Seven weeks later...

My last chemotherapy treatment was on October 3rd. It feels like a lifetime ago, and yesterday at the same time. I am well into the "normal" catching-up that needs to be done - had a major dental review (full mouth x-rays, which led the dentist and I to conclude that (1) 18 months is long enough for a cavity to form - but just one, (2) two composite fillings have ungainly shadows below them - meaning that I need to have them replaced, and (3) three of my crowns were not correctly seated when they were put in - and they need to be watched/fixed so that the little spurs do not trap food and become cavities or worse. I have two more appointments scheduled for teeth cleaning and dental work to be done on items (1) and (2).

We are also tracking down some of the other (seemingly random) small stuff that has been noticed over the past year. Back in January, one of the things that my oncologist noted - slightly elevated calcium levels - is being checked out by my new endocrinologist. To date, it appears that I may have a slightly hyperactive parathyroid, which may be causing calcium to leach out of my bones slowly. About two weeks ago I had 9 vials of blood drawn for a complete battery of tests and a bone densitometry scan, and I find out about what all that means on Monday. Should be interesting... And then there is the toenail fungus that is being treated by the daily application of anti-fungal toe polish. Turns out that it takes about 6 months for your toenails to completely grow out - and that is how long I have to polish (and un-polish) my toenails twice each day.

My hair has decided to start growing again, but have no fear - the male pattern baldness has been unaffected so far. No one need fear that I will turn into a 2011 version of Grizzly Adams! I am sleeping well enough (though I am told that I regularly snore).

Perhaps most importantly, my energy is back. I am working out twice a week with a trainer at the hospital - but figure that starting in January I will be ready to be on my own. I need to get onto my bike. We are planning a warm, relaxing trip in the near future - I wonder if they rent bikes in Hawaii?

Namaste!