Chemo round 4/40th bday loading…

The timing is perfect, I am on my 4th round of chemo the week I turn 40.
Good news, I feel the best this round! I actually slept well last night, (take that steroids!) walked almost a mile today, I even had the desire to drink coffee?!? Who am I?! (I have an analogy for how my nausea relates to my desire to drink coffee I will explain at some point.)

A few theories on why I feel best this round - great chemo company from one of my bestest friends, Michaela :) we really made the best of it and had a great catch up including old memories and a few laughs as well as some good girlfriend chat. It takes a long time to grow an old friend :) Also the team has dialed in my supportive meds, I’ve been increasing my exercise, prioritizing good sleep and nutrition, and doing activities that bring me joy including spending time with family and friends, both virtually and in person. I’ve been able to meet friends for walks and chats and its fills my cup. The texts, calls, FaceTimes, messages on this board, all warm my heart, so thank you all for taking the time to reach out. I also think my lab values are more favorable this round, and I am managing my blood sugar better (take that steroids!) but seriously its so much insulin its crazy. The answer is always more insulin, but the question is how much and when/timing?! It’s an art as much as a science.

I am enjoying spending time with my parents on my chemo days 1-3, having good chats, watching good TV, and eating my mom’s cooking! But I miss my boys. Brady asked Taylor this morning, “What day is it?” And Taylor responded “Tuesday” and Brady said “Yay that means Mama comes home tomorrow!”. He is catching on to our new routine. He also knows when I come home I need 2 good nights sleep where I am the first one in bed around 8PM, and Taylor is on bedtime duty with Brady. Last Wednesday I fell asleep early then I was woken up by Brady who had his blanket and teddy bear asking if I could tuck him in and put on the dinosaur stories audiobook. Of course sweetheart! He just wanted to sleep near me sweet boy. We have a little floor bed set up next to our bed on my side for just such occasions. He is so sweet and empathetic for a 4 year old, and I am so proud of him.

So, tomorrow is my 40th birthday, and although it will be different than I originally planned, but Im here for it, I’m happy to be here, I’m grateful to have a 40th birthday. I will be celebrating by dropping off cupcakes at Inova Schar, seeing my primary oncologist, then going to the infusion center to get my chemo pump removed and some fluids/whatever else to top me off. Then home for a Ted Lasso marathon, reunion with my boys, and dinner provided by my mother in law.

Some people have asked what I would like for my birthday. I really don’t need anything, and you have all generously donated to me and my family. But if anyone feels compelled to donate in my honor to any of the following, that would be the best bday gift this year. But no pressure at all. I also wanted to include these links as resources that may come in handy for you, a loved one, a friend, or a patient - I know there are lots of rehab professionals on here.

My favorite resource is called Bright Spot Network. They are focused on supporting parents with cancer, their partners, and their children. They are sending us free books and coloring books for Brady to help him cope, and I have joined a small cohort support group with other parents, all young mothers, with young kids, who have Stage IV cancer. I appreciate this group meets during the day, so I can spend my evenings with my boys. All services are free to patients, and funded by donations.
https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/mission

Life with Cancer is a resource center associated with Inova Schar and all services are provided to patients at no cost. Fitness classes, wellness classes, mental health services, support groups, social events, acupuncture and massage, and more. They are funded by donations.
https://www.lifewithcancer.org/

August is Appendix Cancer awareness month. Shout out to my dear friend Sarah and her family for going on the Appendix Cancer Global Walk in bright yellow Tshirts to spread awareness. The Apendix Cancer and Pseudomyoxma Peritonei Research Foundation has been the best resource that has helped me to find the most qualified clinicians to treat this rare condition. The foundation has also assembled research articles, and education focused on this rare cancer. (Literally 1 in a million) This foundation also connected me to a Facebook group of others with Appendix Cancer, and it’s been tremendously helpful. They also take donations.
https://acpmp.org/

-Other resources I have found helpful that I want to pass along:
Mighty Meals has fueled me and saved me so much time in the kitchen - thanks to my friends for introducing this to me after my second surgery this year.
https://mightymeals.com/order

Rock the Treatment box gifted to me by my coworkers has been amazing. They know exactly what I need to keep me going, and laughing - I love the Jelly Belly cocktails because I cant do real cocktails lol.
https://www.rockthetreatment.com/shop/

There are TONS of books on cancer, but I enjoyed this one and found so much more motivation to exercise. There is a companion website here.
https://www.movingthroughcancer.com/

I will try to send more frequent (shorter updates) but please forgive the length of this one, it’s my birthday ;)

Sending you all love, hugs, and a sweet week ahead full of whatever brings you joy,
Claire❤️