First Chemo

It has been a whirlwind of a week. I found out I have breast cancer, have met with several doctors, and finally decided on a treatment plan. I'll be doing 4 months of chemo, followed by a bilateral masectomy and reconstruction, then radiation. I have a PET scan next week to see if the cancer has spread outside the lymph nodes, because if it has, it will be an entirely new battle. On the upside, I finally started reading Harry Potter this week, as I have a feeling I will have a lot of down time in the next few months (I can already hear you Harry Potter fans cheering).

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, fasting, and support. I have felt an outpouring of the spirit this last week like I have never felt in my life, and I know it is because everyone is praying for me and my family. So thank you, thank you, thank you. God has certainly heard your prayers for us.

I started chemo today with my chemo buddy, Keith (you may also know him as my husband). I sat in a large grey recliner in a big room full of people receiving chemo treatments. They hooked me up to the IV and gave me anti-nausea meds, then they injected the first Chemo drug, Adriamycin, a red liquid that they push into my vein with an oversized syringe. It actually looked just like red kool-aid. Next, they gave me the second Chemo drug, Cytoxan, through the IV. Then they gave me a shot of magical burning liquid, that is supposed to build up my blood counts, with the side effect of bone pain. We were there for about three hours, but it went by fast with my chemo buddy. We laughed and joked and talked the whole time. And to be honest, it was a relief to get started on the fight.

So here I am, laying in bed with my laptop, feeling nauseous and very, very tired. If you've ever wondered what chemo feels like, it feels kind of like poison is coursing through your veins ... probably because ... poison is coursing through your veins. Not a good feeling. But I am so grateful that the new drugs will keep me from throwing up. I hate throwing up more than anything! Well, except for cancer. Cancer is my new worst enemy.

Keith has turned into the perfect man these last couple weeks. He is constantly complimenting me, doing everything I ask, and asking me all the time how I feel. What more could a girl ask for? He has truly been an angel by my side. He has comforted me, given me blessings, reassured me 300 times that I'm not going to die. I am so grateful for the wonderful and amazing man that he is.

I'll keep you posted, and thanks again for all your prayers!