Round 2 of Chemo in the Books..

Hello all! What a week it has been! First of all, I had another great week! I've been feeling like I don't have cancer at all! I am not going to complain about that!

Last Saturday I took the plunge and shaved my head 🙈. My hair was out of control falling out and I even developed a significant bald spot right on the top of my head so it was time. My loving husband got out his clippers, cut off as much hair as he could, and then shaved the rest. I can't even believe I am saying this, but it was a relief! There were no tears on my part, and I still haven't cried about it. Probably since I get so many compliments on "Raquel" (aka my wig) and quite honestly, "Raquel" looks better than my real hair did! I'm getting used to wearing the wig in public, but at home, it's beanies and stocking hats. I'm handling the psychological shock of being a long haired blonde to a butch pretty well I'd say. It is what it is!

Thursday was round 2 of chemo. Like the first round, no bad side effects right away and so far so good. Since I did get quite ill one week after my first round of chemo, they have started me on the Neulasta shot right away to prevent my white blood cell counts from falling so low. I am also going to get fluids early next week since that seemed to perk me up before. I'm confident that they are trying to stay ahead of the "low point" this time around. The other positive news I received was that they believe the chemo is working! Dr. Masri said he can tell a difference already just by feeling my lymph node, and it isn't as large or inflamed as before! Praise GOD and all your prayers! 

Yesterday (Friday), Ryan and I went down to Iowa City and met with the breast surgeon group at the University of Iowa. We also met with the plastic surgeon group as well. It was a long day, but well worth our time! We received so much information that I couldn't possibly lay out all in this blog, but we both agree that Iowa City is where we will be most comfortable having surgery when that time comes. I will continue my chemo treatments here in Waterloo. No one disagrees that I am being treated incorrectly, so why change something that is working right? I am very happy we sought out that second opinion. Dr. Sugg also did a breast exam and said to me that she feels very little tumor which tells me that hopefully the chemo is shrinking the mass! I was very happy to hear this!

I am feeling really good, but need to take it easy this next week. They told me that I would likely feel some bone and muscle pain this morning when I wake up (from the Neulasta shot), but I don't so far! I am beyond excited that my mom and dad are coming today to see me! I haven't seen them since Christmas or since my mom and I started our chemo. She is feeling great as well, so we are planning on spending some time together. We need to take advantage of the time we are feeling well and spend time together. I can't wait to see them!

So I wasn't sure if I was going to share some photos or not, but I know you are all dying to see what I look like bald... I'm not sure what to call this look.... GI Jane?? Charlize Theron? I've been told I look like a bad ass, fierce, or that I have a really nice shaped head...lol! So meet my bald self.. I'm not ready to rock the look publicly, so if you see me out and about I will likely be Wiggin' it or have a stocking hat on this time of year in Iowa... Enjoy!!

Angie

Wiggin It!

It's been awhile since I've updated everyone. Actually, there isn't much to update you on..

After being really sick last week due to having a really low white blood cell count, I am having a great week! I feel back to my old self, and plan to enjoy feeling great until I have my next chemo treatment, which is next Thursday. I have energy, and have been working everyday! It feels so good to have my routine back in order. 

My hair is falling out like crazy!! I hate it, and I'm sure over the weekend I am either going to cut it really short, or just shave it off completely. Today I wore my wig to work for the first time. I figure I need to start getting used to it, because there is no saving my hair. You just touch it and it falls in your hand. I attached an updated selfie of my wig.. Which I've named "Raquel."

Other than that, I don't have any updates. Two more chemo treatments and then they will rescan me to see how the chemo is working, and then decide from there if we will proceed to surgery or continue the chemo treatments. This is about 7-8 weeks away before that decision is made.

Thanks again to all my family, friends, and AngieStrong supporters out there!! Keep the prayers coming!

Angie

1 Week In...

It's been one week since I had my first chemotherapy treatment. The first couple of days, I had no side effects and felt pretty good! Good enough to celebrate on New Years Eve with friends and watch the Hawkeyes get destroyed in the Rose Bowl. Over the weekend the fatigue really set in. I had no energy and very achy muscles. I started to perk up Sunday and was able to go to work on Monday and Tuesday. So, no nausea, but I seem to get tired pretty easily.

Well, today I went in for bloodwork and got some shocking results. My white blood cell counts had dropped A LOT! Before chemo, my wbc count was a 12. Today, it was a 1.2! So, yes it's true chemo kills your wbc count. I figured it was low but I didn't think it would be that low. Today they gave me a Neulasta shot that is supposed to increase my WBC production in my bone marrow. I have to get 1 more of these shots tomorrow, so hopefully that helps.

So, here is what I've learned in the last week about chemo. 1) First of all, you really do need to take care of yourself and take it easy. I've been doing my best to carry on with life as normally as possible, but in reality, with a weakened immune system, I have to make sure I am not getting sick. I'm starting to think I can't work full days like I was hoping to. I need to change my mind set to "focus on me first." This is a hard thing for me to do. 2) I'm thankful I have not experienced any nausea from the chemo, but I am experiencing some other crappy side effects (diarrhea, neuropathy in my lips, extreme fatigue, and body aches). All of this is normal they say, but not exactly pleasant. 3) Lastly, I am still doing well, I just need to slow down. I'm really hoping these shots will bring my WBC count back up to where it should be, and when it does I hope I will feel a little more energy! I hate not having enough energy to care for the kids at night, but they also keep me going in the right direction. The last thing I want the kids to think is "mom is sick. She can't take care of us." 

We have had a lot of help and offers from many to bring meals, watch the kids, and run errands. I appreciate everything those have done a great deal! We have a large and powerful support system from many, and that also keeps me motivated and moving in the right direction. Thanks to you all, and please keep praying for a positive outcome!

Angie