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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

I am a holy woman.

Today was my first day for my new chemotherapy called Taxol. I'll be getting it each Tuesday.


6 HOLES TOTAL!
It took three women, three sticks with a needle in each arm in various places, and a little over an hour to find a vein that would be found after much probing and digging around with each stick. That was pure torture!! I tried to go to my happy place and pretend I was on the beach. Every so often the digging brought me back to reality and I felt like crying like a little girl.

The actual receiving of the Taxol wasn't bad. After we got past the first 15-30 minutes where they watch to see if you have an allergic reaction (I was a little nervous during this part) things went smoothly. 1-2 hours total. We met some nice people and I found out some good places to check out for wigs (if I decide to go that route--I may just like scarves & bandanas--we'll see).

My nurse called this afternoon to let me know that my MRI results showed more cancer in my skull (there was already a palm-sized amount on my forehead at my last scan) but none in my brain!! YAY!!

I'm wired. I'm on a ton of steroids that go along with the chemo to help my body not have an allergic reaction. I wonder if I'll sleep tonight. I guess I could always organize closets or something useful!

12 comments:

Angela Strong said...

Do you have any idea how much I love you!!! You are amazing and I draw strength from you in this trying time. You have such a positive outlook and it is going to be so important through this experience. I pray this chemo doesn't make you really sick and yes, you can pull of a bald head if you want too! You are a hottie whether you have hair or not! Please let me know what I can do to best help you...even if it is to hold your hand!!

Jill said...

I am working until midnight every night, if you want to email back and forth we can. If you need anything, please ask. I am free most of the time during the day, and with Rob not having a job right now he can help also.
Best of luck, you are always in our prayers/

Our Sunny SoCal Life said...

A six hole woman sounds like an eight cow wife. And yes like Johnny Lingo's Mahana you are definitely worth more than the average person! You continue to show true grit in the face of adversity. And you do it with just enough edge that we truly can empathize with each challenge you face. Thanks for being honest and real. Still in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

I wince hearing about your trying experience! How painful. I'm so glad the rest of it went smoothly though. I've been thinking of you and sending you and Bryan my love and prayers! You're amazing! Thanks for the update. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
I love you, H

tatum said...

jen, you even look good with holes in your arm! =) seriously though, sorry about the needles, i know you hate that more than anything and we have the same small "moving" viens.....your way brave, and i am so glad you didn't have a bad reaction to the chemo, at least there is one good thing. keep positive, i know you don't have a problem in this area, your truely amazing. love you much. call me if you need to vent, i'm good for that. =)

Anonymous said...

Jenn

Anonymous said...

Jenn, I just love you to death. To see you go through this with such grace, faith and courage, is awe -inspiring. You are always in our prayers, I just wish that we could do more for you....like find a cure! I think this sums it up...Cancer Sucks!! I feel priviledged that I was able to be with you and get to know you in R.S. Jenn, You are an Amazing Daughter of God!
I just love you ! Odd

Noelle said...

I agree with my mom, Bryan has an amazing six hole wife! I work up in Neurosurgery at the University Hospital now, so next time you're at Huntsman you should let me know and we can go eat lunch. It's just across the street! Love You!

Anonymous said...

Jen,
It is so familiar to Houston and I to hear your stories about being pricked 6 times!! Is a Port no longer possible?? Steriods are miracle drugs at times, but come with emotional and physical side effects that suck! We continue to pray for you and Bryan. I know we are far away, but anything we can do, we would!

Kim said...

Jen- I found your blog on Marci's. It was so good to see you at Anona Leishman's viewing. I'm so sorry for all that you are going through. You are truly an inspiration. Hang in there.

Jen said...

You are truly superwoman! If the nurses let ya, try listening to your iPod as they poke you. Some calming music might help stay in that happy place. I really didn't come up with that on my own, ironically I read that in a magazine at the doctors office today.
Stay tough Jenn!

Jaron Winder said...

Jenn we love ya and pray for you every single night. That should help for something right??? :) My advice (for what it is worth- try a wig for each day of the week- totally different styles and colors! Black one day, red the next!! WOO HOO!! Seriously though, thank you for your example