Once again, it has been awhile since my last post. I really don't have a reason as to why I haven't written sooner other than just keeping busy with things other than Gregg's recliner.
I switched to a new type of chemo, Taxol, on February 22nd. I was very excited for this switch as I could NOT wait to get rid of the RED DEVIL. She had her way with me and I was done - I couldn't have been more excited to see her leave. The 4th cycle of the Red Devil had left a lasting impression on me as it took about 9 days to start feeling any sort of normalcy again. On the 21st, I was exhausted. I could barely keep my eyes open and was literally about to go to bed when Gregg called on his way home from class. He wanted to know what I was doing and told him about to go to bed. He pretty much begged me to stay up so we could "talk." If anyone knows Gregg, you know this is strange for him as he just doesn't want to "talk".......but, being the good wife to an awesome husband, I stayed awake by watching you tube videos of Shamu attacks. Why I chose that - who knows, its what popped up in my search when I searched Shamu.
I'm sitting there watching these videos and Gregg comes home. He walks through the door and says he's home and asked if I was coming into the kitchen. I tell him in a minute so I can finish the video. When I stand up to turn around, low and behold, Jenny Arnold is in my freaking house! Some of you know her and some don't but for her to fly here from Chicago for my treatment was an amazing surprise for me! She and Gregg had coordinated this and it was an absolute surprise. Furthermore, for Gregg and Jenny to keep a surprise from me - I know that was unbelievably rough on both of them! I of course cried as I couldn't have been more excited!
We go to my chemo the next day and of course I forgot my stupid numbing medicine AGAIN! I figure okay, I can put it on when I get there before I have chemo because its of course a Hurry Up and Wait situation every time you go. I finally get my numbing cream on with the help of my cousin Chris as she is the only one paying attention while Mom, Jenny and Gregg carry on their own conversation about why its odd for me to use shampoo and conditioner still with no hair - got to keep this bald head soft and shiny :)
They were unusually busy on this day and they finally call me to go back of which Chris goes back first. The nurse who I have had before comes over and remembers she has to use the bigger needle for my port because of its placement. While she begins to access it, she goes right where the numbing cream is so of course I don't feel it but then she gets NO blood return. OF course - why would I expect anything different????? She then tries to reposition the needle but it comes flying out and then I start bleeding. She then has to access it where there is NO cream - go figure - again, its me so why expect anything different. Chris is definitely trying to take my mind off it which definitely helps as it wasn't the most pleasurable experience. Once my premeds are done, Chris leaves and my mom comes back to ensure I do not experience any reaction as the Taxol goes in. Again, its me, so why would I do anything typical? I am fine for the first several hours. Its not until I am 45 minutes from being done - almost 6pm and everyone is gone except Gregg, Jenny and I. And what happens - I start sweating profusely, develop a temp and the beginning of hives or maybe I just was red - who knows what it was. They had to stop the Taxol (ridiculous I might add b/c it only made us be there even longer) and dose me up with all kinds of medicines. Once everything was back to normal, they resumed the Taxol and I went home just fine.
The main problem with Taxol is around days 3-5, you will feel like you are 90. Severe bone and muscle pain. The pain just laughs when you take Advil. I of course did not start Advil until after the pain started so this didn't help like it could have. When I went and saw my Dr on the 3/8 chemo/visit, she instructed me to take Advil 24 hours before the pain started which I think did help this time. At my visit, Dr. Zelnak thinks I should be able to have surgery after my last chemo treatment on 4/5 but it will ultimately be up to Dr. Styblo who I see 4/9. She will determine if she can get clear markers to have surgery - if not, its more chemo but Dr. Zelnak feels good about it which is the best news EVER. She also did say we could most likely sneak off to Disney for a couple days between chemo and surgery so I will definitely be planning that if the surgeon gives the go ahead! We were able to take the boys to Wilderness at the Smokies for 3 days for their Spring Break. I was not allowed to play - I had to sit and watch. Do you know how hard it is for me not to play? Needless to say, it was still nice to get away - a lot of great people watching :) Gregg took the boys to the water park when I was too tired or sore to go which he played for the both of us!
I always knew I was blessed by an awesome network of family and friends but its been through this "experience" that I have truly been made aware of what/who we are surrounded by. Thanks to my chemo "party" (as Evie calls it!) on the 22nd - it helped me realize again how blessed I am. Gregg and Jenny coordinated her to be there for my chemo - my mom is there to make sure everyone does what they are supposed to do - Chris is there as a breast cancer sister to push me through these dates with poison :) - Evie and everyone else checks in with Gregg every hour to make sure I am ok lol - My office has made sure my family has dinner during the week while my family provides for us on the weekends - Athens Academy network of teachers and parents watching over the boys as if they are their own - Evie and Mom changing guinea pig litter and doing laundry - Rian and the entire team at the office making sure everything is handled and that I am left alone - the Mathews picking Logan up for baseball - the list goes on.... On chemo days, Uncle CR and Lisa takes care of the boys from dawn to dusk while Phillis makes sure we have dinner and my favorite desserts waiting when we walk in the door. There are so many people helping us which for those who know me well, know I do not accept help well :) And also to Duck Dynasty - for getting me through the rough days - you don't even know how much you have helped me by providing me with hours of laughter. The new episodes have been especially great but thank you for making me laugh when I need it. Most of all, Gregg and the boys - Gregg is there for all of this - the good, bad and ugly - and the boys, well they are two of the sweetest boys who do nothing but tell me how beautiful I am and makes sure I am ok, especially on my rough days. I don't even know how to repay everyone for the love and help we receive through this. What I do know is - I am feeling truly blessed and thank GOD each and every single day for all the support and the HUGE prayer network occurring daily for us to get through this so we can say - we kicked cancer's ass! Love to everyone!!!!!
