I'm going to lay it out plain and simple: I didn't think I was going to make it through my chemo week. When they said the first time would be the hardest, they were not lying. Monday and Tuesday were short three hour days, but Wednesday and Thursday were my six hour drip days. I watched a lot of people come and go, it's astounding how many people this disease effects. I see mostly elderly people, but some people my age and a couple of people very young. Cancer knows no age. I have met the nicest people too, most well into their treatments, offering support and advice. Sharing stories and experiences, really helping me as a newbie. The nurses are fantastic too. It seems like time in the chemo room goes by really slow and they stop to listen. They really want to hear how you are doing, no rushing around in the chemo room. My MIL has been a non-stop force for me this week, she has taken over my household, taken care of my boys and nursed me, she is a real angel on earth, I'm so lucky. I doubt I'll ever be able to express my gratitude.The effects didn't really start taking over until I was home. My most notable side effects especially after the cisplatin: Constant thirst, severe headache, abdomen pain, nausea and fatigue. Also, with all the fluids they pumped in me, I gained 8 lbs. in two days...needless to say, going to the potty is a new pastime too. :) Most of the nausea is controlled with pills, but I was having a hard time staying ahead of it.
As far as food, the only thing I've been able to stomach is potato soup, which seems kinda strange to me, and Sprite. I haven't even been able to drink coffee either! Boo!
Today, I've been a lot better, I've only slept part of the day and even spent some time outside with Logan. I sat in the shade with my camera while he was 'bird watching' this is one of the cutest shots, too cute at this age!
I have an easter project I've been working on here and there, but it comes so early this year! I'll be lucky if I even get it done at all. Things I'm looking forward to: Going to Keegan's track meet (I missed it last week) and t-ball practice starts, yeah for Spring! I hope my energy levels get better!
Thanks to all of you who continue to send love and prayers.
P.S. On a completely different note, I use Picasa to edit all my photos (always have) and today I noticed that Picasa 'upgraded' and now has all of the same functions that Picnik has (but won't soon!), I thought that I would pass that along if you are sad about the loss of Picnik.
I'm sorry to hear about your first week, been thinking and praying for you. You keep kicking that chemotherapy in the butt....you can do this! Praying for continued strength and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: I'm so glad that you are meeting other people that can help you along this journey because they have been there too. Don't worry about your projects, they will still be there when you are feeling better. Spend as much time as you can with the boys and just rest and you will get stronger. Keep up your great attitude..Judy
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to have a MIL that is taking such good care of you! I'm sorry you had such a rough week, I hope it gets better...as better as it can get with chemo.
ReplyDeleteSending you a really big hug Michelle! I've been a long time reader, but I don't think I have ever commented. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. You will get through this! Hugs and love!
ReplyDeletePraying for you Michelle in Gulf Shores, AL. I watched one of my best friends deal with breast cancer and it was so hard. She's into her second year after treatment and we're still praying for that five year good health diagnosis. Know that so many are lifting you and yours up to our Lord. Let others help you during this time, you can be strong for them later :) with love and many hugs, Nancy Hood
ReplyDeleteYour mother-in-love is such a wonderful answer to prayer. I'm so proud that you have made it through the first week. I pray for the healing blood of Jesus to flow through you this week and in the weeks to come. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteWell, the best part is you did make it and now it should be better--I hope it is! Sending out happy thoughts--you can do this!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration! I hope that this week really is the hardest and things will get a little easier as you go along. You will be in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJenn
Wonderful to see your post, thank you for updating. So glad you have such terrific support-keeping you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you as you go through this most difficult time. I had chemo last year (Stage 1 ovarian cancer...a 15 lb. tumor). Yes, it is hard and you'll be sick and weak. I'm sure your faith and positive attitude will go a long way to aid your healing. Keep posting....you obviously have many friends in blogland to lift you up!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Susie
I just LOVE the picture of your little guy "birdwatching"! What an adorable picture! Thank you for the picasa tip too! I am going to check that out. Easter snuck on me as well! This morning I found http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/easter/features/activities.html to me out. Each day this week has a simple kid friendly activity and Bible story. (Some things I'm going to modify, such as just buying pretzels, not making them!) Anyway, I thought it might be something you might find inspiring/doable since you might not get your big Easter project done.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you can cross week 1 off! I am going to continue to pray for you!
Peace
I'm sorry things have been so difficult. I truly wish they get better, FAST! Your attitude is amazing, and I'm sure that will assist you in dealing with this. Happy thoughts being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteMichelle you are truly something else :) you're sick, tired, fatigued along with other things and you still give us a tip about Picnik :) you're the best!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, hang in there every day and take it one day at a time. You will get through it. I'm sorry you are sick, fatigued, nauseated, and in pain. I'll pray for you to feel better with each day. Carol
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that you have such an amazing mother in law, that is a huge blessing! I love when you tell about yalls treks together, it is so wonderful to hear that when so many people have a not so wonderful relationship with their mother in law. Sending you hugs and wishes for a good week that allows you to go see the boys doing their activities.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you, dearest Michelle...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Carolynn. xoxo
Michelle...keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. When my sister's husband went for his chemo he felt the same way about the support which came from the other patients. The 2 of them actually started to have some fun there on the days he went, just because they had bonded so much with the other patients. Also having worked in a cancer hospital for 6 years I can say first hand how wonderful oncology nurses are...a very special breed. As for the no rushing around you are right. Cancer is not a STAT disease but it is amazing how it knows no age, race sex, popularity, religion...no boundries of any kind.
ReplyDeleteHang in there my friend...love and support is all around you. And that little Logan of yours is after my own heart...too sweet!
Dear Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to imagine what you have gone through this past week. Please remember though that Prayers go up and Blessings come down. With all the prayers being said on your behalf, I believe your blessings will come down. Sheila S.
I'm glad you had a better day and were able to go outside. What a blessing to have your children around and have your mil's help. When my brother was going through chemo (and then recovering after his bone marrow transplant) he used to watch cooking shows. I would laugh because he felt so sick and he's lying there watching food, but he was planning what he was going to make when he got well. He is now cancer free and is loving to cook, lol!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog last week while looking for Christmas ideas (I know, I'm either really behind or really early. Haha!) I was so touched by your story and God has brought you to mind several times since. I have had three breast lumps removed and also an ovarian tumor. All came up begnin but I've always marvelled at how life can change on so fast. So - just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. Cancer may not have any age, sex, race etc. limits but BUT God is always bigger than the cancer.
Much love, Heather
Hang in there girl!!!! I am so glad you are taking in those simple pleasures in life when you are feeling up to it. I hope that you feel better through all of this, your body is completely healed, and that life will be good for you and your family. You are such an inspiration, I know God will use this awful time in your life as a blessing to someone else experiencing the same in the future. Big hugs to you, and prayers for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDelete