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Shannon Rinaldo - Journal

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Posted 2016-11-30T15:56:00Z

Very quick non-update

I know some get worried when they haven't heard anything, but there's just not anything to share. Nana and Papa are coming to Lubbock this week (hopefully we will see them by end of day tomorrow) and then my mom and I will go to Houston this weekend. I have doc appointments the first few days of next week complete with scans, so stay tuned for an update on my checkup sometime after that. Remember that it takes 24 hours or more for the results to be read and I promise to give a full report as soon as I can. As usual, I so appreciate the continued support and interest in our journey. It's a busy one that is sometimes overwhelming, but overall going very well. [...]

Posted 2016-11-17T18:37:37Z

Becoming the great Texas explorer

My original doctor appointments in Houston that were supposed to be this week were rescheduled for early December. Since I already had the trip planned and had some other business in Houston to take care of, I figured I'd come anyway. It was great to spend some time with Lois without having to sit all day at MD Anderson. We get up early, take long walks, and take it easy. It's good for my blood sugar levels. [...]

Posted 2016-11-11T16:38:01Z

Round 6 is Done and Cancer is Political (who knew?)

Chemo round 6 of 12, though delayed a few weeks, is complete. I now have 23 days off before round 7. I've learned that a person does, indeed, build up a tolerance for the chemo. I had done progressively better and by round 5 I had no longer had any residual throwing up or as much fatigue. This time was fine as far as energy, but I did have one episode of upset stomach/ throwing up. I figure that at least it always follows the same course. My stomach gets this weird upset, I feel like I've been eating soap, I go to the restroom and sit while throwing up in the trashcan. It's almost always just water, which is just odd to me. Being the control freak that I tend to be, it's comforting to know that I can at least see it coming, predict how it will be, and have a method for handling it. It's the small things.[...]

Posted 2016-11-08T23:32:15Z

Quick Update

Another quick update. I started chemo last night and no major issues so far. I was a bit worried that I might have some adjustment issues since I was off of it for a bit longer this time. They did postpone my appointments, so I won't be having a check up for a few weeks. This is probably a good thing, as I expect to be election party hopping tonight and might be exhausted by the end of the week. I'm not sure when election night became Oscar or Superbowl, but it sure is fun to get together with friends! If you don't hear from me for a while, we are either still partying or just don't have any updates. [...]

Posted 2016-11-08T00:11:08Z

Full Speed Ahead!

My platelets are up and I've been approved to start chemo tonight before bed. This delay changes my blood draw dates and might change my check up appointments, so I will await further information on whether I will be going to Houston this week or a week later. Operation: mutation is back up and running![...]

Posted 2016-11-01T18:56:16Z

Low Platelets are Dampening My Ability to Grow Superpowers

As of last week my platelets are still low and they have not approved my continuing the chemo as of yet. I was told to put it off another week and have a recheck on my blood counts. I will go in tomorrow morning for the blood draw. We'll see what happens. I hate being off the chemo, however, Jason doesn't mind it because he doesn't like the idea chemo (a mutagen) to begin with. I guess he's afraid I will become an X (wo)man. [...]