Still feeling good and continuing to read Life Over Cancer by Keith Block, MD, which was recommended by my oncologist. It's making me realize how taking care of oneself...REALLY taking care of oneself is a full time job! I'm supposed to eat healthy foods, seek out mental assistance, see a naturopath, take supplements, exercise more, and rest as needed. I'm barely keeping up with all that and I haven't even thrown work into the mixture yet!
I have started the "pescatarian" portion of my new lifestyle change, as recommended by this book in order to assist my body in fighting the cancer and any possible thought it might have of recurrence. Wikipedia defines "Pescetarianism, also called pesco-vegetarianism, is the practice of a diet that includes seafood and excludes other animals. In addition to fish or shellfish, a pescetarian diet typically includes some or all of vegetables, fruit, nuts, grains, beans, eggs and dairy." I am in the process of slowly phasing out dairy from my diet too, but that's much MUCH more difficult than giving up chicken and beef. No Ice Cream!? No Cheese!? No Way. Well, for the moment, anyway. I also am staying away from refined foods. Dr. Block's preview of the diet explains, "If you eat too much dietary fat and refined carbohydrates, you run the risk of increasing body fat and weight while weakening your immune system and increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood levels of substances that promote tumor growth and angiogenesis. Diets high in fat tend to cause more DNA damage, which allows mutations to accumulate in the cells that make up tumors. The more mutations, the more aggressive the cancer and the more likely it is that malignant cells will survive chemo and radiation and travel through the bloodstream to seed distant sites of your body with cancer. It is no surprise, then, that cancer death rates are generally lower in populations that follow low-fat, vegetable-rich diets." Diet is one small piece that I can control and it seems necessary to implement the recommended changes now. I want to kick this cancer in the ass!
I have scheduled an appointment with a therapist (per several entries ago) through Kaiser and have also been in touch with the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington (http://ovariancancerosw.org/) which has offered support in numerous ways. Besides offering meetings and resources, they have also put me in touch with another woman around my same age in Vancouver, WA who has gone through Ovarian Cancer. I think it will be helpful to meet and talk with her, since this type of cancer is so unusual in young women. (Yep, I'm still considered young.) Just being able to talk to another 30-something-year-old woman about menopause side-effects (hello hot flashes!) will be nice, let alone having one more branch of support.
I am beginning to focus on a small exercise regiment as well. I have lost most of my muscle tone, but particularly in the abdomen region since that's where the surgery occurred. My main goals at this point are small: focus on posture, breathing, and do a little aerobic exercise every few days (walking mostly for now.) I was so protective of my abdomen after surgery that I have developed more of a hunch and need to focus on straightening my back and using my core muscles. Pilates has taught me (in the past) how to incorporate correct breathing techniques and some abdomen exercises, so I hope to implement those soon too.
The original plan had been to return to work this week per the Surgeon, however my Oncologist had other thoughts about that idea. He would prefer me to stay out of work until after all chemotherapy appointments, but I'm not sure work will be in full agreement with the idea of me staying out through September. I made a compromise with everyone and promised to wait until after my 2nd chemo appointment to see how I feel. My oncologist is afraid that as I go to my next appointment(s), the toxicity will be building in my body and that I may not feel as well, but he is also cautious about the mental toll that this is taking. We have tentatively set my return to work date for August 16th and only part time at that time, but we will also have to wait and see how the next chemo appointment treats me. My co-workers have been GREAT about supporting me during this time - putting together a huge goody basket, offering meals and entertainment, and donating "shared leave" so that my time off has all been paid so far. (There is no short-term disability program through the State - Can you believe that?) The Shared Leave will run out before I return to work, but it has been very kind of them to carry me through this far. Thanks to everyone at ESD!
