January 5, 2012

Folfox - 7 Underway

And so we've now begun the second half of the madness.  Started Folfox-7 yesterday and will complete tomorrow.  I think I am more excited to reverse Alf than to complete the chemotherapy - we are into our 6th month now of our tumultuous relationship and it is surely time for us to go our separate ways - of course that good bye also comes with a surgery (still need to get the poto cath removed as well) but it should be the final surgery of this journey and it appears that Dr. Rivello had created a loop that should be easily reversed.  I have noticed recently that my belly button was put back in a little off center and you know how much things not aligned bother me - so i may fly back to Boston and have them reopen the wound and fix the cosmetic issue - just kidding - but it is off center.

The weather here in the NW has been incredibly unseasonable especially for portland which has been great for me and my neuropathy although i did learn in Sunriver that you can freeze your eyes as well as your hands, feet and face - that was new and exciting - like getting sprayed with mace in the face - had to walk home with my eyes closed as it was too painful to open them - well know i know.  Unfortunately for Connor he has not been able to try out his new ski boots but he will try his luck on Mt. Hood as time permits.

Amy thought you would enjoy this picture - it turns out that when they reduced the oxiliplatin to reduce the neuropathy numbness (not the cold sensitivity - that is a whole different issue) in my fingertips which was precluding me from playing guitar (now i can play sometimes which is better than not at all) it now provides this great opportunity of about 3-4 days at the end of the chemocycle that i can drink cold liquid.  I am here to tell you that when you are deprived of cold fluids and are relegated to room temperature gatorade and water only - when that window opens it is "carpe diem".  Fortunately we have a house full of ice cream lovers, especially mr. aidan who makes sure that we get to Baskin Robbins everyday to fill the need.  Amy calls it ice cream dedication - you will notice that i have my gloves on since i cannot touch cold things which makes ice cream a bit strategic, my beanie cap that keeps the head warm and of course - courtesy of aunt suzy Q (who will be visiting soon) my incredibly comfortable electric warming blanket.


Stay healthy -
Best
C-

6 comments:

Diane said...

OMG....priceless. Love the picture and quite honestly, it looks more like an apres ski picture and not the apres chemo that it really is!! So glad that you're on the downside of this slippery slope...been a LONG haul. Not sure what I'll do next time I see you and you haven't got Alf with you..I'd kinda gotten used the the little guy! No worries about the belly button....as we age nothing lies quite the way it used to! Love you loads......Di xo

flygirl said...

Second, Diane, with the photo! And am so glad you are on the upside of this all and humor has remained intact. I'm wondering if ice cream is a familial thing. Love to you all. Continued progress, Chris. Love, Cindy

Joe said...

As I head into the my last weekend before my surgery I have to tell you that I hope I maintain my sense of humor as well as you have.
That said, I really hope Kathy keeps hers. This is likely to be harder on her than me.
Glad to see A is stepping up to the plate.

Great Picture!

Joe

Anonymous said...

Yes, the ice cream is a family thing-- the White's can't be without very long...sounds like you're being creative in that regard! Sorry to hear about your eye's C - scary event I'm sure. Surprised your beeny/cap didnt have a Boston Bruins logo!! Loved the Phil Espisito pic. Hang in there- keep warm. Karen

Roger H said...

Chris,
As architect I got a good laugh regarding your off center belly button. Some things are just suppose to align. Stay positive; you are on the home stretch.
Roger

Anonymous said...

Great picture! I agree with Karen that you need a Bruins cap!! Soon this will be behind you and you can think about other things!! Love, Mom