Yesterday I met with my oncologist for the first time in six weeks. We discussed the symptoms and problems that I have been dealing with the past couple of months. For the most part I have been feeling really exhausted, sometimes so much so that it is difficult just to go up the stairs. I have also been finding myself short of breath and really cold all the time. These symptoms are a result of the fact that my hemoglobin, platelets and neutrophils have not been rebounding the way they should, and for this reason I have had to have three blood transfusions in the past six weeks. After looking at all this information together, my oncologist decided it's time for me to take a break from chemo for the month of October. We are hoping that this break will give my body time to recover from the toxicity of chemo and build up it's strength again so that I can continue my fight. I have a PET scan booked for November 1st which will give us a picture of how my body has reacted to chemo. We are hoping to see that all the tumours have continued shrinking!
In the meantime, there has been so much to be thankful for. The best thing in the world has been feeling the love of our family, friends and community. We are constantly surrounded with help and comfort which I know has helped to bring peace to my mind and body.
People continue to blow us away with their thoughtful donations to our family, whether it be food, time or money. One of the sweetest gifts we have received in the past six weeks was from one of my friend's daughters. She is six years old and a good friend of my daughter, Ella's, as well. She decided she wants to help us raise money for our "adventure fund" so she and her brother held a lemonade stand to raise money. Amazing!
Another generous gift we received is from someone we don't even know, but who heard of our situation through Daryl's work. He organizes a golf tournament every year, and this year decided to fundraise for our family as well through the golf tournament. We will put the money he raised towards our "Adventure Fund" too! It's amazing that there is so many good people around us who just want to help, even if they don't know us!
We wish everyone a fantastic Thanksgiving and hope you get to spend time with your loved ones. As for us, we will be spending Thanksgiving with our family and then the next three weeks relaxing and getting ready for the next stage of my battle.
Ella and Greyson enjoying fall!
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Love Jen
