There’s this song from the 90’s by a band known as The Soup Dragons. It’s called “I’m Free” and the chorus goes, “I’m free to do what I want any ole time!” I feel like singing that song right now…

This morning we packed up and went to the infusion center to get today’s dose of CAKE. Only to find out that my platelets are too low (they’re 79 and normal range is between 150-400). Platelets are what make your blood clot, or stop bleeding after a while. So they sent me home without chemo, told me to reduce the amount of Xeloda I’m taking and only take it for one more week, and to have fun on my vacation!!! (Doc also said if I start getting pains or discoloration in my feet and hands again before next Friday, to stop the Xeloda immediately.) Maybe I should’ve been disappointed that, again, I was unable to follow through with a complete cycle of chemotherapy. But mostly, I felt a strong sense of freedom! I’m essentially off for three more weeks! I don’t go in for more chemo until July 18!!! HORRAY!!! However, with my platelets being so low, I guess I have to take a break from my sword-juggling practice. My WBC was through the roof at 43,000, which is to be expected after three days of Neupogen shots - they’re supposed to sky-rocket and then, over the course of two or three more days without the shot, level out to a normal level. Since it’s so high, the nurse told me I probably shouldn’t need to wear a mask over my mouth and nose on the airplane! Thank goodness! That was going to be very embarassing and cause for much staring from all the children I pass by!

I got a new shirt in the mail the other day! It’s pink and it’s got this on it:
Yeah, I know it’s naughty with that one word in it but I thought it was cute and just my kind of attitude! I got one for Honey that’s gray and looks like this:
They have a lot more great t-shirts that I’d love to order but they start getting pricey when you’re ordering XXL. I love the Chemolicious one for sure!

So, not only do I get to keep building my strength over the weekend but I don’t have to take any Neupogen shots next week, so no having to carry them on the plane, or figure out what the heck to do with the used syringes whilst traveling. Do you see where this strong feeling of freedom came from?

Today I intend to take a nap and hang out with Honey, since off work today. We may go to an early movie thanks to the Diana Price-Fish Foundation who sent me $50 in gift cards to a nearby movie theater! And I’ve got maybe 4 more scarves to sew, some laundry to do and then I’ll be set to pack for our trip! A break from sickness. I can’t wait!

“Cancer’s just a word, not a sentence.”