I know it has been too long since I updated what is happening. I have had a good many days when I've struggled for my energy, and some that have felt somewhat normal (if I even know what that is any more!). I just had my 10-day blood check from chemo #4 -- everything looks good.
Treatment #4 was much different, in terms of after-effects, than any of the previous treatments. The worst part was the numbness in my feet and hands set in immediately. I had one day that I couldn't even walk because I didn't trust my left leg at all. Something about the nerves was particularly challenging, and when I tried to put weight on it to walk, it kept trying to go out from under me. Not a good feeling. So, I ended up staying in bed all day one day. It was frustrating. Makes one stop and think in wonderment at the intricacy of the human body. The mind was willing.... The leg was not.
The next treatment is April 13. So I have about a week and a half, and right now I'm feeling pretty good. My head is clear from some of the fuzziness that sets in. It was a good solid week at work. My new admin is just amazing, and she is really managing things for me while I'm up and down. So, when I come in and can finally get back to it, I'm not piled up with a backlog. I can just keep moving forward. It's refreshing.
During my last treatment, one of my clients and her sister (who is also fighting her own battle with breast cancer) brought mom and me the most delicious vegetarian lasagna! It was such a sweet thing to do. My mom has had her own set of health battles of late, so it was nice to have the night off. Mostly, though, cooking and taking care of things isn't too difficult. I'm slower at things than I'd like to be. And I've noticed that the ole' brain is a tad slower. So instead of trying to 10 things at once, which is my usual modus operandi, I have skinnied it back to doing about 2 to 3 things.
And there are days when, for whatever reason, I just have to stop "doing" and go home for the rest of the day. Thankfully, those are few and far between.
So, I only have two more treatments to go. Now it is beginning to feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I never thought I would get this close, but now it feels tolerable. Until they kick me with the next chemo and I know I'll be thinking "when will this ever stop"!
For everyone out there who is praying for me, know that I so appreciate it and believe it makes a difference. Please add to your prayers my client's sister. I can't divulge a name, but I've truly never met anyone who radiates (probably a bad word) as much sunshine through a smile as she does. She is the essence of the word positive. I should only hope to be half as as optimistic as she is, and I've got it made! Blessings on her in a big way. When they visited, I was really kind of bummed out about my circumstances. Through her grace, I found a reason to perk back up and keep moving. Blessings and grace come in different packages. You just have to remember to pay attention.
Love you all! I'll keep the blog going, cuz I've got a long way to go yet.