I continue to have hot flashes incessantly and have had some numbness and tingling in my feet. I have begun to notice my hair falling out rapidly, though I don't see any patches or thinness thankfully. That time will come soon enough though. My boss at work has agreed to help me in the art of head wraps, which I am terribly thankful and excited for. I have always loved the look of head wraps, though have never ventured into the art form myself. I think I'll be able to exhibit some neat styles with grace. Wait, when have I ever been known to be graceful?
As far as needs at the moment - I need healthy recipe suggestions! I've been finding quite a few out there and some people have sent me suggestions, which have been great. Keep 'em coming. I'll need head wrap suggestions too. I also would like a comment on these posts from you. WHO are you? Give me some feedback, comments...even just a quick hello is appreciated!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Dear Cancer Cells
Dear Cancer Cells in My Body,
How dare you try to take over my body. I am pissed off about your sneaky attack on my turf and I declare war against you little fuckers. You are going down. You have no right to this terrain and while you may have had a good run in the past, I am through with sitting idle and letting you use my body as an adventure land map. You are no longer welcome and I suggest you find digs elsewhere because I have begun my campaign to knock you worthless cells into oblivion...and I intend to see my war campaign through. Let me summarize my plan, so you have no doubt about my serious intentions to obligate your existence on MY body.
First of all, I have enacted chemical warfare on your asses. My body and mind are strong and can handle a little toxic warfare, but how do you feel about chemo aimed in your direction? I can see the beads of sweat building on your upper lip. But chemicals are only Phase One of my plan. I no longer have the same fear of them that you should...they are on my side and are helping to work against you and your sneaky plans of demise. I won't tolerate your shifty rebellion in my land.
I have also begun to amass my troops, and it is a number far larger than either you or I could ever have conceived. My friends and family have rallied and are working against you constantly. I have heard from people that I haven't been in touch with in multitudes of years, but they send me tidings of strength and support from afar. I only have to say the word and everyone will jump into action to fight you to your death. My doctors and nurses are the best in their fields and have years of kicking ass against cancer cells. They have an attitude of no holds barred, encouraged by my own attitude of war against you. They have promised me a relentless war until you have tucked tail and ran. I have also rallied naturopaths, psychologists, and mentors who have been down this path in battles against you, and they too agree that my strength surpasses your own in exceeding amounts. They too will fight beside me.
You have underestimated my strength. I have had moments of uncertainty and fear, but I have never doubted for a second that I wouldn't fight back in all ways that I could. I have had to make choices about strategy, but now I know that I will never stop coming after you and I am on constant alert to watch the borders of my body so that you will never return. I plan to starve you out of my system. You have fed on my weakness for foods for far too long and I now declare an end. I will now focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that have reputations for bold warfare action against you. You will no longer find a friendly feeding environment here. In fact, you will find that every taste you take, tastes of antioxidants and and cancer-fighting nutrients - all the things that good science show you fear.
You have had your run, but it is now over. You have been served notice to evacuate these premises immediately. I will not tolerate loitering of any kind and promise you that I am coming after you full-strength. Do not underestimate my determination and strength. I WILL kick your ass to the curb. You are now evicted from MY body. You are never allowed to return. Be gone.
In all sincerity,
Rachael
PS - My God, it feels good to be in control again. Ah, home, sweet home. ;)
How dare you try to take over my body. I am pissed off about your sneaky attack on my turf and I declare war against you little fuckers. You are going down. You have no right to this terrain and while you may have had a good run in the past, I am through with sitting idle and letting you use my body as an adventure land map. You are no longer welcome and I suggest you find digs elsewhere because I have begun my campaign to knock you worthless cells into oblivion...and I intend to see my war campaign through. Let me summarize my plan, so you have no doubt about my serious intentions to obligate your existence on MY body.
First of all, I have enacted chemical warfare on your asses. My body and mind are strong and can handle a little toxic warfare, but how do you feel about chemo aimed in your direction? I can see the beads of sweat building on your upper lip. But chemicals are only Phase One of my plan. I no longer have the same fear of them that you should...they are on my side and are helping to work against you and your sneaky plans of demise. I won't tolerate your shifty rebellion in my land.
