Chemo Update Round 2 - I know, I know you were hoping for Greg

Today is a chemo day - Round 2.  More importantly than me being one treatment closer to the end of chemo, I am actually feeling well enough to blog today!  I cannot promise how long this will be (thus the photos to take up some space) or if my writing skills will be top notch due to chemo brain, but here goes . . .

I want to start with an update on my chemo week.  Greg and I met with my oncologist on Tuesday to get my blood work complete, as well as discuss side effects from Round 1.  The blood work is required due to the aggressive type of chemo I am receiving as well as receiving every two weeks versus three.  The doc needs to ensure my white blood cell count and a few other things (which are over my head) are at the appropriate levels to ensure I am strong enough to receive the following dose.  As you can see from the pics above - blood work 0 BLG 1 - KILLED IT! #celebratesmallvictories  As far as side effects the goal is to make sure we treat any responses my body had that are not standard.  Some of my side effects that concerned us were vomiting, lack of sleep and heart palpitations.  Greg is to monitor the heart palpitations and then we will provide an update before the next treatment to determine if I need additional testing.  Vomiting, Dr. Amir provided new anti-nausea medication that should take away vomiting throughout the two weeks before the next treatment.  As far as sleep, doc gave us our third type of sleeping pill - fingers crossed.

So the actual treatment today was simple and easy.  I sit in a chair with some of my most cherished items and hang with the people I love dearly.  Does the treatment part hurt, you ask?  Nope not at all, but typically by the end I just start feeling like a mac truck hit me.  The nurse must administer the "red devil"  (thanks to Meredith for the perfect descriptor for this) manually due to, hmmm, don't believe there is a reason to explain any more than "red devil".  Once they complete two giant vials of this shit, they give me a drip of another chemo medicine and then a flush.  All done, on a good day, we can get in and out of PMH in three hours.

Time for my Oscar Cancer speech. . . PMH you have treated me well - I want to thank the volunteer walking around with the cart who provided me juice, smiles and two hand made crocheted hats (see me sporting the yellow and grey hat above).  I also want to thank Jennifer my chemo nurse as she was sweet, caring and informative.  Dr. Amir I feel completely comfortable in your hands.  You have amazing bedside manners, are very informative and you laugh at my jokes and I laugh at yours.  Laughter is one of best things for the soul. Lastly, I want to thank the female patient fighting the fight  in the waiting room who reached out to ask me "What woman have you chosen to be today?" She explained to me she was in the doc's waiting room with me on Tuesday when Greg and I were discussing who I was going to be at Starbucks that day.  I told her Tuesday I was Joan of Arc, and then shared a few of my up-and-coming women, as well as why I was doing this.  Made me feel good that she was interested and liked the idea.  More importantly, I am sending positive vibes and thoughts her way to continue to be a warrior and win her battle.

I must also thank so many many friends, families and coworkers. I have received so much positive feedback, and kind words from all my friends, family, Facebook, Twitter, posthope.org, Instagram and our company internal social media The Village.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide the positive thoughts.  It provides a source of energy that gets me through so many difficult moments.

We have received more cards, flowers, and gifts than we have ever received. Thank you to Ellen, Patti, Alliya, Lauren, Tiffany, Kim, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Mary, Jim, Wanda, Jacqye, Rick, LG, Sandy, Megan, Nina, Ana, Kadey, Carina, Monika and Susan.  Pulling out the chemo brain card in case I have missed anyone. This seems so over the top for me as I am usually the giver, but oh my a girl could get used to this! I love each and everyone of you, and you have definitely touched my heart in such a special way.

A special thanks to my friends who have taken time to assist with physically caring for me and my kids.  As the hospital appointments are one to two a week and last most of the day, the support has been robust, and don't worry you folks that have offered to assist, you will get our chance :)  Thank you to Kris, Andy, Silvina, Alliya, Charlotte, and Nina.

Now on to my absolute love of my live . . . I need to send a huge shout out to my husband for preparing me the last two days for chemo.  I truly believe all credit goes to Greg for me being able to write this blog the day of chemo.  He made sure I rested when needed, fed me consistently and kept me hydrated, all while cleaning up my bodily fluids, bathing me, caring for the kids and animals, keeping the house going, and buying us a house!  That's pretty fucking amazing in my eyes.

So for this journal on Chemo Round 2, I have decided to end with the Top Ten Items we Live by in the Goldie house that make our struggles easier and put a positive perspective on life.  If you recall I don't like recreating the wheel so I will attempt to place credit where credit is due.  Also, I have lots more great quotes I received from many of you, and will continue to post throughout my upcoming journals.

1. Every time our children walk out of the house that last thing we have them say is "Be nice to everyone." ~Greg
2. Tell the people around you, you love and appreciate them. You assume they know this already, but words go a long way. Affection doesn't cost a penny but is priceless when received. ~My Mother Jeanette
3. I once was depressed I had no shoes until I met the man had no feet. ~ Charlotte
4. Find the good in every person that crosses your path. You never know when you will see them again and you don't know what struggles that person has gone through or is currently going through. ~ My Mother Jeanette
5. It is never too late to be a better person, and only you can choose at anytime not to be a victim of your circumstances. ~ My Mother Jeanette
6. Forgive quickly . . . humans inherently want to do right, love and be loved, and make people happy. So the next time someone says or does something to you and you feel it was to harm you . . . stop, breathe, take a step back, think again and forgive. ~ BLG
7. Be appreciative of where you've come from. Share it loud and proud. It made you who you are today and shows people how strong you are. And more importantly, you are flawed, you lived and you are human. ~ My Mother Jeanette
8. If you love to cook, make lots and share it with your neighbors, friends and family. Food is good for the belly, and especially for the soul when it's made from love. ~ My Mother Jeanette
9. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to speak out and remove all doubt. ~ Abraham Lincoln
10. Anyone can give up.  It's the easiest thing to do.  But to hold it together when everyone would understand you fall apart, thats #strength. ~ Unknown

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Easter.  Hug your babies lots and don't sweat the small stuff, as they love you more than anything and want to make you proud.  Grab your significant other with two hands right over their ass and give them a deep passionate kiss.  Make a stranger smile, and most importantly keep being the strong, caring, thoughtful, rock star you are! 

XOXO, BLG