Final Chemo Treatment at Emory!

The big news is the final chemo infusion is done over with!!!!!!!

When we saw that the little electronic pump that feeds the evil liquid into my veins was empty and that the drip infusion was done, we did a thumbs up and everyone in the bay who had been sharing stories were happy for me. I got tears in my eyes and didn’t even try to hide them with masculinity. It was emotional. I’m getting the tears back as I write this. What a trip that was—7 several hour chemical treatments sandwiched in with 35 radiation treatments.

ringing the bell at the end of my seven chemo sessions at Emory Winship Cancer Center, Atlanta

Then I rang the bell and, as Billy would of said, “They stand and ‘plauded'”

Now I only have 4 more radiation treatments. That will be a piece of cake. I look for some taste to return within the next month and to take 3 months to a year to return fully (according to the people in the chemo bay).

A man and his wife were telling their tales today in the chemo bay and it seems that they had both had bad cancer problems at the same time. He had a bone marrow thing and she had a problem with her spine. He said, “We would come in for treatment together–“I’d push her halfway in the wheel chair and then we would switch places.” That brings tears to my eyes even now. It was an emotional day. Sweetie drove, of course, as i told you, “Sweetie drives on chemo days”

My friend Randy Eidson will drive me tomorrow morning. I guess sweetie and I will share the driving on Friday, and Bob Hicks will take care of the Monday detail. Sweetie wants to drive for my penultimate radiation treatment on april 2. I’m looking to sleep late on April 3. Maybe even until 6 or so.

My weight was down to 176. I’m sure it will go down a few more pounds before the chemo goes away, but my ideal weight is 170 and I had gained up to 185 before starting the treatments, so I think I will be just fine. I don’t want to be fat.

All in all, unless something unexpected happens, I have gotten out of this thing with effects much lighter than I expected. I have not used the feeding tube yet to everyone’s amazement and, you know me, I am stubborn enough to be bound and determined to not have to use it at all. If you didn’t know me pretty well you wouldn’t be getting this here letter.

I guess that’s all for now. The tumors have gone the way of the chemo treatments. Outa here. I can’t feel them any more and they were most prominent and growing a couple of months ago. My neck is red and burnt from the radiation, but that too shall pass. That reminds me, constipation is also a side effect but I’ve found a wonderful new item called Phillips Milk of Magnesia. (joke). It really works, just like when I was a kid.

I heard that I could mix it with vodka and have a Phillips screwdriver. Hehe, just had to leave you with that.

I love you, all of you

john.

Published by John P.Schulz

I lost my vocal cords a while back due to throat cancer. The laryngectomy sent me on a quest to find and learn to use my new, altered voice. I am able to talk now with a really small and neat new prosthesis. My writing reflects what I have learned in my search for a voice. My site johnschulzauthor.com publishes a daily motivational quote and a personal comment. I write an article a week for my blog, johntheplantman.com which deals with a lot of the things that I do in the garden. I am also the author of Requiem for a Redneck and the new Redemption for a Redneck--novels portraying the lives and doings of folks around the north Georgia hills. I have an English Education degree from the University of Georgia and very happily married to the lovely Dekie Hicks. You may enjoy my daily Quotes and Notes at http://johnschulzauthor.com/ View more posts

14 thoughts on “Final Chemo Treatment at Emory!”

…..and we love you…..

………and we love you, dear man…….

Fred & Deb

Glad to hear this chapter of your life is DONE WITH! Best wishes for the rest of your new life—and speaking of that—will there be another REDNECK sequel??

John Schulz says:

March 27, 2013 at 6:28 pm

Thanks, Elaine. Now that I am getting this behind me, I think I shall finish the redneck trilogy.

Reply

I’ve been missing your posts. Glad you’ve turned the corner on the chemo. All the best to you.

WHOOPEE….just in time to enjoy the spring….May should be a great month. Not so sure about April. ha.
Rest up!!! Love ya, cb

Tears came to my eyes when I saw the picture of you ringing the bell. I’m glad you are finished with chemo. ❤

John: We are glad that all is going reasonably well and look forward to seeing you soon. Maybe ice tea on the deck when the weather warms up. Please keep us informed. Sam and Virginia….

________________________________ From: “Johntheplantman’s stories, musings, and gardening.” To: samsspec@bellsouth.net Sent: Wed, March 27, 2013 7:07:00 PM Subject: [New post] 2092

WordPress.com John Schulz posted: “The big news is the final chemo infusion is done over with!!!!!!!When we saw that the little electronic pump that feeds the evil liquid into my veins was empty and that the drip infusion was done, we did a thumbs up and everyone in the bay who had been sh”

Hallelujah! I’m thinking milkshakes soon, very soon. Peace and God’s blessings to you my friend. You and Dekie are so special. I love you both.

We love you and “Sweetie” too – God bless you – and may you be even better than before this ‘monster’ invaded your life – XOXO

John, Only you could make me laugh about you’re treatments! I’m so glad that your sense of humor is still in tact! Wish I could be there to see you drink that Phillips screwdriver.

I’m so glad you are nearing the end of the treatments and I hope you sleep really late on the 3rd. Can’t tell you how wonderful it is to know that we will still have you around to entertain us! Congratulations to you and Dekie as you put this behind you.

Love you!
Shari