I have also begun to amass my troops, and it is a number far larger than either you or I could ever have conceived. My friends and family have rallied and are working against you constantly. I have heard from people that I haven't been in touch with in multitudes of years, but they send me tidings of strength and support from afar. I only have to say the word and everyone will jump into action to fight you to your death. My doctors and nurses are the best in their fields and have years of kicking ass against cancer cells. They have an attitude of no holds barred, encouraged by my own attitude of war against you. They have promised me a relentless war until you have tucked tail and ran. I have also rallied naturopaths, psychologists, and mentors who have been down this path in battles against you, and they too agree that my strength surpasses your own in exceeding amounts. They too will fight beside me.
You have underestimated my strength. I have had moments of uncertainty and fear, but I have never doubted for a second that I wouldn't fight back in all ways that I could. I have had to make choices about strategy, but now I know that I will never stop coming after you and I am on constant alert to watch the borders of my body so that you will never return. I plan to starve you out of my system. You have fed on my weakness for foods for far too long and I now declare an end. I will now focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that have reputations for bold warfare action against you. You will no longer find a friendly feeding environment here. In fact, you will find that every taste you take, tastes of antioxidants and and cancer-fighting nutrients - all the things that good science show you fear.
You have had your run, but it is now over. You have been served notice to evacuate these premises immediately. I will not tolerate loitering of any kind and promise you that I am coming after you full-strength. Do not underestimate my determination and strength. I WILL kick your ass to the curb. You are now evicted from MY body. You are never allowed to return. Be gone.
In all sincerity,
Rachael
PS - My God, it feels good to be in control again. Ah, home, sweet home. ;)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Coming to Grips
I think that just now the shock is finally wearing off from all of these happenings the last few months. I am struggling now with facing needed change in my everyday life. I have started to read Life Over Cancer by Dr. Keith Block, as recommended by my Oncologist. It's been a great read so far, bur I'm just getting to the nitty gritty about diet, supplements, exercise, and mental/spiritual health. I think in my own case, I feel very susceptible to cancer; I've had two already, so what's to stop me from more? Something in my body is not functioning the way it should or some habit I have seems to be making my chances worse than the average person. It seems like this should be my wakeup call to make some much needed changes....but they continue to be the same struggle they always have been. I'm not sure if I expect too much of myself or not enough. I can eat well for a few days, but then laziness or lack of planning kicks in and we're eating pizza (which, although I haven't gotten to the food section of this book, I'm fairly certain pizza is not going to be a recommended daily allowance.) I also am trying to figure out how one is supposed to put all of these pieces together when I'm not working right now, let alone when you add back in a normal 40 hour work week. It seems like people who have cancer should be put into a learning program where they learn all these pieces about latest research on food, exercise, diet, supplements, get to meet others in similar situations, and learn how to cope with those things moving forward, I am shocked that I am expected to return to work soon, when I'm still coming to grips with the fact that I have a new cancer, just had surgery, am doing CHEMO, and dealing with the fatigue and other side effects. My god! So I'm supposed to be super woman and deal with my own mortality apparently, besides try to make money and ends meet, etc, etc. Can't the world just pause for a few minutes? Can't I have a few months to adjust to this new life I'm supposed to adopt for my own good? It may seem a little whiney, but on the other hand, it's no wonder the average American has so much trouble making these changes In their day to day lives. We are not taught how to put new emphasis on things that put our own wellbeing in focus. We are taught how to quicken our demise - eat cheaply and quickly, give up that walk for an hour of Real Love. Ugh.
