorry Bigfoot and Old Man Wrinkles, no can do. So I'll be down here somewhere most of Saturday, could be worse. Really have no problem with it.

Keep on keepin' on everyone. Life's a garden, dig it. (Great movie that Joe Dirt, Christopher Walken at his finest.)

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

December 26, 2012

Live...from New York...

I can see where some may mentally struggle with chemotherapy. I woke up today feeling pretty darn good. I mean the best I've felt since surgery; not back to my healthiest days but nevertheless pretty swell considering. But then the reality sets in: I'm up at 4:45 AM to head back down to Sloan to inject poison into my body to fight off this disease and start the whole process over again. But for me, this struggle is easily remedied by a simple thought: would I rather be looking down at the grass, or up at it? Soooo no problem. Cue the Rocky music and let's get on with the show.

Still so grateful to have had Christmas at home. There's nothing like Christmas. Except for "A Christmas Story"...I could so do without that movie. Everything else is grand.

Really upset I'm gonna miss this snowstorm at home, just something about snow in the valley. I'll get Mom to send me a picture of the joint. The Christmas Eve snow was such a tease, but it did look great for, and provide a white, Christmas - so there's that.

Hope everyone had a great day yesterday and hopefully you all have at least a few more days off. Hasta luego.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

December 25, 2012

The day has come. Merry Christmas everyone!

I'll take a portion of today's blog post to thank everyone who has been sending their thoughts, prayers, and cookies to the Modico Compound. It's been a tremendous outpouring of love and support and I really cannot thank everyone enough. You all prove that the holiday spirit is real, alive, and well.

Really going to enjoy the day today. There's nothing like Christmas - even the house feels just a bit cozier today than every other day of the year. The little bit of snow was clutch last night - real clutch. This place looks prime, such a Christmas house.


I'll be broadcasting live from Sloan tomorrow morning. Until then, I hope all of you have a wonderful day with you and yours. Enjoy it!

Monday, December 24, 2012

December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve is upon us, and I am a fantasy football champion.

It was actually crucial that I won the fantasy league because the poor excuse for a football team that the Giants put on the field yesterday was really grinding my gears. I think at a certain point even Katie got up, turned away from the TV, and laid back down in utter defiance of her fanship. (Katie is a known fan of the New York Football Giants and The Masters, for those who were unaware.)


Christmas Eve is awesome; always look forward to our annual dinner with the Labozza family and am lucky enough to be able to do such again this year. Naturally, I'll be stuffing my face with all the delicious Italian food possible. Here's to the good life.

As you and yours gather tonight and tomorrow, or have already gathered, I send out the best of holiday wishes. Enjoy, everyone.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

December 23, 2012

Weather.com really pulling the tease maneuver with terrifying efficiency right now, telling me I'll be waking up to a White Christmas. Behave, weather.com, behave.

Sunday. Domingo. Foozball. Giants better figure it out.

Went down and saw the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with the family (minus mutt) yesterday. Wasn't as tall as I remember it historically being - perhaps a shorter version this year because all the tall ones were wiped out by Sandy? I digress. It was a nice time out - followed by an absolutely delicious dinner with none other than Aunt Kim. Always highly entertaining.


Still unsure what to do about this hair. Very interesting conundrum. It's like I've got a bunch of ultra stubborn Tienanmen Square guy-like single strands of hair just refusing to fall out. Really making that Toy Story baby head comparison less funny by the day...but still pretty funny.

G-Men better win. That is all. Until tomorrow.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

December 22, 2012

Ah the 22nd. Take that Mayans. Though I guess we all knew nothing was going to happen, especially since the Mayans didn't account for leap days.

I have more cookies and goodies here than I know what to do with. Thanks everybody for helping me out with the calorie intake! I really am just so soft nowadays, but the cookies are just too much to resist. Katie's been running the schnoz overtime trying to grab a sniff of all the goods on the table.

Had a great visit with a group of friends from school yesterday; just a solid bunch they are, and haven't seen them in a month and a half so it was quite swell to see them again. Wish I could see everyone again. In due time.

