Ignorance Can Be Bliss

This morning when I woke up I was a little overwhelmed by my feelings of not wanting to have another round of chemo. I’ve said it before, who really wakes up saying, “I want more chemo” so my feelings are what I imagine would be classified as “normal” Between the painful treatment and knowing how sick I will be after, the word that comes to mind is dread. Not knowing would be bliss. However, I’m surviving and know the end is near. I can do whatever it takes

Prayers Help

I was awake around 5:30. I haven’t been praying much about my health because I feel the strength from so many others praying for me however today I prayed hard that I would be cured of cancer and wouldn’t need any other treatments.

The Tumors Are Still Shrinking!

I met with the Dr. The final tumor has gone from 9mm to 4mm. The Dr and research nurse were thrilled with the results and my response to the chemo regimen. I was tearful that I am not done with cancer. I am tearful that I have to do the week ahead. Dr. Westin made a point to tell me how happy she is with my response to the chemo because recurring cervical cancer is very serious. I’ve heard others say uncurable but I’ve never considered that option. Surviving isn’t a given.

Debbie, the research nurse (I don’t know why I label her “the research nurse” every time I type her name) said that she knows today’s news is not what I wanted to hear but I am truly a miracle to have the results I have had and to have been able to continue to be so active. I agree with her and don’t want to seem ungrateful but I’m tired.

The Plan to Survive

The plan is, of course, surviving but the treatment plan is to continue on the same path and do chemo today. I’m in the room now getting the pre-meds. Chemo again in 3 weeks and then scans. Dr. Westin said that if I had originally come in with a lymph node that was 4 mm, the size mine is currently, they would not have done chemo. They would have done nothing and watched it to see if it got any bigger but because they know there was disease they will continue to treat. It has shrunk by 50% in 2 treatments so let’s hope that 2 more does the trick.

The ME STRONG 5k

What I haven’t written about is the awesome ME STRONG 5K that was this past weekend. I feel like I use the word overwhelmed too much but I am truly overwhelmed by the love and support of the community and my family and friends. There were almost 900 runners and walkers who participated in the race.

There were simultaneous runs in Tampa and Massachusetts which was really cool. My Livin the Dream friends hosted a wonderful, well-planned event that everyone seemed to enjoy. We have received emails from people who have told us they had such a great time. Many people have been seen around town wearing their  ME STRONG shirts. I love that. It was exciting to see the posters hanging all over the town, it will be so cool to see people wearing their shirts.

I have loved seeing everyone’s pictures on Facebook.  Pictures have been posted on Facebook and you can learn more by clicking here or going to mestrong.net.  We are already thinking about next year. I could write for hours about the race. It was really great.  To see the race video on YouTube, click here.

The Benadryl is starting to work so I’ll sign off for now.