Friday, April 2, 2010

Now I Know

I am emerging from the fog of chemotherapy for a few minutes, just to let you know that I am still here. Chemo Day #1 went as well as it could have gone. It got off to a rough start with 3 different nurses trying 5 different times to start an IV, but after that it was uneventful, long, and slightly boring.
As predicted, I have not felt well in the last few days. I am nauseous, but not throwing up. As long as we stay on top of the nausea medications, they seem to be doing their job of managing those particular symptoms. I am extremely tired, and I sleep a good deal of the time. I don't have any energy, but I trust that some of that will be restored in the next few days. Headaches come and go. Goliath was startled when he walked in and I was wearing a cool gel mask (helps with blood flow to ease headache pain). He said softly to Hubby, "Daddy, Mom looks like Zorro, only with a blue mask." I am supposed to be drinking a lot of fluid, but I'm having trouble getting it all down. I woke up this morning with that infamous metallic taste in my mouth--ick! A friend suggested hard candy, specifically Life Savers, to help with that, and it turns out that she was right.
The three little cowboys seem to be doing fine. They are enjoying quality time with their dad and their tireless Nana! We know that the hardest days are still to come, and we so much appreciate your prayers for our family as we put our faith in the One who goes with us.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrifed; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

11 comments:

Caroline said...

So glad to hear from you..I check everyday...I think about you daily..and counting down until I get to Texas..if only our house would sell...if you ever get a chance.could you send me your address..message me on FB or something???? love you bunches!

Melynda said...

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear you are staying on top of the nausea and that you are well enough to blog a little. Don't be afraid to call a friend if there is anything you need. God bless your hubby and mom! Praying for you all.

Stephanie Click said...

Glad to have the update Allyson. May you have a peaceful evening filled with good, healing sleep. Wishing you all a happy Easter.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see the update - hope you are feeling better very soon. Have a blessed Easter
Betty H

Momma Wolg said...

Hope you feel better tomorrow and it's the turning point for this chemo treatment. So hate that you are suffering and I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I love you dearly and won't stop praying for you. God will carry you through this.

Gran said...

You know how much I love you and wish I could take away th hurts. I know your strength in the Lord so it will be OK. Love, & prayers.

That Guy said...

"...3 different nurses trying 5 different times to start an IV..."

Remember that November night when you got a phone call about me in the Emergency Room?

...you walked in JUST when I was on my 3rd or 4th nurse. Veins collapsing... needles everywhere... nurses... my Mom... and I'm on a hospital bed behind a thin blue curtain with slight tears welling up in my eyes from all the pricking...

...and you walked in.

Seriously?

It was Thanksgiving Break, and we were Juniors in High School.

Yet, there I was, having multiple nurses try and draw blood and start an IV.

...and there you were to make sure I was ok.

I remember laughing... I remember because it hurt to laugh, but it was the best thing to do at the time.

...and we'll always laugh. We'll laugh because of the time apart from each other. We'll laugh because it takes NO time to be the friends we were again. The friends we are.

We'll laugh at the hospital gowns. The hospital food.

We'll laugh at the times we missed out together, and we'll laugh because we're glad we didn't have to endure some of those times together.

I'll make fun of you, because that's what I know how to do...

You'll forgive me because that's what you do.

...but through it all, you'll be strong and I'll be scared.

That's the deal. I get to be scared miles away in Houston while you be the incredible woman you ALWAYS have been.

That's what you always were. That's what you are.

You're the foundation of a wonderful family. The reference point of character and faith for so many people. I don't even talk to you anymore and I know that.

How?

...because you've always been that for me.

Always.

...but, I'm not worried and I'm not scared. I don't have to be. Why? ...because I know YOU. I know your faith. I know your love. I know your strength. I know your family.

I'm just glad to be your friend.

Always.

I love you. I miss you. I think of you. I pray for you.

Your ol' pal,

Andy

Anonymous said...

I hope you are feeling much better on this Easter Sunday.
Betty H

PandaMom said...

Hey Sweets! I was able to pray for you A LOT for the past week since for the first time (and hopefully last!!) in my life I suffered through horrible lower back muscle spasms that put me flat on my back in bed all week! All I could think of was you taking in all the meds and having to lay around and wait. Your are a trooper, Zorro!!!!! ; )

Unknown said...

Dearest Allyson,
You may have been told this already, but our Oncology nurse suggested using Jolly Ranchers for the metallic taste. She always had them for Rollie when he got his chemo. Pick out the ones with the strongest flavors. Works like the life savers.
Praying for you! Thanks for the update.
Jeri

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