Surviving Cancer

This past week has been tough and challenging to say the least. Luckily, Josh is done with school for the semester or else we really would have been struggling. Both kids are sick; Audy more so than Everett currently. It is likely that Audy has RSV, we think this because of her symptoms and the fact that their daycare had 6 confirmed cases in the past week.

Somehow, through it all, I have managed to stay healthy so far. I had chemo on Thursday and am still feeling great. The only side effect I have been experiencing is insomnia. I have a difficult time falling and staying asleep. With sick kids who aren’t sleeping well, this seems to amplified. God blessed me with a human who He knew I would need. A human like my husband. He selflessly sacrificed his sleep and comfort so that I could go get a good nights sleep. The kids were not sleeping well again last night, so he moved to couch so I could sleep in the bed, undisturbed. It worked like magic. I slept better than I have in a quite a while. Somehow, Josh presses on through the day; caring for and managing the kids, all while making sure I get out of the house and do something for myself. I sure love that man beyond words.

Aside from the sickness chaos, I have some exciting news. As quick as my eyebrows and eyelashes came out, they are growing back in just as quick. I have fresh, new little hairs coming in to replace what was lost. Not only there, but on MY HEAD, as well. That’s right, my hair is growing back! Now, you might wonder how this can be, when I am still in the midst of chemo, but from what I have read, it is not uncommon for hair to begin growing back while on the current chemo regimen I am on. I wasn’t sure at first, and tried not to get too excited, but my husband confirmed it. My hair is growing back, and I couldn’t’ be more excited. It just reminded me that there is and end to all of this, and even though I am smack dab in the middle of treatment, I can now see the end.

I have 8 more treatments to go. That means 2 months, with hopefully no more setbacks. I have been doing what I can to try and and get and stay healthy. I have drastically decreased my caffeine intake, and don’t drink is much pop as I had been. I’ve been limiting my sugar intake, as well. I have also joined a gym. Now to some, that might seem silly, because really, how much can I do. The truth is, not much, but I joined a wellness center and they have a warm water pool where they hold relaxing, therapy type classes. I definitely love the warm water, and prefer it over the regular pool. And the classes are great for someone like me who needs low intensity exercise to get my body moving again. I am by far the youngest class participant by a good 20 years, at least, but the older generations are so welcoming and non-judgmental towards me, and I have actually met several survivors, as well.

I was worried about having to go to these water classes with a bald head, so I had bought a swim cap. Well it was much too tight and looked more ridiculous that the bald head so I returned it. I put on my big girl pants and went to swim class bald, and just owned it. I was nervous at first, but after the initial shock, I got over it and it was quite liberating. It felt good to not wear a hat. I have been pretty much wearing one 24/7 since September 25th, aside from the occasional times I take it off at home for a few minutes to rub my new hairs, and to shower, of course.

I continue to be so humbled and beyond thankful for my MOPS meal train and all those wonderful ladies. And also, all the people that I know and don’t know, who have sent me cards, gifts, or prayers; thank you from the bottom of my heart. The prayers, above all, make my journey towards being cancer free, possible.