Two Weeks, Four Rounds, and a Wig Named ??
I am always late!
I realized it has been two whole weeks since I last posted an update to my faithful followers… I apologize.
The good news is, I have been doing really well and life over here has been full… in the best way.
When I last posted, we were in the middle of Carley’s spring musical, two weeks full of shows, lots of dinners out, time with friends, and yes… a few cocktails along the way. All approved by my medical team!
While I can’t wait for chemo to be done, Carley’s senior year is flying by and I don’t want to wish away a single day. We have more college visits, shadow days and so many lasts:( She’s also heading into a full stretch of fun… senior tip begins this weekend, a quick turnaround at home, and then off to Orlando for spring break with her dad, sister, and friend.
My heart is a little sad that our mother daughter senior spring break won’t happen, but she is going to have an absolute blast… and we’ll get our time together before she heads off to college in the fall.
Now… let’s talk chemo reality. I’ve settled into a pretty predictable rhythm over these last four rounds.
Karen’s Chemo Full Disclosure
Days 1–3 after infusion, I feel pretty good. Like… normal good. The meds they give you do their job and that is a huge blessing!
Day 4 is the transition. I can feel it coming, nothing terrible but I have to start watching what I eat.
Days 5–7 basically suck.
Day 5-6 are my “flu days.” I feel pretty miserable. I’m in bed most of the day, not doing anything. Not even TV or reading… just laying there… being. I’m not pleasant and put off a KEEP OUT vibe. My family knows to tread lightly.
Day 7, it’s mostly fatigue but I make my way upstairs to rejoin the living.
And for someone who is not very good at just being, I’m choosing to see this as God’s divine redirection. An opportunity to become better at being who He created me to be… instead of constantly doing to make myself feel worthy.
“Metal mouth taste” is real. And yes…eating 12 popsicles in one hour during “the bad chemo” does actually help. So does eating with plastic silverware. I carry it with me wherever I go:) Luckily, this side effect only lasts a few days.
My chemo diet is… impressive. Campbell’s chicken and rice soup, half a pack of saltines, mashed potatoes, brioche bread, sweet tea. A diet of champions…or chemo survivors. Same thing.
A strange new reality, I’ve never really had a sweet tooth and now that’s all I crave. My mentor said chemo did the same thing to her, so baked goods it is! I can devour a box of GS cookies, my new favorite beverage is homemade sweet tea and pancakes rock! Before anyone panics…eating sugar does NOT make cancer grow. I’ve met with an oncology dietitian and we’re good. If I want a cookie, I’m having the cookie (or 5).
Plot twist, I’ve actually gained a few pounds during treatment. Why does a person going through chemo get on a scale? Habit! But I know God is using this journey to help me break some old habits, maybe my scale addiction goes out the window too.
I will say, I am definitely more tired this round. I nap more, walk slower and am less motivated to get up early and get to it. The cumulative effect of 4 rounds is catching up with me. Contrary to popular belief, I am NOT superwoman.
I’ve gone through this entire update and haven’t mentioned the bathroom once! This is not by accident. A combo of Benefiber + Prilosec + magic Imodim from England have freed me from potty prison!
Here’s the part I don’t want to rush past…
We have the best tribe ever!!!
Last week, one afternoon, in just one hour…my beautiful neighbor walked over to deliver flowers and to share that she prayed a petition for me on Ash Wednesday, at the same time DoorDash delivered a gifted dinner, and a friend surprised us with more flowers, dinner and treats. It was magical and moving.
I looked at my family and said, “You're welcome!…I took one for the team and got cancer so you could eat.” The things I will do for my people🙄🤣
Looking ahead…
Chemo round 5 is Monday, 3/30. Hoping for no surprises, and a repeat of the above. Then we move toward a deep dive into surgery options. I have a diagnostic ultrasound scheduled on March 31to see how my body has responded to treatment, followed by two plastic surgeon consultations on April 7.
If the results show I’ve had a good response to treatment, I’ll have some decisions to make. I’ll share more when I know more.
But for now… I would really appreciate your prayers on March 31st. Prayers that we have, in fact… kicked cancer’s ass!
We could not do this without you!
Words are not enough to convey how loved and grateful we are for your support. There is so much light in the darkness, and each of you is helping us to ShineForward✨
Only 2 more rounds to go!
More to come… soon.
P.S. I almost forgot to share a critical update!
My wig finally has a name!
Meet Gladys. Per chat GPT, she’s honestly unbeatable. Loud. Opinionated. Drinks highballs.
She’s basically me… just more furry.
Thank you to everyone who sent names, we had way too much fun with that:)