First Lasts
I’m writing today from the chemo cafe. It’s Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil is predicting 6 more weeks of winter. That might be true for the weather…but not for me! I’ve only got 2 more weeks of chemo induced winter before my sun starts shining again!!! These chemo cycles have felt a lot like the Groundhog Day movie… my life is repeating itself in two week cycles instead of every day. I’m ready to break the cycle!
Yesterday I had my last pre-chemo lab blood draw and today is my last visit to the chemo cafe, and there is nothing bittersweet about it – in fact I’m filled with joy and excitement to be here, not something I ever expected to feel about getting chemo. This is a very sweet day indeed! I made it through round 7 – and I know I’ll make it through this last round ready to climb back out of it to begin strengthening my body for surgery.
Round 7 brought lots of nerve pain, but a bit less bone pain as I was able to discontinue bone marrow stimulating injections, so that helped reduce some of the pain. I have been experiencing some pretty intense and increasingly frequent headaches and vision difficulties, so in addition to a PET scan on 2/11, I’ll have an MRI next week just to make sure no cancer has broken off and decided to travel into my brain. I’m confident it hasn’t! The chemo and hormone changes can also bring those changes, but I have a great cancer care team that believes it is better to be safe than sorry. I couldn’t agree more.
Round 7 chemo took my eyebrows and eyelashes. Oh how I had hoped I was going to keep those! This too shall pass. In the meantime, it’s important for me to do what I can to feel more human, when I can. Sometimes, a makeover is in order. I though you might enjoy this makeover transformation, what a pick me up!
Thanks again for joining me on this journey of healing. More to come soon! 💕
97 days! What a ride. I hope you’re managing the side effects of this last round and will come out on the other end ready for the next steps. You’re an amazing fighter, love you!
Thanks again for the update! Love the “before/after” head shots! : ) (I was hoping for even more, like costumes, but I guess that takes too much energy!) Thank you for sharing what you are going through. I’ve never known anyone who’s so transparent about cancer treatment. We will pray about the muscle pan and headaches! (PS: I see some downy scalp hair! : )
While those absent eyelashes and eyebrows may be missed, you might want to consider the symbolism—giving your all! I know, I truly know that you have already given more than enough. Besides, I find your face equally beautiful in both images, Beven. BYOOTIFUL and I know that beauty to be internal as well. I will be counting down with you… Love
Congratulation, Beven!! I hope you’re feeling closer to normal from here on out. Most importantly, I hope you never have to do anything more than this 1 experience with cancer. As always, please always reach out at any time of you ever have any questions (and aren’t able to get an answer from your own team when you’re wanting).
Beven – Sending you huge congrats hugs! You’re beautiful, no matter what.
Much love, comfort and “healing sparkles” to you! – Sue
Dear Beven,
I understand your desire to “feel more human”, but your selfless actions are “super human!”
Love you, and much thanks for your efforts to help us to get vaccinated!
Ken
Always fierce & beautiful – inside & out! Keep slaying it with style & grace!