I will not admit defeat, but I will admit that this chemo gave me a nice little right hook. I wasn't completely knocked out. But there were moments I was on the ropes and needed a breather. Pardon the boxing metaphor. I think the most difficult part is knowing that I am sick because of … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number Three
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Three
I woke up feeling a bit yucky. I don't really know why. My stomach was a little out of sorts and I just didn't feel that surge of energy, that "let's kick this thing" attitude that I felt for the previous two treatments. It could be that I am already getting sick of this mess. … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Three
The First Cut
As I said before, I noticed my hair falling out this week. The thing about long hair is that it falls out A LOT! I´m talking serious rings of a lion's mane around my desk at school, clumps in my bathroom, strands and strands on my sweaters. I just could not get away from my … Continue reading The First Cut
The Days After Chemo Number Two
Once again, I am feeling really good - no nausea, no major fatigue, and I didn't even have the weird red face flush that I got last time around . But this time, I took it way easy after chemo because I had a goal... My dear friend turned 40 on Friday. It was bad … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number Two
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Two
I was a little nervous for this one. My lack of symptoms from the last treatment made me think that this one would be my doozy! But I guess my body is stronger than the average bear because this one was easier than the first...no pain, no reactions, no symptoms. And best of all, it … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Two
It’s Official: I Work with the Best People in the World
On my desk on Wednesday, directly after third period sat a box. The top was covered in orange construction paper and colored pocka-dotted bulletin board borders. This box could only be from one group of people...teachers. When I opened it, hand-cut construction hearts surrounded goodies to take with me to chemo. My beautiful colleagues and … Continue reading It’s Official: I Work with the Best People in the World
Healthy and Ready for Round 2
I saw my doctor yesterday. It was my first follow-up since chemo number one. I think I was subconsciously a little apprehensive about this appointment. Maybe I, like my students, thought that all would happen during round one. As if I would get to the doctor and he would say I'm so sorry but your … Continue reading Healthy and Ready for Round 2
Are you going to work through chemo?
I cannot tell you how many people have asked the question if I am going to continue to work throughout chemo. And each time I look right at the person and say, "Of course!" But what about germs? Kids are gross! But what about the stress? Teachers have to make so many decisions and have … Continue reading Are you going to work through chemo?
The Days After Chemo
I woke up yesterday feeling...Great! Wait a minute. That can't be right. Let me check again. Day after chemo and I am feeling...really good! Huh? But everyone said the first is the worst. Everyone said I would be hanging over a toilet or unable to move from the couch or feeling like I was hit … Continue reading The Days After Chemo
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 1
Hodgkin's Lymphoma requires a chemo regimen of ABVD drugs for 6 cycles. A cycle consists of two sessions of chemo per month. Therefore, this whole process should take six months if my body responds completely to the treatment. I must admit that I was looking forward to the first treatment. Not in the "woohoo CHEMO!" … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 1
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 