Chemotherapy - Round 6

I have felt really good the last couple of weeks.  I have been working a fair amount, and we've had visits from my sisters and both of our parents which we thoroughly enjoyed.  Things have been good.  We were wondering if another complication might creep up, but are glad nothing did.

Today's treatment went as expected with no complications.  I got blood drawn (as I do almost every time I go to the clinic) and we saw Dr. Danko's Nurse Practitioner, Teresa.  With how good I've been feeling, there wasn't much to report or talk about, and we got into the Chemotherapy Suite and started it up.  Our nurse, Linda, has worked in oncology for like 35 years and was very good.  

In addition to the R-CHOP regimen, I also received the extra drug Etoposide as I did with Round 3.  It is supposed to take an extra toll on the body.  I am preparing for a couple weeks of not feeling so good.

Mindy and I took a good walk when we got home this evening.  I cannot express enough how good it feels to know that if all things go as expected, this will be my last R-CHOP treatment...my 6th and final treatment.  This gives me great hope.

I go in Monday for my Neulasta shot, and we have a follow up appointment in about 10 days.  I will have a PET/CT scan in about 3 weeks to make sure the treatments are maintaining their effectiveness.

The general plan after the PET/CT scan is that I will receive Rituximab (the "R" in R-CHOP) for maintenance every 6 weeks or so for the next couple years.  This drug alone does not have the harsh effect on the body that R-CHOP has so that will be good.  And I will have PET/CT or CT scans every few months.

While we have great hope to be nearing the end of this season, we also have mixed feelings.  To quote Elder Neal A. Maxwell once again, "There are variations in our trials but no immunities. Thus, the scriptures cite the fiery furnace and fiery trials (see Dan. 3:6-26; 1 Pet. 4:12). Those who emerge successfully from their varied and fiery furnaces have experienced the grace of the Lord...Even so...such emerging individuals do not rush to line up in front of another fiery furnace in order to get an extra turn! However, since the mortal school is of such short duration, our tutoring Lord can be the Schoolmaster of the compressed curriculum."
(April 1997 General Conference, "From Whom All Blessings Flow")

While we look forward to some normalcy as it relates to home and family life, employment, church service, etc., we are also sad and hesitant to see the end of the "curriculum."  This season has been such a sanctifying and sacred time.  We are very grateful for a tender Father in Heaven who knows us individually and does and allows all things for our good and progress.  And we are very grateful to all of you for your prayers to Him on our behalf.