And I feel guilty for wanting more time. My coworkers are struggling dealing with the highest unemployment rates and crazy state demands, and they they see me with a tan and must wonder how long I'll "milk" the system. Oh, you can work in your garden but you can't work in an office? My physical self goes through fluctuating energies and strength, but it's my mental self that's struggling more now. I feel a huge pressure to return to work, and yet I also feel like it's all moving too fast. I wanted to slow down everything along this journey, but haven't been able to...yet. My mental capacity is just catching up to all that has happened to me. And you know what? It's not all roses. It is angering and saddening and shocking to have to deal with all of this. I am happy to be alive and am pissed off that this is happening...that my body is betraying me. I am pissed that this is solely my responsibility to deal with and make better. I'm the one who has to accommodate the demands of work and life with any healthy positive changes that could improve my survival rates and chances of getting any more fucking cancers. It just seems like an insurmountable burden at times. And yet, I want those changes. Do I just have to pull on the big girl underwear and do it myself? Can I?
I also realized today that I think it's time to call in some additional help. I've been going through a lot and am just now facing what that means, and I think some counseling would help me to process and deal better. As I type, I am making the commitment to call the Kaiser Cancer Alliance tomorrow and look more into counseling help. I was thinking of a good friend of mine today who has faithfully gone to the same counselor for over 10 years every week, driving one hour to get there and another hour home. And it's not because she's a messed up person, but because she puts that time for herself as a priority. I have always said that I think counseling is a good thing for people, even if they don't have issues to deal with...and yet, I've talked out of one side of my mouth while not putting the rubber to the road. I admire my friend and I'm ready to admit that I need some additional help to deal with all of this. Thanks, SS, for being a role model.
And I feel guilty for wanting more time. My coworkers are struggling dealing with the highest unemployment rates and crazy state demands, and they they see me with a tan and must wonder how long I'll "milk" the system. Oh, you can work in your garden but you can't work in an office? My physical self goes through fluctuating energies and strength, but it's my mental self that's struggling more now. I feel a huge pressure to return to work, and yet I also feel like it's all moving too fast. I wanted to slow down everything along this journey, but haven't been able to...yet. My mental capacity is just catching up to all that has happened to me. And you know what? It's not all roses. It is angering and saddening and shocking to have to deal with all of this. I am happy to be alive and am pissed off that this is happening...that my body is betraying me. I am pissed that this is solely my responsibility to deal with and make better. I'm the one who has to accommodate the demands of work and life with any healthy positive changes that could improve my survival rates and chances of getting any more fucking cancers. It just seems like an insurmountable burden at times. And yet, I want those changes. Do I just have to pull on the big girl underwear and do it myself? Can I?
I also realized today that I think it's time to call in some additional help. I've been going through a lot and am just now facing what that means, and I think some counseling would help me to process and deal better. As I type, I am making the commitment to call the Kaiser Cancer Alliance tomorrow and look more into counseling help. I was thinking of a good friend of mine today who has faithfully gone to the same counselor for over 10 years every week, driving one hour to get there and another hour home. And it's not because she's a messed up person, but because she puts that time for herself as a priority. I have always said that I think counseling is a good thing for people, even if they don't have issues to deal with...and yet, I've talked out of one side of my mouth while not putting the rubber to the road. I admire my friend and I'm ready to admit that I need some additional help to deal with all of this. Thanks, SS, for being a role model.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Changes
Here we are a few days after chemo and thought I'd do a brief update. Decided to update the hair style per my last post and tried out a Winlock girl, Michelle, who rocked it. She created a faux hawk style with red and copper for coloring. It's very bright in the sun! :) I'm digging it so far but it's very interesting to see the reactions of the commoners - not quite as much polite chitchat at the stores and what not. I feel like everyones watching me to see if I'm going to steal something wherever we are. It's semi-humorous but a little angering too. It definitely stands out more in the little town of Winlock than say in Portland.
I have been feeling pretty good after chemo. I sometimes think it would be nice to have a little sign to post around my neck that says "I've just been through chemo this week, be nice to me." I just would appreciate a little more understanding from the average unknowing person about why I'm moving a little slower or that a little extra kindnessy to everyone is an OK thing. I mean hell, I don't want like first of line privileges, but a little common decency and and some understanding would be great. And thats why I need the sign.
