Back for More Chemo

I returned for my second chemo regimen on July 22.  Before the 22^nd, I had started to feel better.  For the first 10 days after the chemo, I did not feel very well.  I was fatigued.  On some days my legs felt very rubbery and heavy.  I had pain in my joints.  My right foot was extremely painful on some days.  This limited my exercise of walking on some days.  Steve would rub my foot at nighttime with some oils, which provided partial relief.  My nausea decreased over time.  Swelling/bloating remained an issue causing a lot of pain and making eating more difficult.

I have begun working on consolidating my journal.  However, it has been a slow process because we stay busy with doctors’ appointments and I move more slowly.  I appreciate many family members helping me with my journal and photo album efforts. 

The last three days before my second chemo regimen began I started to feel better.

My mouth sores disappeared and it felt so wonderful.  It is hard for me to even remember how much they hurt.  It is amazing how soon I could forget.  I started to regain some of my energy.  I walked on the treadmill.   With Justin, we sat outside in the evening listening to music, and I joined him for yoga. 

Thanks again to the kind people who have brought us food.  It has really helped to always have food available when I need to eat.  Also, thanks for the notes of encouragement.

Now I am back to the chemo regimen (July 22).  Thanks to my children for giving me bright ear rings to wear to the chemo to help brighten my chemo experience.  Several people commented on the beauty of the earrings.  (insert picture of Dad and me)  Unfortunately, my nausea has begun again.  I did not even make it out of the chemo treatment before I lost my delicious lunch with my first nausea incident.  The chemo pump is now connected for a couple of days. Unfortunately, it is a constant companion.

Through this ordeal, I continue to feel the comfort and peace of my Heavenly Father.  Different times during the day when I feel discouraged my spirit has been lifted by my prayers.  As I read over the different family journals, I realize how blessed I have been through out my life.  I have received so many tender mercies.

First Chemo Regimen Completed

I completed the first chemo regimen last Friday.  We went back to the doctor’s office and they removed the pump that I had been wearing for two days.  We will take a picture of the pump next time, but it was small enough for me to carry around and do all my activities.  I just had to remember that it was attached to me with a plastic tube, or I would try to walk away without it.  It was connected to my port so I was quickly reminded that I needed it with me at all times.  It brought back unpleasant memories of when I previously had the feeding tube for my esophagus surgery.  Thus, it was a relief on Friday when the pump was disconnected from me.

I have not felt very well since the chemo was received.  I have been very tired and listless.  My legs don’t want to move very well.  I have quite a bit of nausea, and most recently I have developed cold sores and sores in my mouth.  This has made it harder to eat, which is made even more difficult as I was already limited in eating ability due to my prior esophagus surgery.  Fortunately, my Church friends have provided me excellent soft meals and snacks.  I still try to walk some each day and go out occasionally.

Prayer continues to help lift my spirits.  This week, when I was having a particularly difficult time, I prayed for help.  I received a welcomed Heavenly response of peace.  I am grateful that I can call on Heavenly Father at this time.

I appreciate all the notes and letters of encouragement.  I recognize that many people are praying for me.  This means so much to me.

First Day of Chemo

 I am sitting at the Virginia Cancer Specialists office receiving my first chemo treatment.  I am receiving a regimen called FOLFOX.  It will take about 4 hours today, including set up and prior medicines.  I will wear a pump for two days that will continue to give me chemo.  They will then remove the pump on Friday.  The same procedure will happen every two weeks.  I will have 4 of these procedures, and they will then assess the situation.

I wanted to begin the chemo, but I have always been scared of receiving chemo.  When I first arrived at the office and they showed me all the medicine that I would be taking, I got so scared and anxious.  Thanks to my children, who had prepared a chemo care package, I was able to listen to the playlist that they had prepared for me.  It relaxed me.  The care basket contained items that were reminders for me.  For example, they included the book “Love You Forever” that I had given to each of them when they were young.  As the story goes near the end of the book, I felt like my children were rocking me and singing,

“I’ll love you forever,

I’ll like you for always,

As long as I’m living,

My Mommy you’ll be.”

I am truly blessed to have such wonderful children.

Going to Chemo

This past week while I waited for the chemo has had some ups and downs.  We were able to enjoy July 4^th weekend at our lake house with many of our children and grandchildren.  I felt ok while I was there.  I even took a ride on the wave runner and watched the others ski and tube from the boat.  We had July 4th fireworks from our dock.  It was a great show.  Everybody also participated in a short Forsyth Family Frolic (run).

The Girls at the Lake

Some of the other days and nights I have not felt as well.  For example, one night I could not sleep due to severe acid reflux.  I coughed constantly and my back and neck ached.  Finally, Steve was able to give me a Priesthood blessing.  He was also guided to rub my shoulders and back.  This helped calmed me down and helped me go to sleep. 

I began to receive some meals from the Relief Society sisters (friends from our Church).  These are specially prepared meals suggested by my nutritionist.  I am so grateful for the kindness and love shown to me.

My Family Visits and a Delay of Chemo

I have been home from the hospital for one week.  Although, I have not felt great, I have felt some better.  However, this afternoon (July 1) has not been as good.  My coughing has returned, and I have had a fever.  I hope I can soon be past this setback. 

We had a fun week with Troy, Brooklyn, Brock, Stephanie, Maddy, Taylor, Emma and Sam.  Justin also joined us from Ireland beginning Saturday afternoon.  He will stay until the end of August.  We rely on his medical guidance, as he just completed his 2^nd year of medical school.  We have really enjoyed our family at our new house.  The pool and media rooms have been big hits.  My spirits have been lifted by my family’s presence.  Laughter and noise from little kids adds much joy.  I also look forward to Lee (Stephanie’s husband) and our daughter, Stacey, joining us for the July 4^th weekend.

Yesterday, we met with my oncologist to set the plan forward.   I will begin chemotherapy next Wednesday, July 8.   We were not happy that it was delayed so long, but their schedule was very busy with the office closed for the July 4 weekend.  We are frustrated that we really have no choice.  We can begin earlier at the hospital, but that approach was not recommended by the doctor, nor do I want to be readmitted to the hospital.

To help me feel better, I am going to a chiropractor/kinesiologist (Dr. Sims).  He has helped address my abdomen, back and neck pains.  He understands my pain and has shown a kind heart to me.  I receive some pain relief and additional hope from going to him.  His office staff is also very compassionate and kind to me.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me encouraging cards and letters, and thanks to those who have posted encouraging comments on my blog, Facebook and in e-mails.  I continue to feel Heavenly sent peace, love and comfort, and I feel so blessed to receive such peace, love and comfort.  This has helped to overpower my discouragement and to take it away.