The aches are creeping up on me as the hiccups are going away. I am going to be home pretty much this weekend, especially if the snow starts to fly. My peak ache days are tomorrow through Saturday anyways, so I wouldn't be going anywhere anyways. Didn't do much yesterday, some wash, some cleaning, lots of TV. Today seems to be the same, lounging on the couch and resting up. I like days like this.

24 hours later and I'm still sitting here thinking to myself, wow. I am thankful, grateful, relieved. It's been a long tough journey. I went and got a Neulasta shot this afternoon then to the bank and grocery store. Shortly afterwards, a thunderstorm rolled through. I watched it out my window. Unfortunately by weeks end it could be snowing out. I like the warmer weather much better. The hiccups have returned, random and sporatic. Feeling good. Wow.

COMPLETE REMISSION!!! I couldn't have asked for better news. When I got to the clinic, the waiting room was full. Not a good sign. I managed to get a seat right next to the aquarium so I spent the time watching the fish. About 30 minutes went by before I was called to have blood work. I was sent directly to the doctor after that. All stats were good, normal. All counts normal, platelets were down slightly, but that was expected. Then the 20 minute wait until the doctor arrived. He opened the door, shook my hand, and told me the news. The scans showed no trace of Hodgkins present in my body. He stated he was surprised by the results because of the minimal treatments (50%) I had received. By then we both were laughing, smiling. I am coming to the end of this journey. I will continue with four additional treatments at 50% to finish up. Today I received the first of the final treatments. January 8th is my last chemotherapy treatment. I am glad, excited, and tired. I believe it has been the support of my family, especially Mom and Dad, and the support of my friends that got me through. I can't believe it, Complete Remission!!!!

I've been stating all along that the reality of it all hasn't sunk in yet. I believe I was wrong, that it has been there from the very beginning. It floats into my conciousness at any given moment, sometimes I dwell on it, sometimes it's fleeting. Even when I'm feeling good, it's there. Today I just want it to be over and done with, so I can return to a normal routine, a normal life. My mind is fixated on what the results of the scans are going to show. I want to hear the words "In Remission" tomorrow. Badly. There is a lingering fatigue that I can't shake now, it's always present. It is a residual effect from the chemotherapy. When I'm feeling good, I'm still tired, sometimes worn out. Today I'm really noticing it. My day will be spent lying on the couch, in and out of sleep.

Spending most of my time on the couch resting up. Feeling pretty good, but have been tired the past couple of days. Got out, stopped in by Kim at the salon and visited for a short while, then over to Walgreens for some prescription refills. Talked to Heather on the phone, took a nap, ate dinner, and now going to watch some TV. Nothing too exciting.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! It's sunny and bright out, the weather nice, what a great day to celebrate. This year I have so much to be thankful for. My family and friends have been an integral part of my recovery. I don't have a large enough vocabulary to express my gratitude. I guess the best way would be to state it simply, Thank you. Enjoy your holiday!

Today I went to work for the monthly social and what a wonderful uplifting time I had. It was so good to see everyone at work. I ended up staying over two hours talking with people. I left there with such a big smile on my face, I'm looking forward to getting back to work. Thanks to everyone at SU for your kind words and encouragement. I work with a good group of people. As you can tell, I'm feeling good. Every day, I am getting better. I am on the road to recovery. Having the support of people around me makes this easier to cope with. I'm still smiling from my visit.

The CT Scans went fine, I had to drink sludge and wait about an hour before the scans were run. The doctor should have the results by my next appointment on Monday, the 27th. Afterwards I stopped in by Char and visited for a half an hour, then came home and ate lunch, followed by a nap. I'm feeling good, taking care of myself. I'm hoping the scans show no traces of the cancer and I will finally have an ending point to this. That is my hope.

Been busy today, dusted, vacuumed, began putting up christmas decorations. Got a call from Patrick about 3:30pm. Went and visited him and Toni at their hotel. We went out to eat at a restaurant by the hotel, I had nachos, looked at Toni's pictures from her trip to Hong Kong and China. I liked seeing how toys are manufactured, very interesting. Afterwards I came home and am watching TV, specifically Singing in the Rain. A classic. Tomorrow I plan on finishing decorating and am going to bake some gingerbread cookies, yum. I'm feeling good, all traces of side effects are pretty much gone. I'm going to continue my hibernation, resting is good for me.