I continue to be a little fatigued and I can't sleep well due to the hot flashes. That part is taking a bit of a toll in my everyday interactions, where I can't muster up my normal friendliness. I'm just a little grouchy, dammit! But otherwise, the chemo was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. The fact that they give you so many drugs to take to counteract the side effects before you even have a sign of any side effect is a much appreciated thing. I'm sure it would/could be a lot worse if it weren't for that pre-prescribing (which makes you wonder about the word "PREscribing.) We have been given a whole new battery of pills and my medicine drawer is getting out of hand! Seriously, I probably have over 20 prescription bottles from the last few months. I'm even using one of those weekly pill boxes to keep all the crap straight. (thank god for Brian filling it for me and keeping it all straight.)
I'm now wondering what the docs will say about my returning to work. Its hard to imagine working a full 40 hour week, due to the fatigue and just the brain drain of trying to help others and stepping outside of my own issues for a while. Maybe it'll be a good thing.
I have been feeling pretty good after chemo. I sometimes think it would be nice to have a little sign to post around my neck that says "I've just been through chemo this week, be nice to me." I just would appreciate a little more understanding from the average unknowing person about why I'm moving a little slower or that a little extra kindnessy to everyone is an OK thing. I mean hell, I don't want like first of line privileges, but a little common decency and and some understanding would be great. And thats why I need the sign.
I continue to be a little fatigued and I can't sleep well due to the hot flashes. That part is taking a bit of a toll in my everyday interactions, where I can't muster up my normal friendliness. I'm just a little grouchy, dammit! But otherwise, the chemo was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. The fact that they give you so many drugs to take to counteract the side effects before you even have a sign of any side effect is a much appreciated thing. I'm sure it would/could be a lot worse if it weren't for that pre-prescribing (which makes you wonder about the word "PREscribing.) We have been given a whole new battery of pills and my medicine drawer is getting out of hand! Seriously, I probably have over 20 prescription bottles from the last few months. I'm even using one of those weekly pill boxes to keep all the crap straight. (thank god for Brian filling it for me and keeping it all straight.)
I'm now wondering what the docs will say about my returning to work. Its hard to imagine working a full 40 hour week, due to the fatigue and just the brain drain of trying to help others and stepping outside of my own issues for a while. Maybe it'll be a good thing.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
First day of chemo
Today was the first chemo appointment and my wallowing in fear and expecting worst case scenario worked! By "worked" I mean that I had no problems at all except the extreme fatigue I feel now. But fatigue is something I can handle without problem. Here's a breakdown of the day:
We showed up and started the education piece with the nurses where they told me all about the possible side effects of the drugs they would be injecting intravenously and how to deal with them. The real approach to all of these effects is to head them off at the pass before they get bad, so they loaded me up on a bunch of prescription pills to combat nausea, diarrhea, heart burn, anxiety, and so on. They also got my IV going and put in several of the anti-nausea and other drugs to combat the potential side effects first. They did a good job of simultaneously freaking me out (just confirming some of the fears I already had allowed - like definite loss of hair, high potential for nausea, etc) but also relaxing me by being informative and caring. Thie doctor stopped by very briefly - no real comment on that.
They then started the taxol first, whIch has the more immediate side effects so they started it with a very slow drip and watched me intensely. They increased the speed of the drip every fifteen minutes for about an hour and then left it at that final speed for about another three hours. I was very nervous and noticed I was creating psychological side effects where there were none (hypochondriac!) so I decided to busy myself with a little tv/movie watching which helped to alleviate that problem. (a HUGE thank you and shout out to the GLass and Tesarik clans who pitched in on an iPad for me and loaded it up with episodes of Smallville, which I totally geeked out on and LOVED today. Thanks guys; You rock!)
