Sunday, March 11, 2012

More Good Luck!

  As I go through chemo, I keep realizing how lucky I am.  Really!  I have had some yucky days in the weeks following my three chemo treatments, but only two days that were bad enough to stay home from work.  Even then, there is no nausea or horrible pain...just headache, aching eyes, some numb-ish fingers and toes, and the feeling of tiny buzzing bees in my mouth.  (Not stinging, just buzzing!)  And, yes, fatigue...but not exhaustion.  A nap or two is helping a lot!  Oh, yeah...today my daughter told me I've been a little bit spacey lately.  My husband will agree!  Chemo-brain seems to make me search for words more than normal, and forget things like who I told what.
  Chemo is such a strange poison.  It terrorizes some people with nausea, some with pain, some with exhaustion, some with everything.  Every person is different, and each cancer is different, so it makes sense that each chemo cocktail will have different effects on all of us.  I feel lucky to have such minor side effects.  My third treatment, on March 2nd, followed a very similar track to the first and second treatments, but with symptoms just a little worse on everything...which still wasn't that bad!
  I'm lucky to have so much support from my husband and kids, from my big family in Seattle, from my work family, and from my school/church community of friends.  I'm even getting prayers, homemade gifts, strength and support from people I've never met.  My biggest prayer right now is that God shares all of the strength I'm getting with others who need it more.  I can't imagine having to help a child battle cancer and chemo, or having to face this battle without a great support system.
  I have insurance!  That makes me feel really lucky after seeing the bill for my first chemo treatment- $24,000!  Yes- 24-thousand dollars for three IV bags of poison!  I guess working for the same station for 21 years isn't just luck, but I know many others are stuck without jobs or insurance right now, and I'm lucky and blessed to be where I am.
  I'm lucky my job had me get a mammogram for a story and caught my tumor early.  I'm lucky to have my husband home again, after his high-stress job that had him working and away from many kid's events for a couple of years.  I'm thrilled my son made the high school baseball team, so I can plan my afternoons around sitting in the sun watching America's game!  I'm so proud of my daughter, working hard year-around on her favorite sport- volleyball, which will take us on a few fun weekend trips in the coming months!
  I'm lucky to have a sister who's been through a lot of what I'm going through (and worse.)  She checks on me and is there for support, warnings, and advice.  I'm lucky to have bosses who let me take a nap at work when I need one, and who sincerely want me to take care of me before taking care of them.  I'm lucky to have been raised in a big, happy, resourceful, optimistic, hard-working family that set the stage for how to react when challenged, and how to make the best of any situation.
   So here's signing off, lucky, and gearing up for chemo number four! 

20 comments:

  1. What a great attitude! I'm glad that you haven't suffered so many of the side effects I hear of from others who are journeying through cancer treatment. Your words give hope!

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  2. Holy cow, I had no clue chemo cost that much! Dang! Well I'm happy that you're still feeling good for the most part! I love your optimistic attitude and watching you on the news. Keep up the fight! :D

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  3. Thinking of you daily and so happy that your side effects are better than you thought. Drove through Renton last week and thought of you! Will be seeing Barb Berry in a bit and will tell her your story! I love you my friend!!! You are blessed. Oh, I thought of you last Wednesday as I was walking in the traveling mammogram-mobile to get my annual mammogram. You are loved!!!

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  4. So glad your doing well. We will keep praying for you. Thank you Heavenly Father for listening. Keep up the great work Mary.

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  5. I have heard that it is 50 percent physical and 50 percent mental (on how you beat cancer) I would have to say that you have this licked! What a great roll model you are to people who may not be as fortunate and are struggling. Keep smiling Mary ;)

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  6. Mary, I have made you a couple of darling hats , but I don't know your address to send them to you. I have a dear friend who is going through breast cancer right now and will be having her 2nd breast removed this month and I made her a couple of hats which she told me she wears all the time, especially when it is cold. Even if you don't wear hates, it would make me feel good to know I have given you a few of my fun hats. I contacted the resource department but didn't get any word back. Could you reply to me and let me know how to get a hold of you. You are a very stong lady whom I have loved listening and watch you each morning.

