Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hangin' Tough.

Well, I decided to entitle this post after my favorite New Kids on the Block song.  Yes, apparently things DO get hard when you're on chemo, and I have been experiencing this for the past 3 days.  Ugh.  I have to admit, after Saturday came and went (that was the 3rd day after chemo - the day that "they" said would be the hardest), I felt a little smug.  Hey, this cancer thing ain't so bad!  Things were going good, my dear friends and family in Everett put on another amazing garage sale to raise money for me, and worked so hard to make it a success.  I felt so loved and supported.  (still do) Sure, I've felt fatigued and a little heart burn-y for a few days, but who doesn't - right?! 

But Sunday morning HAD to come.  The best way to describe how I felt is to imagine being hit by a bus.  Every muscle ached, I got the chills, the sweats, my throat hurt, waaa.  I don't know how that bus specifically targeted my throat, but it did.  I felt miserable.  Even so, I decided that I wasn't going to disrupt our family's routine because of this, so we got ready and headed out the door to church.  Dumb.  Half way there, I was crying and we turned around and spent the day at home.  Trevor's so good to me, he TOLD me church was not a good idea, but I was stubborn.  Anyways, I am getting great care at home, Trev and the kids are amazing.  And just let the record show that the snack boy at home is way hotter than the one at the hostpital! Trevor did have to leave to go pick up Isaac around 2, but Trudy came over and spent the rest of the day taking care of me and Emma and Ellie.  It was so weird, I think I took 4-5 baths that day, I just could not get warm when I got those chills. 

Anyways, I went in to the doctor Monday and it turns out they think I have a viral infection.  Which is GREAT because I take that to mean that chemo won't always feel like this.  I'm much more succeptible to catching any little sickness that's floating around now, what with my suppressed immune system.  So even though things are hard right now, I can look forward to my future treatments w/out dread, because this isn't going to happen each and every time.  The doctors tell me to treat myself like a newborn baby.  Wear diapers, and drink lots of milk.  No, wait, I think they mean to say don't let sick people come around me.  I WILL catch the sickness, so I need to be careful.  Hand washing, sanitizer, clean environment...

Today is Tuesday and definitely was better than yesterday, which was better than the day before.  Here's to hoping tomorrow's better, too!  I am so thankful for the selfless service that I recieve on a daily basis these days.  Susan spent the whole day up here, having left her own kids w/ Guiellermo on his 1 day off.  Two friends were here this morning cleaning my house top to bottom, and a delicious meal was promptly delivered right at dinner time.  As has been the case day by day for the last several weeks. 

One more thing: This coming Saturday we're having a HEAD SHAVING PARTY!!  So, if you dare, come check out the action.  You can shave, go pink, do a pink streak, or just come and have fun watching...  The grand event will start at 7:30 pm at this address: (not my house) 3833 168th NE Arlington WA 98223.  It is Northwest Children's School, my friend offered to host it there so I wouldn't have to clean my house or stress in any way.  I think it will be nicer to shave the head surrounded by love and support rather than cryin' in the shower alone one day while clumps fall out. 

Sorry 'bout the long post.  But nobody made you read. ;)

6 comments:

Melissa and Jeff said...

Your posts could never be too long, so never apologize! I wish I could be up there, especially this past weekend. It sounds like your hero Trevor took great care of you, along with your sweet sisters. I got to see my sweet sister yesterday as she came through Utah on their way to California. Yea! Keep up the great writing... xo, Miss

Lewis Family said...

Love you Laurie. You still have such a spunk about you that I love. Hang in there and know that I'm thinking of you!

Missy said...

Oh Lauren, you are such an inspiration... "Hang tough" ;o) and KNOW you deserve all of the selfless acts of services that you and your family are recieving, that is what family is for. I can't speak for them but I'm pretty certain NO ONE minds helping you and your family out in this time of need <3

SparkE said...

Love and hugs! Tomorrow will be a better day!

happychow said...

OH OH OH OH OH (Hangin' Tough!)

I love love love that you share all of this. I wish I was there with you. I'm so glad you are in very good hands and that you are receiving such fabulous care. That's an answer to my prayers, for sure. Love you Laur.
Candi and I will try to make it to the shebang on Saturday night- we'll see how it goes! :)

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see my bald head! And yours!! And Sue's!!!