Down the home stretch

Round 6 is under way.  Today I had blood tests done, got fluids, and saw 2 doctors - regular oncologist and radiation oncologist.  My hemoglobin was really good this time (10) so no need for blood transfusion.  There's still some debate about how soon I can start radiation...Dr. Gupta wants me to wait 3-4 weeks after chemo but Dr. Logan is okay with me starting sooner than that if I feel like I can.  The drs are going to talk to each other; in addition Dr. Logan wants to talk to the surgeons who took my tumor out.  She said she will give me about 25 low doses of radiation over a large area (front and back); then she may give me 5-8 higher doses that target a specific spot (what she calls "coning down"), if the surgeons can tell her specifically where the tumor was touching my back muscle and/or spine area.  So a lot is still up in the air, but my goal is to get it all done as soon as possible...within reason.
I just have to take a moment here to say that the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Center are wonderful!  I've liked Dr. Gupta all along and I just met Dr. Logan today and I really like her too.  She was very willing to answer questions and was very thorough and nice.  She has a southern accent which makes me grin.  And the chemo nurses, Barb and Kara, are just great.  They are always on top of things and do their best to get me done and out of there as quickly as possible.  They are always busy but still make sure that I'm comfortable.  Last round Barb even picked me up and gave me a ride in on Thurs and Fri morning because she doesn't live very far from me.  It's a full-service place, I'm tellin' ya.
From what I've heard, radiation is no big deal compared to chemo, so if I can get through the next week and a half, I think I'll be over the worst.  So pray me through this last round, please, friends.  Thank you again for all your kind thoughts, prayers, gifts, cards, help...everything.
Love, Susan

The view

First - I'm back at work and feeling pretty well.  Still low on vim and vigor, but you know...that's the norm for now. 
So, last Friday I had to get 3 more units of blood because my hemoglobin was low.  I was up on the 3rd floor of the hospital all afternoon and all evening - it was a very LONG day.  BUT, before you go feeling too sorry for me...

apparently the windows needed re-caulking or something, so for a while, this was the view from my window!  :)

Hey, if you have to lay in the hospital, this is the way to do it.

Update and sharing some pics from the weekend - World Equestrian Games!!

This is Thurs. of round 5 - not feeling that great right now, but that's the norm for this point in time....trying to just keep my mind off of it.  My hemoglobin was low again on Mon. so I'm getting more blood infused tomorrow.  So it will be a long day (chemo in the AM and blood after that) but I now know from last time that I will most likely feel better afterward, so that makes it easier to handle.  PLUS, after tomorrow I only have 1 more round!!  Woo hoo!  Say it with me - Woo hoo!! :)

Lindsey and I had a very fun day at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington on Sat.  Just wanted to share some photos...
The greeter at our very nice hotel - compliments of Sara & Matt.

and the complimentary Bourbon Balls. mmmmmm


The view as we entered the park
 

There were people there from all over the world speaking different languages, but it's obvious who this fan was cheering for.   The picture on the right is Lindsey's reaction to the "Restricted Area" sign and ropes keeping us a distance from the vet-check area.  She SO wanted to get down there to see what they were doing. 

At the first water complex on the cross-country course (I think this was obstacle #5),  the horse & rider have to first jump over this log into the water...

then jump this big fish in the water...

then this big, um, duck - I forget what it's called - after coming out of the water.

I just like this picture - after jumping an obstacle, they always kick it into high gear in order to try and make the ideal course time and not incur time penalties.

 
Thanks for looking - hope I didn't get carried away with the pictures. 
Thanks also for the continued cards, thoughts, and prayers.
Love, Susan

Headed to KY

Round 5 starts on Monday.  BUT FIRST....
Lindsey and I are headed to Lexington to see Cross Country day at the World Equestrian Games!!!!

I know some of you thought this was me on my horse, but it's not.

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Love, Susan