WOW! When I posted my blog on Tuesday evening, I was expecting around 250 people to look at it. To my great surprise, I have now had nearly 12,000 people view my blog. A huge THANK YOU goes out to all of my college peeps, stock show family, judging team members, old high school friends, my family, Brian, and all points in between. I greatly appreciate the overwhelming support I have received!!! Together we will win this fight!
Many of you have asked me the same questions, so in turn I have opted to include a Frequently Asked Questions Section:
1) Have you lost all of your hair?
It is a known fact that when women find out they have cancer the number one thing they fear most is loosing their hair. I am definitely no different! My platinum blonde hair is currently not coming out in clumps, but I am losing an excessive amount each day. It is greatly thinner. Brian says my hair is definitely on a time clock, and in turn I will probably have to shave my head in the near future.
2) Have you been nauseated?
Luckily, no. This treatment of chemo has been pretty good, but I have already researched my next treatment of chemo and I don't know if I will be so lucky on the next treatment.
3) Have you had any side effects from the chemo?
I have had a few, but they are very minimal compared to the horror stories you hear others talk about. I am more tired than normal, and definitely would not be able to maintain my party girl schedule these days. Additionally, my nails are extremely brittle. They break doing everyday things even with the gel polish and nail strengthener on them. If you have any other ideas to keep my nails from breaking I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. I have also noticed my taste buds have deteriorated. I have to rinse my mouth out daily with baking soda, salt, and water in order to prevent ulcers from forming. Over the past week I have been unable to even taste this concoction anymore. Finally, I definitely have "chemo brain"! I use to be able to think of my daily to-do-list as I was getting ready in the morning, and mentally check it off as I went through my day. Now, when I think of something I need to remember, I can't even remember my thought long enough to jot it down on a sticky note. This is probably the most annoying side effect, but like I previously mentioned, I will take it compared to many of the other side effects others endure.
4) How is your white blood count holding up?
So far so good! I have been maintaing in the normal range, and hopefully it will remain there so that I can continue to go about my life as much as normal as possible.
5) How long will you be on chemo?
The treatment that I am currently on last for 12 weeks, and my last treatment will be March 3rd. I am currently being treated once a week, every Monday. This treatment will then be followed with another 12 week treatment, which will be complete in June. When on this treatment I will only have to go in every third week vs. weekly. This treatment though sounds to be a lot more harsh then the one I am currently on. As Brian says though, everyone is different, and the treatments effect every person differently.
6) When will you have surgery?
Currently, we believe it will be mid-June, early July, but things could change.
7) Are you able to work any?
Obviously, since I am receiving chemo currently every Monday, along with other appointments I am unable to work full-time. However, I am working around 20-30 hours a week. Since I have worked at TTU for nearly 10 years I am fortunate to have a good "nest egg" of sick time saved up.
8) Is the party girl able to drink beer?
I am able to drink in moderation, but definitely not able to hoop it up like the party girl knows how to do best.
9) How often will you be posting on your blog?
I plan to post around once a week. Really, when new events happen. This blog is a great way to keep everyone posted, and allows everyone to view it on their own free time.
Thank you again everyone for your support!
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