Decision, decisions, decisions - making them is not one of my strong points (just ask Devon), but decisions have been made and we have a plan.

First I want to report that at 4 weeks post surgery I am doing really good! My appetite and attitude are great, and I am feeling so much better. I wouldn't say I'm 100% recovered, but feeling stronger and having more stamina each day. I've even started to sew a little - great therapy for me!

I have had consults with three oncologists and have decided to trust my care to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. I've been to both the SLC and South Jordan facilities. I like the physicians and staff at both, but because South Jordan is closer and smaller I will be going there for my chemotherapy. HCI really is an amazing place with so many services offered for their patients, and believe it or not, everyone is so friendly, positive, and happy there. I think it will be a good fit for me.

I will have a port-a-cath placed on March 10th and chemo will start on March 17th. I will be receiving the standard chemotherapy for colon cancer. It's called Folfox and is a combination of three different drugs. The routine is that I go to the infusion clinic for labs, IV anti-nausea medication, and infusion of one of the chemo drugs. This will take about 4 to 5 hours. Then they attach a pump with the two other drugs and send me home. In 46 hours the second infusion is done and a home health nurse comes to our home to discontinue the pump. Then it is up to me to rest and recover. This routine will repeat every other week for six months.

I'm told the side effect from Folfox are not as drastic as some other chemo drugs. I can expect fatigue, nausea, decrease in immunity, cold intolerance (will need to wear gloves a few days if I touch anything cold and need to drink warm liquids), neuropathy, and maybe some hair loss - but maybe not either. They say I won't look like a chemo patient and strongly encourage me to continue life as normal as possible. The first 3 -5 days after chemo I will feel the worse, but then I should start feeling better. There is a cumulative effect and so it gets a little rougher as time goes on.

All three oncologist have said my situation is unique. I do have recurrent colon cancer, but thanks to an amazing surgeon there is no visible evidence of cancer - he removed everything. So, no tumors and no metastasis to my liver or lungs. Good news for sure! But without a doubt there are microscopic cells left in my abdomen. The plan is for chemo to take care of them.

I'm feeling very positive and ready for this next step, largely due to the amazing love and support I've felt from all of you. Your messages of encouragement, love, and prayers have been powerful in my life. I can't thank you enough!!! Please don't hesitate to call or message me if you have questions, or just want to chat. You are all part of my village...and I love you!