Monday already!

I never returned to complete the blog on Friday. I went to get labs drawn, to confer with Dr. Puc, and to get a Vitamin C infusion. I felt fortunate that the luck of the draw got me the fellow I think the absolute best at inserting into or withdrawing from the port. He inserted, no pain, but had a very difficult time getting blood to flow. Tear rolled for me. That had to do with my sensitivities and continued difficulties. The bottom line was patience and coughing and breathing deep and patience and he got the three tubes of blood out. I then went in to see Dr. Puc. She and I talked about several things on my mind. I asked how long it would realistically take for me to have some hair...and although it varies, she thought three months should have me seeing and feeling and dealing with hair. Hooray! I now feel excited because I know that it is going to be fun to see my hair grow in. I am told it might come in a different consistency or with different body than previously seen. Ok, wonders I, does that mean I may have very straight hair about to come in? To be revealed...

Dr. Puc suggested I stay with Vitamin C through July if possible. I am not sure it will be, but I am scheduled through to the first week in July to get one treatment per week. And wow am I glad. After Friday's infusion, I felt better. By Saturday, I went out for a drive into the foothills of the Adirondacks and to a water fall. I walked further than in a long while and enjoyed thoroughly my time in nature. Thoroughly!! The water's sound, the clarity of the stream, the scenery around, the fact several others were there, yet I felt able to walk a short distance and be private, all were noticed and appreciated. By evening time, my knee hurt a lot and I could only imagine it was due to walking down hill to get to the falls. 

Sunday the knee was even worse. It wouldn't bend. So I put the last of the mineral salts into the tub and ran a hot bath. I got in and ran the jets...one right on my knee. Afterwards, I sat and talked with Becky, who came to spend the day chatting with me. It was perfect. In the evening, after eating my dinner, my knee suddenly got much better. I was pleased, and tried to draw some conclusions. I wondered if when the knee began to hurt after the walk, it could be attributed to anything. No certainties could be associated with the pain. 

I know that as I look back at last Friday and how I felt previously and how I have felt afterwards, it is clear the Vitamin C infusion boosted me up. I am eager to get in for next weeks infusion. I see now that without adding any more chemo and by continuing to infuse with Vitamin C, I am going to get my lousy blood numbers turned around and my vitality shall respond accordingly. Friday, my labs showed a body fighting hard...red cell counts, white...well actually, every category was either high or low. The results were the worst ever. But, as I eat and drink healthily and infuse with Vitamin C, I am getting past the negative side effects of beating stage IV ovarian cancer with chemotherapy. I am gleeful to wake up and see how I feel, and consciously note the difference between now and last week, for example. And so it is I ensure I shall be grateful for the progress that has come. 

The weather plays a role in how I feel, too. When it is too hot and humid, I have less and limited energy. When, as is the case today, it is cooler and still sunny, I have a bounce in my step again.

Amen to how great it is to be feeling better daily, healing, and farther from the side effects of chemotherapy. Cheers to being on the other side of Stage IV Ovarian Cancer!