I had several hot flashes (hello menopause!) throughout and the first one or two freaked out the nurses a little since allergies and flushing can be caused from the chemo drugs. The nurses were again great in their sevice, bringing blankets, cake, beverages, fans, and whatever I needed. I also got a quilt that volunteers knit for the cancer patients. I felt a little guilty about it at first since I have so much great support and don't NEED a blanket for survival, but the nurses convinced me that all cancer patients are welcome to the quilts and I thought it would make a kind of neat momento of this experience. I chose a really cool blanket that I'll try to post some pictures of at a later date. I'm happy I took it now. It will be great in our new home and as a reminder of all of this experience - because soon this will all be behind me, right?!
Anyway, so then they started the carbo platin drug in the IV for a half an hour, and there was no problem. Brian had stayed with me through most of it and ran to get us some healthy sandwiches and then I convinced him that he could run chores while I watched Smallville, so he took off for a little bit. Overall, it was a fairly uneventful scenario other than it was the immensely dreaded "first day of chemo." I feel ok though and hope it continues that way. We were there for a total of 7.5 hours today! The drugs will take their biggest effect in 7-10 days and that's when I may notice some hair loss.
Speaking of hair loss, I'm thinking I'm gonna cut my hair short in the next few days and dye it some crazy color. I mean, why not? This is the one opportunity to do something wacky that won't be too permanent, and I have always wanted to do it anyway. So stay tuned on that front. Suggestions too of styles, colors, where to find cute scarves, hats, etc. Are welcome too!
As far as needs at the moment - we need healthy meals again, but only for the next few days. By healthy I mean low on dairy, lean meats, lots of organic produce and antioxidants (green and purple veggies and fruits). These are the requests of the doctors and nurses, but it's also an eating style I whole heartedly embrace too. I am requested to drink a TON of water and non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages too. I hope my energy will return quickly and I'll be back in the kitchen soon. But in the meantime, Brian seems to get really crabby when I suggest he make dinner, so some help on this front would be welcomed.
Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any questions about this experience. Thanks everyone for your help!
We showed up and started the education piece with the nurses where they told me all about the possible side effects of the drugs they would be injecting intravenously and how to deal with them. The real approach to all of these effects is to head them off at the pass before they get bad, so they loaded me up on a bunch of prescription pills to combat nausea, diarrhea, heart burn, anxiety, and so on. They also got my IV going and put in several of the anti-nausea and other drugs to combat the potential side effects first. They did a good job of simultaneously freaking me out (just confirming some of the fears I already had allowed - like definite loss of hair, high potential for nausea, etc) but also relaxing me by being informative and caring. Thie doctor stopped by very briefly - no real comment on that.
They then started the taxol first, whIch has the more immediate side effects so they started it with a very slow drip and watched me intensely. They increased the speed of the drip every fifteen minutes for about an hour and then left it at that final speed for about another three hours. I was very nervous and noticed I was creating psychological side effects where there were none (hypochondriac!) so I decided to busy myself with a little tv/movie watching which helped to alleviate that problem. (a HUGE thank you and shout out to the GLass and Tesarik clans who pitched in on an iPad for me and loaded it up with episodes of Smallville, which I totally geeked out on and LOVED today. Thanks guys; You rock!)
I had several hot flashes (hello menopause!) throughout and the first one or two freaked out the nurses a little since allergies and flushing can be caused from the chemo drugs. The nurses were again great in their sevice, bringing blankets, cake, beverages, fans, and whatever I needed. I also got a quilt that volunteers knit for the cancer patients. I felt a little guilty about it at first since I have so much great support and don't NEED a blanket for survival, but the nurses convinced me that all cancer patients are welcome to the quilts and I thought it would make a kind of neat momento of this experience. I chose a really cool blanket that I'll try to post some pictures of at a later date. I'm happy I took it now. It will be great in our new home and as a reminder of all of this experience - because soon this will all be behind me, right?!
