November 10, 2021

Hi y’all and Happy Hump Day!

I just wanted to do a quick check-in and let everyone know that I am still here and doing great.  I had a great last Chemo, if that is even a thing, in the way that I had none of the previous side effects.  I did not have any nausea or headaches.  I ate and for the most part felt really good.  

Today – I am tired.  Yesterday –  I was tired too.  It’s funny.  They give you a lot of steroids to get through it and you feel amazing while on the steroids, but when they are done, you are just tired.  Which I will take and I can deal with.  I did manage to go on a mile walk at lunchtime today which I accomplished in about 20 minutes.  I may not make the next Olympic team but I DID IT!  I also went to PT this morning for my shoulder which I am trying to complete at least once a week, twice if I am lucky.  Either way – the big picture is – IT’S A WIN!

The annoying things that I currently deal with are just some of the side effects.  They don’t hurt but they are down-right irritating.  I know you are dying to know so I will tell you all about them.  Here we go:

• Dry mouth – and I mean DRY – like the Sierra Desert dry.  It honestly feels like you have a huge cotton ball in your mouth all the time and there is no amount of fluid to remove that feeling.  From the recommendation of a fellow survivor (Jen P) my sister sent me sugar-free lemon drop candies.  Let me tell you – those are a lifesaver.  The fleshing taste of lemon allows you to get through the otherwise ugly moments.  Side note – I am also terrified of mouth sores so I gargle with baking soda and salt at least 4 times a day.  No sores yet so it must be working.
• Dry skin – yep another glorious side effect.  Not as bad as the dry mouth thing and there is no lemon drop for it, however, it’s not pretty. I did find a lotion specifically made by someone smarter than me who was going through chemotherapy called Lindi.  It is the bomb.  I am almost bathing in this stuff – it’s worth its weight in gold.  It has no aromas, it’s silky and makes your skin feel wonderful after you put it on.  I will more than happy to be a Lindi spokesperson – so send me your reps and let’s talk.  (Internet site found here.). I think I may need to try their lip balm – especially if this dry mouth stuff is going to keep up.
• Hair loss – y’all knew this was coming right?  I will do another big blog about this later.  I am not upset about losing my hair, it comes with the territory and I’ve expected it. The thing they don’t tell you is that it hurts.  Seriously, it does.  It’s crazy.  Honestly, the teeny tiny little hairs on my head are like little needles – at this point, I just wish they would all fall out.  Good riddance!
• Taste – there is no taste when you have chemo.  One day you wake up and everything takes like a piece of cardboard.  (Side note – if I don’t lose any weight I am going to be so pissed!)
• Exhaustion – this is known and comes with the territory.  I’m listing it but – we all knew that I would be the first one in bed after starting chemo.  My family can now watch whatever they want without worrying about me.  (I know they are so happy about that).

Now that I have explained the annoying things – let me share my praises:

• NO Nausea
• NO headaches
• NO infection (knock on wood)
• Amazing support from my family, friends, co-workers, and fellow warriors.
• God’s grace 
• My Amazing husband, Mano – Happy 246th Marine Corp Birthday today
• My amazing kids and nephew Tanner – always willing to help
• My undeniable faith that this too shall pass and that there is greatness through the forest.

I will write more soon – I promise y’all but now I need to get my kiddo fed to head to Lacrosse tonight.  Please don’t worry about me – I am doing okay! 

Xo,

Tracy