Fun fact, when chemo is over, hell is not. We have all learned in the process that chemo kills cells, good and bad ones. The bad ones are the kill you kind, but the good ones keep you healthy and defensive. White blood cells are the little fighters of all the crazy germs that end … Continue reading Shots, shots, shots, shots
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The Days after Chemo Number 12
The day I was diagnosed and told it would be six months and 12 treatments of chemo, I told myself "you can do anything for six months." And I did. I battled and fought and clenched my teeth for six months. I smiled and put on silly wigs. I answered a million questions about how … Continue reading The Days after Chemo Number 12
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
That's it. We are done. I know there should be this grand celebration, fireworks of emotions. But to be honest, I am just too tired. Just give me a week and the fireworks will come out. I have watched my mother's cut-out paper numbers dwindle down. And despite the fact that 59 followed 60, 29 … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
Chemotherapy Number 11
We are down to the last two. I would be a liar if I said these are not really kicking my ass. Usually walking into Day Care is a pleasure - the nurses are all smiling and I am pretty mentally prepared. But this time, I just didn't feel good. I felt heavy. Mom was … Continue reading Chemotherapy Number 11
The Worst Symptom of All
When I initially got diagnosed with Hodgkins, I immediately when into research mode. Ok, interwebs...tell me everything I need to prepare for these next months. I combed through every symptom and possibility. I knew what a good PET scan looked like before I ever got one. I have some issues with being in control and … Continue reading The Worst Symptom of All
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Ten
I can't believe that I am finished with my fourth round. Only one more round (two sessions) left. One month is nothing but feels like forever. When I visualize the road, it gets more narrow, like I am Alice looking through the looking glass. There is no way I can fit and yet, the chemo … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Ten
The Days After Chemo Number 9
I have been putting off writing this one because the days after chemo have been a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. As I indicated about this chemo, my mind wasn't in the right place for the beginning of round number 5. I am just done. I am done feeling ill. I am done feeling tired. … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 9
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 9
Only four more. That's what I keep telling myself and what my people keep celebrating. To the outside world, four more sounds like nothing. But to me, the person going through it, four more is the worst. I am just done with this. And this treatment was probably the worst of the lot. Not because … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 9
One shot, Two Shots, Three Shots, Floor
Apparently alcohol and Neupogen are the exact same. When one too many accumulate in your system, you end up on the floor over a toilet or curled in a ball in pain. My white cells have been obstinate lately. I have been hitting below 1000 for several days and the doctor has been worried that … Continue reading One shot, Two Shots, Three Shots, Floor
The Days After Chemo Number 8
Chemo was postponed. Which means that recovery was postponed. A Poem Saturday I was tired. Sunday I was ok. Monday I was stubborn. Tuesday I worked all day. Saturday was spent on the couch watching hours of The Good Wife. At least I had recovered from the day of actual chemo. I was able to … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 8
Teach Abroad Coyle 