Through the first round of chemo and on with life....

It has been so long since I have written here simply because for some days, I could barely get my bearings on what was going on with the chemo side effects.
Not wanting to go into too much detail about each little side effect, the main problems were extreme fatigue, getting dehydrated several times, letting diarrhea start when one shouldn't even let it start.  I have found that at the age of 75, I am going to have to learn a lot about what is going on with side effects and be "on top" of them if I want to survive this "experiment".
I have only had one "round" of chemo and I have learned a lot.
1.  Take anti-nausea meds right away.
2.  Use Ativan (relaxing med) at night to sleep!
3.  Drink, drink, drink...but, now I am realizing that drinking water, though important, should be combined with drinking gatorade or pedialyte.  I have been twice to the cancer center for IV saline fluids. 
4.  No matter how horrible I feel, there will be "good" days.  The trouble is, when I really feel terrible, I feel like maybe I shouldn't keep this up.  But, when I feel good, I think why not try and "fight" it and extend my life a little longer.   Of course, after this next round, the blood tumor marker will tell if the chemo is affecting the cancer.  This will be another crossroads if it is not.  But, I am praying it is at this point.
5.  So far, my blood still looks "good".  I still look healthy in pictures!
6.  I take Creon, a prescription pancreatic enzyme, which really helps my digestion and I have little or no pain most of the time.  I eat about 6 times a day, small meals and get  hungry when I am feeling well.
7.   I have lost 20 lbs. since March....from March until July it was 15 on Weight Watchers, so that isn't too bad yet:)
I am deeply thankful to friends who call me and keep in touch.  I have not returned several phone calls just because so much comes up when I am feeling well, I just can't get to it.  But, I have appreciated the phone calls and concerns from friends and relatives.
Cards are coming in and I love it.  I appreciate it.  I care so much about my friends and relatives who have kept sending thoughts and prayers.
This time of year is so exciting and my livingroom looks beautiful.  Beautiful flowers, Christmas decorations and wonderful visits from my kids, grandkids and friends.  Agustin is so protective and so conscious of my feelings and wellbeing.  I am grateful to him although I get concerned about his rest and comfort.
Tomorrow the grandkids are coming to do Gingerbread houses in our kitchen.  (I am not in charge:)  This is a "tradition" we have done since the older ones were little.  We still have young ones who will enjoy it.
I will not be feeling up to attending or participating in  our Christmas Eve service this year just because my chemo schedule comflicts with Christmas Eve.  I have my new round of chemo on Tuesday, Dec. 20, and the pump removed Dec. 22.  That night, the side effects will start and keep up for about 7 or 8 days after.
Maybe I will be "on top" of them this time:)
Here is a favorite Christmas poem by Christina Rossetti:

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk,
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air -
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man
I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give Him -
Give my heart.