Chernobyl??

The other day, while texting, I noticed that spell check had replaced the word “chemo” with the word Chernobyl. At the time, I laughed at the absurd substitution. Now, I know Siri had it right. Chernobyl? Chernobyl.

 From the very beginning, I have tried to keep a positive attitude, because I truly believe that my attitude can affect my outcome. I also try to take the “mind over matter” approach, and up until February 1, this approach has worked. I had my first treatment on January 31. The actual infusion went smooth…no allergic reactions, no problems with my port. The nurses at the office were very helpful and friendly, and mom and I shared gossip rags and a few belly laughs. I felt good. The next day, I felt normal. I knew it would take a few hours for the side effects to kick in, but I had already decided that I would be the patient that did not experience any side effects. I had claimed it, so when 4:00 came around, and I was awakened from a nap by the hot flash from hell, I was legitimately surprised. My positive attitude, mind over matter approach had worked until now, what is going on??? My face and neck were on fire, although I did not have a fever, and I was having birthing pains. Birthing pains? Yes. Birthing pains. Lucky for me, Jacob (aka brother of the year) happened to call at the moment I thought I would surely die. He sped to my house to stay with me until Christian could get home. Within an hour, the spell had passed, but it would be three seasons of Idiot Abroad, 16 rolls of quilted northern, 1 gallon of egg drop soup and 13 days until I would feel normal. At this point, mind over matter is out the window.

I returned to the clinic for a checkup on day 7, to have my labs drawn and blood counts checked. When the poor doctor asked me how I had handled the side effects, I had a total melt down. I listed every symptom, muscle cramp, bone pain, hot flash, GI upset all through a mask of tears and snot. It was lovely. I had lost 13 pounds and my white blood cell count was in the toilet. I was escorted over to the “chemo room”, where I received a liter of fluid, antibiotics and a shot that relieved stomach cramps and GI upset. I also enjoyed a much needed therapy session with 2 ladies in the office that understood my fear and sickness all too well. It still amazes me how God places people in one’s path at the exact perfect moment. He is always there looking out for little old me. Within 12 hours, I was on the upswing. I felt like a person again, rather than a dried up, white crusty yard bomb left by the family dog.

Because of the drop in white blood cells, compromised immune system, I am unable to return to my job at this time. I think the financial stress of medical bills and dramatic cut in income is the cause of most of my anxiety. But just as He has provided for my emotional peace, God has also provided for us financially. Through the generosity of family and friends, we have been able to stay afloat. Ends meet, where mathematically they should not.

I have the best friends in the world. Some have come together to arrange fundraisers on my behalf.      April 20, 2013 is the Sherbert Punch Cancer Walk, which will be held at Brookfield Park on Mayo Rd. A silent auction will also be held at that time. My friend Pam (University breast Health Center) will also be on hand to demonstrate and educate about self-breast exams. Proceeds from the walk, auction will go to help my family and Relay for Life. All registration information is on the Sherbert Punch Cancer Fight Facebook Page or at http://www.active.com/running/augusta-ga/sherbert-punch-cancer-fight-2013.

 Please share the information with friends and family. One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. So, if my fight can help just one person, it will have not been in vain. Thanks so much for the continued outpouring of support and prayers. Always remember to enjoy and celebrate the small things in life. Hug your loved ones tight and pray for your enemies.