6/27/15 Chemo #9
Hello, Fabulous Friends and Family!
Sorry for the delayed update. It’s been a puffy-face, greasy-hair, cold-throat, prickly-finger, runny-nose, nausea-laden week. Yep. One of thoooooose weeks! I went out for a short walk and a neighbor noticed I was wearing gloves…in 75 plus degree weather. Try explaining that one. But, I’m feeling a bit better today so, yay!
It’s been awhile, so I’ll recap. Chemo #8 (June 8) went quite well. Probably because my body made me take four weeks off to recover and recoup its neutrophils (white blood cells). My Oncologist also had me do an infusion of one liter of saline to help keep me hydrated. It seemed to help. Though, I still was a little nauseous, that week went quite well. It was such a blessing because my sister and niece came to visit and Kaitlyn’s grad party was that Sunday—and I really needed the energy. It all went fabulously. Though, I do have to admit that I don’t remember part of the early day of the grad party. I know what you’re thinking…and no, it was not due to certain liquid consumption—but because of this ridiculous chemo brain. No offense to blondes, but I’m becoming the ultimate bubble-headed one. Good news, though, if you have anything you want to confess, now is certainly the time because I most likely won’t remember any of it. It’s really quite hilarious…if you’re not me. In fact, Scott shaved off his goatee yesterday. I never noticed. I kept telling him he looked different and I was scared he may have gotten into some of my nausea drugs and they were affecting his looks. Nope. Stupid chemo brain!
So, then there was this week. Chemo #9 (June 22). Not as fun. Tuesday, was fabulous. Got lots done. Spent time out in the fabulous summer sun. Then Wednesday snuck in. Dumb Wednesday. Got the 5FU off (the chemo (fanny pack) I wear home) and the nausea started. No problem, I thought. The infusions will help. Nope. Had 2 Liters on Thursday and another Liter on Friday. All I did was gain 6.6 lbs of water weight. Great! I’ve spent most of the week either in bed or stumbling around like zombie. I’m just so much fun!
Still losing my hair. In fact, I get comments on my great haircut…which isn’t happening. Just the older longer (older) hair is falling out so it looks like I’m getting my hair cut. (Way cheaper by the way!) Plus, when I wear a hat to try and cover it, I get the “cutest” (not!) little elf ears look poking through because there’s not enough hair to cover them. Lovely! Crazy thing is, the rest of my body is not falling in line. My prickly leg hair is still growing! Plus those little wayward hairs (you women know what I’m talking about) still pop up in the wrong places! I know, too much info, but the truth must be shared!
Oh yeah, let’s try some good news. I had another CT scan done. The tumors are shrinking. Still there, but shrinking. Officially: “Findings consistent with positive response to interval therapy. Specifically, numerous scattered hepatic (liver) metastases have shown progressive decrease in size compared to previous exams. No new or enlarging hepatic metastasis.” Plus I have no more enlarged lymph nodes. So… Great news! (major understatement!) Also, my CEA tumor marker dropped to 13.1. Another blessing! They’re waiting for the CEA to “stabilize” which means the chemo has done its best. Then I get a break. Then they’ll recheck and I’ll either start up the same chemo, or start a new chemo, or be healed (biggest hope) and it’ll stay in remission. God's in charge! One day at a time.
So, hope you have a wonderful and restful Sabbath and weekend. Isn’t summer fabulous? Makes me happy. At least I think it’s summer—I can’t trust this brain anymore.
Comments (14)
You're doing awesome, my sister. I'm so proud of your tenaciousness. Know that it's okay not to be strong all of the time. Love you and LOVED spending that week and a half together. Miss you dearly.
Sarah, Thank you for posting and posting truthfully! We love you and your candor! Shanna asked if you might save your journals and write a book to help others through their journey? Our love and prayers always! Polly, JR and Shanna
Ok, so I bumped into Scott about 5 minutes before services yesterday. We did our quick handshake as we were passing intently in opposite directions. I was a bit puzzled looking at him, and asked, "Haircut?" in our 3 second encounter. He said no, but that he shaved his goatee. My point is that chemo brain or not, we humans don't always effectively respond to change. So my non-medical conclusion on your progress: you are perfectly normal! (This of course is based on the perspective that I am normal, which one could question.) 3 more sessions, I believe you said, before a nice extended (and praying 'permanent') break for you. May you and your family have all the blessings the Father can bestow on his children.
Great to hear your consistent progress Sarah. Great you have such good support. Your descriptive account goes some way to help us empathize with what you are going through. GREAT news on the scan and marker progress. EXCITING to hear you are on the path to healing. Thanks to God for your progress and healing. Pete & Tracy
It is awesome to hear the progress! Sorry for the interesting paths you must take on this adventure! So happy you have some many "Prayer Warriors" on your side for this.. Still love to read your posts! You are a marvelous Lady! Love and Hugs
So sorry that you are having to go through this Sarah.
Hello Dear Sarah: It looks like you are going through h*** so you can have a heavenly life afterwards. Most of us could not endure what you have gone through. My prayer is that the suffering will decrease and the healing will increase. Chester Crowell
Our prayers are still with you Sarah. Glad the numbers are going down! We will pray that this continues!! Enjoy the summer to the max!! Love to you and your family.....
You certainly have had a wild ride these past few weeks especially. It is tremendous though, that the results are continuing to come back with good news -- despite the break from chemo. That is not always to be expected -- but it is great when it happens. Don't worry about the chemo-brain. Lisa had this for awhile -- but all of our friends will tell you now that she is the more insightful and quicker thinker between the two of us. I am challenged to keep up! :) Best regards to you and the family.
Sarah-isn't it great to blame it on the chemo brain! I love using that excuse to this day! It's wonderful to hear how well you are doing and tackling this beast called cancer, with God on your side and that awesome clean shaven(???!!!) husband of yours you definately will! Cindy
This is quite a journey you are on, dear one. Unfortunately the road can be full of meandering turns and twists along the way, but we are all so thankful that the path continues upward and forward despite the curves. Praying for you to have the strength to keep on truckin'. As always, thanks for keeping us posted on life in "Sarah World." It helps so much to be connected and to be able to pray specifically. xo, Terri p.s. - I have a version of chemo brain and I'm not even on chemo! What's up with that!?!?!?
That is wonderful news Sarah! You must be so happy to have the markers drop -- praying for your healing! It was exciting that your daughter graduated! Thinking bout your family!
Good morning my friend.I hope this day is a better day for you.That your healing continues and your strength increases.You are an inspiration to us. Your honesty and your humility is teaching us that it's okay just to be us.I saw this saying and I love it!! It goes like this. Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problem How Big Your God Is. Have a blessed day Sarah
Hey Sarah, sorry to hear about the P-f,g-h, c-t,p-f,r-n,n-l week! However, I am happy to hear about your C-T scan; that is encouraging. I understand the week to week treatments are very challenging. And I also know when one family member is hurting, all the family is sharing in that; and greatly desires you to be completely healed.