Getting Stronger Everyday

Hi everyone! Things are still going well for me here. The real challenge is the bordom. Daytime TV sucks, unless the Cubs are playing or the Olympics are on.

I'm in full "bubble" mode now. It's not as bad as it sounds - I just have to wear a mask and gloves when I want to leave my room. Visitors must wear a mask around me all the time. My biggest complaint is that when I am wearing a mask, my glasses fog over. It's kind of hot too. But bearable.

I got to take my first shower today! It was awesome. I had to go 7 whole days without, and the sponge bath was not doing it for me. I'm so glad I cut off most of my hair - that would have been a nightmare of greasiness.

Between yesterday and today, I lost 8 pounds of water weight! I was beginning to think I was going to split open like a sausage.

If you are having trouble posting on the blog - keep trying. It took me a few times before I got the hang of it. Otherwise, you can always email me at jschwemler@att.net. Thanks for all the posts and emails.

Free At Last

Just before dinner, the nurse untethered me from my IV pole (Nancy - I named it "the bitch-bag"). I cannot tell you how much easier it is to move without it! The nurse gave me permission to do cartwheels down the hallway if I wanted to, so long as I didn't hurt myself. I opted for a more subdued victory dance.

Dinner was actually good - I'm not sure if it was just the fact that I wasn't tethered anymore or if it was really good. I guess I don't care. Today has been the best day so far, so the reasons don't really matter.

I found out that 2 more MS patients are checking in next week for the same treatment. I can't wait for them to show up so we can compare notes. I only hope that I can offer the same encouragement and strength that all of you have given to me in the last week.

Again, thanks everyone for posting - it really helps to know that I have a link to the outside world.

Feeling Better

For the first time in days, I ate a "meal" (Yes, Mom, I am eating). I am feeling much better today, and hopefully, I will lose the IV pole that I've been tethered to sometime tomorrow. That will be a real thrill. I also was able to walk around a little and lift my dumbbells. Funny how the little things become really big when you can't do them.

Thanks to everyone for the posts. You guys are keeping alive!

Day 4

Day 4 of chemo is done - yahoo! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm just so glad that I don't have to be tethered to the chemo line anymore. I'm still tethered to other lines (blood draws and other meds), but the chemo is gone! My numbers are starting to drop, so the process of rebuilding should begin in a few days. Thanks to everyone for posting. It's great to hear from you!

Thanks to Friends and Family

Nancy - it's great to hear from you! This disease really sucks, but it is really important that we endure.

Wendy - thanks for the post. And you're right - do I ever do anything quietly?

Mish - yes, please shave off all of Parker's beautiful hair and send it to me. Just kidding!

Gretch - thanks for all the positive vibes.

Thanks to everyone who has called and kept me in their prayers!

I'm ready to embark on my third day of chemo. I hear this is when it gets really bad. As if the vomiting and lack of sleep is not bad enough. But, I'm going to beat this, so all I have to say is BRING IT ON!

Progress on Day 2

Feeling nauseous today, but the docs gave me meds, and it's not so bad now. I'm still having trouble eating though. I had a Hickman line "installed" yesterday. For the first few hours, it did not feel good, and I wanted it out. But, then I went to sleep and when I woke up I felt better. I will have my second dose of chemo tonight. The docs and nurses have been very helpful and attentive.

Dealing with Hair Loss - The Mohawk Solution

Decided to post a little early. 

I've had long hair since I was 9 years old.  I decided that as long as I'm losing all my hair, it will be on my terms.  And when will I ever have another chance to see how I look with a crazy haircut?  Its now or never, so I went for it - a mohawk.  

My husband, Greg, was holding my hand the whole time.  I will never say it was easy, but he made it bearable.  Many thanks to my friends, Judy and Liz, too.  Liz breezed into the salon minutes before my appointment with a gift from both of them which included a bottle of wine, beautiful scarves, a "hat", and a poster-board collage of different mohawk styles I could choose from.  I had been so wrapped up in the thought of having short/no hair, that I hadn't thought about how I wanted it to look with a mohawk.  I used a combination of the pictures in the collage for my new hair, and it didn't turn out that bad.  Thanks again, guys.

The moment I felt the last of my hair being cut off was heart breaking.  But, with the constant reassurances from Greg, and the kindness of friends and family, I made it through.  Now I just enjoy the fact that I have short hair - it's much easier to deal with.