I never imagined I would spend a year on a public forum talking about my bowels, but I never imagined I would admit this either:
I have gained over 30 pounds in the last 4 weeks. Aaah~ My doctors are thrilled... but wow...I hope this slows down. They think it is my body trying to adapt as it has been in starvation mode for so long. I'm not sure what to say about that. I dropped down to to the point where all of my ribs were showing, but not any more! :) Several people have commented when they have seen me, so just wanted to address it on the blog. Yes... I have gained some weight. (Can you blame me? Food tastes WAY better than IV nutrition. And I cook a lot better than the hospital cafeteria... but then again, who doesn't?)
On a different note...I am losing my hair again. And quickly! I never went bald with chemo, but thinned quite a bit. Luckily my hair was very thick to start with. We aren't sure what is causing it now...but it is coming out in handfulls and I hope it stops. They ran several tests at the cancer center today. I hope they find an answer...I don't want to be BIG and BALD for Christmas. (I say this jokingly)
I still have some other strange, lingering symptoms, but compared to what I am used to...they are nothing! I have pain all over my body underneath my skin. It is hard to explain, but hurts when putting on lotion, getting hugs, and things like that. My legs from my knees down are completely numb...and feel very strange as well as my fingers. They move correctly but feel detached in strange way. My feet cause the most problems...they feel like strange weights that I carry around. I have to consciously think about them when I walk or I stumble...It is a hard sensation to get used to. And my stomach is still swollen and sore, but I think I will have that for quite a while.
Please know I don't tell you these things to complain, but I have tried to be very open through this whole process and this is a part of it I haven't mentioned in quite a while. Other than that...I am feeling great. Every day gets better...you will hardly catch me not smiling!
6 comments:
Hang in there! Bald is very BEAUTIFUL! Being big is even more beautiful! I can say you speaking about what your going through helps all of us! It makes me pray more and know there is such things as mircles! Keep on SMIELING!
So glad for an update. I didn't know you were still facing more difficulties! you are a rock star! Keep doing what you are doing and I hope you keep your gorgeous hair!
So glad you're doing so much better and I just pray that these remaining symptoms are resolved quickly for you. Thanks for keeping us updated. :)
Here I was thinking everything was pretty much hunky-dory. When I looked at the Thanksgiving shots you looked in perfect health! I am so glad you are so candid in this blog. It helps us to know what to keep praying for more specifically and reminds us constantly that life is so fragile and miracles are like glistening bobbles on forest pines still needing tender loving care and nourishment.
Still on that teeter-totter and striving for that delicate balance; we pray with you and yours that everything continues to improve!
Thanks for keeping us in the loop, I appreciate your honesty. I love your positive attitude and will be praying they find a solution to the hair loss and that the pain goes away soon. We look forward to seeing that smile when we move out there this summer! It's not that far away!
Shanda, we continue to pray for you. "Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God goes with you; HE will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
You have the incredible power of prayer on your side. Every day will get better and better, hang in there!
Love
Ruth Dingfield
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