Gearing Up For CHEMO #4

Chemotherapy Infusion #4 happens this Thursday. I'm three down and three to go. I'm at the half way point and I can't wait to get over the hill.

My chemo experience started on August 17th and it's been two months. I've been trying to be patient with the entire experience. Every week I have a doctor's appointment (whether it's chemo, lab work, fetal specialist or the obstetrician). I spend countless hours sitting in waiting rooms and treatment rooms just to speak with the doctor for five minutes. I've spent a lot of money on surgery, prenatal care, copays and parking. It all adds up. I try to juggle my time scheduling appointments on days that Maelyn is in school and I try to get the first morning appointment. I consider myself a punctual person and it pains me that I show up early for my appointment yet seem to sit for 30 or more minutes to be seen. I try to use this time wisely by meditating or reading or just enjoying "my time." But, I can think of a thousand other places I would rather be to spend "my time."

I'm trying to remain positive but the reality is that this disease has turned my daily and weekly routine upside down. It's changed my appearance and God only knows what's it's doing to the inside of my body. How is my baby coping? Is chemo working? Do I have lingering cancer cells floating around my body? Is there a tumor somewhere else in my body that I/we don't know of yet? I'll only know after the birth of my baby in January. My doctor told me that my body will have to go back to "pre-pregnancy state" before continuing with the additional testing. That means more waiting.

Even though I try to take it one day at a time -- it's hard not to think about what's to come.

So, here I am..... gearing up for chemotherapy #4 of six treatments. I've increased my water intake and I'm consuming high amounts of protein and iron enriched foods. I take my daily nap, I see my chiropractor twice a week and I try to avoid feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

I can do this. I know I can.