Update for Friday,September 17th

Update .... For Friday, September 17th....(sorry, I'm just getting around to posting this).

Friday was my first Duke trial drug Avastin dose administering, which had to be done intravenously at a chemo clinic with others suffering from Cancer. I'll admit, I was very nervous, but once I got there, they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I was already tired from my radiation treatment (4 of 34) which was only I hour prior to this.

Once I got to the clinic, they did the general examination, checking vitals, blood and urine samples (they have to start monitoring my protein levels in my urine to make sure my kidneys stay healthy..(Avastin can play havoc on certain internal organs). The IV bag had been refrigerated, and once it began circulating in my blood stream, I got cold and was provided a blanket. They had set me up in a recliner, so it was nothing to get cozy and comfortable and I even nodded off for a much needed power nap. After that, I drank a hot tea (caffeinated), which woke me right up and had me ready to take on the world. I finished the IV in about 1 and 1/2 hours, and was headed home. Next time, it will be shortened 30 minutes, and each time after that. Since there will only be approximately 4-5 doses, it will be over before I know it, I will finish it about the same time I finish radiation. This is when I start taking elevated doses of Chemo. Whoopee!

My rock, and soulmate Kandi sat beside me the entire time that I was hooked up to the IV. She is truly the greatest wife in the world. I believe that I draw my strength from her and God. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. She has really shown me what true, deep, unbiased love is all about. Some couples are so shallow, that when faced with a crisis of this magnitude, would have turned tail and ran for the hills. She is so committed to me that I can't help but shed a tear just thinking about it.

I continue to "self monitor" how I'm feeling, trying to pay attention to any weird symptoms from the Avastin, but so far, nothing seems different. I guess this is where we have to watch the blood tests, which is being done weekly. As long as I get plenty of sleep, my energy levels tend to improve every day, which I am taking advantage of by doing lots of walking.

I know that when I get down to # 20 or so radiation treatment of 34, that I will probably start feeling run down. As it stands right now, I have to take an anti-anxiety pill, which also helps with nausea against the Chemo drug, Temodar. Now that makes me drowsy, but a 15-20 power nap takes care of that.

Because this process is going as smooth as it is, I feel as though that I am comfortably cradled in God's arms, and I truly feel His Love for me everyday. I don't fail to pray and thank him multiple times in a day. Anyone troubled can experience this same love if you just open your heart to Him and allow it to happen.

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness"