It's Been A While...

I just realized it has been 11 days since I blogged anything.  I suppose that is a good thing because nothing major has really happened.  

Just the usual:

• Still having trouble sleeping
• Queasy stomach everyday - doesn't seem to go away between Chemotherapy Treatments

The great news is my bloodwork has been in the "low" of normal range consistently.  This is a great accomplishment as it is normal to have to miss treatments due to abnormally low blood counts - counting my blessings here.

My fatigue and sleeping is still an issue.  Either I am up all night until daylight, very jittery, or I fall asleep and wake up 3-4 hours later, again unable to fall asleep.  Today, the doctor prescribed a sleeping pill.  Hopefully this will help.  I do nap during the day because of fatigue from the medications and thought this was the reason I have trouble at night, but even when I force myself to stay awake, I still have trouble at night - and then feel worse the next day.

Today's Chemotherapy went as planned.  I noticed that I was having stomach issues within an hour of leaving and was exhausted sleepy by the time I got home.  I took my nausea medication and slept for 2 hours.  I know they say the side effects can take time to get slightly worse and worse and I am praying this is not an indication of what this cycle will hold. 

My Chemotherapy Support Group For Today - Maria and Pam

My excitement for the weekend starts with getting my new eye glasses on Saturday.  I can't wait - my vision has changed so much since taking these multitude of medications and treatments. And then, I am planning on taking a drive Sunday to visit my son, 2 hours away.  This is terrifying because in the past weeks, driving for more than a 1/2 hour causes me issues.  So wish me luck Sunday.  My sweet grandson will be with me so hopefully he will keep me on my toes.

Beautiful Lung Cancer Bracelets being worn by - Me, Caitlyn, Maria and Pam

Above is a picture of the Lung Cancer Bracelets I have to support my journey.  At this point, Caitlyn, Maria, Pam and myself are wearing them.  If you are interested in helping support my journey, just let me know.

And the best news - August 26 - right around the corner - POOTIE is coming home to stay!!! Can't wait to see my baby boy <3

Chemotherapy Round 2 - Done! (**Updated)

Round 2 - Done.  All my blood work was within normal ranges so I was able to take the treatment.  Well, the one exception was that my Platelets were high - but that is not so bad.

My baby daughter, Maria, went with me.  Pootie called from Colorado during the treatment.  It's great to have "them both there."  Maria even went and got us Subway for lunch :)

My Chemotherapy Partner for today <3

The morning/afternoon ended with Maria discovering I have 2 bald spots that have started - and she even was KIND enough to take Snapchat pictures to send to people.  What a kind soul she is :)

My hair has never been this thin - and there are several actual bald "patches" across the back. So far I can spike it to hide it but I don't think I'll get past a few more days of this.  

Then Maria decided to be a great daughter - She cooked dinner for her momma - chops marinated in olive oil, garlic, mint and onions - then seared with peppers and onions - served with Mac n' cheese!!

I expect the next 7-10 days to be on the rough end of the scale mostly due to fatigue - I tended to sleep alot the first week after the first treatment - 16-18 hours per day.  So I hope to update soon.  I may pop in and say Good Morning and Good Night at about 6:00 p.m.

Thanks for your continued love and support!!

Weekly Update

Thankfully, it has been a quiet and calm week.  No significant side-effects to report.  I am relentless in taking my anti-nausea medications twice a day to make sure that doesn't become an issue.  But, in exchange, all the medications and chemotherapy drugs make me very, very tired.

I am sleeping about 12 hours a night and then 1-2 naps per day - sleep is overrated when you sleep this much :)  Last weekend, we had Cameron for one night and that wiped me out - but it was soooo worth it - who can't resist this face

What does concern me is 2 nights ago, my sister told me I got up at about 11:30 pm, opened the front door, walked out, and came right back in.  I DO NOT REMEMBER that at all.  I was asleep that night by 11:00 pm.  Certainly a question for the doctor tomorrow when I go to get my weekly bloodwork.  I have never had a sleep walking issue in my life - but I suppose from all the therapy and drugs it could be an issue.

The one confession I have is - I quit smoking 9 weeks ago and was doing GREAT... but approx a week ago, I have been having one cigarette each night.  By evening, I really, really, want one and it seems after having one, I get a nasty taste in my mouth and don't want another - until the next night.  I know I should not even have that one, but if one "nasty" cigarette keeps me from smoking regularly, then I'm okay with that.

And finally, this week was a week for connecting with relatives.  My aunt's 90th birthday was this week and when I called, I was pleasantly surprised to find my cousin and her daughter were there.  Talking to Aunt Diana, Annette and Diana Marie brought back so many memories and filled my heart with love.  Aunt Diana - HAPPY 90th Birthday - she is a true example of living life and enjoying every minute of it - something we all need to do <3

WRITTEN BY: My 8th child - Maisey Cachat

"Just breathe. Take in all the air your lungs will let you and hold it. Let your lungs taste the oxygen filling you with life. Because despite your illness, you are filled with life. And when the treatment takes your hair, feel the warmth on your skin. Know it comes from the blood pumping through your veins. Accept your situation with patience and peace, but never stop fighting it without discretion or hesitance. You own your body, it does not own you. It merely houses your soul."