Round 4

So, I went in for my fourth round of chemo today excited for the fact that I had reached my half way point with four rounds down and only four to go, but then Dr. Bhalla came in to speak to us. As it turns out, I was originally diagnosed incorrectly. I actually started out at level 2b, meaning that I have bulk disease, or that the disease spreads more then 7 cm across my chest. What that literally translates to is I need 6 full cycles of chemo minimum instead of the 4 full cycles of chemo that was initially prescribed, so I now will be doing 12 rounds of chemo (another 2 months).I won't lie. I was pretty disappointed when I heard the news. I have been blessed with amazing strength, faith, and courage througout this process so far, but it is still not the easiest thing to deal with. Thank goodness for the tremendous family and friends I have been given and for the love of my Heavenly Father. Without those things I don't think I would be able to handle this. They keep me going and my attitude and overall outlook on life positive (I love you guys all soooooo much). Also, it was brought to Dr. Bhalla's attention just a few days ago that the CT scan I took a little over a month ago showed a mass on my right breast. This could mean that on top of my Hodgkins disease breast cancer has also developed, so I will be needing a few more tests to determine what the mass is or was and what needs to be done to treat it. Breast cancer is highly unlikely at my young age, but not impossible, so better safe then sorry. While it would be an unconvience to have yet another medical issue, the way I see it is that I am already set up to fight it, so if I have to have it bring it on!! Afterall, trials only make you stronger.
I have been feeling pretty amazing, however. In fact, somedays I would almost completely forget the fact that I have cancer if it wasn't for my bald head. The weather in pheonix has been wonderful though and I have been able to drive around town with the windows down not having to worry about the tangled knot my hair will be in when I am finshed! That is an awesome perk!
I will keep you posted on my progress and share the results of my tests and scans with you as soon as I get the information, which more then likely will not be until my next chemo session. I have also posted below a couple of more recent photos of me in my cute hats! Ttyl! :)

Round 3

Well, on Monday I had my third round of chemo and I am happy to report that everything went well yet again. This time I was accompanied by my two friends, Fran and Emily. We played card games most of the time we were there and I dominanted, especially at Uno (and no, they didn't just let me win because they felt bad for me. They fought hard to win, but what can I say? I guess I am just one hard girl to beat). I know I am responding to treatments too! The bump I had found on my neck that really started this whole thing is now just a fraction of the size it was a month ago. I take that as a really good sign. I was also having lung problems because of Hodgkins. My left lung was almost entirely filled with fluid and I had to have it drained. The doctors were surprised to learn that I hadn't been having any trouble breathing with that much fluid in my lungs. The only problem I did have was excessive coughing if you can even call it that. It was just slightly above average coughing. Anyway, after just 2 sessions of chemo I noticed that the coughing has almost completely stopped. Thank goodness for that because of all of the procedures I have had done so far my lungs being drained was the hardest and I am really hoping that I don't have to do it again. I go to see a pulmonologist, on Thursday however, so we will have to wait and see what he says about my improvement.
All of my future chemo appointments will be on Tuesday. We had to move things around because of my school schedule.It should be interesting to see what it will be like to balance school, work, and chemo at the sametime. Although, I have no doubt that with everyone's continuing support and prayers that it will be anyting too tough for me to handle. Next time, marks the half way point for me though! I am so excited!
As for the hair update, I am not quite bald yet, but my hair is still thinning a ton, so I am glad to have it so short. As strange as it sounds, we have found it quite effective to use a lint roller to get any of the loose hairs in the morning so I am not shedding as much during the day. I have really adjusted well to having practically no hair too. It is no longer strange looking in the mirror and seeing a bald head and I have come to love wearing my hats as well. I must admit it can be kind of challenging to find the right hat to go with each of my outfits, but its fun at the same time. I never wore hats before this and its great to get to try something new. Besides, it takes me half the time to get ready now and I love that, more sleep. I might even find my self slightly disappointed when my hair grows back and I have to spend all that time fixing it in the mornings.
I guess that is all I have to report for right now! I'll ttyl :)