Life is never boring...and right now I wish it was!

I have never blogged before but life threw me a serious curve ball...I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I am just starting on this ride and I want to be able to remember each part of the trip. I am writing this for myself...if anyone else reads this, please just understand that this is my own personal thoughts and fears and just bear with me. Thanks.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

"Normal" Feels So Good!

It has been over a month since I have written anything.  January was a tough month.  My last TCH chemo infusion was on December 27th.  As expected the side effects were the worst, especially the weakness and fatigue.  Even walking from room to room in the house was difficult.  This lasted for several weeks - causing me to have to postpone my return to my job at St. Tims.  I didn't even know if I would even be going back at all.  I saw the doctor, was told I was very dehydrated and received 2 bags of fluids IV.  I was feeling better, but not great, by the time of my next infusion, this time only the H - Herceptin.  Herceptin alone doesn't have the severe side effects of the T and the C. During  the routine blood work prior to this infusion, they discovered that I was severely anemic.  My hemoglobin was 7.4 and it should be over 12 - 14.  Dr. Andrews felt that this was a result of the chemo and that we should wait a few days to see if it would come up on its own, which it didn't so on January 24th I had my third transfusion.  I don't know if it was the transfusion or just the passing of time but I finally started to feel normal.  I'm not back to my full strength and stamina but for the first time in 5 months I can say that I feel somewhat "normal" and that is wonderful! 

After talking to Mike and praying about it, I decided to go back to my job at St. Tims.  I started back this past Tuesday and am really happy about it.  I have felt good at work, but am tired when I get home.  It is a "good" tired though , and even that feels better.  And it is so good to get off the couch and back to the world with other people.

I have my next Herceptin infusion next week but it should be fine.  I will still have MUGA scans to monitor my heart for damage and will need to see the oncologist for years to come.  But the worst of the treatment  is hopefully behind me.  The support and prayers of family and friends has been so important to me and really helped me.  Thanks to everyone!!    And thanks be to God!

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