Tuesday, May 18, 2010

It all started with...

My daughter Addie running as fast as she could into my room to put her arms around my neck to tell me something the second she woke up in the morning...She said, "MOM, I dont know how you love ME so BIG when I don't eat my food and I don't always listen."  That might not sound like much to you, but I had one of my most cherished conversations and watched my 3 year old start to grasp my unconditional LOVE for her.  She is a deep thinker...and I love her morning ephiphanies!

Then I went to chemo.  I was there from 9-5:45 for my infusion, appt, etc.  I got all of my needed drugs and a new one Avastin (which they couldn't give sooner because it would cause complications being so close to recent surgeries.)  I am doing the drug that made me so sick as an oral form this round...instead of through infusion to see if I can tolerate it better.  So far, I think I am.

Right now, my hands are on fire...it feel like the pins and needles your foot falls asleep, but worse.  It is constant, but putting pressure on my fingers (like typing, etc.) makes it MUCH worse.  I have to wear gloves because of an extreme cold sensitivity on my hands and feet.  I keep getting muscle spasms all over my body...and quite a few on my face. My cheek went crazy all morning and made me look pretty ridiculous. :)  I can't eat or drink anything that is not warm or it feels miserable in my throat (even room temperature is too cold!)  I am starting to get sores in my mouth...And I have the typical chemo symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.  I don't say that to complain, but many of you want to know what it is like...so that is my experience today.  Most of those are annoying...but tolerable.  I am able to hold down food and liquid this time, so that is a HUGE improvement over the last round.  I hope it continues! 

Our prayers are being heard...and I WILL beat this cancer.  Thank you for ALL of your support!

15 comments:

Andrea J said...

I'm encouraged by your good news! I hope you continue to be able to eat and thrive :)

Lexie said...

Shanda, You are such a fighter! I can't even imagine taking all those symptoms in stride, but you are doing it and it sounds like even all of that is better than it has been. Hooray for minor improvements. I truly hope it continues to improve and that before long, these entries will be a meaningful reminder of the PAST because you will have beaten it!

Kelly said...

Woohoo! 3 down! This cancer will have no chance! Make sure you get that mouth swishy stuff to keep the pain down. I forget the name, but it works wonders.

Tracey said...

Hooray, we hope it continues!! Addie sounds like a real amazing girl!

reverseoreo said...

I think the stuff is called magic mouthwash and is compounded and I see lots of people get it. I am glad you are doing better this round. I hope it continues. This week I have fri.,sat.,and sunday off. If you need anything please call. Annette

The Atwood's said...

I LOVE that you are giving us the details. It makes me feel like I'm helping a little by going through it with you. I can imagine what it is like, just a little bit, with your descriptions and it helps me be grateful for the many, many tender mercies and "small" things in life. Hopefully this round is better. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I just read “Avastin can starve your cancer of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow and spread. This is why Avastin is a tumor-starving therapy.”
I also read the “Serious Side Effects”. I hope thei stuff works!

jodi said...

That is great news! I've been so worried about you & we've been praying & praying that it would go better this time. Kind of weird when you're happy to have normal chemo side effects, huh? You're amazing & you can do this! Thanks for the update!

rc said...

Hi Shanda!
Sounds like you are making strides daily-Congrats on making it through this far-you are over a third of the way done! Since Larry is a Dentist I am sure he has lots of remedies for the mouth sores-has anyone suggested the oral aloe vera for "swish and spit"? Many people with those symptoms use it here with decent results-you could check with Larry or your oncologist.
Yay team Shanda!!! I wanted you to know Randy is doing well and starting chemo next week too-Folfox and Avastin-I guess that makes you chemo buddies. If anyone can do it you guys can! Here is to good days and a great summer-you will do great!

adrianne s. said...

Shanda, I continue to be so impressed by your strength and courage! I check back often to see how things are going for you and please know that we are thinking of you and your family always and praying for you all. Thank you for sharing what you can with us!

Aly G said...

Oh you are such a trooper girl! So glad this round went better for you:)! I can't believe the side effects chemo has! Thanks for sharing all you are going through. Luvs!

Marilyn Harness said...

My heart goes out to you with the agony that your experiencing. I do hope that something will come your way to silence your pain. Love you.

Marilyn

Dan and Bec said...

What a sweet little girl!
Hang in there Shanda! Sounds pretty miserable to say the least, just know that a prayer goes up for you every day in Clarksburg Maryland!!
Becky (Breinholt)

Shellie said...

Thinking of and praying for you. Love you, Shanda!

Reflections said...

I'm in tears & dont quite knw what to say here. May God give u the strength to bear this pain....and my prayers with u.


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