Yesterday, we had Easter dinner #2 with my family. Since we missed out the first time around, my mom hosted another meal for everyone. My sister is also in town visiting from GA, so we all got to hang out and spend time together. There were lots of yummy foods and good conversation.
It was also time for everyone to see me without hair. I wore a scarf for most of the day. When I took it off, the little girls would walk past and give me a little stare. I'm not quite sure what they thought. I got a few to rub my head and laugh. We asked Nina, who is 2, what happened to my hair and she said it blew away. My one niece, Faith, who is 4, is fascinated by it. She has seen me a few times, so it's not new for her, but each time she laughs and says, "Your hair fell out". Then, she will ask lots of questions about it. Yesterday, I had a smooth head for the first time, and she said, "How come your prickly hair is gone?" Kids really are the best medicine.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Team Yale
On Sunday, Team Yale participated in the Race for the Cure in Ocean City. It was the first Susan G. Komen race to take place on the beach. Despite the rainy weather, the team showed up bright and early to show their support. Although Steve and I both stayed home, we were there in spirit and were very touched by everyone's support. We ranked #5 in total donations, raising over $5K for the cause. Everyone got a shirt with a pink elephant on it, and Steve and I got to put special names on the back of each. Most were funny names we came up for each person. Here are some of them and a few pics. There are more pics, but these are the ones I have that the group sent that day.
Pink Cosmos
N4L (Can anyone guess what this one is?)
3's Company
Mrs. Clean
Stranger
Jule of the Chespk
Zac Attack
Crostie
Pink Cosmos
N4L (Can anyone guess what this one is?)
3's Company
Mrs. Clean
Stranger
Jule of the Chespk
Zac Attack
Crostie
Bald Is Fabulous
The morning of my second chemo treatment, my hair started falling out. Since I didn't particularly want to see it all over the place, and I knew I would not be up for it over the weekend, I decided to call in the forces and shave my head. Some of my close friends came over for some Friday night pizza and fun. We made it a family affair, and everyone took a turn with the clippers. I had a mohawk at one point :O) Steve also joined in to show his support by shaving his head. He's a little afraid it won't grow back since he has a little receding hair line already. Oh, and our friend Crossie also shaved his head that night.
Although it was traumatic to have to shave my head, everyone, including myself, held it together and there were no visible tears, just some teary eyes. I am doing ok with not having any hair so far. I look at it as one more step closer to being done and another thing to check off the list. Plus, the added bonus of not having to shave all those girly places is very close in my future. I am excited to use all the scarves I have been collecting. I do have a pretty small head, so some of the hats I have are a little too big. Baby C now officially has more hair than both her parents. She even showed her support by coming home from Mom-Mom's with her own head wrapped in a bandanna. It was really cute.
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Although it was traumatic to have to shave my head, everyone, including myself, held it together and there were no visible tears, just some teary eyes. I am doing ok with not having any hair so far. I look at it as one more step closer to being done and another thing to check off the list. Plus, the added bonus of not having to shave all those girly places is very close in my future. I am excited to use all the scarves I have been collecting. I do have a pretty small head, so some of the hats I have are a little too big. Baby C now officially has more hair than both her parents. She even showed her support by coming home from Mom-Mom's with her own head wrapped in a bandanna. It was really cute.
2nd Chemo Treatment
My second chemo treatment went well (now 50% through phase 1 of chemo). After discussing some of my side effects with my doctor, he suggested changing a couple things. First, he switched to a different anti-nausea medicine and second, they increased the drip time on one of the chemo meds. I am not sure which one did the trick, but I did not get the horrible headache like the first go-round. The first few days were still not pleasant, but I made it through, and it didn't seem to be quite as bad as the first. I am sure part of that was because I knew what to expect. I also increased my fluid intake and tried to drink an 8oz glass every hour.
C had a little sleep over at her mom-mom's, so I had plenty of time to rest over the weekend. She had lots of fun playing with Uncle Tommy & Uncle Ryan. Poor Steve had to deal with not only a grouchy chemo girl, but also a grouchy PMSing one. Poor guy, but he came out in one piece.
Aside from the lingering fatigue (that is driving me crazy), I am trying to get back to normal.
C had a little sleep over at her mom-mom's, so I had plenty of time to rest over the weekend. She had lots of fun playing with Uncle Tommy & Uncle Ryan. Poor Steve had to deal with not only a grouchy chemo girl, but also a grouchy PMSing one. Poor guy, but he came out in one piece.