Feeling particularly tired today, probably because of the big day I had yesterday. Gotta rest up and get ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before heading in for chemo round 3 on Wednesday. Busy times, these holidays.

Time to get some schoolwork done. Really pushing deadlines nowadays. Yikes. Later everyone.



Friday, December 21, 2012

December 21, 2012

Thought the forecast called for 14,000 degrees and fireballs? Sure looks like the opposite to me.

Made the executive decision to pick up a new television for the family for Christmas. It's already been unveiled and installed by yours truly so there's no surprise lost here, no worries. I'd like to thank UBS (and the hours I put in) for this beauty, who has wi-fi built in and, get this, a Netflix button on the remote. ON THE REMOTE. If that's not a tell-tale sign of a Mayan Armageddon, I don't know what is.

Slept well last night. See these are the things you look forward to in my current state: sleep, food, TV...and hopefully good to superb versions of all the above. Gotta do some cleaning, been slacking hard on that front.

Katie is quite miffed today about the rain, and so am I, because she reeks of wet dog - mainly because she is a wet dog. Woof.

Busy day today. Catch you all tomorrow.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

December 20, 2012

Finished with Financial Policy. One course down, two to go. Man that feels good.

Finished the M&M cookies. Multiple batches down, none to go. Man that feels awful.

Again, feeling pretty good today. Good enough to get up early and crank out finance projects. Haven't felt that good in 21.75 years...but actually I am doing pretty well. This has been a fantastic week on many fronts.

So.....

The Dalai Lama walks into a pizza shop and asks, can you make me one with everything?

(Clearly I was unamused when Mom insisted on taking this picture, but it's actually too spot on not to share.)

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

December 19, 2012

Slowly creeping our way to the 25th aren't we?

So I guess I can thank the steroids a bit for my seemingly youthful appearance nowadays - got quite a round face. It used to be people saying I looked older than I actually was - now I'm wearing around my Kennedy Catholic High School baseball jacket and have been asked multiple times how I like it there. Guess there's also chemo to blame for the hair loss. Chemo you are a cruel thing for taking away my beard and oh so gawwwgeous locks, among other reasons.

The docs have been kind - next round of chemo delayed until the 26th. Christmas is, unequivocally, mine. Also, rationing has begun on the M&M cookies: currently 3 left. These are lean times...a second batch may be in order after all. Unsure if I can do that to myself again. The M&M cookie diet has been...magical, but perhaps should be saved.

For those curious and concerned, I know she was not mentioned in the last blog post but indeed Katie lives, and sleeps. Highlight of yesterday had to be her waking herself up with a massive snore, then jumping up, looking around, and laying back down to continue the nap. Classic wondermutt.

Personally, I'm feeling pretty good. The pains seem to decrease with time but some come back with each chemo treatment. Guess it will be a standard cycle; we shall see.

Until later everyone.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

December 18, 2012

You just have to feel something for Jets fans. I mean try tell me that game didn't just end exactly how it absolutely had to end. Try. It was perfect in so many ways. The Giants were pitiful, sure, but at least it seems like there's a faint light at the end of that tunnel. New York football...ugly.

These M&M cookies are lethal. I think I've consumed half the batch in about 36 hours. Normally I'd be mildly concerned about this and think back to freshman year of college when I was about 40 pounds rounder, but then I realize I need calories, grin ear to ear, and proceed to stuff my face. I smell the envy out there...simmer down everybody.

I'm getting back into listening to music more often. I'm a big music guy, especially modern country nowadays, so it feels right to get Today's Country crankin' on Pandora or maybe even a little XM The Highway, if I can get that signal to work, back into the mix. I highly recommend to the non-believers out there.

Rodney Atkins for your listening pleasure. Later world.

Monday, December 17, 2012

December 17, 2012

Ah yes, a dreary and gross Monday. Perfect for getting some of this schoolwork done. Also perfect for naps. Oh boy.

