It has been a tough 2 weeks in between treatments 2 and 3. After the last round of treatment, I caught a cold. With my compromised immune system, I just haven't been able to shake it. I have been coughing nonstop. Of course, I can't help but wonder if anything else is wrong with me. I have googled my symptoms. Not a good idea! I have been advised by my doctor that because my immune system is weaken, it will take my body a little longer to fight off. Once again, I wish there was a fast forward button to this phase. I'll want a pause button once I'm healthy again. 😊
I did manage to have a little fun during the past two weeks. I accompanied my siblings to a charity event that I agreed to participate in prior to knowing my chemo cycle. I was extremely worried I wouldn't be in any shape to go but somehow I managed. I wish I had better memories. I also was able to visit Carter's classroom for a Halloween event. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take the kids trick or treating but they had a good time with neighbors. Thankful for our awesome hood!
I lost pretty much lost all my hair as nurse Nikki warned me. It happened rather fast. I don't know why but this second time around was a tad harder for me. I was sad to see it fall out. I had grown attached to the fuzzy duck hair!! I am also thankful that it held on for the charity runway walk!
I went back to see my plastic surgeon, Dr. Liao, last week. Unfortunately my left arm motion, where the lymph nodes where removed, is not where it should be so he's recommending OT. The referral is rather aggressive of 3x a week for 90 days. With all my appointments and just not feeling well, it is not high on my priority list. I will go for an assessment since I know my arm movement is not normal and where it should. I'm hopeful he/she will provide some exercises I can do at home without having to go in nearly as often.
This journey has been incredibly hard, especially this regime, but I dig deep and try to to focus on the positives. I have met and/or been put in touch with wonderful people. When I first started, a colleague put me in touch with his mom. She battled and beat this awful disease twice! She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders! Thank you Patricia! I also was put in touch with one of Carter's friend's grandmother, who is on the tail end of battling the illness. It has been helpful to have such support system, including my sister, who has been in remission 6 years now. Most recently, I reached out to a teacher aid at Carter's school, who was recently diagnosed. I don't know how but there was an instant connection. My heart breaks for her that she's just starting this journey. We share the same medical oncologist, Dr. Comander. It feels good to be able to pay forward somehow someway. Cancer sucks but it isn't all necessarily bad. It's an exclusive club that bonds people who are fighters! I hope once I'm healthy again that I can somehow and someway give back more.