Aside from the lingering fatigue (that is driving me crazy), I am trying to get back to normal.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Birthday Bust
I turned 31 last Saturday. It was pretty much a bust since Baby C was still running a fever and was extremely unhappy. I thought I was going to pull my hair out before it even had the chance to fall out. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our dinner plans with friends. Steve did, however, whip up a really yummy dinner for us at home, and our friends Jeff & Emily came over from next door. I even got to blow out candles as they sang "Happy Birthday".
I am not looking forward to the long journey ahead in my 31st year. It's going to be a difficult and hard year, and I will be extremely happy to turn 32 and say goodbye to 2012. But, I do have LOTS to look forward to (not necessarily in this order):
I am not looking forward to the long journey ahead in my 31st year. It's going to be a difficult and hard year, and I will be extremely happy to turn 32 and say goodbye to 2012. But, I do have LOTS to look forward to (not necessarily in this order):
- Finishing treatment (definitely #1 in terms of importance to me)
- The birth of Baby Girl Overcash
- My girl Christel's wedding and all the festivities that go along with being in her wedding
- Charlotte's 1st birthday
- My dad's 70th birthday
- Our 3rd wedding anniversary
- Family vacation in OBX
- My 1st Mother's Day (Steve says last year did not count even though I was pregnant)
- Boating with the Runds
- Watching Baby C grow and all the fun things she will be doing this year
Carbing It Up
I am feeling really good as I get ready for my 2nd chemo treatment. Charlotte is finally better, as well. Last week, after running a high fever for a couple days, we made a trip to the pediatrician's office. One good thing about my current situation, I get called back right away and do not have to sit in the waiting room with the germs. They also provided me with lots of face masks in case I need them at home or when I go in public. Since C had a viral infection, I was worried all week I was going to come down with something, but so far so good. My baby girl is finally happy again, and last night she finally got a good night's sleep.
This week, I am trying to carb up and eat lots of yummy foods. After the last Chemo treatment, I went two days unable to eat. My appetite eventually came back, but not as quickly as I would have liked. I am trying to gain a few extra pounds as my weight teeters at what I consider an unhealthy level. My oncologist was not concerned about my weight, since the steroids I am given at each treatment should help me gain and not loose. I am sure at the end of my 5-month chemo regimen, the steroids will have done a good job, and I will be writing about losing weight. We shall see.
This week, I am trying to carb up and eat lots of yummy foods. After the last Chemo treatment, I went two days unable to eat. My appetite eventually came back, but not as quickly as I would have liked. I am trying to gain a few extra pounds as my weight teeters at what I consider an unhealthy level. My oncologist was not concerned about my weight, since the steroids I am given at each treatment should help me gain and not loose. I am sure at the end of my 5-month chemo regimen, the steroids will have done a good job, and I will be writing about losing weight. We shall see.
Monday, April 9, 2012
4 Days Post Chemo
Chemo is horrible. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. I am still feeling pretty crappy 4 days out. My appetite seems to be regaining strength, although slowly. I am drinking lots and lots of water. Up until Sunday afternoon I had a horrible headache. At first, I thought it was a side effect of the anti-nausea meds, but it turns out to be one of the many side effects from the chemo. The headache is much better today, but is still lingering. The nausea is being suppressed with the meds, but I still run to the bathroom a couple times in the mornings. I am very tired and don't have tons of energy, but taking naps help. I normally have too much energy. Now it's the complete opposite. If you know me, then you know I hate to nap, and it has never been my thing. I think for the next couple months napping will be my new friend.
Our Easter weekend was a bust. Steve and C were also down for the count. Steve threw his back out on Saturday, and C ran a fever Sat-Sun. Poor Charlotte missed her first Easter since we had to stay home and didn't get to go to Grandmom and Papa's for dinner and the Easter egg hunt.
Our Easter weekend was a bust. Steve and C were also down for the count. Steve threw his back out on Saturday, and C ran a fever Sat-Sun. Poor Charlotte missed her first Easter since we had to stay home and didn't get to go to Grandmom and Papa's for dinner and the Easter egg hunt.
Friday, April 6, 2012
1st Chemo Treatment
Its has officially started, and I am receiving my 1st phase of chemo. I will be receiving AC (Adriamycin & Cytoxan) a total of 4 times (every 2 weeks).
