Second Infusion – Update

Once again be prepared to be left in tears and a state of awe...Sheila does not disappoint. Birthday wishes to beautiful six year old O (and an extra snug for the mama who brought him into our world), special hopes of good times with friends this weekend, and may your belly feel well and your energy level & spirits soar, girl.

Sheila writes:

I had my second chemotherapy infusion Tuesday and it went very well. My appointment ran quite late, so by the time I got home, I had a quick bite to eat, then went to bed fairly early. Wednesday morning I had a quick shot at the docs to boost my white cell count, then took a brisk walk with my mom up to the post office to mail my tax packet to my accountant in Bellevue. We also stopped and got some things for Oliver’s little birthday celebration Saturday and swung by the wig shop on Phinney Ridge to pick up my wig!

This wig is really great. It’s a synthetic wig, but it looks very shiny and real. It matches my hair color almost exactly, and the style is what I aspire to on a good hair day. It was a real morale boost to see that it looked very cute and natural. I have also borrowed a real-hair wig from a friend that is darker and longer than my hair, but quite cute as well, especially with a knit cap over the top.

Over the past few days, my hair has been coming out. Each time I run my fingers through it, out come about 20 strands. In the shower, it’s even more dramatic. It’s feeling a bit thinner to me, and at this rate, we’ll probably have to go ahead and shave it before the end of the week. This is the one part of the treatment so far I have been dreading the most, but over the past few weeks, I have thought about it a lot and generally come to terms with it. Getting this wig today with my mom has really helped me feel better about things. Stay tuned – if I’m brave enough, I may post some photos.

My fatigue and nausea so far (day 3) has been very minimal. Knock on wood, but I have been feeling much better than I did immediately after the initial infusion two weeks ago. A lot of that has to do with my anxiety level, I’m sure. The first time, I was very scared and did not know what to expect. After the first infusion I was tired and a bit nauseous, which actually got worse on days 5 and 6 (the weekend). By last Sunday night, I was feeling stronger, and I spent much of the remaining week feeling good. By last Wednesday I felt completely normal. I was very pleased to have bounced back as I did, as many people on chemo do not. I’d like to attribute it to my overall good health, but I do think my vitamins, exercise, acupuncture and reflexology play a part as well. I have been walking and working out on the cycle at the gym as often as possible, and have been instructed by my PT to do some light exercise when I feel tired. Studies have shown that light exercise helps with fatigue, while heavy exercise tends to adversely affect the immune system in chemo patients. I’m glad I learned this, as I would probably tend to push myself as much as I could, thinking I was doing myself a favor. It’s hard to sit on the spin bike at the gym, listening to my spin songs, and not want to work at a “level 10.”

Acupuncture is still going well – I had another appointment this morning. I’m still slightly skeptical, since it seems that the doctor doesn’t really do much while I’m there, but I’m committed. Relexology, as I mentioned in the last blog, was terrific – I have another session Friday. It was the most relaxing treatment I think I have ever had – even more relaxing than a full body massage. I did find some relieve from nausea after my treatment.

For those of you who had heard, Emma, my 19 year old cat, was on death’s door last weekend (which probably had a lot to do with my physical and mental fatigue during that same time). She’s not been well, and has suffered stroke-like symptoms over the past couple months, but had bounced back. She took ill again a couple weeks ago, but thanks to several saline infusions, bloodwork, and some antibiotics administered by my best friend Shannon (a phenomenal veterinarian and the only one I would entrust my treasured pets to!), Emma has bounced back to her somewhat frail, usually asleep, often yowling, deaf, 19-year-old self. I know she’s not long for this world, but Dr. Shannon gave her a new lease on life, and for that, I will FOREVER be thankful!

I’m looking forward to a visit from Wendy (dear friend from Minneapolis, fellow cancer survivor and author of this blog’s The Weekly Rap) tonight. She’s flying standby, thanks to Lynae, who is a manager at Alaska Airlines. Friday, Oliver turns six, and he’s having a small gathering of friends here Saturday morning. At his request, he’s being paid a visit from The Bubbleman (http://www.bubbleman.com/) a quirky fellow you’re familiar with only if you have young children!
Oliver’s been lucky enough to have some fun playdates this week – yesterday with his buddy Samuel, and today with his beloved preschool teacher Anne. What a lucky boy! And what a lucky mom and stepdad, who are able to catch some rest while O is off at play. We have all been enjoying the generosity of our friends, who have come over and made our beds, sent us amazing meals, delivered stunningly beautiful bouquets, send hilarious artwork and letters from my grade school days, and kept in touch via phone, cards and calls.
I’m completely jazzed that the sun is out, and hoping it holds through Oliver’s birthday Saturday.

Crossing fingers my energy level holds steady so I can attend Lara’s “X”ortieth birthday party Sunday (in honor of Lara, I’m not saying the “f” word either!)
Busy week, but lots to look forward to!