Side effects
Hello. It has been a while since I last wrote. Today was a "good" day. Things seem to progressing in a positive direction. Fatigue is my biggest hurdle. Jane takes most of my energy and attention. She is beautiful but has definitely hit the "terrible twos." I generally go to bed shortly after Jane goes down. The chemo does have other side effects. Along with fatigue, hair loss (obviously), I get crimping in my calves at night (Charlie-horse like) and the nausea varies day to day, unfortunately throwing up seems almost natural now, that is if anything tastes good enough to eat. (heehee) Of course they give you medicine to help combat all this stuff but it doesn't always work. As long as the chemo is working, I can't complain.
It's funny, I find that people don't like to complain around me, like my situation is much worse than theirs. Let me say that "You aren't given anything you can't handle". It is all in perspective. I know we all have bad days, encounter bad situations, even have bad hair days. As my friend, please don't shelter me, or treat me differently because of cancer. I've just got a different battle than you to fight right now, there are people out there with situations wo
rse than mine. I have found that I have an amazing network of people who love and care about me. I am blessed. I have also realized the world is going to keep on spinning whether I participate or not. So I choose to be there, live in the now. And enjoy the world around me. I suggest you do the same.Thanks for all the notes and prayers. I appreciate all of you!!
The pictures are of me and Jane with our scarves on, and me wrapped in a quilt of love made by friends in Michigan and Indiana. It's wonderful!
posted by dara's_journey @ 5:47 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Oh, man... so great to see you in your quilt-o-love! Guess it's symbolic of so much right now...wrapped in support, shrouded in good vibes sent your way...
Thank you for sharing yourself in regard to the side effects, etc. - it helps me "see" you better, helps me learn. Thank you.
And no, life is not a spectator sport... it is for the participants - thank you for the reminder. Guess some of life's game takes more out of us...but I believe it also gives back if we know how to look for/see the giving back part.
I love you from Tucson...
Tere GK
The blanket looks beautiful. Not sure who sewed it, but they did a great job...hope it holds you with love and warmth!
You are correct, we all have our own little battles; some large & some small. It doesn't change the fact that we all simply want your body to heal, your energy to improve, and for you to shine in your family and friends lives for years to come.
The energy you have blasted through this country, and possibly others, will be felt, remembered, and cherished forever.
Keep those little pacman chomping away! Your daughter is beautiful....and you are beautiful too...
Cheryl
I'm so glad to hear this good news! I continue to pray for you every day and think of you often. I am so proud of your strength and determination, with love and faith you will beat this!
My love as well as Vito's and Pete's!
Jessica Ciranni
Dearest Dara,
I have wanted to write to you for over a year now, so today I will just do it. I received your address from my daughter-in law through her friend who is a friend of yours and lived in Colorado. Approx. the same time your were doing radiation for your cancer my 37 year old daughter was diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer. We shared your first e-mail's together. They were so helpful. What a wonderful, selfless love you have given to so many others going through simular trials. She was breast feeding her 7 wk old son when she felt a lump. The doctors office put off appointment as they said it was most likely a blocked duct from nursing, etc. 2 weeks later she called again and they said the same thing. I am so proud of my daughter for being assertive and said she wanted to be seen any way. The doctor sent her immediately for a biospy. POSITIVE ! 2 weeks later,left breast removed,chemo and 39 radiation treatments. It has been one year now and she is still on the new drug Herceptin until February. One P.E.T. scan down and it showed no cell activity. Thank God. I realize everyone has different treatments and drugs but cure is the common goal for all. My husband and I spent the last year 300 miles away from our home, getting close to our 7 wk old grandson, 2yr and 8 yr old granddaughters. We are all so thankful to have been allowed to help in everyone's care. Bless her husband too for having his in-laws live with them. Our prayers for you and your family have always been added to our prayers for our family. Julie said from the beginning that this trip was part of God's plan, even if we do not always know what that plan is.You both seem to be women of strong faith and will power. I loved the idea of the special blanket. Also another note, she had 17 lymph nodes removed and 5 were positive. She now wears a sleeve for the lymphedema. She too says fatigue is a strong constant battle for her..(just having little ones is fatiguing)..If for any reason you wish to contact us personally, please feel free. Love and best wishes to you Dara, God holds you in his loveing hands.
A California Mother
p.s. wish blogging had spell check :) :)
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