Chemo – Round 2
Yesterday was the beginning of the second round of chemo. I have the 24/7 home pump version and get it removed on Friday.
Using earplugs at night helps to block out the every 30 second hum of the pump. Maybe some of you who have had this don’t pay attention to it, but it can be annoying. I pretend it’s singing HU (an ancient name for God) to me.
I’m really doing pretty well with the side effects, so far. The tissue hasn’t started peeling yet, but the doctor says that will likely happen by next week. I will also get to look forward to a few days off to let the skin heal. That doesn’t hurt my feelings, lol. The dietition suggested that I start drinking a product called Juven. It has HGB, L-Glutamine and L-Arginine and helps promote wound heeling. It’s really working well for me as I haven’t had to take but 1/2 of a pain pill in the last week.
My sisters were here from Texas and Alaska for two weeks (with 3 days that overlapped, which worked out nicely). We had a great time together; catching up, watching movies, just being together and they made a slip cover for my sofa. It was a project I had been intending on doing myself, but just hadn’t had the energy for. It turned out so beautiful and looks like I had the sofa reupholstered instead of just slipcovered. 
One of the lessons I’ve learned from this experience is how important it is to let the people in your life know how much you love them. I believe that’s a one of the biggest lessons we’re here to learn anyway; how to give and receive love. So, the other side of it is receiving love. It seems like it’s easy to do, but when it comes down to it, how many times do I refuse help from people who care for me because I either don’t want to be a burden or I don’t want to give up my independence. It’s important to allow other people the opportunity to give.
I’ve received many calls and cards in the mail from friends and family. It’s one thing to send warm loving thoughts (which I’m not meaning to diminish at all) and quite another to actually do something physical like sending a card or making a call. We live in a physical world and need those tangible displays of affection. My message is to let people do things for you even if you think you can still do it all for yourself.
Tagged with: chemo • chemo and radiation side effects • HGB • Juven • L-Arginine • L-Glutamine • wound healing
Filed under: Healing from cancer
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Theresa,
I’m very proud of you. You know I’m here if you need anything.
I Love You,
Ceal
I love you, too, Ceal. Your visit was the best medicine. Next time I won’t be so dramatic when I want a visit from you, lol.
Theresa
Sweet T:
Just sent you a Guideposts newsletter on healthy eating that I signed up for – hoping the articles they have will be useful for you. I also signed up for a couple of other newsletters they offer, but they haven’t arrived yet! I’ll forward when they hit my inbox.
Also, you might like the HeroicStories newsletter that arrives fairly regularly. They always have such uplifting stories of the acts of random kindness that we never get to hear enough about. You are an incorrigible perpetrator of random acts of kindness yourself, and I think you’ll find these stories a really good read…so I sent a few I still had on my computer, and you can sign up for them if you like ‘em.
Thanks for remaining my sweet T even when you’re tired and hurting. God bless. We’ll talk soon.
Susan
Hi Trees,
I’m thinking of you honey-pie. I’ll be saying a prayer for you too. In fact… I just paused and did it then.
Get well darls.
GazzMan
Hi,
Really sorry to hear of your situation Theresa. I am sure with the loving support of your family and friends it will be of great comfort to you.
You are very brave to put it on your blog and will be an inspiration for others to help them through similar situations.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thinking of you,
Garry
Garry Parkes´s last blog ..Simple Success Strategy and Resources
Dear Gazz,
Thanks so much for your support. I’ve missed being in touch with you and other classmates.
I’ll be visiting more often as I’m able.
Hugs,
Theresa
Thanks for your kind words and for dropping by Garry. One of the blessings of this illness is realizing how much I’m loved.
I do hope my blogging about this cancer will be of help to someone else.
Congratulations on all your successes online.
Theresa