*** On Sunday, December 16th, 2012 Anno Domini, the elusive M&M cookies of legendary lore were produced. And much to my pleasure, the taste is just as I remember it, unaltered by chemo. This is a great day.

We enter the third week of the cycle. The heavenly third week of the cycle. "Recovery" they call it, bliss I say. Blood count comeback city. Feeling good, obviously looking better (was there ever any doubt?).

Katie just cut the cheese more or less in my face. I'm sorry if that's too much for you all to handle and are grossed out, but people need to know the daily struggle I undertake living with this mutt. And for all those wondering, yes, this was all accomplished as she snores away. All she cares about are treats and snoozin', snoozin' and treats. She's the greatest.

Time for the first of those naps it feels like. Catch you all later.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

December 16, 2012

Back to the grind. Just gotta sit here and do my best to watch every second of NFL football possible. A struggle, yes, but someone's gotta do it. As always, let's go G-Men.

Real gross day outside today which makes for a fantastic atmosphere indoors: tree is lit, dim lighting on, real Christmas-y feel...would be even furthered if it were snowing. Can't have it all.

Today may just be cookie day. The mouth sores have decidedly retreated to the point where eating such may in fact be possible. This.....is massively awesome.

For all those curious: yes, Katie was indeed awake for maybe 25 whole minutes so far today (currently 10 AM). The laziest of mutts. The wonderful ladies of Boston College, and Boston College's VB team, sent said mutt her very own mini-volleyball. I feel like it's too good not to share. Enjoy world!


Saturday, December 15, 2012

December 15, 2012

A very different blog post today, something that I've been wanting to get out there and, in light of recent events, feel like is the appropriate time to do such. Disclaimer: I wish to offend no one, this is not me patting myself on the back (too much), and I'm certainly not being pessimistic or negative. Here goes.

The disease I have is very real, and I know that it may "cut short" my lifetime. ANYTHING could have done this, from freak accidents to who knows what, but this disease has come along and decided it wants to take me on. I'm all for the fight and you know what, I'm all about it. This is the cross I have to bear, because I have had some kind of unbelievable life and truly believe I will continue to have such after I beat this up.

I know it's hard when you hear about the news of someone you know getting a disease like this. I never knew what to say, so most of the time I figured, "Heck, they really don't want to hear from another person, especially me," so I wouldn't even reach out and contact them. I'd just include them in my daily prayers and think about things that my skill set might be able to help them with along the line. This may have been wrong on my part because it means a ton to have that outpouring of love and support from everyone who offers it. It really does, and I sincerely thank you all for it.

HOWEVER, the absolute last thing I personally want to hear or read from anyone is that they're "sorry for what has happened" to me, or a frown and a shake of the head. No no no no no! There is no reason for sorrow for what has happened to me. Sure it's cruddy, who wants cancer or wants to have to fight it? But think about this please: I was 21 years, 8.5 months old when I was diagnosed with this. In that time, I have certainly lived and experienced so much of what life has to offer, which I really believe is a huge part of what our time here on Earth is all about (a conversation for another day) - this is 100% due to how I was brought up, taught, and, frankly, funded by my parents who I'll never be able to thank enough and that's the honest truth.

I walk into the pediatric wing at Sloan Kettering for treatments. You don't even want to look left or right: you see the spectrum of youth, teens to infants, hooked up to pumps and machines being treated for cancer; it is heartbreaking each and every time to see. There's simply no way they could experience what life has to offer simply based on the time they've had - and that deserves sorrow, in my opinion. Those situations are what are not fair. What happened to all the victims in Newtown, Connecticut, deserves sorrow and is not fair. So please, don't ever be sorry for me - I'm really an overly lucky guy.

We're optimistic in this. We're going to fight and beat this, and it's not going to be beaten with sorrow. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors that I hope gets you thinking, even living:

"Enjoying living was learning to get your money's worth and knowing when you had it." - Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises

Friday, December 14, 2012

December 14, 2012

Things are starting to happen people. Good things.

