After my last blog post, I thought I would begin chemo in early October, but God had other plans. Little did I know that my health insurance and MD Anderson (MDA) would haggle for several weeks over dollars and cents and other medical stuff that I may never know. All I do know is that I finally was scheduled for my two days of chemo on November 3 & 4. In the meantime, I received my Covid booster shot, cortisone shots in both knees, and I had more blood drawn. Unfortunately, my CA-125 went up to 210!!! YIKES!!!
Since I was filing for disability, my "last day of work for awhile" was October 29. I was blown away that my team held a "special" team meeting to say good-bye and wish me well. I was touched and moved to tears. It's times like these when you realize that family is not just the people who share the same DNA, but the people you work, worship, and walk with through life. I am truly blessed to have family in all those categories.
After two days of getting things done around the house in preparation for the "yucky" days, it was finally time to deal with Mr. Chemo again. My sister dropped me off before 8am at MDA and I headed to the infusion floor armed with things to do while sitting for 6-7 hours. Day One was the slooooow infusion of Carboplatin. The day before chemo, you take steroids to pump you up, then when you get there, they pump you full of things to relax you before the actual drug pumps through you. Up & down, up & down. Geez!!! Since I was so relaxed, I settled in, put on some music and took a nice nap!!! Next thing I knew, I was time to eat my lunch! After lunch, I watched some TV and soon, Day One was over. So much for getting something done!!! Day Two was much the same only this time, a slooooow infusion of Taxol. I was done much sooner than anticipated. As always, the nurses are super nice and friendly.
In previous rounds of chemo, by the day after, food starts tasting blah, especially dairy products. Therefore, I eat bland foods like chicken noodle soup and jelly sandwiches. This time, food tasted okay, but I didn't really have an appetite. I just ate smaller portions because I knew I needed the nutrition. On Saturday morning, I had a big muffin and a cup of tea. I decided I felt good enough to take a shower. I got my stuff together and headed for the bathroom. I got in, shampooed my hair and started cleaning my body when all of a sudden, I felt extremely light-headed. I grabbed the handle where the soap sits and thought "dear Lord help me." The next thing I knew, I was at the bottom of the tub with the water running. After I realized what happened, I turned off the water and made sure I could move my arms and legs. Thankful that I did not hit my head!!! After maneuvering my body around so that I was on my hands and knees, I turned the water back on and finished rinsing. I slowly got up and got out of the shower. I sat on the toilet seat with my head between my knees for several minutes. When I finally felt better, I headed to my room wrapped in a towel. I laid down and asked my sister to check me for blood. Again, so thankful that I was not bleeding, but she did notice I had two large bruises - one on my side and one on my leg. So... I just took it easy for the rest of the day. And I ate more food!!!
The next few days, I made sure to eat and get plenty of rest. Thankful again for an extra hour due to the end of daylight savings. Since feeling better, I've attended Bible study, a high school play, my quilt guild's weekend retreat, and Family Missions Night.
I started a First 5 study on Joshua a couple of days before chemo. One verse that jumped out to me was Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It was exactly what I need to read before starting chemo ... again. In fact, I have part of that verse on my bulletin board above my desk. It's comforting to know that whether your sitting in a chemo chair, at a desk at work, a driver's seat, a wheelchair, or a recliner, that the Lord is with you!!! Knowing that He's with me gives me strength and courage to face anything that comes my way. I pray that you have that same assurance.
I love this song by Dante Bowe called "Joyful." I makes me smile and reminds me that "This is the day that the Lord has made!" I hope it makes you smile, too!!!
May you & your family celebrate a blessed & happy Thanksgiving!!! Remember, that even though there is still so much unrest and discontent, we each have so much to be thankful for this year. Count your blessings!!!
And as a side note, Saturday, November 20 marks 8 years since the surgery that changed my life. It's been a journey, but God has been with me every step of the way and he'll continue to be with me every step of the way.
Prayer Requests:
- Blood work - Wednesday, November 24 - pray for lower CA-125
- Appointment & Chemo #2 - Tuesday, November 30 & Wednesday, December 1
- Pray for the days after chemo that I would eat enough to keep my strength and that the food will taste good!!!
Only by His Strength,
Sandy
