Reality is Starting to Sink In
Today, my Mom and I went to visit a Cancer Resource Center in the area with the purpose of trying on wigs. It was interesting to say the least. That being said I did get an idea of what to expect and lots of helpful tips. I found 3 really cute hats that my mom bought for me. I am really looking forward to being able to wear some fun and spunky hats.
This afternoon the chemo nurse called and we scheduled my first treatment for Tuesday at 9 am. They will then be every 3 weeks after that. I will post dates and times after we get them all scheduled next week.
I decided that I am going on Monday morning and getting a short spunky haircut so that when I start loosing my hair, it will be easier to manage. I will also be trying on wigs Monday and hopefully picking one out. Be ready for some really cute pictures.
Now that the date is scheduled and I am actually making some decisions specifically related to chemo, the reality is really setting in. I have to admit, I am a little nervous about being sick. I hate feeling nauseous....so between now and then, I will be praying for strength and an easy spirit. I will be trusting in the Lord and the fact that He will carry me through this. I have always loved the poem "Footprints in the Sand" and I feel like it is very relevant to my life right now.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
In His Love, ME
This afternoon the chemo nurse called and we scheduled my first treatment for Tuesday at 9 am. They will then be every 3 weeks after that. I will post dates and times after we get them all scheduled next week.
I decided that I am going on Monday morning and getting a short spunky haircut so that when I start loosing my hair, it will be easier to manage. I will also be trying on wigs Monday and hopefully picking one out. Be ready for some really cute pictures.
Now that the date is scheduled and I am actually making some decisions specifically related to chemo, the reality is really setting in. I have to admit, I am a little nervous about being sick. I hate feeling nauseous....so between now and then, I will be praying for strength and an easy spirit. I will be trusting in the Lord and the fact that He will carry me through this. I have always loved the poem "Footprints in the Sand" and I feel like it is very relevant to my life right now.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
In His Love, ME
Michelle, I wish I'd seen this earlier, so that you would've seen my commentary before starting! Ah well, I need to tell you anyway: you need NOT expect to be nauseous! The doctors have developed good protocols to prevent nausea in most cancer patients, using a combination of steroids, acid-reducers, and anti-emetics. You should get steroids (probably Decadron), an acid reducer such as Pepcid, & at least one anti-emetic (Zofran, Emend) before chemo, plus a prescription for an anti-emetic (probably Zofran) and a steroid to take at home for a couple of days afterwards. They work! And if those don't, you call up the oncology center & they'll find different medicines. The drugs given right before and after the chemo actually make you feel pretty good for a few days; the bad days generally start about 4 days later, and aside from lasting side effects, only last about 3 days. So you'll have recovery time in between chemo cycles when you're feeling better :)
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