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  7. Mary you amaze me! your attitude is so great. Keep up the great job you do for Channel 2. I love to watch you and Ron. Prayers are with you.

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  8. Mary, I continue to be amazed and in awe of you! Your attitude and strength are such an inspiration! So glad the side effects have been minimal. Always enjoy starting my mornings with you and the Channel 2 crew! Thank you!!

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  9. mary your a blessing that you are doing great! i went and got my memogram last week and it was ok! i watch you and ron and debbie and casey every morning.
    janet clark

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  10. Mary, you have such a great attitude and demeanor about you. Your positive oulook even on your worst days shines through. You are indeed a remarkable person. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you too will get over this "BUMP" in the road. LOL Judy Thorum

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  11. Hi mary. You are doing great. I had breast cancer 14 years ago when I was 41. My youngest was two. I tell you this to prove that we can survive. Mine was caught early too by a mammogram. I have watched your story and sent my prayers. I remember sitting by you on a trip to seattle years ago. we talked about your twins. You are going to come through this with flying colors. Hang on there.

    Janet

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  12. Mary, you have a beautiful attitude and demeanour about you. You have a very positive outlook on life, and shine on your worst days. I am still having angel prayers sent your way. God is watching over you. Your time is NOW....shine thru. I love the Martina McBride song called...I'm Gonna Love You Through It.....beautiful song, just as you are. Take time each day for yourself, do not let yourself get run down, and you will beat this monster! Thank God it was caught early. Love and hugs to you,
    Sharon K.

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  13. I look forward to your honest and upbeat blog updates. We have the same surgeon and possibly the same oncologist? whom I will see this week for my treatment plan, although Dr. R. has already told me that I will get the "full treatment." Lucky me, right? I feel grateful that I, too, have the means to access available medical treatment and that I have a supportive group to get through this season of my life. I'm just taking it a day at a time right now, plodding along. Best wishes to you, Margaret

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  14. Congratulations on the amazing journey you are on! The love and blessings you will experience will be beyond words. God's tender mercies will touch your life and the lives of your family, friends and strangers you will have never imagined...some you will never know about. Besides what you have already, attitude will help you through it the best.

    Our cancer journey is documented at forthesakeofjake.blogspot.com.

    My wish for you and others going through this same experience, it that you feel the love as abundtantly as we felt it...and you walk away stronger...to face the rest of life's challenges.
    Closer...to God and those who love you.
    More compassion for those who follow your footsteps.
    Grateful for the time you have to make great memories with loved ones.

    One day at a time...like Margaret said.

    Peace and love to you!

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  15. There are no coincidences, I believe. Everything is set into place for a purpose to help you get through challenges and trials. You have truly been blessed! My prayer to you for continued blessings and quick recovery!

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  16. So glad to hear things are going as good as can be for you. You deserve to have luck and love surround you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your special visit for my friend Jill last week. Her surgery went well and she sounds upbeat. Results come in tomorrow. I will continue praying and sending good karma in both your directions. Upward and onward! Great to see you!

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  17. We feel like we almost know you personally seeing you every day. I admire your courage and know the Lord does answer prayers and there have been many sent in your behalf. The courage that you show and share is exactly what many people need who are experiencing the same thing. Our prayers are for you EVERY DAY as well as some of our friends. Thank you and Keep your chin up Mary.

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  18. I agree Mary support from all even God helps us through this shit. I am 3 months cancer free and am headed to my first appt. March 22 and I keep a very positive attitude. You are a very strong person and will make it though.

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  19. Thank you Mary for keeping us all up to date. I pray for you always and hope all goes well.
    ~a

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  20. You are certainly an amazing person....others can learn fron your upbeat this is what has to be done so I do it attitude...thank you for sharing with us all....pray for you......thanks for sharing your courage

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