Chemo Therapy Round Four

On Wednesday, February 12, I went in for chemo round number four. This round is the last of the AC combo of medicines. (A is for Adriamycin and C is for cyclophosphamide.) The next four rounds a drug called taxol will be administered. Did you know that breast cancer is a bit of a generic term? There are many different types and with each type and stage a different regimen can be prescribed. I am so thankful for all of the knowledge the oncology field has gained throughout the years. 

As with all of the other rounds, I first went in for blood work to keep an eye on all of my counts, and followed that with a visit with my oncologist. Both the blood work and the doctor visit left us feeling very good. That the treatment is doing just what we want it to be doing and that my body is still handling it very well. More rich blessings from our heavenly father. 
As I checked in for these appointments, I was informed that I had a huge pile of card and gifts waiting for me. What?! Sure enough, I had two large boxes and a large gift bag to bring home with me. Out church and school showered us with cards, gift cards, fun and practical items. What a joy to feel all of that love as I went in for another treatment. The Lord working through his people, once again.

All went well with the treatments. I had my dear friends and sister-in-law, Jenny, there for help and support. Since the kids were all still gone when we got home, we snuck in a walk in the falling snow. The next day was another good day! Praise the Lord. It was also our little man's sixth birthday. So good to feel well enough to celebrate with him.

Valentine's Day, yesterday, wasn't as kind to me, but that is to be expected. I know that there will be some days when I don't feel well, but by now I can also anticipate the good days to follow. I slept a lot yesterday and last night and am feeling better so far today.

Prepping for Chemo Round Four

Do you like to color? I have been enjoying it lately. It is calming and easy to pick up and put down.

Tomorrow I go in for round four of chemo. This is the last round with one drug combination and then it will be on to four rounds with another "recipe". I can't quite put my finger on why, but have been feeling a bit more anxious looking ahead to this round. It's probably a combination of knowing a bit too much how it will make me feel and that the newness has just plain worn off. The first rounds, while not looking forward to them, I was more psyched up to get this fight started. Maybe this round is like the Wednesday of chemo for me? Just get over the hump and then cruise to the weekend.
This weekend and the beginning of the week we all worked ahead a bit to be all set for the next round. The kids and I finished their Valentines for school. I made a cake and wrapped gifts for the little mister. He turns six this week! I cleaned, washed lots of loads of laundry, and cooked protein for me for the days ahead.

A sweet friend invited us over for Valentine's Day fun this weekend. We had a great time!

I am blessed once again in having help here for chemo day and the days that follow. One of my closest girlfriends (who happens to be my sister-in-law) is coming to be a companion and helper for us all.
As I finish today and think about tomorrow I am focusing on these words from Philippians:
"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I will try to let go with my weak human hands, but instead turn it over to the one who is strong to save.

Chemo Therapy Round #3

As of last Wednesday, Chemo round #3 is in the books. This should put me at over a third done with chemo. (Barring any unforeseen changes or surprises.) While everything went well, it is definitely taking more time to recover from this round. I was still feeling the effects over the weekend with nausea and fatigue. Thankfully, I am feeling pretty well today, just bit shaky yet.

My new "put on/take off" hair. Aka my wig.

The weather this weekend was beautiful and I was able to take a walk outside on Sunday. The sunshine and fresh air felt so so good. It also reminded me that like the seasons in nature, this is just a short season I am currently walking through. In time this trial will be over and I will be out on the other side like spring after a snowy and cold winter.
 I felt well enough to help out in the kitchen preparing a Super Bowl snack supper. I always love a good excuse to make apps for supper. I may not have stayed awake for the entire game, but it was a fun family evening just the same.

Super Bowl Picnic Snack Supper

I was remarking to Matt this weekend how good it feels to be able to just do the normal things in life. Isn't it funny how when we are living life we dream of a good relaxing weekend just lazing about, but when our bodies force us into resting, it is hard to give in? I guess it just proves that moderation is really the key to feeling our best. That and normalcy. As humans our routines and habits are really comforting, especially in a time of uncertainty.

These two were a bit fascinated with the half-time show. 🙈

This round my parents were here to hang out with me and help me out with the household tasks and children. I have had such amazing help for each step of the way. It has is been so easy to see the Lord's hand in orchestrating even the smallest details.
A week ago I was able to go and pick up some "put on, take off hair" what Miss Three calls my wig. When researching wigs, I discovered that our local trade school has a wig bank for cancer patients. I was able to go to their student salon and look through 100s of donated wigs to pick one out. Then the student that I was working with styled the wig for me. I don't wear it often, but it is nice to have the option if I choose.

I am also now the proud owner of a pre-tied turban. (I just don't have the skills to tie my own.)

Now I am looking forward to my off week enjoying the little things in my life. Even doing the laundry isn't such a bad thing if it means that I am feeling well enough to. 😀

How We Are Helping Our Children Deal with My Breast Cancer

When we first found out that I had breast cancer, we knew we wanted to keep open communication with our children. We wanted them to feel comfortable in asking us questions and in expressing how they were feeling about it. And while we didn't want to keep it from them, we also have chosen to shield them a bit from the big wild world of cancer. We don't feel that they need to know all of the possible side effects of the treatment I am receiving. We will deal with those as they come along.

As soon as we told the kids they knew that cancer was something that you can die from. (Thanks to my prolific readers and the children's book series the Penderwicks.) We reassured them that I will be receiving the medicine that I need to help give me the best chance of beating the disease. We also have relied heavily on our faith and sharing that this is God's plan with them. That God is in control and will be with us every step of the way. That they can take all of their thoughts and cares to their loving Savior in prayer. Having a Christian community surrounding and supporting our entire family has been such a blessing for us all. Knowing that their teachers and classmates can reassure them with God's promises in his word provides such comfort.

We have also chosen to enroll our oldest three kids in C.L.I.M.B. It is a wonderful program that they attend one evening a week with other children whose lives are being impacted by cancer. They have learned about chemo, radiation, and even seen cancer cells under a microscope. Each week they discuss a feeling and will do activities surrounding those feelings. They have all enjoyed the sessions they have attended and are looking forward to the remaining C.L.I.M.B. evenings.

Around my first chemo session we enlisted the kids' help in making hand washing signs to post around the house. These signs are really reminders for them, but because they helped, it gave them a sense of ownership. We have also added a few chores to their to-do lists. And because they are being asked to help out a bit more around the house, they are now receiving an allowance in proportion to the chores they complete.

I would also say that while this is a big part of our lives right now, we are choosing not to let it be the main focus. We are keeping life as normal as we possibly can.
So many wonderful people have stepped up to help us out with our kids. I am often reminded of the phrase, "it takes a village." Right now is a time in our lives where we need some extra help and support and our village has stepped up in a big way. I can totally see the hand of God in all of the people helping us, praying for us, and encouraging us on this journey.