Round 18, 54 days of infusions, over 56 days at Moffitt in the past 10 months, and more scans than I care to count…. BUT…. miraculously the Carboplatin and Etoposide continues to work and my cancer is getting smaller and there is no evidence of new cancer. (It is important to note that one cannot access the activity in the bones during treatment because as I understand it they inflame and are actively fighting) My body is handling the chemo well, yes I have a new normal and I don’t remember what the old normal is, but I can still handle this, adapt as the changes come, and be present with my squad. It is so weird to think I could be happy for more chemo, but, I am happy for more anything!!!

Yesterday was a super long day. I checked into Moffitt International Plaza at 8:30AM and closed the Infusion unit at Moffitt Main Campus at 9:30PM. Yes- I was again the last patient. We cram it all into one day because this minimizes our time away from the family and the potential negative effect on the family. Thankfully, I utilized Priceline to get a great rate at the Westin Waterfront hotel in downtown Tampa. This is about 25 minutes but gives us a little pampering- water therapy, city therapy and makes me feel like I am part of the real world again.

It was amazing to sleep with the lights of the city and the view of the bay. We started the morning at the Starbucks downstairs (YES- my weakness) and enjoyed it by the pool looking at the bay. Priceless- to have quiet Wallace time with no distractions.

After our outside time, I actually took my Steroids. Many of you know that for the last two rounds I have tried to limit or stop my steroids in the three days following day one of chemo because I hate (whoops- this word is not allowed in our house per the little kids), I mean dislike how they make me feel. However, after the last round I struggled bouncing back so I am trying the steroids again. They seem to help with the upset stomach and remaining colitis issues that were a result of radiation. I am hoping they help, if not I am going “steroid rogue” again on the next round of chemo.

In our relaxed state today, we headed to a BBQ place I found online. Many of you are shocked- Me going to a BBQ place, I have been a vegetarian since 7th grade with times of vegan and other more recent times with some fish. My husband is a meat eater and a chef- we both love new restaurants and I just eat what I can. The Deviled Pig was today’s new adventure. It is a really cute BBQ place. Wallace enjoyed his MEAT, while I had yummy sides. If you live in Tampa or visit, I would try it!

We are now back at the hotel resting. Due to the late chemo night yesterday, today’s infusion isn’t until after 6PM. One of my favorite benefits of these Tampa adventures is visiting with my dear friend. She is a light that I did not know I needed. I so love spending time with her. Those who know us both know we were classmates in middle school that lost touch for 18 years (I think!). After chemo tonight, Wallace and I have the pleasure of hanging with her and her husband for a bit. We will see if this bald lady can get in any trouble.

Thank you all for reading my posts and sharing them, cheering me on, believing in me, praying with me, staying positive, supporting my family and I, and most of all- Believing In Miracles!