Round 3 and the number 14?

Round 3 was supposed to have started on Wednesday but a nasty cold put it off until today. Nothing serious, just some sniffles and a bit of a cough. My first dose was administered this morning at around 10 and I'm feeling a bit foggy this evening, but again, nothing serious. I've got five more days and I'll be done with chemo! I can't believe it. It's been such a huge part of my life for the last 3 months and I feel just great about never having to do it again (hopefully). One of the big drags of chemo is that for the six days plus two afterwards, I have to put drops in my eyes every four hours. The ones in the middle of the night can be a bit trying! But, we'll make it through and I'll be back to full strength by the middle of July.

That brings us to the number fourteen, which my mom and I discovered has been popping up everywhere during my treatment. I was diagnosed on the 14th of March (my father's birthday); I was discharged from the hospital on the 14th of April; I had my somewhat scary fever on the 14th of May; my final day of chemo will land on the (you guessed it) 14th of June and I should be back to good counts and feeling fine by the 14th of July, which also happens to be my birthday. Pretty weird eh? As long as I don't see a 14 on my scorecard other than the hole numbered that way I'll be fine!

I hope to get through this final leg with the same ease as my second round, but there are never any guarantees in life or in cancer treatment. Thanks to all who call, write, e-mail, visit, pray, think of and support my family and me.

-Mark