Jacqueline's Cancer Journey

 I must admit that the last week has been a bit of a challenge. Even though fatigue has been my greatest challenge thus far, the added anemia through in a whole new dimension. The high doses of Iron seem to be helping and not causing a lot of havoc with my digestion as I was warned about.  I am enjoying my time off- a sleepover with the gals, good food, a family dinner, pickle ball, yoga, gentle hikes in the mountains, meeting with clients, writing, reading an awesome book (The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd), it feels so good and almost normal. I have been sad when I haven't been able to read or focus or even follow directions. I even ventured out in nature with a friend to take some headshots with my bald self. I'd like to say it wasn't vanity, but there has been some hesitancy to be around people, in person and on zoom, with my bald head. My long hair has been such a big part of me for so long. This week I get vaccinations (Covid and flu) this week and am hoping I don...

 Woot! On 10/7/2022 I completed my 4th and final AC treatment and I'm very excited. The treatment went well. My biggest challenge  is still fatigue possibly enhanced by the fact that I am anemic. I have enough Iron in my body, yet because of the state of my red blood cells, the iron is not begin transferred and used. I have this clear liquid that comes out of my nose unexpectedly and found out that it's because my nose hair are gone. Such a small thing that I didn't consider. I am continually grateful for all the kind words, cards, food, gifts, prayers, time and energy and as far as the juices go, because of my flavor changes I have 2 gotos--Local Love (predominantly beet juice and their carrot and ginger raw soup). My cravings remind me of pregnancy where some days some things are appealing and other days not so much.  I have been falling a sleep really early and therefore now waking up WAY too early. I am hoping to correct this during my mini-break . Now I have 3 weeks ...

I love finding a card in the mail or a cute emoji or meme in a text or email. Thank you. I have saved them all and look back on them in moments of overwhelm or sadness. If I have not thanked you personally, know from my heart that I am. Sitting in the backyard drinking my tea, listening to birds, looking at our big pumpkin helps me to feel present and grounded. I love the cooler weather especially since my body temperature fluctuates a lot.  I had an echo cardiogram before my treatment to check on my heart, and my blood flow has increased since starting treatment. My cholesterol has also dropped 70 points.  My 3rd treatment went well and was somewhat faster than the last 2. Only one more treatment with these magic potions. My friend Marga assisted me and took me around to stores I never get to on my own. She also brought me this magical oil from the Earth's Cauldron on Etsy. While it's good for my body, it feels like it works on a soul level. It's really good for my spirit ...

Well I guess I was a little too real in my last post. I received a number of texts, calls etc about how I was. I have 4-5 very low energy days directly after treatment, then I start to feel better. The key in week two is to not overdo things because I am feeling good and didn't get anything done during week one except to focus on healing, eating and resting. I felt almost normal this week and was able to get many things done. I am grateful to all of you holding me-energetically, spiritually, and physically through your prayers, candles, cards, gifts, food, cash for juice, etc. I truly feel this is why this process has not overwhelmed me. My hair is almost gone and I have to pay attention to how I use my energy and to stay away from germs. I'm excited for the cooler weather and looking forward to wearing my hand-knitted hat from Susan B.

 Phew! This was a rough one. Treatment went as planned. I taught yoga Saturday morning. Then my Neulasta shot and then...listen for JAWS music, it hits. The extreme fatigue and being completely uncomfortable in my body. The only things I can do is eat, drink, and sleep. Conversation is challenging, coming up with words-uhh, reading next to impossible, even watching TV is not easy. I don't want to complain, and it really sucked. I messaged the dr because it was so much more intense than the first time, I thought maybe something was wrong. Nurse Jen, whom I really like, responded fairly quickly and let me know that was expected. Most people have intense fatigue for a full week so I'm doing well with only 5 days of it. When Thursday rolled around, I was able to do most things-like pickle ball, cooking, laundry and responding to email. On days when I move my body enough to sweat, I feel better even though it takes its energetic toll. Friday, I feel human once more--almost like I am...

 9/9/2022 I was a little nervous preparing for Chemo #2. Would it be harder, would my symptoms be better or worse? After my blood draw, I met with my oncologist. my blood work looked great and we discussed changing my chemo plan. Now we will do 4 rounds of AC every two weeks (2 of which are complete), take 2 weeks off, and then 4 rounds of T every two weeks. The potency of the 2nd 4 will be greater, yet 4 treatments sound much better to me than 12. So yay!  What's exciting and interesting to me is the willingness and flexibility of the doctor to meet my needs according to how my body/mind/spirit are dealing with the treatment. They (dr and nurse) were happy with how I moved my body (yoga, teaching, pickle ball and biking) and how few symptoms I had. The fatigue was incredibly debilitating, the brain fog was unsettling and my fluctuating body temperature was uncomfortable. I went into my treatment prepared and calm especially after receiving my awesome news of fewer treatments....

 9/2-8/2022 The second week after chemo was much gentler on me than the first. My digestion is back to normal and I am still tired often. Rest is definitely the best healing tool. I was able to do all that I set out to do as long as I allowed the rest needed in between activities including pickle ball, short bike rides, in person visits. Pacing: Eat/rest, teach/rest, move my body/rest. My schedule is limited-I allow myself 2 activities per day. During the second week I was able to add in a few more things-cooking, cleaning, and communicating. I was able to drive after the first 4 days including my car and scooter. I do wear my mask any time in public and as friends and family to mask up if they have been around others. If feeling at all sick, please don't come near me. I didn't need any of the extra prescriptions I was given. Though I did use my newly garnered Utah Marijuana License. I found the pharmacist there very helpful in choosing products useful for chemo symptoms withou...