May 8

So - Chemo, Week 1.

I told Shawna the other day that dealing with the affects of chemo are like dealing with a bad boyfriend - completely unpredictable - you never know what it will be like day to day - minute to minute - good times and bad times.

All in all, I haven't done too badly. So far, the nausea is the worst thing. I can't quite predict when or if I'm going to have it. Last Friday night after my first treatment, I felt horrible. I didn't want to sit-up, I didn't want to lie down. Poor Shawna kept asking me what would help and I had no idea what to tell her. I finally took some anti-nausea drugs and went to bed. Saturday, I felt GREAT! Good energy, not to barfy. I worked in my yard - Shawna helped me get out all of my yard furniture - and I ran errands. I felt a little tired and stayed home that night and took it easy.

Sunday - I didn't feel so good. I didn't feel so good on Monday either - but I worked and have worked all week. Tuesday - I felt okay earlier and not so okay later. Yesterday, I felt great all day. I thought I felt great today until I hurled after taking my vitamins this morning. I think when they said you're not supposed to have spicy food - they meant it. The Mexican I ate last night was not a good idea.

Honestly, it's not too bad so far. I just sometimes can't see food or smell food without feeling yucky, but feel like I need to eat or I will feel even worse. My doctor and tech told me that there is plenty more they can do to help me with the nausea. I will let them know at my next appointment and see where we go from there.

I have been giving myself the shots. Piece of cake. I ran in to Diane Higginson at Home Depot on Saturday. She came over Sunday morning and helped me give myself my first shot. The shot part is the easiest part so far. Tammy Bleak was also ready and willing to come over and help. Thanks to you both!

I met with my surgeon on Wednesday and she says I am healing really well from my surgery. I can start working my arm more to relieve the pain and tightness from my surgery under my arm.

I am looking forward to The Race for the Cure this Saturday and seeing everyone. I am so grateful to everyone that has entered - both my work people and my friends - and know it will be an emotional day for me.

I continue to feel very blessed through this trial. I have had people comment that things seem to have gone very well for me so far. I know that this has nothing to do with me, but has everything to do with your prayers, love and concern for me. I wish I had a dollar - let's make that $100 so I could retire early - for every time someone has told me that they are praying for me, fasting for me, putting my name on prayer rolls, or sending good thoughts my way. You all lift and sustain me and I know that every good thing I am experiencing is because of your love and the love of my Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ.

I am learning a lot during this experience and learning to really appreciate the blessing of having such wonderful family and friends. I’m sure I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I just have to keep letting you all know how much you mean to me.

Cyn