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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Thanks and more

The past week has been one amazing week – Wednesday specifically to be exact.
My work held a rather fabulous fundraiser for me at the Barnyard theatre. I feel so in awe
Every time I think back to it…..I get all emotional again…
I really did not expect too many people to be there to be honest – I was simply blown away by the outcome. It is so amazing to have So many people that care – it’s made my journey so much better and positive. I sincerely believe that half the battle is Already won once you have that conquered (positivity that is).

Before the age of 30 a young woman would never expect to go through the hurdles of chemotherapy x2, loosing your hair, having a
Double mastectomy done, reconstruction, radiation and possibly RFDA. I’m going to conquer it all!! Watch this space people!!!

Last week I approached my better half saying I wanted to shave my head – of all people he had been putting me off thinking I was going to Regret it because I wasn’t loosing it like the typical ‘patient’ – Instead my hair was thinning ever so gradually making me look like a crazy baby chic
With hair about 20 different lengths sticking out everywhere. After bathing it would take me about 30 mins to ‘de hair’ myself from the bath. It was Driving me crazy so I asked him if he would help me shave it. I thought I would be an emotional mess but I felt so much better and I think Nigel did 2. It felt empowering to an extent – like you’re getting the best of it all. I hid my head for a day or 2 but it turns out Nigel quite likes it. We look like 2 peas in a pod now – both with shaved heads :p In a way it’s kind of nice to not have the chore of taking a while to wash and dry my hair and I can take away the expense of shampoo, treatments and conditioner :p (you have to look at the silver lining :p ) I now have quite a nice new ‘do’ that everyone likes. I must say I am not used to having hair in my face all the time (hence the wearing a beanie to keep it out of my face and keep my neck from not being so hot)

I had the weirdest thing happen to me last Friday – I all of a sudden got this terrible fever and felt so extremely nauseas with a really sore stomach. I raced home – got myself under 3 mounds of blanket and a hot water bottle. I was still freezing!! I thought I was coming down with flu – thankfully by early hours of the next morning I woke up feeling myself again. Apparently it’s a symptom of chemo. How nice…after a week and a half of having chemo when you think the worst is over. Chemo – the gift that keeps on giving. Go figure huh…

I would have thought I’d have a bit of rest with the public hols but alas – my chemo is scheduled for the 26th of this month. Slap bang in the middle of it all. How nice…I suppose I’ll be ½ way through at least J Always look at the silver lining….

1 of the many tables of supporters


my boss myself and all at RE/MAX head office (as well as founders)

The 'Stars' of The Show


My Man and myself

some of my friends

Friends

another table



one of the tables

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Red Devil no. 2 -aaaaaaalmost half way there...

Day 4 of Chemo No. 2 - I feel like sh*t  :( I have been so emotional and not knowing what to do with myself for the last 3 days - I am just getting so frustrated. I lay in bed as much as possible because the less I move around the better I tend to feel on the nausea side of things. Suppose it's a never ending cycle really. I hope to get back to normality as soon as possible so I can feel myself again.
I was supposed to have had chemo last week Wednesday but shockingly I got a call on Tuesday saying 'sorry your blood results are bad - we resceduling you to next Monday'. Being called about a simple blood test feels like you have failed a major exam or something. It's so weird...Not a lot of people will understand it for what it is but it's such a dissapointment at the end of the day. You mentally psyche yourself up soooo much only to hit a brick wall. Doof!! I relaxed for the next 2 days as well as the weekend and then when Friday came around again I had my 2nd set of blood tests done. Only Monday did I find out that I passed this time so on went my day for going for Chemo.
I first visited my Oncologist for a follow up appointment. On sitting down she asks me ' so how much do you hate me right now?'. I told her that I thought the chemo was extremely grueling and her exact description was perfectly suited - ' you're going to feel like you have 1 hell of a bad hangover for about 4-5 days'. Turns out that chemo no1 was in fact given to me on a much milder dose. Hmpf.... (imagine my excitement to start chemo in the next hour or so).
My doctor examined me and she immediately could see that the tumour had shrunk. She seems to think the Good Ol Red Devil (mean red devil more like it) is going to hit this out of the ball park completely. 
On walking out of the doctors office I ran into Heather (all at RE/MAX will know who she is) who was having an appointment with my doctor right after me. She was scheduled for treatment as well. On arriving at the chemo room I sat down and got 'plugged in'  and to my surprise Heather was actually seated to sit next to me. It was so nice to have a familiar face nearby where we chatted about our ailments and life in general...and also to the ladies accross from us..