After 2 or 3 admittedly terrible days, I feel like I may have turned a corner yesterday afternoon into today. Namely: a) Temperature control has been much better; b) Mouth sores are beginning to subside a bit; c) I woke up in the middle of the night on my side...which I haven't slept on in over a month; and d) certain neurological capacities (things that have been numb since onset of symptoms) seem to be possibly coming back. Wow.

Getting close to Christmas...can't wait. It's the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it? Sorry, random musing as I hang out with the poinsettias and ol' tannenbaum over here. Alright these Jets references have got to go.

Again, thank you all for the outpouring of love and support. Seems like everyday I get a card or package wishing well from someone - you all know how grateful I am for all of it and I'm doing my absolute best to get back to everyone!

Until tomorrow everyone.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

December 13, 2012

Stuck at Sloany for a bit it appears. Counts are still quite low but since lucky me sprung a nosebleed yesterday, it'd be sage to get some extra platelets tranfused into the system. Needless to say I'm all for it.

My mediport didn't work this morning: yes, the uncomfortable, sub-skin access device to allow for easier blood-related activities did..not..work. Excuse me? I hate needles already, so this has been one heck of a nightmare in that small regard (in the big picture), and now this puppy decides it's not gonna bark at the delivery man? Luckily it was a quick fix with a bit of a "Roto-Rooter" type antibiotic. Great fun.

Chillin' otherwise. Think I'll take a nap. Later folks.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

December 12, 2012

Although I may have avoided the wrath of the chemo's nausea effects this time around, it appears I couldn't avoid the mouth sores or body temperature regulation effects. Aw shucks. Mouth sores make is difficult to open the mouth and chew things, body temperature puts everyone on high alert that it might creep up too high and land me back in the hospital due to infection. Livin' on the edge here folks!

In other news I have perhaps the longest fingernails known to man. Well not really because we've all seen this guy. I'll request a personal manicure from mother upon her return from work (though she'll read this before coming home and know...so thanks in advance, mother).

Watching Katie attempt to find the most comfortable nap spot each day (and then pass out) is perhaps the highlight of my day. I may or may not find myself talking to her a bit too much, but I don't mind because she gives good facial expression responses, so I feel somewhat justified. She's kinda like a magic 8 ball, the responses are random and sometimes don't fit but hey, they're something. Woof.

Until later everyone.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

December 11, 2012

Delayed start boys and girls, up bright and early to get down to Sloan for the blood tests. Some low blood tests...hello, neutropenia! So they say you should be ultra careful should your neutrophil (specific white blood cells that fight bacterial infections) count go below .5 - my entire count of white blood cells is .2...yeesh. So I'm really in need of isolation through the weekend!

And so here I am, napped out hard this morning upon return from Sloan to catch up on sleep. Real nice nap. Top 10 I'd say.

So what to do besides wash my hands on the reg and schoolwork? Not much. Think about the next meal, think about how to soothe the mouth sores, that's about it. Keeping cool, hoping for no fever or infection.

Wish me luck!



Monday, December 10, 2012

December 10, 2012

Double digits in December, already? Time flies when you're having fun.

Weekdays...daytime television...stuck in the house...gross. Rain, can't even take a little walk outside. Looks like all my procrastination plans have gone by the wayside and schoolwork is on deck. Good.

So since I was in quite a terrible state of physical being on actual Thanksgiving Day, we had Thanksgiving Part Deux yesterday. Man, oh man, it was goooood. Turkey with all the fixings: stuffing, turnips, mashed potatoes, corn, crescent rolls, cranberry sauce and gravy. Sure stuffed this bird alright. The kicker is that I can't have the leftovers, due to potential bacteria, so I really enjoyed myself while it was fresh. Suffered a bit on the spot - being so full - but still a great call.

So the hair is just about all gone, got some stragglers which is comical. A bit like this. It's pretty sweet, and undeniably cold I must say. Never realized how much the flow insulated the noggin.

