Rough ride but getting better!

It has been a bit of a challenge over the past few months.

I did indeed go back on to the oral chemo. Then we had another MRI and my tumor growth did not decrease, so we went back on the higher dose of oral chemo which was not kind to my body (cognitive slowing, sore mouth, hand and foot sores, fatigue, and so many fun surprises!).

Meanwhile, my leg muscles were twitching and spasming/cramping, and it hurt to make movements like twisting or squatting down-- this is rather problematic in an elementary school!

Additionally, I spoke with Dr. Lowe  who let me know that I was on the wrong dose of thyroid med, which likely contributed to my significant weight gain.  This weight gain is too much and bothers me a lot. I was happy to speak with her and have her help make things right.

For a long time it felt like everything was going in a terrible direction; however, I began working with my PT Dr. Karlie Gross again and she showed me some tricks to unlock my leg. Additionally, we increased the nerve meds and helped take care of some of the spasming. 

The challenge is that I am quite tired, and am experiencing a lot of side effects. I am doing my best to chug along and enjoy all there is to enjoy!

Chris and I have been trying to enjoy the Catskills a bit more--even with my legs being a major challenge, We did some hiking with friends (before my feet developed sores) and enjoyed the fall foliage. 

I also went to Virginia to see the fam! Kenny played soccer and I interviewed him post-game style... and then he interviewed me! Max was ultra cute. It was wonderful to be together.

We had THREE Thanksgivings and I enjoyed them all. The first was with Chris' mother and paternal Aunt Karen in Rock Hill. We were thrilled to also give thanks and celebrate Karen's 80th birthday! We got her some flowers, balloons, and a fancy bakery cake. We facetimed her brother, Chris' dad, to help sing Happy Birthday!  which made her smile.

Then, we enjoyed a LeTard/Wiseman/Loomis Thanksgiving in VA at Kelly's. As always, it was a beautiful meal with perfect decor and incredibly good food! Richard won the award for most amazing dinner rolls.

For the "real" Thanksgiving we flew out to California where I went to the beach everyday to soak up delicious sun and listen to the crashing waves. Chris ran in a 10k. I relaxed. Unfortunately, I was feeling pretty yucky and ended up having a rough night and we had to change our flights (which was an onerous process that Chris took on) because I did not feel well enough for an early morning flight. The bonus was another sunny California day! 

When I came back from break, things at work seemed to get extra crazy. The kids are always a bit nutty around the holidays, but it feels extreme. Perhaps it is my lack of energy? 

I didn't want my side effects to get in the way of Chris' 40th, so I simply didn't let them. With the help of two lovely friends, we kicked Chris out for a bit and decorated the house. I ordered flowers and balloons! I also hired a bartender so that Chris could actually enjoy his party! 

I emailed the guests ahead of time and encouraged them to write a toast to give in order to really mark the occasion. His friends said all of the things that beat in my heart about him-- he is beyond generous with his time, energy, talent, and more. He is brilliant, kind, thoughtful--themes that were repeated over and over. He is simply the best, and I marvel at how lucky I am to be his partner. 

To celebrate the day-of, we opened some gifts and went to dinner. His media students got him donuts!

One of the gifts that I gave him was a night at Regarding Oysters where we learned to shuck oysters and shake cocktails! It was an amazing night! Chris got to drink share my cocktails, but I ate all of my oysters!

 So, while I am not in tippy-top shape, I am doing my best to enjoy the holidays and to be present with the wonderful things that are happening. 

I got an MRI on Friday 12/10/21 and it showed that the tumor growth reduced!! Alleluia! So we are doing something that is working! This felt like it justified all of the challenges from the side effects.

The current plan is to stay on the higher dose, but allow me to have a break once a week to see if we can reduce the tumor even more. It will be a bumpy ride, but I am hopeful we will get to a point where I can have another break. I am not sure they will ever stop the infusions-- but it is what it is and I am trying to be a good patient. 

Wishing you all a very merry holiday and I hope you keep your spirits bright!
xoxo