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
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
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 Dark Cloud
My therapist walked me through the circles of mental well-being and stability. Cancer shakes you to your core. How long it takes for you to get to your core varies person to person. For me, it was the Monday before my 11th chemo. I spent the morning with my boyfriend, took my car to get … Continue reading The Dark Cloud
The Days After Chemo Treatment 10 – The Symptoms
The usual symptoms persist: Fatigue Gas Feeling flushed More fatigue The tight chest That being said, this time we have some new symptoms to add to the pile of fun: Hemorrhoids - yep, that's right. As if the the gas wasn't enough, let us throw in painful shits. Never in my entire life would I … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Treatment 10 – The Symptoms
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
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
Chemotherapy Treatment Number Eight
It may have been postponed by a day, but my chemo Amazons at school rallied. Carla came to pick Mom and I up around 8:15. She couldn't stay the whole time because of classes, but the fact that she came and people were willing to cover her first class means the world to me and … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number Eight
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