By the way, how about David Wilson? Who knows, if these G-Men put together another nice little run...we'll see. Cautiously optimistic.

Happy Monday everyone. Actually try to enjoy it!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

December 9, 2012

Ah Sunday, you know what that means: Let's go Giants. Though I'm sure I'm about to be frustrated by another perplexing performance, I hold out strong hope for a victory.

Get this: no cookies yesterday. I know right? What is this delay nonsense? Well, Aunt Pat made cupcakes and, yeah, they were a much easier alternative to actually physically making said cookies ...and unbelievably delicious. Therefore, the delay is okay.

I've been waking up quite early, probably due to going to sleep earlier and just the struggles of sleeping with all the physical stuff going on. Waking up early does make one feel like he or she could be quite productive; I mean I crank out the blog nice and early and then have 14 hours to think about doing my schoolwork. Kidding! I've started no worries - gettin' that diploma. Plus, daytime TV...woof.

And so we enter into the medical isolation phase. Blood counts should be about ready to drop, and I've got to remain really careful to stay away from any kind of sickness - even the sniffles. Also have to be really careful about what I eat - frozen dinners on deck, Tombstone pizzas, and I'm thinking Pop-Tarts. Aw yeah.

Catch you later, folks.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

December 8, 2012

I'm getting so soft it's nearly unfathomable. All I think about is food, but this is a good thing considering chemo requires calories for energy to fight this bad boy disease. Yee-haw. Still soft though.

As a result, I find myself researching what I can and can't eat nearly all the time...it's going to get old sometime. It's got to. Maybe not? I'm making cookies today. Yeah, it's happening. Let's just let it happen folks, nothing to see here - what are you looking at? (M&M cookies FYI, recruiting mother for assistance.)

It's going to be some wonder how I'm not 200 pounds, but I guess as a result of all this hospital stay/ treatment stuff I've actually continued to shed pounds (my poor, poor tushion. Once so girthy and plentiful, now a mere shadow of it's former self....sigh). I've actually joked with my best friend about dropping below him in weight...and then actually did. Quite the shock, but the appetite is good so we'll see how that goes.

Quite tired these days, but going to do my best to get some schoolwork together to hand in. Gotta finish up this semester, get some courses together for next semester, and graduate on time darn it! Boston College is the absolute best; working with me to see if this is possible. Awesome people up there, but no shock - they've been amazing even before I was diagnosed. Love 'em.

Wish me luck, world!

Friday, December 7, 2012

December 7, 2012

Happy Birthday Chris, who turns 17 today! Also a significant day of remembrance for those who where at Pearl Harbor; we shall never forget.

So where am I today? HOME. Ah yes, the palace. Back in my recliner, unhooked from the myriad of tubes from IV pumps, watching Katie the Mutt wake up from her slumber to....snooze some more. Struggle city.

Upon arrival home, the sensation of ease is immediate. It's uncanny. Then again, as a 21 year old sitting in the pediatric ward of Sloan Kettering, going anywhere else provides some solace. It's tough but since technically I have a pediatric disease, it's where I've got to be for 10 hours a day during these cycles. I'm not going to complain, because I know it is the best spot in the world to be in for the treatment I need. I'm grateful for it.

And so Nicky Mo has made it through chemo cycle number two. Later this weekend and next week I'll be all but knocked out they say, fatigued from the low blood counts. But before then, I'm moving around, grabbing some food and fresh air with Mom and Dad before I hit the medical isolation time period. Maybe if you're around you may see me out - looking a tad bit like Voldemort with patchy hair and glasses. It's a look and a half.

Until next time.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

December 6, 2012

Day 4...Let's get out of here!


Another night of hydration and lack of sleep...always fun. Then again, I'm not sure why I'm even remotely complaining because it's much, much better than the sleepless, painful nights that I was having pre-diagnosis. Hopefully this chemo is melting these tumors away...I've got good vibes people.

