Surviving Round 2: Navigating the Challenges of Chemo Treatment

August 16, 2024, I had my second RED DEVIL chemo treatment. It seems so good to say that I'm half way done with Red Devil. YIPPIE!!!

Navigating the challenges of chemo treatment has been like a roller-coaster for me. Somedays, I forget I have cancer because I feel good, and somedays I feel like I get slapped in the face again with the word CANCER because I feel like crap. Weird enough on the day of treatment and day after I feel amazing, because the steroids are good. lol.. So I am learning to do all the things I want to do on those 2 "feel good" days. We had scheduled a weekend trip to the beach with friends prior to my diagnosis to leave on August 16-18 and I was adamant I was going to get this last trip in before school for the kids and to also feel like I could have some fun still. Treatment 2 was Friday at 8:00am, we cold capped till 4pm and got on the road by 4:30pm to the beach. Salt air, sun, shade and spending time with friends was just what my soul needed.

Since my last blog update, the biggest challenge thus far has been learning how to navigate my emotions. I feel like I can conquer my everyday routine on the day of treatment and day after, but come day 3 I totally crash. Learning to deal with the "bottom out" days has been hard. After round 2, I have become very breathy and wear out quickly. Learning when and how to sit down during those moments are hard. I'm 39 years old, I don't want to be that one that gets left behind because I need a rest. So learning to deal with those emotions has become really hard. Yesterday on day 18, I had a big hair shed day. I knew it was coming. I'm in a Cold Capping Facebook group, and it has been wonderful and so educational. There is SOOOOO MANY RULES to follow when cold capping, to try and be successful. Maybe I will do a blog soon, about all the rules to help educate those that don't know about cold capping. "WE" because Lord knows it has been a team effort, have done everything right and I knew the shed was coming but I caught myself angry. Angry, aggravated and irritated at the feel of loose hairs everywhere. I catch myself wanting to scream every time I feel a hair. I think I got all the tears out at the beginning of cold capping so now I'm having to learn how to deal with the frustration. I stated earlier about all the rules with cold capping. One of the big ones is, you can only use cold water to wash your hair!! THAT IS NO FUN!!! The first three washes I cried the entire time. We have gotten crafty to try to keep me from getting the cold water on me. Something about having to get your husband to wash your hair for you and comb it very gently will make you feel pretty useless. He hasn't complained a bit though. So, as you can see going thru all that and having a big shed, why I could feel angry. I've even asked myself, is it even worth it, but my sweet husband reminded me that I might not like the alternative either. So here I am just trying to navigate this the best way I know how by putting one foot in front of the other.

Overall, I'm just SUPER thankful I'm halfway done with Red Devil and haven't been sick. The doctors even told me that I probably wouldn't work the first 8 weeks while I was on this regimen, BUT GOD!!! Yall, I worked last week Monday-Thursday. I even went to work Tuesday of this week (4 days after treatment 2) and learned I probably shouldn't have, but I did. I'm yearning for normalcy so I'm pushing myself, but again I'm learning my limits. I've been reminded daily of God's goodness even though I have had days that I feel battered. Everyone has been soooooo good to us. TEAMPINK4BRITT prayer warriors are amazing, and we ask you to please keep the prayers coming!!! They are working!

Prayer Request: Pray that we can figure out what our new normal is in the coming weeks. Pray that I can find the strength to be present for the girls as school and sports starts back. Most importantly pray for strength for my husband as I'm sure he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Until next time, God Bless!