Like a boxing match Round 3 has been completed and I am still standing! While I would like to say joyful things like it was painless because we all have made Pink Tough, I would be fibbing. On Thursday I was so sick I thought death might be preferable. I am wobbly and our walking has shortened to going to the mailbox until I can rebuild my stamina. This infuriates Tucker!
Twenty pounds in forty days. That is what I have gained. The doctor attributes ten pounds from not smoking and ten pounds from the steroids. When I asked her if it would drop off when I finished the steroids she smiled and said I 'd have to work like a dog to get it off. Woof!
I learned that I will start radiation after Round 4 of chemo. Apparently the side effects from the following year of chemo aren't so bad, therefore I can start radiation. While this is good news as it means I won't be spending all next summer at the radiologist, it means that September and October are going to be difficult for me at work...and no I'm not going to sit on my newly enlarged buns at home so don't even ask!
Love this weather although it makes wig wearing extremely UNCOMFORTABLE. My sunglasses that I had on top of my head actually had condensation appear on them from the steam rising off my scalp! I have a full 3/16ths of hair on my head...where there is hair. It is fairly sparse. I still have some eyelashes and some eyebrows. While doing my hair takes less time-make up takes much longer! And for all of you that thought I wouldn't have to shave my legs- WRONG! There are still some poking up there too!
In honor of Walter Cronkite (for those of us old enough to know of him). That's the way it is. EXPECT GREAT THINGS!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dear Leah,
ReplyDeleteWhen my sister in law in Minneapolis went through this many years ago we were so distant we kind of just said oh gosh too bad for Christy. We, me, have so many regrets that we did not support her as family here on this side of the world. I wrote her recently to tell her that. It has been over 10 years. I thought perhaps she might want to write you, but in true Herlocker style she replied that was then, this is now and she had put that time behind her. She did say though that the chemo and then radiation rotations sounded much like what she had had. She is survivor and she is beautiful. Her job took her away from home a lot, so she opted to quit her job, went to school to become a photographer as she always wanted to be, and now has her own photography business. Her focus on life is so positive. As yours is and you too will come out the other side stronger than you ever thought possible and you will be there for us to remind us to not let the world get us down.
Your weight will come off. I remember one time having a major anxiety episode where I lost 12 lbs in a week. I loved the way I looked, hated the way my mental state felt. I got better, the weight came back, and I realized I would rather be fat and happy than thin and miserable.
And so in a perfect world we would all look like Heidi Klum,but we need to be healthy and happy.....Focus on one thing at a time,,,,,
enjoy the cookies.....wear stretchy shorts,
flowy tops and loose sun dresses to get by this year,,,,,,next year....the sexy bikini.
I am sorry this summer sucks, but when the energy comes back, enjoy the moments.
I love to read your posts. As I pluck and wax and shave I say I wouldn't mind some hair loss.
Oh to be in a world where none of this would matter.
We love you just the way you are Leah. Who makes you you is not the 20 extra lbs, the hair on your head, it's just you.
We are with you, we care and we are glad no. 3 is behind you.
Will you be up for visitors next week? I would love to come see you and your garden.
Love Monica
Monica I would love to have you come visit! Next week I should be back to me. Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. I can understand your sister in law not wanting to "go back". I have heard from three relatives of "survivors" and they all feel the same way. Like child birth surely you want the pain to become a forgotten memory!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on passing the 3/4 mark of the BIG chemos! What is the date for your 4th and LAST evil treatment? In the meanwhile, rest, eat, and enjoy your garden. It is a blessing that you got to go to battle in the summertime. When school starts, you will just have to take it one day at a time. And, by the way, 10 pounds is a fair price to pay for not smoking! I am so proud of you for making that healthy choice! "Hi" to Paul.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteAre mornings or afternoons better for you?
I was thinking maybe Wed?
We drove up to the HC house today the A/C isn't working. We had to have the fix it guy come. It appears a valve quit working, leaked out $600 worth of freon (sp?) somewhere, isn't that scary....and spendy?
We decided to take a little drive and ended up at Lake Cushman, stuck my feet in the lake, it was remarkably warm, and it was absolutely beautiful I could have sat at waters edge the whole day. But alas we never brought a tent,,,,or food. We keep discovering new beautiful places.
Love you.
Last night on "So You Think You Can Dance", there was a beautiful dance of a woman battling breast cancer. The performance brought me to tears. It was filled with emotion and during the entire thing, I felt like pieces of Leah's blog were spilling out into the movement of the dancers. The dance showed the struggles and hope and strength that you both have. In the end, the woman is supported by her man and they shine! It was really outstanding. You can watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pSOymCgZwc.
ReplyDeleteMake sure NOT to include the period at the end of the URL or the link won't work. :)
ReplyDeleteWow-very powerful. Thank you for sharing (and letting us know about the period at the end of the URL).
ReplyDeleteMonica-I will call you soon! Sorry about the air..hopefully under warranty? Heard from Karen that house is beautiful. YEAH YOU! Live for today and enjoy.
Hi Leah,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you every single day. I am so glad that the third round is done. It is horrible to feel nauseated and weak. Chemo IS your friend - it just doesn't seem like it now.
My neice has your name on her shirt - whe will be walking a three day cancer walk in Seattle. We gave a contribution in your name.
I would love to talk to you, but am afraid you don't feel like it. I know you have said it takes your energy.
Take care.
Much love,
Connie