TGIF! Week 3 somewhat flew by quickly but those radiation side effects are hitting me much harder! Face is looking more pink, slight tenderness on my neck, losing HAIR like crazy at the back of my head just above my neck, mouth is super dry, and getting a slight soar throat on the right side. I've been applying my SK-II Essence, La Mer Creme, Aloe Vera Gel and Proshield on my face and neck like crazy (3-4x a day)! Hopefully, my skin doesn't peel and rip apart! Drinking lots of water and soup trying to keep my mouth and throat moist at all times. Also, I got a humidifier running at night to help with the dryness. To reduce and possibly prevent sores in my mouth, I rinse with baking soda water every hour and every time after I eat. To keep my teeth nice and strong, every night I must put on these fluoride trays. As for the losing hair part, at first I thought I was going to go bald and was ready to donate my beautiful locks before I start treatment. However, the nurse told me that I won't be losing all my hair. She said that I will lose only at the back, the section closest to my neck. I can barely talk and chose not to talk or see anyone. Trying to preserve as much as energy as possible so that my body can focus on healing damaged areas and killing the c-cells! 2 good news are that I feel really proud of after my treatment today: 1 - I'm still trying to eat via the mouth vs. using the GI tube, 2 - My weight remained stable!!! Hopefully, I can keep up with the eating and maintaining my weight. I've already lost 3-4 Lbs last week due to the GI surgery... so not good if I lose more weight. Next week is a super busy week! Not only I have my daily radiation treatments, I will be going for my 2nd dose of chemo, checking in with the dentist and eye doctors.
Every day and night, I pray to God asking him to give me more strengths to fight this battle. I ask him to recreate me so that all inflammation and infections are flushed out of my system. I ask for his help to rebuild any damaged areas with strong and healthy cells. I ask for his help to keep every one who is trying to help me healthy and strong. I thank him for surrounding me so many people, and I really mean MANY people.. easily over 300 of people who are either praying or helping me to get well. These people are family members, medical professionals, acquaintances, and strangers. I can't imagine fighting this battle without any of these folks - unfortunately, at the hospital, I see a lot of people who are in a much worst situation than myself and many only have a handful of people who are praying and helping them. The lady that I rent a parking spot from close to my workplace in North York, called me twice in the past 7 weeks. She called to see how I was doing and that she wanted me to know that she is praying for me. I am so surprised that for someone that I barely interact with would go all the way out to call me and wish me well. This past week, she left me a message on my voicemail box, saying that she cannot wait to see me well with that beautiful smile that I always had on my face. This is one of many surprises that I have been receiving. I am grateful and feel very fortunate. I keep telling myself that I must try to stay positive at all times. I don't know how to thank every single individual who wish me well but to also pray for each one of you who are helping and/or praying for me. I add to my prayers every day asking God to not let anyone that I know (i.e. family, friends, colleagues, etc..) and care about me to go through what I have. I asked that he gives every one a 2nd chance to reflect life and make some lifestyle changes. I pray to God to give the same power that he is giving me to everyone a healthy and long life. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for every small and big things that everyone are doing for me - Many thank yous to all of you!
A card that I received from my cousin constantly helps and remind me what I got to fight this battle. The message on the card says: "Recovery is a process. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes everything you've got... and you've got a lot - a kind heart, an amazing spirit, and people who really care about you." Also, a very thoughtful mama friend of mine is leaving for her Mexico trip sent away her motivational quote to help me get thru next week.."Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller. May week 4 be like the past few weeks, smooth sailing and fly by even faster!
My next blog topic - Money is not everything but no money is like no oxygen.
No comments:
Post a Comment