Chemo Day #3: Wednesday, February 23, 2022

News Flash! I still have my hair… today. I decided to try and wait for the weekend to cut it with family. It’s not the best timing but after speaking with my medical oncologist today, we think 2.5 weeks is the best time. It may start coming out in chunks and for me– it’s best to be proactive. I want it to be my choice and besides… I’m kicking cancer’s butt not the other way around. I have school class pictures and my 50th birthday coming up this week not to mention my son getting married in 11 days!

Some may think this week was tough and cancer had the upper hand but it was only a little set back. I wasn’t well to work on Tuesday because I have laryngitis and cough, aches, headache and fatigue. I really felt pretty bad and slept most of the day Monday and Tuesday. My oncology nurse said I needed to get COVID tested just in case so I went to the rapid testing center nearby and luckily it was negative. So onward to chemo day #3 today.

Chemo day #3 was uneventful with good labs, quiet time to rest and reflect but I had my cough. Several coughing fits were pretty annoying and lots of fluids helped me feel a bit better. I chose to sit by the window and keep my cough to myself in the cold corner. It’s the cold corner because the air literally blows non-stop directly on you the entire time. Now I know why others don’t normally sit there. Hehe! I used the fabulous blanket my aunts gave me and a heated blanket from the chemo room to make myself nice and cozy as I donned my cold therapy mittens and socks. I was able to take all of the chemo today without stopping and adding more steroids and no reaction. Yeah! I had a nosebleed at the end of the appointment when I was ready to leave which is totally out of the ordinary for me. I literally can’t remember when I ever had a nosebleed. The nurse said it was probably unrelated but I think it’s because chemo actually causes severe dehydration and can kill all hair follicles (even in your nose). Interesting, huh? I stayed a bit for it to stop before making the long trek to the parking garage due to the sleet coming down outside.

As I reflect on the past week, I realize I may be going a bit slower with less energy than I had before, doing less and resting more. Maybe that’s a good thing and I can be thankful that in this time of life, I can slow down and let my soul catch up with my body. Even though the weeks are filled with appointments and chemo that poisons me, my soul and spirit can be strengthened by God. He gives me rest when I need it and comforts me. He gives me sleep and rest… SELAH… Holy pause to life to allow my soul to catch up with my body. Running on empty is not the way to live a life. Allowing God to fill me up with living water and spill it over in love to those around me is the amazing life he has for me. It’s been a joy meeting others on the journey to share, love and care about their lives and share the treasure of God’s love with them. It’s only week 3 and I’m positive, persistent and productive! I think God is smiling down today and he has my picture on his great refrigerator saying, “She’s my favorite!” But then again, He says that about YOU too!

Thank you for your love, prayers, meals and encouragement for me and our family! I value and appreciate every friend and family member who cares, supports and reads my blog. Thank you for the encouragement you give me to fight the good fight and stay strong! Leave a comment if you feel led. I read every one and try to respond within the week.

~Tamela