2 Down - 14 To Go

Round 2

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

I have been under a lot of stress lately, so I went into today's chemotherapy not being at the top of my game. I appreciate those who have cried with me recently. When people ask what they can do, most of the time I really don't know. But I am learning that to have someone to cry with is very therapeutic.

Anyway, there was some concern about my white blood cell count today. I have my blood tested every week, and it has been going down. So they needed to draw blood from my port. However . . . the blood wouldn't come. The nurse, Danielle, had me turn my head, shift around, cough, sit forward, etc. and nothing was working. But in my heart I was praying my guts out. "Please, Heavenly Father, please let the blood come through the port. Please!" All of a sudden, the blood started to flow. Danielle said, "Whatever you are doing, keep doing it." I looked at her and humbly said, "I am praying." And yes, I will keep doing it. I know God heard and answered that simple prayer. The results came back really great. They want my numbers to be between 4 and 10. I had gotten down to 3.3, but today it was 6.1 - in only 4 days. A miracle indeed!

I made a new friend in the chemo room. Her name is Nicci. She also has breast cancer. We became fast friends. She is much younger than I am and it broke my heart. Her story makes me grateful for my own. Thank you, God, for not giving me more than I can handle without at least giving me a way to survive it. For that I am eternally grateful.

Nowotwor -- Elizabeth

P.S. I took a walk around the block tonight and got bitten by a mosquito. Funny thought, but how do you think a mosquito reacts to chemo blood? I don't really know, but I have a feeling it didn't live long. I was hoping it would smell the poison and simply not bite me, but it took a chance.

Five Day Hair Loss Program

Saturday, August 13, 2016
I was told that Day 14 after my first chemotherapy treatment would bring hair loss. For some reason, I thought I might be exempt. NOT!!
I woke up Tuesday and checked the towel I had spread on my pillow to catch all my hair, but it just had a few hairs. I thought I had dodged a bullet.
Then I washed my hair and that is when all things changed. I couldn't tell what was hitting my arms in the shower. Was it the water? Was it hair? Or was it my tears? Actually, it was all of them. When I finally had the courage to open my eyes, my arms were covered with short hairs all the way up to my elbows. I didn't have the emotional strength to clean the drain, so my amazing husband did. He is an angel. I am doing fine now, but wow, this has been a difficult journey!
Thank you for your prayers!
Nowotwor -- Elizabeth
P.S. I do not recommend this hair loss program!  It works, but it stinks!

Monday, Day 13

Monday, Day 13

Friday, Day 17

Saturday, Day 18

I Do Believe

Last Wednesday, August 10, 2016, I arrived home from work to find this on my doorstep:

Dear Cooper,
I do believe that God can bless me. Thank you for your prayers. I pray for you too.
I am happy to have known you almost all of your life. We truly are old friends!
Love,
Sister Pierce

P.S. Cooper is one of my wonderful Primary children. He is 9 years old.

Why is Great Clips great?

  I woke up Saturday, August 6, with lose hair on my pillow. This was a bit disconcerting to say the least. I knew it was coming, but there is something surreal about when it actually does.
   I have several friends and neighbors who cut hair and have offered to shave my head, but I decided to go to someone to whom I am not emotionally attached. I called Great Clips to see if they take "walk-ins" and found out that is all they take. :) Remember that I grow my hair for Locks of Love and don't use hair cutting services very often. When I called, I spoke to a stylist, Mykael, who patiently listened as I sobbed through my explanation of needing my head shaved. She told me to take my time and come when I felt comfortable.
  So, I had a gut-wrenching cry, looked myself in the eyes and said "Be Strong! You can do this!" and prayed for Heavenly Father to not leave me during this difficult step. Then I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and drove to Great Clips. (My family was all at work or I'm sure they would have gone with me.)

Deep Breath -- Open the Door

     So, in I went and put my name on the waiting list. I didn't realize that you could sign-in online and save some time. So, I was number 13 on the list. That happens to be my "lucky" number. Haha! I sat by a man and soon struck up a conversation. You know me--I've never met a stranger. We had a fascinating conversation. It was not coincidence that I met a man who works in cancer/blood research. What a blessing!
  Anyway, Mykael finally called me back and we decided on a 1/2 inch guard for the clippers. She started at the back which allowed me to get used to the falling hair. As she got close to the end, I asked her to pause so I could take a picture . . .

Trying to be a Brave Little Toaster

and then, I cried. You can tell in the picture that I am trying to be brave. Mykael gave me the time I needed and tried not to cry with me. Then we continued. 

It's okay. It's only hair. It will grow back.

   So, why is Great Clips great?
     1. Because of Mykael who was sympathetic, kind, and professional, and
     2. Because they do not charge a dime to shave heads of cancer patients. That is noble and right.

Thank you, Mykael! You are my angel.

Still at war (and winning!) -- Elizabeth

What Are You Doing in the Next Two Months?

Thursday, August 4, 2016

What are you doing in the next two months? Simple question for most people probably. Let's see, your children will return to school? Perhaps you will begin your first semester of college? How about a wonderful Labor Day weekend with family? Well, let me tell you what I'm doing:

Our oldest daughter, Erin, announced this week that she is engaged to Seth. She and her fiance have chosen the date of September 23, 2016.

Our youngest daughter, Morgan, (we only have two children) will complete her papers to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will receive her assignment to serve somewhere in the world.

I will complete my 4 rounds of crazy chemotherapy (Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide) and get ready to begin my new cocktail (Taxol) to be given weekly for 12 weeks.

My husband will either lose his mind or find a part-time job to pay for all his "girl's" shenanigans which individually are in the thousands of dollars, let alone the collective cost. Whew!

We are trying to enjoy every moment and taking it all in stride knowing that the Lord knows us and loves us.

So, what are you doing in the next two months? Can we offer any assistance? :) Just kidding! We probably won't have time. :)  With love, Elizabeth

At the End of a Long Day

Thursday, August 8, 2016
I have been going to work every day (except one) since we need my insurance (plus it gets me out of the house and allows me to think of something and someone else). Today, after being gone for 11 1/2 hours, I came home to the sweetest note, so full of love. It reads, "A nice full clean cup of water just for you mom. Love, Morgy"

Morgan, you will never know what this meant to me. I even cried. :) You are one of my rewards for being a Mom. Thanks for being on my team as we are at war against my cancer together. I love you! -- Mom

P.S. I have to drink half my body weight in water daily. Anyone want to join me in the quest?! (It's not as hard as it sounds. :) )