100 days post Op
Just about everyone in the UK was celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday this weekend but we also celebrated my 100th "post surgery" birthday. I am alive, getting stronger, killing cancer cells and fighting on. We had dark chocolate cherry cake with sparklers to celebrate.
It has been a hard week. The 9 hour time difference/jet lag with Anchorage compounded the sleep disturbance caused by the steroids. I have been on a crazy schedule. Up until 3 am, fighting off napping all afternoon; I just can't get back on UK time and get a good rest. I have taken sleeping pills almost every night, which I don't like doing, yet still don't feel rested. Yesterday was my last dose of steroids, so hopefully I will get back on track soon.
My chemo # 3 symptoms are all kicking into full gear: each symptom in itself seems manageable, but all together and compound over 6 months they feel daunting. I keep telling myself I am halfway done. The whole process feels like a full on assault on every body system, a total sense of "dis-ease." But it is what must be done! So I must soldier on.
My scalp is sensitive; each hair follicle hurts. My throat has a yucky metallic taste. My stomach feels like I swallowed a rock. My limbs are numb and achy. Managing my GI track seems like a .5 FTE job. My ears are ringing with tinnitus. Worst of all, my brain is total mush, I am loosing words and just can't think. I had a emotional meltdown yesterday and started crying because I spent 30 minutes trying to update the Icelandic flight info to our new loyalty account and couldn't get it to work. I'm glad I started this saga with a few extra IQ points because I feel like I am losing one every day. Thankfully, Bruce is a saint and helps me hold it all together. I could not do this alone and am so appreciative of him every day.
Special thanks to Lori Kendall who included me in her cancer relay.
Comments (11)
A centenary celebration is always more important than 90. Well done you two!
Your brain cells will all be there after the drugs are gone Bruce and you are both very impressive people on so many ways Just keep on trucking and we will beat this thing! I'm betting on it‼️ Mom
Screw the royal parasites. I'm happier that you're making progress than that the richest woman in the UK has hung on for another year!
Michele you are more amazing than you know. Congratulations on your very can do and positive attitude despite the difficulties you are experiencing. If I know you ...you are already are planning how to top the celebration you just had. I know I am looking forward to hearing about that plan. In the meantime as one of many who carry you in our thoughts ... I am sure they like me also send you virtual healing hugs daily. X
Love Gordon's comment!
Way to celebrate! Especially since I'm convinced that dark chocolate and cherries produce more WBC per gram than any other food! The queen may have her corgis, but Michelle has Bruce. Poor queen.... Hugs to you both.
I'm very sympathetic to your miseries from chemotherapy - it sounds awful. You are courageous and strong and smart - you will get through this with fully recovered brain cells. Hats off to Bruce! I was witness to his #1 concern and attention to your care and well being during your visit to Alaska. We are very grateful.
Michelle: You are so impressive! It sounds like you are handling all this like a champion. Much love to you and Bruce!
Michelle, I have trouble with airline loyalty accounts sans chemo! Chocolate cherry cake, way to go, Best, Cherie
I am so amazed by your strength and perseverance, but then, I always have been... We have reversed roles, now with you being the teacher. Your positive energy shines through... XXXX Helena (aka señora Hill)
Dear Michelle! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of you with your 100-day cake! (Did I mention that I LOVE the cakes in Oxford? Chocolate beetroot cake, lemon blueberry cake, dark chocolate cherry cake, pistachio nasturtium cake, and so on and so forth! Every one, delicious!) We have a lot to celebrate in our enduring friendship and good cakes! We miss you and look forward to your happy return to Santa Barbara in September! Lots of love from Satie (just down the hill from Señora Hill)