My pesky little white cells have decided to be uncooperative. After a shot of Neupogen they were still in protest, so I got another shot today and it was simply too close to chemo for my doctor's liking. Therefore, I have to have chemo on Friday instead. I'm still taking tomorrow off from work to … Continue reading Chemo Postponed
Cancer
The Days After Chemo Number 7
It is true this chemo was way easier with the port, but man was I tired. I feel more and more tired as the treatments go on. But I will take sleeping fifteen hours to pain shooting down my arms. And still no nausea. I call this a win. Since Mom is in the states, … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 7
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Seven
Dear Hodgkin's Lymphoma patients, Do yourself a huge favor...GET A PORT FROM THE BEGINNING. I know surgeries are scary, and if you are like me, going under is worse than the thought of being stuck with a needle over and over again. DO NOT BE STUPID. Get the freaking port! It will save you months … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Seven
Returning to Normal
A lot has happened this past week and a half. And everyone keeps asking why I have not blogged in a while. With school starting up again, plans with friends, weekends away, self-care appointments, doctor's appointments and dinner dates it has been a wild ride. But all are really good for me. I feel like … Continue reading Returning to Normal
The Days After Chemo Number 6
These have been some of the easiest days after chemo since the first one. I don't know if it is the port or if my body is getting used to everything. Even the fatigue was less. I still went to bed at 9:30, or as the Uruguayans like to call it "dinner time." And I … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 6
First a Port then Chemo Number six
Yesterday was a big and long day. Mom and I woke up at 5:00am to get to the hospital by 6. My surgery was at 7. It was so early that even the main reception wasn't open and we had to go to the emergency reception. I was very apprehensive about the surgery. Anesthesia already gives … Continue reading First a Port then Chemo Number six
Carmen and Karen Send a Package
I received the sweetest package from my old teaching buddies. Karen was my mentor teacher when I was a student teacher. We then taught next to each other for six years. And Carmen was my school person. We got each other through our first years together. We laughed together, went to NCTE together, cried together, … Continue reading Carmen and Karen Send a Package
Another Manic Monday
We are back to school! And I have never been more excited. I need routine and structure more than ever right now. Plus, I needed to get out of the freaking apartment. So, while everyone else dreaded coming back to school, I was bouncing with pleasure. Getting up at 6:00 was a bit of a … Continue reading Another Manic Monday
Happy Groundhog Day
Many of the Uruguayans have asked why I call this the Punxsutawney Phil period of my life. They don't have this time-honored tradition. First I have to explain groundhog day. Groundhog day is a special day of superstition on February 2nd. A groundhog, named Phil, from Punxsutawney Pennsylvanian emerges from his burrow on the morning … Continue reading Happy Groundhog Day
Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
It's official. My veins are shot and I am going to need a port for my next chemo. I have had aching pain in my left hand IV site since my last session of chemo. When I went in for blood, the head nurse said it was time for a port. My veins are starting … Continue reading Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 