Treatment #6 and Gratitude

I completed #2 of dose dense Taxol (#6 overall) today. The treatment was 4 hours long but I was able to sleep through most of it and only had to go to the bathroom 4 times! This nurse just let me run on battery so I could go whenever I needed to and not bother her. I saw the oncologist today instead of her nurse practitioner. She was pleased with my progress. I told her about how I had been feeling and she said it is completely normal around 50-60% through this process to be sad and overwhelmed. I have been feeling that the last couple of weeks and it was hard to write. My white blood cells are low and my hemoglobin is still low so that means I will continue to have the fatigue. I had to shave my head last week and that was very hard. A lot of tears have been shed lately. I was feeling very overwhelmed by everything happening in my life. I told her about the leg pain and neuropathy I was experiencing after the last treatment and she gave me a pain pill to use to get through it. Its important that I sleep so she doesn’t want me up at night hurting. I asked about radiation and she told me to see that Dr. in the next couple of weeks to make a plan for that. It should start about a month after chemo.

The last 2 weeks have been overwhelming but the main thing that got me through was gratitude. I am so thankful for all of my wonderful family and friends who have reached out during this journey. I receive texts all time and it usually comes through right when I need to hear those words of encouragement. There are many people who have sent gift cards for Doordash, Kroger, Ulta, home chef and restaurants that have been such a blessing. Others have sent cards, flowers, fruit, and spoonful of comfort boxes. There are several women who have been through this journey before who are there for me as confidants and cheerleaders to help me along the way. People at work who have jumped in and helped with things when I could not be there in person. My boss who shaved his head in my honor and talked about it on his weekly leadership show. His wife who checks on me, send words of encouragement and offers to help all the time. People from Emily’s work who have reached out to pray for me and to help. My cousin sent me a beautiful Hawaii bracelet because she knows I miss visiting there and I promised her I would get there again one day! People who are calling to talk to and support Tim through this. It is great for him to have someone to talk to. My hairdresser and good friend, Jennifer who has been with me through this by praying for me, giving thoughtful hair gifts and she even shaved my head last week. It was hard on both of us! I appreciate all of the comments from the readers of my blog and friends on FB and Instagram. My friend from CA who sent me wine from her favorite winery since I can’t travel to Napa any time soon. I received a “box full of sunshine” (thoughtful gifts in a yellow theme) from our wonderful friends in Nashville, GA.

My best friend, Mimi, who visits and calls often and is also our real estate agent who helped us find a house! So as of June 30 we will not be renting anymore. We finally found a house in Dawsonville. We are looking forward to making wonderful family memories and having my parents move in with us.

My sisters-in law who have called, texted, visited, sent gifts and helped me along the way. My father- in- law and mother- in- law who check on me so often. My parents and sister who call, bring food, flowers and visit. Last but not least, my husband and children. They have supported me, loved me and helped me so much through this process. I am beyond blessed to call them mine. I am sure there are others who I have missed but I am thankful for each and everyone. So as you can see I have so many things and people to be grateful for and that has gotten me through the hard times. I feel like I am taking more than I am giving right now (which I am not used to) but I know once I get through this process and I can pay it forward to someone else. I am already looking into a program where I can donate my Paxman scalp cooling cap to someone in need.

I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. 2 more chemo treatments to go! I appreciate the love and prayers and I hope you continue throughout this process. Please pray that I have minimal side effects the next few days. Thank you and God Bless!