Chemo is in my future!

OK, had the liver resection Sept 17, home on the 24th.  Back in the hospital on October 1.  Had an infection in there and they put in a drain tube and sent me home on the 4th.
Follow up yesterday.  Hoping to get the drain tube out.  Apparently this infection was something strange and uncommon.  Left the drain tube in until I am finished with the antibiotics.  At least I don't have to flu**** anymore.  That HURT!
If I don't do chemo and radiation the chances of cancer returning is 40%.  With chemo and radiation that will be reduced by another 33%.
I had originally said I would NOT do chemo.  After watching how it sapped Momma's strength. Now, after talking it over with my loved ones, I guess I better do it!
Next Thursday I go into my oncologist and he will place the port in my neck/chest for the chemo.  He will remove my drain tube then, too. I meet with the chemo doctor on Oct 20th.  He will tell me all the deets.  What to expect, etc.  The worst part of this entire thing is that my DH doesn't drive, so I have to depend on others to get me to these places.  I mean the chemo and such.  I can drive to doctor's visits, etc.

Ray and I are STILL going to Oregon Oct 29th to Nov 11th to chauffeur grandkids to and from school, sports, scouts, etc.  I will start chemo when I get back.  My weight is down to 148.  I am looking like a resident of a refugee camp!  Very little tastes good.  I am eating because I know I have to keep my strength up.  But it isn't easy.
I still have pain where the tube goes in my chest when I cough, sneeze, reach, bend, do anything that moves those muscles around there.
I am getting very tired of this!  But I know there is a lot more to come.Thanks to all of you for your posts and cards, etc.  They mean a lot.

It' so good to hear from you. I understand that chemo treatments have come a long way. I hope that your appointment with your oncologist will go well.

I'm delighted to hear that you will be going to see your kids and grandkids. I'm sure it will be good medicine for you and them and will give you strength to go through the chemo regimen. 

I hope that you can contact your church or a social worker at the hospital to help arrange for your transportation needs during your chemo treatments. 

At 148, it sounds like your weight should be in a normal range. I'm sure that it must be hard to eat when you don't feel well, but it sounds like you are working hard to fuel your body so that you have the strength to fight this. 

Please know that you continue to be held close in thought and prayer.

 

I just wanted to wish you good luck with your treatments. I hope the side effects won't be too bad. And that the outcome will be great.
You are in my prayers.

Dang, I hate to hear this....  I haven't been around much over the last couple of weeks.  I know you don't want to do the chemo, but like I told my DH when he was facing a similar situation....  I want you around as long as possible, so do the Chemo and kick that cancer's BUTT!

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you from here in G'Ville!

I'll keep you in my prayers!  Alice

Hey, Grammylew!  I haven't been on OH in a while and didn't know about all this stuff you are going thru.  I'm so sorry to hear about all this!  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  If you need anything, you know I'm right here in J'ville.  I could run to the store for you or come to your house to help you out one day.  Just drop me an email.  Be Blessed!
Andrea

Thank you for your offer.  I am anxious to find out on the 20th what the chemo doctor wants me to do.  Can this be done in J-ville, how often, how long each time, etc?  Our son will be deployed 6 weeks out of the next 8, then for 8 months after the first of the year.  So getting me to and from chemo is gonna be up to my DIL.  She will have to take time off work.  My daughter will fly out for part of it, but not sure how much.  This is so frustrating!

I mean it.  If you need me, I'll do my best to be there in anyway I can!  Just let me know!  It will work out!  Just keep praying and KEEP GOD IN THE PICTURE!!! 
Andrea