Last Thursday I experienced my second round of chemotherapy and I have to say, this time around was pretty rough. The actual infusion was about the same and the nausea hit at about the same rate but I did prepare myself with an arsenal of drugs. However, even with the large amount of anti-nausea drugs in my system, the nausea was somewhat debilitating. My appetite was pretty much non-existent for the first 3 days but by the grace of God, my stomach started growling last night, just in time for me to accept a delicious meal from friends, Linda and Meg.
In the midst of my sickness, I would cry out, "Lord, look upon my need. Have mercy now on me," and without fail, He allowed me to taste His mercy and experience His goodness. God is gracious and so good to His faithful children. Even in times of periodic, "Oh, why me, Lord!" God responds with His gentle care and reminder that He'll never leave me nor forsake me.
I'm going to switch gears and talk about my hair, or lack thereof. The deed has been done and as of last Tuesday, I am now sporting a semi-bald head. Semi, you ask? It seems like I have a certain number of hair follicles that are holding on for dear life. Prior to using the hair clippers, Eugene brushed my hair to see if he could release all of my hair from my scalp. It's pretty ridiculous how much head of hair I used to have. After 15 minutes of laboriously brushing out my hair, Eugene turned on the clippers...buzz! At this point, I wanted the hair off of my head. No emotion, no tears. With a few prickly hairs on my head, I'm starting to get used to my new do. Even the girls are used to my new look. Madeline, upon first glance at my head, just responded with a very nervous giggle and Alicia tilted her head in confusion and said, "Why you have spiky hair, Mommy?" Maybe I'll have the courage to post a pic of my new head....or NOT!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Going, going, (almost) gone
Hair loss is imminent. If you've had the displeasure of seeing chunks of hair fall from my head, then you know life as a baldy is quickly approaching. I've reached a point where I just want Eugene to shave it all off. Seeing locks of my hair on my pillow, on the floor, and just about everywhere is driving me bonkers and I'm ready to let it all go. Parting with my hair is not as easy as I thought it would be but I keep reminding myself that this, too, will be temporary. Farewell to what's left of the hair on my head. Maybe I'll muster enough courage to post a pic of my new hairdo. :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thanksgiving
I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness from everyone's well-wishes and encouragements. Truly it is by the sure grace of God and by the prayers of many warriors in my life that have allowed me to press on in this fight against cancer. I find incredible comfort in knowing that people near and far are praying for me...only our Heavenly Father could have provided such an awesome community for me.
Last week, our family was so blessed to have my beautiful sister-in-law, Sharon, visit us from Texas to care for all of us. She's a busy mom of three young children and works part-time and yet she made time to be with me. Sharon selflessly prepared meals for all of us, cleaned the house, played with my kids, and accompanied me on my evening stroll around the neighborhood. By the end of the week, I felt so energized and healthy (gained 2 lbs.) and I owe it all to my wonderful sister, Sharon. I'm so encouraged by her faith and trust in the Lord and am so thankful that God brought this beautiful person into our family. I love you, Sharon! :)
Evidence of God's goodness and grace unfolds everyday and I truly "count it all joy, (my brothers), when I meet trials of various kinds, for I know that the testing of MY faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3. One such evidence of His goodness is that my energy level is really good and I have felt neither nausea nor pain for over a week. Yea! My appetite is especially good, perhaps a little too good since I seem to be gaining weight. My mother arrived last night and has been cooking up a storm. I'm sure I'll be tipping the scales by the end of the week. Oi vey!
In case you're wondering, the hair is still intact. However, I feel an odd tingling sensation in my scalp, as if my hair follicles are loosening. Had a little fun shopping for a wig last weekend. Wish I could post pictures but I don't know how to transfer photos from my iPhone. Tech support, help! Can't decide between human hair (feels oh-so-soft and silky) or synthetic hair (light weight but doesn't feel as nice). Price difference is substantial but looking good will attribute to making me feel better. You catch my drift?
Prayer Requests:
1) During my mother's visit, I desire to humbly receive her counsel and help and want to show her how much I appreciate her.
2) Protection over Eugene while he works in Alaska this week.
3) Patience over Maddy and Alicia. I've become so short and abrasive towards them. I pray that I would be more tender and loving towards them, even in the midst of their misbehavior and disobedience.
4) Preparation for Round 2 (Aug 19th). Rumor has it that with each chemotherapy treatment, side effects will intensify. I pray that I would not be fearful nor anxious going into next week's treatment. God will be with me all the way!
Last week, our family was so blessed to have my beautiful sister-in-law, Sharon, visit us from Texas to care for all of us. She's a busy mom of three young children and works part-time and yet she made time to be with me. Sharon selflessly prepared meals for all of us, cleaned the house, played with my kids, and accompanied me on my evening stroll around the neighborhood. By the end of the week, I felt so energized and healthy (gained 2 lbs.) and I owe it all to my wonderful sister, Sharon. I'm so encouraged by her faith and trust in the Lord and am so thankful that God brought this beautiful person into our family. I love you, Sharon! :)
Evidence of God's goodness and grace unfolds everyday and I truly "count it all joy, (my brothers), when I meet trials of various kinds, for I know that the testing of MY faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3. One such evidence of His goodness is that my energy level is really good and I have felt neither nausea nor pain for over a week. Yea! My appetite is especially good, perhaps a little too good since I seem to be gaining weight. My mother arrived last night and has been cooking up a storm. I'm sure I'll be tipping the scales by the end of the week. Oi vey!
In case you're wondering, the hair is still intact. However, I feel an odd tingling sensation in my scalp, as if my hair follicles are loosening. Had a little fun shopping for a wig last weekend. Wish I could post pictures but I don't know how to transfer photos from my iPhone. Tech support, help! Can't decide between human hair (feels oh-so-soft and silky) or synthetic hair (light weight but doesn't feel as nice). Price difference is substantial but looking good will attribute to making me feel better. You catch my drift?
Prayer Requests:
1) During my mother's visit, I desire to humbly receive her counsel and help and want to show her how much I appreciate her.
2) Protection over Eugene while he works in Alaska this week.
3) Patience over Maddy and Alicia. I've become so short and abrasive towards them. I pray that I would be more tender and loving towards them, even in the midst of their misbehavior and disobedience.
4) Preparation for Round 2 (Aug 19th). Rumor has it that with each chemotherapy treatment, side effects will intensify. I pray that I would not be fearful nor anxious going into next week's treatment. God will be with me all the way!
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