Billy 1 chemo 0

Yesterday was day 1 of chemotherapy and I entered the program skeptical and less than enthused. My nurse spent the first 20 minutes explaining all the side effects the 4 different drugs they use have. There's the old favorites vomiting and diarrea, mouth soars, flu symtoms hot flashes, fever, body soars nausea and general tiredness. Then they add the hair loss,eyebrows, eyelashes and facial hair...nice. Then they discuss the possible weakening of the heart, lungs and liver and that was a joy. Now it was time for me to get up and take a walk to clear my head. I managed to force my way back to chemo central and sat in my recliner amongst the dozen other victims whom all seemed to be at peace with their plights while I was not, probably because I was day 1. As the IV was put into my vein and the poison eneterd my body I knew my life had been forever changed. Today I am a cancer victim and shortly I will be a cancer survivor. At least that is my plan. Regardless I know I'll always have that label "C" next to my name but you know what who cares. When I get back to 100 % I'll be back on the pitchers mound and I will be kickin all your butts all over again and how sweet will that be. After a long 7 hour day I wobbled home and had those 2 smiling faces waiting for me Joey and Jayne my 4 legged joys just dying to go to the park so off we went. I managed to keep the dogs minivan on the road enough to get us there and they had fun as always so it was worth it. Later I had a little soup and some tea and got some sleep but not much. I did not vomit,no fevers or shakes , other than general tiredness really nothing at all. Hence i feel like Day 1 I kicked chemos ass so it's Billy 1 chemo 0. Take that nurse Ratchet. Finally I want to thank all you guys who have been supporting me the phone calls mean so much. I have gotten many unexpected well wishes from old friends like Donny Mason, friends in Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina. Old high school friends like Diana and Robby Takelszyn.--oopponents like Stumpy and Jimmy Dowling thankyou. My close friends whom there are too many to name but you know who you are...thankyou. Wendy and Zill whom I'd be lost without you've both done so much. And my new friends rom Sloan Kettering Steve who has brain cancer and Domenica who has become my email angel...you stay cancer free for that beautiful family and for yourself you are such a kind heart and I thank you for the encouragement. And of course my brother and sisters you all have been great and no Jacqueline I'm not a dork you are. I love you all and I hope to be 100% by Thanksgiving. Next chemo is 2 weeks and I plan to make it 2 zip. We'll see.

Thank you Billy