Eye on the prize.

It’s time to count down to the final 2 sessions of chemotherapy. Tomorrow will be my 5th round (of 6), making the “finish line” feel that much closer. (I put “finish line” in quotations as chemo is really part 1 of 4, in terms of treatment plan.) But I also believe this is the toughest part on my body and mind, so I am really looking forward to being done with this. I can see the “finish line”, it feels SO close but so far at the same time. Just like any race, I just need to keep my head down, curse lots and focus on getting to the end. Eye on the prize. With that, here are some FAQs on my status:

How are you feeling?

The first week is always shitty, but after that I feel pretty good. Although sometimes I catch myself thinking if “good” is the right description, but I’m feeling mentally and emotionally good. I continue to find it difficult to accept the physical changes (see my last post) and wonder if there was anything that I did “wrong” that led to increased muscle fatigue. Hopefully with the nicer weather, I will be able to slowly start more physical activities outdoors and rebuilt strength that I have loss.

Is the chemo working?

YES! In my last exam with my oncologist, she was not able to physically feel the tumour! Really hoping that by the time of the surgery, all the cancer will have been melted away.

Does that mean you can be done early?

No, not quite. Even though the tumour feels like it is gone, the treatment plan remains the same. After my last chemo session, I will be meeting the surgeon to discuss the surgery. The surgery will take place at least 3 weeks after my last chemo, in order for my body to recover to be strong enough for the surgery. After the surgery will be 4-6 weeks of daily radiation on the area.

What have you been doing in your spare time?

I’m actually working part-time from Toronto. Being able to work has been a blessing. I am able to keep up to date with what is happening in Asia, connect with colleagues in Toronto, and keep my mind stimulated and active. There are days where it takes longer for my brain to process information and drafting a simple email is tough. (I stare at the screen knowing what I want to say, but the words that I type don’t quite make sense.) But that slowly goes away with each day that I do work. The “chemo brain” fades away, day by day, and then it disappears and I forget it was even there.

Where is Bao and how is he?

Bao is LOVING his life in Singapore. We decided that it would be too difficult for him to have to go through another 10-day quarantine if he left Singapore and had to return. I am so grateful that he is watched by an amazing family and has other dog “friends” to hang out with. He will definitely struggle when he has to go back to his old routine with us.