The worst is behind me! I did it. I finished the Adriamycin and the Cytoxan. The Adriamycin was pretty potent with lots of bad side effects that I’m ready to have out of my system. I have a three week recovery period and then I start the Taxol. This chemo drug will be administered once a week for twelve weeks. Then happily I will be completely done with my chemo.
The Taxol I am told will be a “walk in the park” compared to what I have been given. The only down side is that it’s every week. I have no idea how I will react to it. I’m truly hoping that nausea won’t be one of my side effects even though it’s considered to be a possible side effect. Pray for me that it won’t be. I can handle the fatigue, especially with all the wonderful sisters in my ward that visit me.
I’m so amazed at the love and service my family has received. I have found so much comfort in those I am surrounded by. Stronger friendships have been made and I have come to love all of them. Thank you for that. You are an answer to my prayers.
I got to visit from a friend yesterday shortly after getting home from chemo. She shared a story with Steven and I of another families trials and the testimony that was shared. She also shared with us how others view our family at this time as being strong and an inspiration to others. I then expressed to her my feelings. I mentioned how most only see that side because I try my best to be positive around others. There are so many times when I am alone that I become down. I have those dark times where I see myself in the mirror and see only an ugly mess. What I always took for granted before is gone. I see ugly scars on my chest where there used to be breasts. I feel like a drag queen when I put on my makeup and sometimes wonder “what’s the point”. I have started losing my eyebrows and eyelashes. This has been another blow for me. These feeling bring me down and I know they are not what my Heavenly Father sees, nor wants me to see. When I am surrounded by others who are filled with love for me, they do not see my lack of chest or lack of hair. They see me. And I am uplifted and renewed.
In Young Women’s we recite the Young Women theme every week. It starts off with this; “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him.” What a great reminder for all of us. We are all his beloved children. He looks on the heart, not our scars. I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by those that exemplify this attribute of our Heavenly Father and of Jesus Christ. They see my heart not my deformities. They are all truly angles.
I want to say a big Thank you to everyone for the prayers and words of encouragement. I could not do this without you. I love you all and appreciated the continued prayers on both mine and my families account. Keep them coming. I need them.
