I haven't blogged in over a month. Not much is new. At the beginning of my last chemo we discovered my hemoglobin was 85 (should be 120-150). I wasn't feeling very tired but that afternoon once I had started my chemo for the week I was exhausted. The entire week I went to chemo in the morning and slept all afternoon. The following week was much of the same and as I was starting to feel more like myself I caught a cold which took me a few days to get over.
Today, I started my last round of chemo. I go every day this week and then next Tuesday (because of Thanksgiving) and then the next Monday. I have a CT scheduled for Oct 29th and have an appointment with my Oncologist for Nov 5 as she is away. That will be the longest week of my life, waiting for the results.
I feel really well. I don't want to get my hopes up and be let down because I felt fantastic when they told me my cancer had returned. Cancer is a sneaky little F'er.
3 of my best girlfriends and I have gone on some day trips over the past month which has been really fun. I have gone to lunches, had walks, coffee, went in to see my co-workers and spent a lot of time with my family and my adorable niece. The days fly by! I have also been reading A LOT and of course, knitting and crocheting.
There have been more young people in the Oncology Clinic lately. During my last treatment there were 4 of us in there at the same time, all around the same age, getting chemo. It's unfathomable to think of the number of people that are getting chemo, having radiation or surgery every single day. The numbers are astonishing just at this hospital, then to think of the hospitals in the province, country and world.
I am still "vegan". I do eat yogurt and sometimes if cheese is on something I will eat it. I feel fine. I have maintained my weight which I am happy about. Gaining a bunch of weight would have only depressed me. I walk a lot, almost every day anywhere from 30-60+ mins. I cannot wait to be able to do a little more.
Today, I was informed of 2 more people I know who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. It needs to be understood that cancer DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. You can think "It will never happen to me", but believe me... IT JUST MIGHT!!!! I thought it would never happen to me as I took very good care of myself, being very conscious about what I ate, and keeping myself in good shape. Doesn't matter. I very well could have smoked 5 packs a day and eaten my 3 meals a day at the golden arches!
Hopefully this week will go well. I wish I could blink and it would be over. This is my 14th round of chemo in 2 years... yuck.
You're a trooper!
ReplyDeleteCancer definitely seems to affect each and every family. And if it hasn't, the unfortunate reality is that it probably will. Some cancers you can help prevent, others- such as yours, you can't. You have been a true fighter through all of this. You have shown the world that you won't give up, ever. And you have snapped A LOT of people back to reality. Cancer has no positives about it; but you certainly are a strong person in every which way. And I am grateful to have each and every day with all of you. I will try to continuing living my life being grateful for what I have. Knowing things change in an instant. Glad you are feeling well despite it all, and am praying for a smooth and speedy recovery. You deserve your health and life back. Love you. Xo
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog and you are such a strong woman, Laura. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you, and more than ever throughout your last round of chemo.
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ReplyDeleteYou have helped a lot of people understand a lot about life and cancer. Love You. Praying for You
ReplyDeleteevery day.
Charlene b
Stay strong and wishing you positive news. I have read your blog and you are courageous. And a good writer too!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Laura. Your sheer determination and will to continue fighting this horrible disease is truly a source of inspiration to me as I watch my mother, who was always very active, healthy eater, go through her chemo for a colon cancer, and my dad fight with his clear cell chondro sarcoma in his neck. It is an extremly difficult situation you are in, and I am glad to see you fighting so hard, and not taking no for an answer.I don't have a whole lot to say except for thank you for sharing parts of your journey with us in this blog, and I'm sending positive thoughts your way.
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