I just got back from my first chemotherapy appointment. I wish I could say that I was strong and brave and didn't worry at all, but I admit - I was very scared. Thank goodness Craig was with me. They took some blood samples through my port-a-cath, which grossed me out, but didn't hurt. Then we saw Dr. Schwartzburg, who made us feel really good about everything. My treatment plan is to start with Adreamycin (chemo drug) today, and again on April 10th, and May 1st. Then they'll wait three weeks to let that run its course and schedule my c-section for around May 19th. That's less than two weeks before my due date, so the baby should be well developed and ready for birth.
After a week, they'll start me back up on chemo, this time adding two more chemo drugs to the mix. I'll go every two weeks for 4 more rounds and then they'll assess everything for breast surgery. Thennnn, I continue treatments every three weeks for a year (from now). But we can't remember what those last treatments are -- I don't think it's chemo.
So that's the schedule.
Right now I feel fine. They gave me some medication for nausea and a dose of adriamycin, and told me that the side effects won't kick in for a couple of days. I'll lose my hair in about three weeks - total hair loss. (See the haircut poll at the right.) The eyelashes are the only thing that may or may not stay. In about a week, my white blood cell count will go down leaving me more susceptible to infections and illnesses, so I'm supposed to stay away from crowds of people (touching and shaking hands...), and avoid anyone who's sick.
Fun fun!
Keep the positive thoughts, messages, e-mails, cards, and prayers coming -- they give me so much strength. Right now, it's a mental thing for me, and every one's support is so very helpful. I know I'll need help with children and meals in the weeks to come (certainly in May), so thank you for all the offers. I don't mean to turn offers away, I just know I'll need to cash in later and I don't want to wear everyone out before I really need you! This will be a marathon as opposed to a sprint!
7 comments:
Cheri
I am so glad to hear from you today and know that you are in good spirits. I voted for hairstyle #3 ( I think !!!)... you will be beautiful with any one that you choose . I will help now or later...just whenever you need it...how blessed you must feel to have such an outpouring of love from all of your family and friends. With the support and love of our friends and family , we can get through anything !! Take good care and I will continue to pray for you and your healing.Keep your postings coming !! Love Jessica
You are amazingly amazing my friend. I am in tears, needeless to say. I love your spirit and attitude. You are one strong daughter of God. You can make it thru this regardless of the outcomes-including hair loss. I wish I was there to tend your kids, and care for your family, but I know that others will be there to step in that are closer to you. I sure appreciate the efforts you are putting into keep us posted on you progress, and treatments. Thank you for being such a wonderful example of faith and strength. When I was pregnant with Sophia (my 4th) I was told that there was a possiblity that she would have down-syndrome, and I had a lot of tests and ultrasounds taken the first 5 months of my pregnancy, nothing ever for certain. The day before I was going in for the Amnio test, I prayed, because I didn't want to take it...I received two answers that day: one came in the form of a phone call from the OBGYN saying that I didn't need to take the test, and the second came from the scriptures, read Mormon 5:23. These things brought much peace to me...Keep reading the scriptures and be quick to observe. I love you!
Francys
hey cheri- lucy's got a big curly blond wig you can borrow! (as seen in a video on our blog)- love you and am so impressed with your strength, despite your admittance of trepidations- seriously you are a super hero.(i'm watching cartoons right now with lucy... can't think of anything greater than a super hero...) you would be postitive attitude gal.
Hi Cheri--This is Jane here, hijacking Sandy's account, until she shows me how to do it myself. Give me a year.
I just wanted to let you know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. I like hairstyle #3 personally, but you'll look great in any cut. Super heroes can get away with anything!! I'm going to the fabric store to pick up a pattern for a cape right now. That should take even longer than me figuring out how to comment on a blog.
In case you didn't figure it out, Sandy's writing this right now, on my behalf.
We'd love to kidnap Alana, if it would help you out.
We love you!!!! (that's from sandy, jane, ron, ava, and PJ, and all the resident squirrels)
Cheri,
So glad to hear that everything is going as planned. Our prayers are certainly with you. Sure wish we lived closer so we could help out. Prayers will have to do at this point. Thanks, too, for including us in your blog so we can send you our love and keep up with your progress. There is one good side to loosing your hair, you don't have to fool with it for a period of time. There's always a bright side to everything.
Love to you all.
Hey Cheri,
You are the strongest person I know. You always keep your sense of humor. That will help you through some tough days. I wish I was there to help. I'll find a way. You know me. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Steph
Well... Hannah voted for #3. I love #3, but it still is a little long if you're going for short for when it falls out. I'm thinking 4 might be a good mix. Or go for 3 and then if you don't like it, do #4 since it's shorter. I'm excited to see it short. I bet it'll be cute. Did any of that make sense at all? We love you Cheri.
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