Everything turned out well at my check up this morning. All counts are up to normal ranges, including my platelets! They are actually at the highest level since the beginning of treatment. That in itself is great. The strategy to do the 50% dose this time and plenty of rest worked. Of course my numbers will fall during week two, but since the levels are up, it's not such a bad thing. My blood pressure 103/60, temperature 98.5, pulse 88, weight 149. I'm feeling good. While I was at the doctor's office, Jody called and we met up for lunch at the Red Robin by Southridge. I had the Royal Red Robin Burger, which has a fried egg on it. Very delicious. I would recommend the restaurant, plenty of gourmet burgers and sandwiches to choose from. Now that I'm full, I think I am going to take a nap.

Woke up this morning about 5:00am and immediately noticed my body didn't ache the way it did yesterday. Things are going pretty good, still a little fatigued but getting better. Days 5 and 6 are the worst of the cycle without a doubt. Had lung tests again, my breathing is good, actually my output has increased since the first tests. I don't like the lung tests at all, have to endure them one more time once I am through with treatment. I'll breathe easier when everything is over with. (I know, bad pun.)

I fell into a deep sleep around 5:00am, woke up shortly after 9:30am. I felt like I had actually gotten some quality sleep. I threw on some clothes and ran out to the grocery store to stock up on necessities. I can still notice the aches in the joints and will lounge about for most of the day. I will be glad to get through today.

Wide awake and my whole body aches at this point. Late night TV is kind of boring, too many paid programs. Today is going to be tough to get through because my sleeping pattern has been altered. I will sleep when I can.

Feeling the effects today. My joints ache and I want to sleep, worn out. I am still in my pajamas and haven't gone far from the couch. I think I'm going to soak in the tub for a while. In between short naps, I have been reading and watching some TV. Almost time for me to rinse my mouth. Walgreen's has an over the counter rinse specifically for cancer patients and it works better than the expensive prescription rinse I had been using. I am yawning again so I think I'm heading back to my couch for the time being.

I braved the razor today. I was hoping I wouldn't have to shave, but after three weeks of growth, I needed to. I took my time and feel much better now. My face was getting scratchy. The hiccups have gone and now the aches in my joints are beginning to appear. I ran to Walgreens for prescription refills and a newspaper earlier. I have spent most of the day reading. Tonight there's a few things on TV I want to watch so I got my evening all mapped out. I'm doing all right considering the next few days are the toughest part of the cycle. Kim called me after the party to thank me for her gift and the dolls. She really enjoyed the fashion show! That's so good to hear.

Just got back from Kim's house. I went early to drop off her present and the project I have been working on. Since it is her 40th, her family had to have a roast for her. I compiled a collection of Barbie Dolls with fashion statements Kim has worn throughout the years. It was fun to do. I printed up the storyline and a fond memory of meeting Kim for the first time, incorporating her sense of fashion into it. I am sorry I have to miss the actual party but I need to take it easy and rest and care for myself. I don't want to overextend myself. The Doctor recommended I slow down for the next two weeks to let my immune system rebuild itself. Kim gave me a book on Egypt so I have another book to keep me entertained. Got my pajamas on and I'm heading off to the couch to start my evening of rest and relaxation. I'm kind of being introspective lately and actually looking forward to spending this time by myself.

I'm definitely going to hibernate tonight and tomorrow if the weather stays nasty. Just got back from the clinic. I'm feeling good physically, getting bacl mentally, thanks to Julia. She is such a sweetheart and a good listener and full of wisdom. The hiccups and I are planning on lounging on the couch for the night, baking some cookies, and just taking it easy.

It's been a number of hours since I've been through treatment and it's weighing heavy on my mind. I didn't think it would have such an effect on me. The reason I got the 50% dose is to get my cell counts and the platelet count up instead of knocking them down. I handled the 50% doses very well. It is a very rational decision in regards to my treatment. I just didn't think I would go down, I expected the 100% dose or another 75% one. I have been feeling great so it's really a shock to me. Right now I'm a wreck. Everything that's gone on this week has taken a toll on me. All emotional, psychological. It might take some time, but I'll get back on track. Time for some Disney movies, they always make me feel good. Oh yeah, I'll have to talk to Char too, she'll have me laughing in no time.

