A lot has happened in our life since my last post:
My hair started falling out about 14 days after my 1st chemo treatment & we had a head-shaving party in the back yard! I truly have family & friends who are super-heroes!
I had to accept the "sick-role" and realized that the chemo treatments would take me down but not take me out.
For years, as a public health practitioner, I have studied the "sick role" in various cultures. I had a huge light-bulb moment when I realized the researcher had become the patient who could now totally relate to all the populations I had studied over the years. Again, my family & friends are super-heroes because when I am unable to care for myself, they scoop me up and take care of me without question.
As many of you know, chemotherapy is meant to cause havoc with you body. Without going into detail ... my stomach has been the most effected. Most people get constipated because of the drugs but (of course) I'm the odd one! I am thankful for the clinic and hospital staff that allowed me to come in for fluids regularly after chemo #2.
I am praying all of my after chemo drugs on round #3 will control my stomach issues sooner rather than later :-). Did you know that I take 3 pills after my chemo that cost $10,000 and I have medical device placed in my arm after each chemo to help with my immunity that cost $7,000! CRAZY!
As look ahead to my upcoming chemo on Thursday (hopefully) I am thankful for all the cards, meals, phone calls, care packages and prayers. I have given-up on writing thank-you cards, which I know is totally rude, but I hope that you would agree that my few "good" days should be spent having fun with my kids.
May God continue to bless each of you and again - thank you for your love and support.
You are and will continue to be a hero, Courtney. Thank you for keeping us aware of your thoughts and experiences.
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