Still deciding...

Even though I had been given fantastic advice from my friends and Dr. Ron, I was still stressing out. I guess I've seen one too many movies where people are affected by radiation poisoning or chemo and in my mind's eye, I kept seeing Phoebe racked with pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting...all while I was away at work, with no one to comfort her. I was scared that that was going to be my baby girl and that I was going to be putting her through a cure that was worse than the disease.

I told Ron May 12th, to order the drugs we needed for the recommended chemo protocol; called a modified CHOP. On the 13th, we tentatively planned on having her first infusion. But here's where I went off the beaten path and consulted with a friend and Reiki Master, Polly Klein (www.tonglenhealingarts.com). She not only taught me my second level Reiki, but she is an animal communicator. We went to Polly and I had her ask Phoebe a series of questions about how she was feeling, what her favorite things to eat were (in case she lost appetite), etc. In short, Phoebe was feeling strong and healthy, besides for a few aches in her joints (she is elderly afterall), was mentally alert and was picking up on my stress and worries. Well, after hearing that and knowing what I do about myself and my dog, I felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.

We headed back to Dr. Ron's for her first chemo infusion and she handled it beautifully. No reaction at all, no change in appetite or energy...nothing. YAY Now we have 18 weeks and 18 more infusions to go.