November 18, running on empty

I am sorry for not updating so long. When I started receiving calls to see if I was still alive, I knew it was time to update.

I finished my 6th treatment last Wednesday and it really took it out of me. For 4 days following removing the pump I was pretty out of it. In addition (piling on use to be a penalty) I met with my surgeon last week who told me that everything had not healed according to plan. He feels confident that the final results will be the same in the end, I just have to have another repair surgery (Scheduled for December 17) prior to the final surgery (probably end of January). It is a long road but hopefully there is a happy ending.

The good news is that my blood counts remain high enough that I do not need shots or transfusions and I can keep on the Chemo schedule. The sooner I get done with Chemo the better. I am on a myriad of drugs to manage most of the side effects. The biggest problem continues to be exhaustion. It is hard to go for more that 4-5 hours with out needing a nap and my mind is definitely more clear in the mornings which when I have been working. I do feel good about being able to continue to work through this although my coworkers might not feel the same given my mood on some days.

All in all, I still feel incredibly fortunate for the medicine, the team of doctors, and all the support from friends and family. I am convinced this will all be a bad dream by the time my 50th birthday rolls around in April.

Thanks again for all the love, prayers and good wishes.

Bruce