Friday, October 23, 2009

Up to Date

Since I seem to be telling the same stories (and I'm really worried I'm telling the same stories to the same people), I thought I'd start a blog to keep all that are interested posted on my progress. This will also help prevent KG from sending out those secret emails about me! :)

I have now had 2 chemo treatments, and for this round I believe I have 2 more. The plan is then to do a mastectomy, more chemo and then end with a round of radiation. As scans and sonograms haven't shown that the cancer has spread, it is the hope that this will cure my cancer. The first chemo treatment went ok. I was very tired and just felt really lousy. Chemo is on a Thursday and I gradually felt better, until by the following Thursday I felt pretty darn good. I have treatments every other Thursday, so this gave me a week of feel good. I do get very tired and take frequent naps. The thought of food usually isn't very appetizing, but I am able to eat it and enjoy it in small amounts.

Then came my second treatment - not so good. I wound up in the ER Thursday night because I couldn't stop vomiting. Helpful hint though, throwing up in the triage nurses' office is a quick ticket to a bed. No waiting in chairs for me! They quickly got the IV's going, and I felt better and was good enough to go home after a couple of hours. I'm not sure how long it took Jim to recover though!

Right now my biggest discomfort is losing my hair. It kind of hurts and is very uncomfortable. I had it cut very short a week ago because the general wisdom is don't shave it off. Evidently, this can really be painful especially when wearing my wig and hats. I'm not sure how long it takes to totally fall out, but I hope it is soon and that my head feels better. I also feel empathy with the dogs on what its like to constantly be shedding your hair.

Thanks to everyone for all that you are doing! All of the food, the chauferring, gifts, good wishes, prayers, positive thoughts are really making this trip bearable and without you we'd have a much harder time!

Monique

6 comments:

  1. Monique -
    This is a great idea! I am so glad you have decided to share in this way.

    Remember - you don't need hair to play tennis!

    Susan

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  2. Hey Monique, I love this idea so that I don't feel like I am bugging you for updates :) I also really liked the movie analogy in your bio--failure is NOT an option.
    ...and, for another movie connection: when your hair starts to look like Sloth's from the Goonies, go ahead and shave it!

    Much love coming your way from Florida,
    Laura

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  3. "I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship." ~ Louisa May Alcott ~

    Monique: Thanks for starting your blog. I'm curious about the title - "Living in the Aquarius." Is this a reference to the NASA underwater lab that simulated being in outer space?

    This blog will be a great way to keep us all up-dated and not have to tell us all the same infomation on 15 different phone calls. Plus, we can write witty and inspirational comments - hehe!

    Love coming your way from New Hampshire (so, with Florida above, looks like we've got the East Coast covered)!

    Nancy

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  4. Nancy,

    Aquarius is the lunar module the Apollo 13 crew had to stay in after they shut down the Odyessy to save it for reentry. I also thinks it's a nice coincidence that my birthday is Feb 15 and so I'm an Aquarian!

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  5. Well, we've got the South covered as well. You're one of the bravest women I know and I know you'll have the strength to get through this.

    I'm sending many prayers and positive thoughts your way.

    Michelle

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  6. Great idea to start a blog about your experiences. I hope you are feeling better quickly. Did you buy any new fun hats?

    Jill

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