Monday, March 26, 2012

Did somebody say chemo?

Between having to follow a strict diet in the 24 hours leading up to my PET/CT scan tomorrow, and discovering I will be begin chemo on Friday... I'm beat!

Let's begin with the latter first. I received my instructions for the PET several days ago, but I didn't pay attention to them closely until I read over them this morning.  It states, "Avoid caffeine, sugar and tobacco for 24 hours prior to your exam". Tobacco is no problem as I'm not a smoker. But sugar? Like, no sugar whatsoever? Even if it's in bread?? I was perplexed by this, so I contacted my wonderful nurse. She sent me back examples of foods I could eat, and referenced me this link.

Of course I was starving this morning, and most everything we have has some kind of starch or sugar in it. Finally settled with a couple slices of cheddar cheese and dry albacore tuna with some black pepper. Dull, but filled my belly and served its purpose!

I finished getting ready after I'd eaten, and we were out the door to meet my oncologist. I was told my appointment was at 1:15pm, so we showed up at 12:50 thinking we would allow time for paper work. Upon telling the receptionist this, I was informed my appointment was actually at 2pm. I was told 1:15 to do what else? Oh? allow time for paper work? Lovely! Haha.

After mountains of forms were filled out, we were finally called in. Met my oncologist who happens to be a very, very kind man. He's even a cancer survivor himself. :) He stepped out after talking to me for a few, so I could put on another sweet paper vest. When he returned, I had yet another exam done. It appears I'm very healthy with the exception of this damn cancerous tumor. Go figure.

So we got down to business pretty quickly. Found out another reason why we're going with neo-adjuvant chemo is because my tumor is so close to my chest wall it'd be hard to remove without taking pectoral muscle along with it as it is now. My regimen will be "dose-dense", and I will have 4 sessions. One dose every 2 weeks. This is wonderful news for me because it means I will be finished with chemo in 2 months instead of the originally anticipated 3! ^_^

Another bit of good news? Well, I don't have to get the port-a-cath put in. I'm all for less procedures, so um, yay! Okay, now for the unpleasant news. This way of administering my chemotherapy means my immune system will be compromised. Not totally negative though, as I will be given a shot I will have to give myself that helps with replenishing my white blood cell count/bone marrow. In turn, this means every week I will be going and getting blood drawn. This will be to check how my blood cell count is doing.

Jason intends on being there for each one of my sessions, and will take care of me in the days that follow, thank God. Once I have an idea of how my body reacts to the chemo, I can go on living my life the best I can. I'm rather anxious whenever I'm forced to wait. To me, it's nearly worse than the actual experience.

I shall be praying for my anxieties to be washed away as only God is capable of doing. I also pray that my body accepts the chemo and that any side effects I endure will be tolerable. Jesus, I also plead that my fertility will not be affected by this treatment. I shall accept this if it may be your will that I am not to be a mother, but I pray that I may have the opportunity. Besides, Jason would be a fabulous father (and we'd be a kick ass duo as parents. :D ) So... pretty please?

Phew, I still can't believe so much has happened in such a short amount of time. Part of me is still reeling from the news, and another part is just 100% grateful it's been found and will be treated.

On a happier note, I'm going wig shopping tomorrow after my PET scan! Figures that I finally get a new cute hair cut and I'm going to lose my hair. Haha. Between you and me, I'd rather lose my hair due to treatment than lose my life because I was too vain to accept it. Hair grows back, so who cares? :P

Okay guys. I think I've said enough for now. My appreciation for continued support, love and most of all,  prayers! I leave you all with a couple things for today --




"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."  1Peter 5:10

God bless all of you!



4 comments:

  1. You bet your butt I'm going to be there! It's only been six days since we found out and while we've spent more time at doctors offices than anywhere else we can be thankful that it only took that much time to put the order in to start the chemo.
    I know we both have our moments in this emotional brain-eff, but I hope you give yourself some credit. The only reason I'm able to be so strong for you is because of the strength you've shown. You've held your head up high between all the cutting, poking and draining only to get up the next morning to do it all over again!
    For as crappy as this situation is I'm humbled and honored to stand by you. I love you more than I ever have and continue to wish there was a way I could take this cancer from you and put it in myself instead just so you wouldn't have to feel anymore pain.
    Hang in there sweetie. The hardest parts may be coming up, but this thing is going to be destroyed and we can look back on this as the single greatest experience to bring together so many people and to learn how truly loved we are!
    I love you!

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    1. I love you so much it's ridiculous! You are a great source of my strength, babeh. Thank you for all you do and continue to do. Thanks for loving me when I feel flawed. Thanks for standing by me. <3

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  2. Anj words can not explain how much of an inspiration you are to me and I know many others that are ready this blog. I admire and can't begin to wish I had your strength, courage, fight, determination and faith in God that you have shown us all. You are an amazing woman and I love you and will be here to support you every step of the way. I also promise to share your journey in hopes you can save many more lives just by reading your blog.

    Love you so much sister and I know you WILL BE and AMAZING mother after all this. I can see it already just by the way you love and care for my son. thank you for being such a wonderful Sis-n-law and an amazing auntie. We love you will all of our hearts...xoxo!!!

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  3. Awe Anj, this post made me cry for two reasons... One, I really hope you and jason will have the opportunity to be parents. I know that both of you will would be amazing at it! And two, you're simply the most amazing person I think I know. Your attitude about the whole thing and your spirit is sensational!

    I'm glad chemo will only be two months instead of three and that you don't need to have the port put in. This is going to be all over before you know it!

    xoxo

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