My Inner Elsa

Greetings from Raleigh…we made it!  I will NEVER move again. It has been an exhausting two weeks from the move alone. Currently, I have zero motivation to unpack another box today. Only did one yesterday. Haha. I have hit the wall. We don’t need anything in those boxes, right? The house is nice, and we are slowly settling in. Doesn’t quite feel like home, but I think that piece is still in the boxes. Haha!  Oh, and I have already been stung by the resident wasp nesting on my deck. Lily told me I was so brave because I got stung by the wasp and was fighting cancer. Sweet girl. I told her that is the only way to be everyday. Lily started third grade at her year round school this week, and I am already over homework.  Mallery and I went to her school yesterday, and she is registered for 7th grade and will start 27Aug.  I miss this little guy more than words…we were talking about not pulling my wig when this was captured. I love his expression.

Back to cancer…I have had two Taxol treatments since the last post. I get them weekly every Monday. This drug is definitely easier on the body than the AC treatments. I would not have been able to do this move if I was still on those. Dare I say, I feel more like my old self again?  I am sure I just jinxed it. I still tire easily, but I have literally been going from morning to night. I am able to drive right after these treatments as I have lost the light headed/dizzy feeling. This is huge for me because I felt so helpless not being able to drive for a week(my choice not doctors…I know my limits). This drug does not cause any stomach issues, so I am happy to report I don’t have to take any medication after receiving this chemo. I am so excited about this because I was taking steroids and anti-nausea pills for a week. The steroids were causing insomnia and puffiness (work with me here). I slept all night Tuesday night for the first time since May. Honestly, I woke up and was like am I dead?  It was like when your baby sleeps through the night…wake up in panic…running to check on them. Freaked me out. Lol. During the treatments, I am doing ice baths on my hands and feet. I am hoping to stop any neuropathy by doing this. I joked with Mike that I felt like Elsa with my blue gloves and being frozen. I threatened to braid the wig next week. Go big or go home, right?  So far so good, but I am sure it takes a few treatments to start seeing the side effects.

Conceal don’t feel…

After talking with my doctor Monday, I may have to do a couple extra treatments for a total of 10. Apparently, there is a certain doasge she is looking for me to receive and 8 treatments won’t get me there. Boooooo! I called her out on it and she said we would just have to see. I can handle two more weeks. I think! I am eager to start the radiation discussion so I can really start to put an end date on the active treatments. I can see an end now, but I want a true visual. This journey had a fuzzy start and once we started talking a plan and dates it made it easier to focus. Now, I am ready to further define the end. I will still have to take a pill for five years, but I can handle that.

Remaining positive and pushing through each day. Relying on scripture and friends and family to continue to carry/support me through the end. I remain amazed at the calls, texts, flowers, gifts that continue to come. It has touched my heart and makes me smile. I swear on a day, I am feeling down or discouraged someone comes through with encouragement in some form. God is good, and He is working through you. Thank you and I will remain forever grateful and humbled.

All my love…live each day big for you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Rachel