Twas the Night Before Chemo...
In support of
The Gonzalez Family
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The Gonzalez Family
Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! We spent ours relaxing, completing multiple fantasy football drafts, and just got back from Chuck E Cheese with the boys. With chemo looming over my head, I am choosing to paint my nails, read my book, type this update, and rest for the remainder of the day.
I had a check-up with my oncology team today and things are going well. Having three weeks between chemo infusions is super helpful for recovery. My labs look good, including my blood cell counts and liver enzymes. The liver is key because it means I can take medication for my hot flashes! Hot flashes are the devil's work and I am over it. I can't remember the last time I slept through the night without a hot flash jolting me awake. I can't take a hormonal medication because all these doctors keep telling me I have breast cancer. But there is a medication specifically for hot flashes that is non-hormonal and is not an anti-depressant meaning there is no risk of dependency or withdrawal. Yay!
As you know, the other ongoing side effect of chemo is the hair loss. My head is looking great! Sure, I've lost hair but I look pretty normal for the most part. And shedding has started to slow down. My eyebrow and lash hairs are completely GONE! But that's why God made Sephora. And somehow I already have new growth sprouting on my head, brows, and lashes. This time I attached a photo of me that shows my current hair and the magic of make-up on my brows and lash line.
More acutely, I will feel like absolute trash for the rest of this week. These phase 2 chemo drugs knock be out immediately. So starting tomorrow through Saturday or so, I will be out for the count. I expect extreme fatigue, some food aversions and light nausea, and many emotional breakdowns. If you have Christopher's number, shoot him a text of support in the week ahead. He'll need it.
Tomorrow marks my 7th out of 8 total rounds of chemo. So tomorrow and 9/23 are my last two chemo days left! OMG OMG OMG. I cannot wait for chemo to be done. It is the most toxic, harmful, intense, albeit life-saving medication. I am grateful for chemo giving my life, but also can't want to kick this shit to the curb.
I want to thank the families that are signed up to deliver meals this week - we will definitely need them! As I get closer to the chemo finish line, our attention will begin to shift toward surgery. I'll provide updates on that as we get closer.
I had a check-up with my oncology team today and things are going well. Having three weeks between chemo infusions is super helpful for recovery. My labs look good, including my blood cell counts and liver enzymes. The liver is key because it means I can take medication for my hot flashes! Hot flashes are the devil's work and I am over it. I can't remember the last time I slept through the night without a hot flash jolting me awake. I can't take a hormonal medication because all these doctors keep telling me I have breast cancer. But there is a medication specifically for hot flashes that is non-hormonal and is not an anti-depressant meaning there is no risk of dependency or withdrawal. Yay!
As you know, the other ongoing side effect of chemo is the hair loss. My head is looking great! Sure, I've lost hair but I look pretty normal for the most part. And shedding has started to slow down. My eyebrow and lash hairs are completely GONE! But that's why God made Sephora. And somehow I already have new growth sprouting on my head, brows, and lashes. This time I attached a photo of me that shows my current hair and the magic of make-up on my brows and lash line.
More acutely, I will feel like absolute trash for the rest of this week. These phase 2 chemo drugs knock be out immediately. So starting tomorrow through Saturday or so, I will be out for the count. I expect extreme fatigue, some food aversions and light nausea, and many emotional breakdowns. If you have Christopher's number, shoot him a text of support in the week ahead. He'll need it.
Tomorrow marks my 7th out of 8 total rounds of chemo. So tomorrow and 9/23 are my last two chemo days left! OMG OMG OMG. I cannot wait for chemo to be done. It is the most toxic, harmful, intense, albeit life-saving medication. I am grateful for chemo giving my life, but also can't want to kick this shit to the curb.
I want to thank the families that are signed up to deliver meals this week - we will definitely need them! As I get closer to the chemo finish line, our attention will begin to shift toward surgery. I'll provide updates on that as we get closer.
Comments
Margaret Muchemu
I know this week is going to be especially tough with round 7 starting, so I’ll keep say focused round 7 prayer for you. I’m not on the meal list this week, but please know that I’ll be supporting in other ways and ready to step in when you need it. You’re so close to the finish line, and we’ll be here to cheer you through each step and help however we can as you transition toward surgery. Sending you strength and love for the days ahead.
Faymous Deacon
Chrismckinley54