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!
Sorry the second round was worse. I am so glad that God helped you and gave you such comfort. You have such an awesome attitude :)!
ReplyDeleteYou continue to inspire me...you are such a role model to your girls...seriously.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your new look, if you are willing to share it. OR your glamorous wigs!
Either way, your beauty is deep within. NOTHING can take that away!
Prayers for you...
I made you some long, dangly earrings to go with your new 'do. I'll send them to you sometime soon :-)
ReplyDelete<3 you, my friend! I continue to be amazed by you! Thank you for sharing this journey.
ReplyDeletewe continue to pray for you helen. God knows your name, you are well covered.
ReplyDeleteHelen, you are awesome! Your blog is inspiring. If you post a pic, could you also post video of yourself singing "nothing compares to you"? Seriously, you're inspirational and may cause me to shed some man tears! or NOT!
ReplyDeleteHelen, praise God for your faith and strength in Him. I will continue to pray for you and your treatments - i'm so sorry that the nausea was so bad again. I'm so glad you are feeling better now. Please let me know when me and the girls can come visit or you can drop off the girls for a play date here any time when you need some time alone.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and prayers,
Bella
Helen, so glad to hear you're getting your appetite back!! can't wait to see your new look. I'm sure you look as beautiful as ever! =)
ReplyDeleteGF!!!! you are SO AMAZING!!!! i am humbled and inspired by your beautiful spirit, courage and FAITH. it pains me to know you are going thru so much...the nausea, the treatments, the hair loss...and yet, you are fighting like a champ. truly, you are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! i love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Helen - haven't been around the last few weeks and sorry I missed all this! You are beautiful inside and out. Been thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThe girls' response cracks me up! So, so cute! What a blessing that they didn't react differently. Love you and talk to you soon!
ReplyDelete