Chemo Session #1

Session 1 is in the books.  

It went better than I think any of us expected.  I give all the credit to Brian and our live in nanny for the week.  Between the two of them, I did not have to lift a finger.

Even my nephrologist commented on the phone, saying, "You are one tough lady!  I've never had a patient handle week 1 this well."

So that made me feel very hopeful that by the end of all of these sessions, I will be able to get back to what I've become accustomed to as my "normal" self.  There were a few new developments in my labs and my doctor had to put me on two MORE medications to hopefully get them under control.  But overall, I'd say session 1 went well.  Only, 5 more to go...

I received some really special and perfectly timed texts and emails on my first day of treatment and it made the whole scary situation just a little easier to handle.  I don't think anything had really hit me until Brian and I walked through the chemo doors at the hospital and I saw all the other patients already hooked up or getting hooked up.  

An overwhelming sense of, "things are about to get real" came over me and I started to think,

 "I'm too young for this."  

"Why me?"  

"Hasn't 8 years of fighting this disease been hard enough, now this too?"  

I know they say "God doesn't give us more than we can handle" ... and I certainly love a challenge, but boy a little break here and there would be nice too.  

So, thank you, dear friends and family, for texting me on Monday and making sure I didn't stay in my pity party too long.  It really meant a lot to me.

My next session is in a week, the doctors and nurses have said this session is usually harder on patients than the first, because now the chemo drug is starting to build up in my system, I'll probably notice more hair falling out, more fatigue, overall weakness, and general lack of "umph".... but I say,

I GOT THIS.

**********

Being this week is Valentine's week, I did not want the girls to miss out on a very special tradition that Brian has started.

He treats each girl to their own Daddy-Daughter Valentine's date.

The girls get all dressed up in whatever Princess dress they want, then he rings the doorbell, with flowers in hand, and takes them out for a very special evening.

It is about the sweetest thing to watch.  And I did not want my health to keep them from enjoying that.

So Brooklyn went on her date, Tuesday night.  She chose Snow White.  How precious are these photos?

Can you stand the cuteness!

Emma decided she wanted to be Queen Elsa (probably no surprise to any of you out there with a girl about Emma's age. LoL)  However, we did not have a Queen Elsa dress, so Emma's Fairy Godmother whipped one together this week!  And it came together beautifully!

And THAT is why he is the best husband and father ever!  

This week ended on an even bigger note for Emma.  She has been working very hard on her Taekwondo skills and Friday she tested for her first ever belt!  All week long, I told Brian I WILL be at her test.  So he made sure I was able to go and watch my sweet, precious, kind-hearted daughter, totally ROCK her belt test!

Getting in a few practice moves before the testing starts.

This photo just cracks me up.

Getting some encouragement from Mrs. Master Phillips. 

This lady is so awesome and such a great role model for any little girl.  Emma really enjoys her training time with Mrs. Master Phillips

Last minute advice.

Emma was called onto the floor first.  I wish you all could have seen the confidence she had.  She stood in front of a panel of 10 BLACK BELT judges.  And never waivered or fidgeted or cracked her voice.  She responded with the appropriate "Yes Ma'am/Sir" to each question they asked her.  And just acted like she totally had this!  I was so proud of her for her composure!

Look at my big girl!  

SHE PASSED!!!!

Her belt ceremony will be this Wednesday!

I can't even begin to put into words how very proud I am of this amazing child.  

THAT's my girl!

I wish I could thank you all individually for all the cards, care packages, special Valentine's packages sent to the girls, and just the outpouring of sweet, sweet emails.  I can't tell you how much it helps.  I read them, usually mentally respond, then forget to actually respond.  But I hope to get back to each and every one of you to let you know how much I appreciate it.

And a little message to that nasty little, chronic illness that I've been battling with for the greater part of the last decade, you should know something!