Bring on the Wigs!!

Sophie and Jamison goofing around in my new wigs!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I know it has been a bit since I wrote and I apologize, don't want you to worry when I am not posting.  I have had two chemo treatments of a different drug called Taxol.  So far the side effects have been much easier to bear than the initial 4 treatments.  Thank Goodness!  The one I seem to deal with the most is fatigue so I sleep a lot!  That and and some diarrhea but nothing Imodium AD can't handle!  10 more treatments to go.  I am taking this week off since my Dad and step-mom are coming to town .

Our neighbor and cancer buddy Glen Gunter talked me into trying out some wigs which I had absolutely no interest in to begin with.  Once I started trying them on, I felt normal-looking for the first time since I lost my hair.  A couple of days prior to the wig-try-on, I had told my husband that when I look in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself anymore.  There was some sadness about that.  

When I wear the wigs, I notice that I no longer get stares!  People constantly compliment me on my new hair style not realizing they are wigs.  It's great!  So I have decided to embrace it all and have fun with all the different kinds of fashions for the head!  Wigs, wraps, beanies.  Bring it on!

Just do today.

I received an uplifting story from a dear friend of mine in Tucson and I wanted to share it.  Elder Kristofferson one of the 12 Apostles of our Church spoke of his mothers fight against breast cancer.  At treatment # 3 of 16 radiation treatments, she told her mother, "I can't keep doing this-it's too much."  Her mother said, "Well can you do today?"  Answer, "Yes."  "Then just do today."  

"Just do today."  Words to live by.

Self care Just got more Complicated

Doing my exercises to help combat neuropathy.

Yesterday, Wednesday, was my first treatment of  Paclitaxol.  I have 11 more once a week for the next 11 weeks.  That is assuming that there are no complications.  So..all my prayer warriors, please pray that my body will be able to tolerate the Taxol and that I will be able strong enough to see this treatment through to completion.  I would like to stay on track with these treatments and be done as soon as possible!

Common side effects:

~Low blood counts.  White and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease.

~Hair loss.  I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes but I am told it is more than likely that they will go with these treaments.

~Arthralgias & myalgias, pain in the joint and muscles.

~Peripheral neuropathy.  Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet.

~Nausea and vomiting.

~Diarrhea.

~Mouth sores.

I could experience all, some, or none of these side effects with Taxol.  We just have to wait and see.  So far, between surgery and AC chemo, I have experienced everything but vomiting and neuropathy.  Which means I feel somewhat prepared or have an idea of what to expect having experienced many of these symptoms already.  Up until now, they have been bearable and I pray that may continue to be the case.

Swaddled in Love

Last night my daughter Sophie (far left) surprised me with her Church young womens group.  They are called Beehives and they have been busy!
With the help of their leaders they made this beautiful quilt for me!  Each of them made a personalized square with their name on it.  Some of the messages read, " Life is full of great and wonderful people with great hearts.  But the best people are the people who never give up!  So never, ever give up."

"Strength is someone going through cancer who smiles through it all."

"When life kicks you, let it kick you forward."

"You've been in my prayers."

"I love my Warrior Mom."

"God gives His toughest battles to his toughest soldiers."

"Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments."

It is a great treasure and so very comfy!  I took a nap with it today for the first time.  Love it and love you girls!

Round 4 of Chemo, Soooo DONE!

Round 4 of chemo means I am officially 1/4 of the way through chemo treatments!  John took me out to lunch and bought me an Air pad to celebrate.  Now he won't have to share his anymore!

This picture was taken Wednesday and the side effects of chemo didn't hit until day 3, which means Friday. Haven't been able to get out of bed the last two days and I am thinking that tomorrow will be more of the same. So glad to be finihed with A/C. Two week break and they start me on another IV drug called Taxol.  Once a week for 12 weeks.

I want to take a moment to sing praises to my amazing husband John Enfield.  When I am not operational, he just steps in and does it all.  Grocery shopping, laundry, chauffering the kids here, there, and everywhere.  He takes on all my duties not to mention nurses aid fetching me food, drinks and anything else I might need.  So grateful to have him with me on this journey.  Couldn't do it without him.  Love you Honey.