Chemo day! I am officially halfway through with the, Red Devil. After that, I move onto another chemo for 12 rounds, which in boxing terms means I lasted the entire fight! AND considering I will have already done 4 rounds with the Red Devil, I’ll go ahead and predict a unanimous decision as Katie as the winner. Insert Rocky music into your head.
While we’re on the subject of metaphors (yes, I google searched the definition to make sure I wasn’t mixing up metaphor and smilie), did you know my chemo drugs are called cocktails? WTF? Were a bunch of scientists sitting around one day and said, “hey, these are pretty extreme drugs, let’s give it a name to make someone want it.” I can tell you from my experience, this is not a ‘cocktail’ I crave. I know I like red wine, but not Red Devil. BIG difference.
I’m feeling alright again after #2. Filled up on water all day and zoned out with my ipad at the center. Still the youngest in the room. Currently sitting in my recliner resting for the rest of the day. Tomorrow will be more resting when the contraption on my arm injects me with healthy white blood cells and I await the headaches and muscle aches.
One positive thing about today was that I was able to meet someone I’ve connected with on this journey. She started her own charity organization while she also sat in a cancer center winning her boxing match, unanimously. Her name is Joy which makes it so fitting that her charity is called Bringing Joy, www.bringingjoy.org. She selflessly creates care packages for anyone going through breast cancer and drops off these packages at cancer centers to be passed out to patients. Amazing. She scheduled her delivery today around my appointment so that we could meet. Grateful for these connections, yet saddened that breast cancer is what brought us together.
Finally, jumping around on you now, I wanted to share that I have officially started to lose my hair. I was washing my hair on Monday and my scalp felt super sensitive and tender. Like, you know if you sleep with your hair parted in an odd spot, and then when you try to fix it you feel like your head is tender? Anyone? Anyone? Anyways, I pulled my hands down from my head and sure enough, hair.
Hair, hair, everywhere.
On my hands, on the floor,
even on the shower door.
Emotions set in at the moment. Just another reality check of what’s happening and what’s to come. Then I put on my big girl panties, literally because I just told you I was in the shower-duh, and just accepted my next story in my life. Am I sad? Of course. Will it weaken me? Fu@k No! Plus, I did finally pick up my wig, for when I feel like wearing a wig. Otherwise I’ll be in scarfs and hats. Gotta protect my melon!
Thank you again to everyone for the thoughts and well wishes. I’m doing good, head shaving probably in the near future. For right now, I’m going to pee (flush twice), rest, drink water and repeat. Make your mammogram appointment or make sure your loved one has made theirs.
Again my little girl amazes me on your strength and being such a warrior. You’re the example of a strong woman. Words can’t say how much I love you. ❤
Thank you for sharing your journey! I’m learning so much, I’m in awe of your amazing attitude, and I’m sending you so much love! (I also love your style of writing)
How can I get Rosie the cancer fight warrior blanket to you. It’s important you know everyone is cheering you on…this is a small gesture
So nice of you to think of me. It’s totally not necessary to send me anything. For all those that think of me, read my blog or reach out, I know they’re all cheering me on. 💗
Katie, glad to see you are being so informative and positive through your treatments. Wishing you all the best and sending out positive thoughts, mojo, prayers and everything else you can possibly need. My wife, Donna, went through a single mastectomy and reconstruction but fortunately did not require chemo and escaped that situation. D, is still going through revision surgeries and doesn’t like to talk about any of it. Keep talking and telling people about things. Cancer sux. 💐
Your humor fuels your strength. Love the humor and honesty. That black wig. Do the 90s when spiral perms were all the rage. It does look good on you though, as did the blonde one in my humble opinion. Maybe short for baseball and long for darts?
Chemo isn’t the only combo that is a cocktail. If there are multiple drugs involved, like twilight sedation, that too is a cocktail.
I started praying for you right from the start & will continue to thru your fight!! I love your spirit , great inspiration to others going thru your same battle, I was lucky to have a few people pulling me through having faced the challenge also!! God Bless you Katie ! Stay Strong!!
Thank you for sharing, Christine! You are a WARRIOR!
Hi Katie, Reading your story brought me back to where you are right now. I am a breast cancer survivor and I know all the emotions that go along with the unknown stress of what you are going through. It’s a long journey and even when you are finally finished with treatments and surgery the emotional side stays with you. As time passes it will get much easier. Despite all the negative side effects that treatment causes it also can bring out an inner strength you never knew you had. It can bring people into your life to help and give encouragement and strength , and you will truly know who your friends are and also which ones walk away and leave unfortunately.
I was diagnosed with stage 3 with multiple lymph nodes involved. I’m now a 7 year survivor. By reading your blog I can already tell that you are truly an inspiration. Your strength shines through and you will be a blessing to others who may begin this same journey in the future. I’ve always said that something good has to come by me having had cancer and if I can help others in any way just by being there to give support then that is a positive outcome. Sometimes when we go through tough times then we really appreciate the good times that come after and appreciate everything and everyone so much more. Just know that you can do this! When you feel awful remember that this will not last forever. Lean on your loved ones for help and support. If friends offer help by bringing over a meal , let them help, let people spoil you as you take this one step at a time, and I don’t know if you are religious but I sure leaned on God for strength . Please reach out to me if you feel the need. God Bless!
Judy, thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. Also, for sharing your story. I agree that, by sharing our stories, we might help others. If that’s the case, I’m happy. I’ve probably had at least 10 women reach out to tell me they’ve scheduled or gotten their mammogram because of my ability to be public. We can do this! You are a WARRIOR!
Looking amazing as always as you kick this shits ass. Keep kicking ass girl.
hang in there Katie we are praying for you every day
Katie, you are so amazing. Putting yourself out there, good and bad, giving inspiration to others, so selflessly, is a gift that can never be repaid. Shining a light so others can follow. Bless you.
You are a WARRIOR.
Love you girl 💗 😘