Chemo #9 - Starting Down the Hill

I got out of the shower tonight before I realized that I hadn't taken a "selfie" of myself on this the ninth round of chemo day. I was bummed a little bit because I purchased this great Captain America sweatshirt yesterday when the girls and I went shopping at Plato's Closet.

It doesn't really matter. Today I haven't really had the brain power to write a post but I would like to update. So, maybe in the form of a list so that those who like to pray about specifics for us, you get a little better idea of what is going on.

I found a better picture that I am including from the photo shoot we did on chemo day one because it reminds me of what I looked like before I started seeing the "sick chemo patient" every morning in the mirror. Plus, I always look better with David.

Chemo day number 9 marks the first week on the down hill side of this mountain. Here is what is going on.

• I have been well enough for long enough that I was able to get my flu shot today. I haven't in a few years because it always made me sick. Praise for the good health and prayers that I stay that way!
• I remember the discussions early on about loosing my hair. I was told that many people experience pain on their scalp. I hadn't had any of that until the last couple of weeks. There is a lot of tenderness and some hats/wigs for too long are aggravating.
• Speaking of loosing hair. My eyebrows and eyelashes are slowly becoming non existent. They gave it a good fight, but tonight Zachary said "Mom, I have noticed that you don't have many eyebrows". It hasn't been quite as emotional as the initial hair shaving but it does kinda stink.
• I started a new medication tonight. The neuropathy has gotten a little more consistent and so this is supposed to help. I am hoping to report some good news on that front in the next week or so. The number one side effect is drowsiness so hopefully I type fast! On the bright side, I should sleep well!
• Zachary made the honor roll his first quarter of his middle school career! Woo Hoo!
• I have made dinner for my family twice in the last week. (it is the little things) AND I baked three entries for the family pumpkin bake off contest last Saturday! (I won third place)
• I trimmed five of my barberry bushes last week (my goal is 3 a day). Doing "normal" things in small doses has been very good for my morale.
• Ryan sings at Ames on Thursday in the Opus Honor choir. We have had a representative at Opus in our family for the last three years. I love getting to go and plan to on Thursday. Prayers for strength and health to travel there and back.
• Stacey is deep into basketball season and has been playing incredibly well considering her hernia. Unfortunately so far, the pain has not been helped by the steroid injection last week. Prayers for TOTAL healing of this for her would be great. A successful plan moving forward would be good too.
• Thanksgiving is coming and Auntie Chelle is arriving FRIDAY! We are praying for safety as she travels here and home.

There are a few things that have been on my mind this week. I am feeling extremely blessed this year as I look at all of the things that have become my life, even during this difficult year.

"Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ." -Spurgeon