Well, I’ve finished the six rounds of chemo, and I’m much better.
The cancer is not gone, of course, but it’s markedly knocked back. I’ve regained an appetite, pain is far, far less than it was, and in general, I don’t feel too bad.
At this point, I get a break from chemo for at least a couple months. I’ll keep seeing the doctor from time to time, and have a CT scan every couple of months. When chemo starts again (and if it is the same regimen or a different one) will depend on how I feel and how quickly the cancer bounces back.
So, overall, that’s all good. But . . . Friday I had a small stroke or TIA. My only symptom was difficulty talking. I had no problems with the rest of my body, nor with thinking nor reading, but I couldn’t form the words I was trying to say. I didn’t realize it at first because I live alone. It wasn’t until I went to my folks and tried talking that I knew something was wrong.
Two days of tests in hospital found no immediate cause–no blood clots in my legs, or heart, or carotids. They suspect it is related to the chemo, but can’t identify exactly what is happening. So I have to give myself shots of a blood thinner (which is much easier to do than I expected) and take an aspirin every day.
It’s kind of scary but I’m dealing with it.
Many of you have emailed and PMed me expressing good wishes. I haven’t responded to all you. Nevertheless, I’m very grateful and appreciative of those good wishes. Thank you.
ETA: I still have hair on my head and my beard, but it’s extremely thin. You can see my face clearly through what’s left of the beard. I hope it recovers. 