My numbers were down. I got a 50% dose this morning. I was surprised, but you have good days and bad one too. I guess even though I've been feeling really good, I still need to take it slow and easy, not run so much. I will be spending an awful lot of time resting this coming week. Good thing I have plenty of reading materials, CDs, DVDs and cable to occupy my time. Here I was concerned about getting 100% that it never dawned on me to think I could get a lesser dose. Tomorrow I will get another Neulasta shot to help boost my white cell count. It's a good thing that the weather is finally going to be seasonal instead of wonderful. I'm less apt to head out in gloomy weather.

Tomorrow is my 8th treatment. It is weighing heavy on my mind. I could potentially receive 100%, the first time since being hospitalized. I know I have been tolerating each dose better as time has passed, but when I did get the 100% my immune system failed. I am concerned, going to be very watchful of every ache and pain I feel.

I was able to get out and enjoy the nice weather today. I voted, bummed around, went to the bookstore. It was a good day. I'm feeling good so I want to get out and enjoy the good weather while it lasts. Tomorrow I have more running to do in preparation for Kim's birthday party on Saturday. Happy Birthday Kim! Today is the official day, Saturday is the celebration. My next treatment is Thursday, hopefully I will be feeling good to be able to attend the festivities.

Ever have a day where you wished you had never gotten out of bed?

Not much going on today. Have been lounging about, taking it easy. Have been reading and watching TV. Nothing too exciting. I'm doing well, no noticable effects to speak of. I enjoy days like this. Maybe tomorrow I'll get out, the weather is supposed to be relatively nice. I shall see. I just might be planted on the couch again.

I just noticed this is the 111th entry I have made since I was diagnosed. Wow. I am amazed I have had things to say about my experience. I still feel like it hasn't sunk in yet, that I have cancer. That baffles me. I am feeling good today, got out and met Christine for lunch at Culver's. It's always a good day when I see her. I plan on lounging about this weekend, taking it easy, doing things around the apartment like cleaning. (I can hardly contain my enthusiasm over that.) My new favorite show on cable is Robot Chicken, so I bought the season one DVD. The show is stop motion animation using Barbies, Kens, GI Joes, and other action figures. Absolutely hilarious in content, some may find offensive, not for the young children. It's very topical and twisted. I love it! I don't have any appointments until next Thursday so I am going to keep a low profile, spend much of my time on the couch. I am getting so used to lounging now, it's hard to get up before 9:00am these days. I used to be an early riser, but thats all changed. I will have to get a whole new routine once I return to work. That's going to take quite a bit of effort on my part. Yikes.

White cell count, red cell count, platelet count are all good. Everything normal. I'm feeling good too. I wasn't too keen on getting jabbed with a needle today, luckily the plebotomist was good, it didn't hurt at all. The check up went well and I am scheduled to have my treatment next Thursday morning. I didn't like that it was snowing out and cold. Didn't like it at all. Having a good check up made it bearable. Went to Mom and Dad's afterwards for dinner. Now I'm ready for a night on the couch watching TV and reading a new book I got on Tuesday night. Tomorrow I plan on doing some running around. Last night Kim and Jody came over. Jody hung a shelf she and Carl made in the kitchen and Kim painted my dining room ceiling a vibrant green. It all looks great. I want to add an opaque pearl glaze to the ceiling for a more dramatic effect. Wednesday nights have become home improvement evenings. I have a growing list of things I want to do.

There was no egg nog flavoring available, so I had a gingerbread latte instead. It was delicious. Nothing better than enjoying a cup of coffee and reading a book. I had gone to Barnes and Noble with Brian and Ellen. I had a good time wandering the store, talking with Brian and Ellen, and of course, the latte. I have been feeling pretty good the last couple of days, mostly tired, sleeping when I can. Today, my joints ache, noticably from the waist down. I feel brittle. I have taken some pain medication, but it doesn't seem to be working yet. I'm just going to continue to rest and relax as much as I can.