Anyway, so then they started the carbo platin drug in the IV for a half an hour, and there was no problem. Brian had stayed with me through most of it and ran to get us some healthy sandwiches and then I convinced him that he could run chores while I watched Smallville, so he took off for a little bit. Overall, it was a fairly uneventful scenario other than it was the immensely dreaded "first day of chemo." I feel ok though and hope it continues that way. We were there for a total of 7.5 hours today! The drugs will take their biggest effect in 7-10 days and that's when I may notice some hair loss.
Speaking of hair loss, I'm thinking I'm gonna cut my hair short in the next few days and dye it some crazy color. I mean, why not? This is the one opportunity to do something wacky that won't be too permanent, and I have always wanted to do it anyway. So stay tuned on that front. Suggestions too of styles, colors, where to find cute scarves, hats, etc. Are welcome too!
As far as needs at the moment - we need healthy meals again, but only for the next few days. By healthy I mean low on dairy, lean meats, lots of organic produce and antioxidants (green and purple veggies and fruits). These are the requests of the doctors and nurses, but it's also an eating style I whole heartedly embrace too. I am requested to drink a TON of water and non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages too. I hope my energy will return quickly and I'll be back in the kitchen soon. But in the meantime, Brian seems to get really crabby when I suggest he make dinner, so some help on this front would be welcomed.
Did I miss anything? Let me know if you have any questions about this experience. Thanks everyone for your help!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Anticipation, Part II
OK, getting real nervous right now. Two days to first chemo appointment. I had a great realization the other day that was profound (for me) but ultimately isn't making me feel too differently. The realization was that I am letting the chemo scare me more than I'm letting the cancer scare me - And that's just not right. It's the cancer that's life-threatening, not the chemo. While the chemo has lots of scary immediate side effects and toxicity, it's ultimately supposed to help me and I need to keep that in mind. The cancer just seems less scary because it has less immediacy. But, admittedly, I'm still scared. In fact, I wanted to put off the appointment an extra week the other day. But so far, I'm still keeping it the same day. I should probably do some more research so I can help with this damn fear.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Anticipation
I did it. I made the appointment for chemo and start my first session next Wednesday. What can be expected? I don't know. The first hour of the appointment will be talking about precautions and care of myself and what to expect. The other four hours consist of three hours doing one type of chemo (carbo platinum) and half an hour of taxol. They will attempt to do it intravenously and we've managed to schedule it on Brian's day off so he can be there with me.
I went to a doctor's appointment with the surgeon the other day, but she got called out last minute so I ended up seeing her partner instead. He thought everything looked ok from his pelvic exam and that my wound is healing well. I am to talk with them again after my first round of chemo and then we'll schedule a return to work date, but most likely it will be by the end of the month. My belly wound is completely closed up now, but has one heck of an ugly gash-type scar. I always wanna show it to people because I'm fascinated by how it looks, but I recognize that it may be uncomfortable for others if I start lifting my shirt in public. Haha
As far as how I'm feeling - I feel great right now. I am getting back to my normal activities and even doing a little planting of some flowers in pots on the deck. I still have lifting and torque restrictions...but I feel well enough to push those restrictions a bit here and there. Don't worry - nothing major - just happy to get back to life as "normal."
I went to a doctor's appointment with the surgeon the other day, but she got called out last minute so I ended up seeing her partner instead. He thought everything looked ok from his pelvic exam and that my wound is healing well. I am to talk with them again after my first round of chemo and then we'll schedule a return to work date, but most likely it will be by the end of the month. My belly wound is completely closed up now, but has one heck of an ugly gash-type scar. I always wanna show it to people because I'm fascinated by how it looks, but I recognize that it may be uncomfortable for others if I start lifting my shirt in public. Haha
As far as how I'm feeling - I feel great right now. I am getting back to my normal activities and even doing a little planting of some flowers in pots on the deck. I still have lifting and torque restrictions...but I feel well enough to push those restrictions a bit here and there. Don't worry - nothing major - just happy to get back to life as "normal."
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