1 down, 17 more to go
I experienced my first chemo treatment today, and it went well. I'll admit to a few tears right in the beginning because it felt like such a monumental moment, and not necessarily a good one. I quickly got over it as I sat and talked to the other 8 ladies in the room who were so friendly and encouraging. They've all been right where I am at right now, and they're surviving. They assured me it won't be easy, but that I can make it. In fact, the woman right across from me was close to my age, has a 6 year old daughter, and finished up her treatment today. It was a sweet moment to see her walk out of the room with a smile on her face in her sassy high heels.
I was also in tears as I came home and read all the Facebook messages and emails from my friends. You just have no idea how much I appreciate the prayers and well wishes.
Tomorrow's treatment promises to be alot more challenging. I will receive drugs through both ports; 5 liters of fluid into my abdomen, and I'll be leaving the office several pounds heavier; 1 liter of medicine through my shoulder port; as well as several steroids and anti-nausea medication. I'll also receive a shot that boost your immune system, but requires serious pain medication for the next several days. They tell me that by Friday I'll be out of commission for 3 to 7 days (3 is best case scenario and 7 is worst case scenario).
1 down, 17 more to go.
Rory spent the day with Mayme and Emma, and she's posted some videos if you want to take a look. Rory woke up at 6:15 this morning bouncing off the walls ready to go play. It looks like they had a blast, and I hope Mayme survived my girl!
I was trying to go all high fashion on you and show off my new bag, which I love. Yes, my head is cut off and it was only kind of on purpose.
And just in case you've ever wondered about a port, here is my gory photo. A port actually is implanted underneath your skin and the catheter goes directly into your artery. I won't typically have the extra needle and tubes, but they left it in since I'm coming back tomorrow and I chose to avoid another needle poke. They tell me that it will toughen up, but right now it's still very sore (and I've still got the stitches from surgery).
Comments
I have to admit, it sounds scary. You have my prayers.
Love the new bag and look at the skinny, hot mama holding it! Looking at the 'sass' in your eyes in the second photo - you are soon gonna be marching out of that room in heels leaving cancer behind!!
I am so glad you got to witness the lady walking out and leaving those treatments in the dust. You will do the same thing!
Your girl was a blast! She and Emma had so much fun. Emma just needs to work on her sharing skills. I will have to tell you some of the funny things that were said.
Good luck tomorrow.
I think it's so encouraging to see the woman who is finishing her treatments... that will be you someday, and we will all celebrate with you!!!
I have to thank you for your openness and honesty and willingness to share this process with us. I know so little about chemotherapy, and never really feel comfortable asking about details, so I appreciated seeing your port, and reading about what you're going through.
And my admiration of you grows every.single.day.
May God Bless you on this journey! Know that you are surrounded in prayer!
Your children are beautiful. I am partial to Korean children as my first daughter through adoption is from Korea!
I love the new purse and you look beautiful, port and all.
Happy Children's Day! Love you!
I'll leave you with a giggle (I hope): Doug and I talk about how you are doing often, and yesterday I told him to send happy thoughts your way since you were starting chemo. Well, Spencer overheard me and went in to school and made everyone send "MissMissa happy thoughts cause she has to wear camouflage today." {That totally could be a Rory statement, no?!}
You are looking wonderful(the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen) and I'm seriously loving that purse!! I have a real purse fetish!
I can only imagine how scary this time is for you, but remember so very many are lifting you up in prayer. Our LORD will carry you through this time and give you the strength and comfort you need.
Just focus on one day (or minute) at a time!
Love and prayers!