Thursday, May 22, 2008

Ready for chemo #4



I can't believe it, but I have survived 3 chemos already and it's time for #4!... #3 was a little bit harder on me than the first two, but I expected that. The jitters and anxiety was worse than the nausea or the muscle aches. I talked to the Dr. about it, and he said some of the nausea medicine has a side effect of anxiety....great......but he really doesn't want me to lose any weight (which I haven't), so he wants me to keep taking the nausea meds AND some more stuff to counteract the nausea stuff. I will try it this next time.
You can see from these photos that I spent a day or two in bed and the twins wanted to join me. They bring me a lot of joy and take my mind off my challenges. Overall though, I had more good days than bad, for which I feel VERY blessed .
Today is Thursday and I feel great. In preparation for treatment #4, I went to the temple and was able to do an endowment session (and my wig made me feel normal), then I went to my father-in-law's house and he and Dale gave me a blessing. I feel much better now about what I have to face this coming week. I then had to get my lab work done to make sure that my white cell count is back up to normal, which it is. Just like last time, the white cell count went down to almost zero, but another blessing, this one by Dale, Wayne, and Samuel, and it went right back up to higher than normal. Then I went shopping at Wal-Mart, which was scary, for my checking account. I haven't been shopping for so long, that I spent a little more money than usual. Tonight I feel good enough to enter some info on this blog.
Thank you again for all your comments of love and encouragement, it is really sustaining me!!
I love you all!

8 comments:

Lisa said...

So sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling as good. But glad that you are feeling better now. Shopping always makes one feel better. (until the buyers remorse settles in)haha. I will be thinking about you and keep praying, and go to the temple with you in my thoughts. You are doing so good! Those cute little boys of Tara's can't help but lift your spirits and make you smile... they are soooo cute!
Stay strong,
love ya,
Lisa

Pam from Over the Big Moon said...

Good luck with treatment #4! I think is amazing how positive you are! You will be in my prayers this weekend! I hope you can feel better this round then last! Stay strong!

Diane said...

Here it is, another Friday and you are back in for treatment #4. Half way done! Yippee!! And what would we do without family, friends and the priesthood to help us throughout our lives. I know that you have been blessed and will continue to be watched over and blessed throughout this adventure. You are in our thoughts and our prayers today and always.
Love,
Diane

Bundy Family said...

Good luck on round #4. You are always in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with round 4. Isn't the temple a wonderful blessing? You are going to do great! You are in our prayers.

MaryLee said...

Hey Karen,
What an inspiration you are to me as well as to Paige. I can't imagine what you are going through, but I do know what it is like to watch my little girl go through it and wish I could take it away from her. I am sure your family feels the same. I really admire your strength and the friendship you have with Paige and with me, but especially with Paige. The two of you share things that she and I will never share, and who better than you. Thank you soo much! Stay strong as I know you will. I know from experience that the Lord never gives you more than you can handle and grow from then share with others. See you in a couple....
Love,
Mary Lee

J-Lo said...

So cute to see the boys keeping you company. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
-Jenny Ludlow

Laurie said...

Karen,
It is Sunday, and hopefully, things went well with your treatment on Friday. I've been thinking about you and praying for your health and strength. Tara's little guys are darling!! They love their Grandma, you can tell :)
I can't imagine what you are going through, but what a strong gal you are!!!! You are a great inspiration to me to help me to get to the Temple more often.... Thanks!! I hope you have a good week.
love you,
Laurie