"UPDATE" after 12 chemo treatments, week 15

It has been a busy week! My son, that I refer to as the "health nut" has been visiting from Florida since last Friday morning. He and his wife, Denise, got here in time to accompany me to the 11th chemo treatment. I am blessed that both of my sons feel the need to be with me during these trying times. What they haven't grasped is that the treatment itself is uneventful and I do well through it, but perhaps it is due to their love and devotion! (Thank you boys--I love you)! I did not have time to do an update after that treatment, for we also had weekend guest from Steve's family and did a large "seafood boil" for many family members that Saturday. In between prep and clean up work and visitation, I still made it to work outs at the health spa. The lymphedema of my right arm seemed more swollen than what it had been, and my right shoulder was really sore, so I wore the lymphedema sleeve a little more often than I had been. I was fitted twice for this sleeve which is similar to a leg "Ted hose", but it still causes deep creases at my wrist and rolls down from the top of the arm---creating a tourniquet effect. I know that this can cause blood clots, so I would take it off and on through the day and evening. By Saturday night, my whole right arm was much more swollen and even more sore. The lumps on my right side and back of neck felt more pronounced than they have been in awhile, causing swelling of the right side of my face, twitching of my right eye and numbness above the ear and back of head. The lumps on the right upper side of the chest felt bumpier as-well, with some of the old familiar intermittent burning. Needless to say, I was becoming concerned/okay--worried and somewhat depressed! I have not felt the "tired side effect from chemo, until this past week. I did keep up with my health regimen as usual--with a few extra wheatgrass juicings, and I was getting my exercise, rest, and sunshine, so what was going wrong? I have to admit, I did have a little of the sweets served at my dinner party, along with the seafood--that I rarely partake in anymore. The lymphatic massage therapist that I saw Tuesday, agreed with me that I probably injured it working out---while wearing the sleeve that was obviously doing more harm than good, along with just having a busy weekend using my arm more than normal. It is upsetting to me that something alittle above normal could cause such a back up of my lymphatic system!!! After the "massage", which is not of the typical kind-- she pulsates the many lymphatic ducts to encourage the flow of lymph fluids;- miraculously--all the lumps decreased in size, but the right arm was still swollen. Me--being disciplined/(okay--stubborn) worked out after her session, and Wednesday---but without the sleeve. Low and behold---my right shoulder and deltoid area hurt like hell Tuesday and Wednesday night, with more facial swelling. I am since taking my younger son's advice---David--who had been a personal trainer for a few years, and giving it a rest for a couple of days, then just cardio for a week. (Role reversal again--I have to listen to my kids --or be scolded)! The mental part of this last week has been trying for me, as I said---not being able to function as I once was use to- without repercussions pissed me off! The scare of the increased size of the lumps and swelling, the tiredness, and the pain in my right arm rendered me to using naproxsyn again. The demon "fear" was paying me frequent visits. I had to reprimand myself several times and remind myself that I am still alive and mostly feeling well and healthy, I can still take care of myself, and have all the many blessings of love and family. I did all my prayers and gratitudes many times over, then just turned it over to God --again---not allowing it to burden my mind anymore.
I had my 12th chemotherapy treatment today, with a son by my side. My labs this week, just like last week were great: Wbc= 8.0, H&H 12/35, platelets=408, ANC= 6,752 ! By the afternoon, I was feeling back to "my normal". No more tiredness, all lumps and swelling are down, and no discomfort! PRAYERS, GRATITUDE, NUTRITION, WHEATGRASS, EXERCISE, SUNSHINE, REST, LOTS OF H2O, LOVE and FAITH! By the way; tomarrow is my 55th birthday, and my best gift from God is to spend it with those that have made my life worthwhile and give me reason to continue to fight, I find my strenght in their love!!!