I began this blog three days ago, when I felt well enough to write. Unfortunately chemo-brain is real. And the lack of sleep, nausea and pain don’t fuel the creative process.
I could tell you all about my burning feet and palms, diarrhea, and trouble swallowing food. I could tell you it’s not pretty; in fact, it’s ugly. Or I could chose to focus on being thankful. Extended family, church family, friends, and neighbors have all stepped up to take care of me and my family. Jeff, my girlfriend Kelly, my sister Stephanie and my mom have all taken turns playing nurse and spending nights in the hospital. I call it a slumber party, which when I get my way, is mostly slumber.
I’ve even sparked a social life. My neighbors, T. – whom I fondly refer to as my twin (having received our transplants on the same day); and D. – who received her new cells Wednesday are both from the Maryland-Virginia area, have children, and had related donors. It’s good having them around. I would not want to do this alone.
Yet deep down, I’m somewhat envious of them. I cannot help wonder if having a related donor makes a difference. Unfortunately it was not a real option for me. I can only stress that the path to recovery following a stem cell transplant is no sprint. No cancer journey ever is. My marathon is more like a blinding race through an ever-changing topography that can create a ripple of panic through the spine of my medical team. Anything just beyond ordinary seems to solicit a need for more tests. The test du jour is a CT scan of my abdomen, which I have politely declined…at least for the time being.
Today, I will determine what’s ordinary and what isn’t.
August 12, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Be you…do you. We are all prayin’ and lovin’ you well. You are extraordinary, don’t ever forget that. ❤
LikeLike
August 12, 2016 at 10:41 pm
Deneitra, I’m praying & trusting God for your full recovery Loveu
LikeLike
August 12, 2016 at 10:48 pm
Hang on tight to family and friends. We all love you and are praying hard!
LikeLike
August 13, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Praying for you. Let Doug and I know what you and your family needs we are just a phone call away.
LikeLike
August 13, 2016 at 8:28 pm
Fight, partner. Fight. You are strong and beautiful.
LikeLike
August 14, 2016 at 12:10 am
Sending love and prayers your way.
LikeLike
August 14, 2016 at 9:02 am
Thinking of you always Dee. Thank you for allowing us all on this journey with you, you have touched us all in so many ways. xoxo
LikeLike
August 15, 2016 at 8:05 pm
It’s great to see your posts and know you are feeling well enough to write; thank you for sharing. I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family everyday. May the prayers of all those who care about you and your family, bring you strength and healing.
LikeLike
August 26, 2016 at 8:09 am
Thanks Patti. I am fortunate to have such a great support system of prayer and love. I am feeling better but not yet like myself. That’ll take more time.
LikeLike