Early in the morning, we were both busy getting Baby C packed up for her fun playdate with Lauren. That took my mind off what was going to happen later that morning. The ride to Hopkins was good. We chitchatted about non-cancer things. The panic started as we were walking into the building. By the time we got to the floor, we were both trying really hard to keep it together. It was so emotional and extremely scary. Once we were called back and got settled in our little cubby, I started to feel better. The nurses explained everything that was going to happen and each medicine they were going to give me. I was also bombarded with lots and lots of literature. All the nurses were extremely nice and comforting. They were constantly asking if I needed anything or if they could get me something. The atmosphere was very upbeat.
They started the normal IV fluids, followed by anti-nausea meds, steroids, and the two chemo drugs. The A chemo was called a push. They pushed it into my IV. It was bright red. It was a little strange since I could see it going in. The C chemo was just dripped into the IV. The whole process from the time we got there until we left was 3 hours. I was hooked up for about 2.5 hours.
I started feeling nauseous earlier than they thought I would, so I started my prescription anti-nausea meds yesterday. They helped, but give me a nagging headache. Since I hate to feel nauseous, I will take the headache. I will start to feel the effects of the chemo in the next few days. Steve has to give me a shot called Neulasta this morning. It's supposed to help decrease infection, but it will make me feel achy like I am getting the flu. This has to be given 24 hours after chemo. Hopefully, Steve will be able to administer it.........
Early in the morning, we were both busy getting Baby C packed up for her fun playdate with Lauren. That took my mind off what was going to happen later that morning. The ride to Hopkins was good. We chitchatted about non-cancer things. The panic started as we were walking into the building. By the time we got to the floor, we were both trying really hard to keep it together. It was so emotional and extremely scary. Once we were called back and got settled in our little cubby, I started to feel better. The nurses explained everything that was going to happen and each medicine they were going to give me. I was also bombarded with lots and lots of literature. All the nurses were extremely nice and comforting. They were constantly asking if I needed anything or if they could get me something. The atmosphere was very upbeat.
They started the normal IV fluids, followed by anti-nausea meds, steroids, and the two chemo drugs. The A chemo was called a push. They pushed it into my IV. It was bright red. It was a little strange since I could see it going in. The C chemo was just dripped into the IV. The whole process from the time we got there until we left was 3 hours. I was hooked up for about 2.5 hours.
I started feeling nauseous earlier than they thought I would, so I started my prescription anti-nausea meds yesterday. They helped, but give me a nagging headache. Since I hate to feel nauseous, I will take the headache. I will start to feel the effects of the chemo in the next few days. Steve has to give me a shot called Neulasta this morning. It's supposed to help decrease infection, but it will make me feel achy like I am getting the flu. This has to be given 24 hours after chemo. Hopefully, Steve will be able to administer it.........
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Gearing Up.......
Today I had my last follow-up with my surgeon. He wants to see me back in a couple months just to check in.
Then, I met my girls Lauren and Emily for lunch with the kiddos (C slept most of the lunch). I'm enjoying the taste of food while my taste buds are still working.
Then, it was off to Hopkins for blood work. I met two of my nurses while I was there, and they were so very nice and made me feel very at home and at ease. It was the first time my port was accessed, which was not an altogether pleasant experience, but it will get better for me the more often they do it.
Charlotte was a little trooper today. She went to all the appointments with me without any fussing. The girls at Hopkins loved her and want me to bring her every time I come in for appointments. Not really practical, but I will have to take her for a visit again soon.
Tomorrow I have an echocardiogram bright and early. Baby C is going to have a little playdate with her buddy Deacon. This is the last thing before chemo starts on Thursday!!!
Then, I met my girls Lauren and Emily for lunch with the kiddos (C slept most of the lunch). I'm enjoying the taste of food while my taste buds are still working.
Then, it was off to Hopkins for blood work. I met two of my nurses while I was there, and they were so very nice and made me feel very at home and at ease. It was the first time my port was accessed, which was not an altogether pleasant experience, but it will get better for me the more often they do it.
Charlotte was a little trooper today. She went to all the appointments with me without any fussing. The girls at Hopkins loved her and want me to bring her every time I come in for appointments. Not really practical, but I will have to take her for a visit again soon.
Tomorrow I have an echocardiogram bright and early. Baby C is going to have a little playdate with her buddy Deacon. This is the last thing before chemo starts on Thursday!!!
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