After Chemo...

I know, I know… it’s been almost 3 weeks since my last post, but I’ll explain.

But before I do…

Ringing that bell, and being done with chemo treatments brings such a relief.

A huge relief!

A relief that I was not expecting, and it’s hard to put into words, but I’m soooo happy, ecstatic, overjoyed that it’s over! Maybe it was the five months of 16 infusions, labwork, meds, dry skin, mouth sores, bloody nose, hair loss, loss of taste, excessive tiredness, UTIs, fingernail issues, neuropathy, etc… that I don’t have to worry about any more!!

Ya think??

I don’t wish this upon anyone, but I’m here to say that if I can get through it, anyone can.

So, some of these side effects have gone away, but some of them became much more pronounced after the last chemo treatment 3 weeks ago… again something that I was not expecting. THIS is the reason I didn’t update this blog… I wasn’t feeling it, I wasn’t happy with the unexpected side effects and I didn’t want to talk about it or share what was happening. I truly thought that they would start going away, right away. They didn’t!

So, as soon as I was done working for the day, I immediately went to the couch to put my ‘puffy’ feet up, and I definitely wasn’t in the mood to write about it! So, as I said, the neuropathy definitely got worse… way worse than I ever experienced during treatments. And even today, it’s still much more pronounced in both my hands and feet than it ever was during my treatments. As I mentioned, swelling became more of an issue as well… in my hands, feet and often my face. It’s finally starting to going away. ‘They’ say the neuropathy should subside in time, so I'll just have to be patient with this. Fingernails will take time to grow out, but nail polish will cover up what looks like dirty fingernails… they’re not dirty, I promise… it’s just nail discoloration from the chemo. I’m happy to say most of the other side effects have faded away. My taste has almost returned to normal… yay! My hair has started to grow back, but of course it’s nothing like it used to be… from long dark brown to short white (with a sprinkling of brown). It’s a look I’m still not used to, and not sure what I’ll be doing with it in the future ~ only time will tell. I’m not feeling the crazy tiredness any longer, and I hope I’ve seen the last of UTI’s! This last one was a doozy!! I know TMI, but it is what it is! It is a reminder that my immunity is still low and I have to be careful so as not to catch anything floating around out there.

Over these last 3 weeks I’ve received a lot of positive vibes, sweet messages, and beautiful gifts. I know I’ve said this before, but your reaching out, however you did it, has helped me so very much. On those crazy days when I’m a bit down and out, I’m easily reminded by all the words of encouragement from all of you, rooting for me, keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. That is what keeps me going! I know I’m fighting this fight for me, but I’m also fighting this fight for you!

Thank you so much SB for the plant and ‘Love Wins’ necklace and the box of Rancho Raviri treats… I love them ALL! Thank you RL for the gorgeous and thoughtful flowers… sorry I missed you that evening! Thank you mom for two more amazing beanies… they are the best, as are you! Thank you to the best NTS team in the nation for the beautiful flowers… I miss all you crazies so much!

Thank you GR for the beautiful bouquets of roses and lilies… they opened beautifully and were gorgeous! To L&J, the card is perfect, thank you so much for your kind words! Thank you Hillview Staff for the basket full of amazing gifts to name a few… the plant, eyemask, snacks, the wonderful gift cards, and JS the handmade S is absolutely beautiful! Valley View Staff… thank you for the amazing basket filled with sooo much ~ from the candle to the socks, snacks, notecards, throw, puzzle, books & magazines, to name a few. You are all so thoughtful and I appreciate you so very much.

R&K, thank you... the embroidered towel and bookmark beautiful, K, you do amazing work! And JG... thank you so much for the vase ~ it's perfect! I treasure all my JungWare and this is a wonderful addition to my collection! I promise the next photo will have flowers in it! And not pictured, but a special thank you KH for all your thoughtful cards and special writings… those mean so much to me, and I’m touched that you shared them with me.

I got to do a short little celebration for a very special birthday last week... Happy Birthday Gina! The cheesecake party was super fun and it was awesome hanging out with these girls.

It was great seeing a few others not pictured... you know who you are, and I'm so happy I got to see you ~ miss you ALL!

And then yesterday I got a surprise visit, a social distance lunch party with two of my forever friends. Thank you both for the delicious Lemon Leaf lunch, Starbucks, cakes and special rose plant! Thank you mostly for the afternoon of fun and laughter and our forever friendship. ❤

Next step for this Greek warrior…

I am now preparing for my next battle… surgery. It’s scheduled for May 17 and I will stay overnight at least one night in the hospital, two if necessary. I’ll be at City of Hope in Duarte so will be in good hands as they are the best of the best! Yes, I’m anxious, nervous, scared… along with a few other adjectives, but I will get through this as I have everything else. Not sure if I’ll be updating my blog before then, so if I don’t, you’ll hear from me as soon as I’m able, post-surgery.

❤