Even Still I Will Worship

I have officially completed my first round of Chemo! Oddly enough I had been feeling fine throughout this past week prepping for my first treatment. Sometimes though, it doesn’t really hit me until the day of. Which of course, is exactly what happened.

Tuesday

My mother and I drove to Mayo early on Tuesday morning for the first of many appointments. It was a busy day of running around between appointments, finding time to eat, and also trying to find time to get some work done for my job. I was literally worn out by the end of the day and it led me to dread the next day. I knew it would be much more packed full and taxing on me.

Wednesday

The next day, started off with getting my port inserted into my chest. It is basically like a permanent IV that is connected to a large vein in your neck which allows them access to give you medications, draw blood, etc, instead of constantly putting in IV’s. It feels super weird to have that inside me but have heard it’s a great tool to have.

Further on in the day I had an educational nurses visit. This one, while super informative but it really triggered reality to me. Realizing how much my life has to change in the next few months, how I have to be super cautious about germs, careful about where I go, who I hug, I even have to be careful about changing my own cat’s litter. It was overwhelming. I left that appointment in a daze and just teared up. Both my mom and I to be exact.

The first round of chemo was not so bad as I thought. One of the first symptoms I felt right away, was extreme fatigue and hot flashes. I also started getting extreme restless legs in both my legs. It was challenging as I had to constantly kick both of my legs to try and calm them.

Eventually, I got so tired, I went in and out of consciousness. As nurses were talking to me, it felt like I was in a dream. It was actually helpful though because when I was dozing, my legs were calm. I ended up getting admitted overnight for observation, but it really ended up proving unnecessary as my body, (thank the Lord for this) was responding really well. I believe it was a true answer to all the prayers I have been receiving from all of you!

Thursday

The next day I was still very tired, slightly nauseous, and felt just emotionally shut down/irritable. So if it took me a bit to respond to your texts, that was likely why! It’s amazing how your body reacts to chemo really, very different than what I was expecting. Thankfully my irritability broke by later afternoon and I am starting to feel myself again! So much so that I am able to write this update to you!

All this to say, I made it through my first round of chemo! I am grateful for that. I was to the point where I was just ready to get this started so I can get this cancer out of me. God has been so gracious to me during this time. He has shown his love and kindness through all the support I have been receiving from all of you. I am beyond blessed by all those who have reached out, prayed for me, sent care packages, and offered support. I know I will get through this because of that!

Appreciate you all!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.