Also, which is quite lucky and I ask everyone to continue praying for such: nausea has been so far under control. The meds they're giving me are doing some good work it appears, and I haven't had to really ramp up the take-home "rescue" doses they've given me just in case. Could change, but REALLY hope it doesn't.

As a result of these less than sleep-filled nights, I have been hard to contact but I know you all understand. I'll try to get as much information out as people really want to know via this blog whenever possible.


The Plan:
1) Let's hydrate a little more.
2) Check the blood counts.
3) Schedule next appointments and giddy up on home.
4) Recovery.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

December 5, 2012

Happy Birthday Walt Disney!

Day 3 of the chemo cycle's word of the day: exhaustion. Little to no sleep overnight thanks to the hydration leads to big time power naps. As a result I've been in and out all day and finally getting to the blog post now.

Second day of chemo was a bear, tougher than the first but still powered through. Another night of little to no sleep lies ahead with the backpack filled with hydration. If all goes according to plan, that's the last night of that for this cycle of chemo - so excellent. Tomorrow I'll be back in to get some more hydration, check the blood counts, and hopefully ship my ever so skinnier you-know-what home to continue recovery. And...there's no place like home, though I cannot say enough about Sloan and the people that work here. Simply amazing.

Back to naps. Later everyone.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tuesday Part Deux

Looks like we're on schedule for an on time departure (aka only 10 hours here)...let's. go.

This cocktail of drugs and chemo really knocks one out though gotta say. Been in and out of things all day. That rhymed, which is cool. The pain level sucks but hey, no pain no gain. Fighting diseases here.

After leaving I get a backpack filled with hydration fluids to be sure that I'm constantly getting all the stuff out of my system. Nothing like cruising down NYC avenues with a sweet ass backpack filled with IV fluids and wrapped in lines. Gotta look like some cartoon character....who is dressed in pajamas rather than badass villain clothing. There's also nothing like not sleeping. Two hour naps seem to be the best plan of action.

Can't wait until just hydration, no more chemo drugs, and getting home potentially Thursday afternoon. Even though that cruddy week sounds daunting, it's at home. The little things to look forward to are the most important in this I'd say.

Thanks everyone again for reaching out and being so great. The thoughts and prayers mean so much for the whole family. Until tomorrow...

December 4, 2012

A tough day yesterday, following delays for some hydration issues (guess I never drank enough water and so when they want you to be super hydrated, well, that takes a while....like 4 hours). So chemo finally got cranking in the afternoon, and powered through the first day. They smiled wryly, knowing today and the next couple of days will be not so amiable to me. As a result I've loaded up on anti-nausea meds to try to circumvent any unnecessary extracurricular activities.

So day 2 of chemo two...cool. Continuing the drugs that will do their worst to melt away the tumors. Hydrating to make sure it passes through the systems. Repeating. Luckily I get a solid 2 weeks off after this.

I joked with Bigfoot on the elevator ride up about how they always say stay in school and don't do drugs.....oops. Gotta do what ya gotta do. Let's do it up folks! I think I'll try to add another post later this afternoon if I'm up to it. Stay tuned.

Monday, December 3, 2012

December 3, 2012

Chemo Round 2

Because I technically got my first of 7 chemo therapies as an inpatient, this technically constitutes round 2...which is awesome because who wants to do more chemo?

So I'm down here at Sloan Kettering and will be staying in the city through Thursday: Monday and Tuesday are chemo and hydration, Wednesday and Thursday are strictly hydration to get the chemo drugs through the systems.

This is what the schedule hopefully will be looking like:
12/3-12/9: Treatment Week
12/10-12/16: Feeling-Really-Crappy Week (blood counts drop, immune system is weak)
12/17-12/23: Recuperation Week (blood and immune system rebounds)
 Repeat 5 times.

Which means....maybe being able to see people before Christmas (if all goes to plan....)? We'll see, but I hope so.

Just looking at it, if everything goes perfectly according to plan, I don't get sick and my blood counts rebound like bosses - I could be done with chemo by early April. Let's pray for that.

Until later folks.