Last week, we received the great news that the chemotherapy is doing its job.  All but one of my lymph nodes is now normal size, and the one that is still a little large shrunk from 4.9 x 5.4 cm to 15 x 12 mm.  In addition, my blood work continues to show that my body is no longer destroying my red blood cells and the hemolytic anemia is gone.

After dealing with the chemotherapy and its side effects for four months, that was great news!  I briefly tried to convince my doctor that I no longer needed any more treatment after the success of the first four cycles.  Of course, I knew that was futile, and he quickly sent me off to the treatment room for round #5.  This time, though, he sent me with a mental boost to get through the last two cycles (and the side effects).

I am continuing my efforts to enjoy my daily journey, despite the fatigue and low energy that may come at any point in the day.  A couple of weeks into each cycle, I can usually do a bit more, and this month I was able to enjoy tubing down the Shenandoah River.  That trip – taken with a good friend – was one of my monthly “treats” to help focus on the positive and to build my resolve for the next cycle.

No matter how tired I am, though, I usually get outside with Curtis for a short walk each day.  The fresh air, plants, and animals in our yard are good medicine.  I have been filling the bird baths daily and enjoy watching the birds drink and play.  Last week, we discovered that our peach tree has one almost-ripe peach.

I am taking our peach as a sign of good things to come (and a reminder of the good that has already happened).