I was all set to have my first treatment tomorrow (Feb 2). But Lisa (Doctor's nurse) called and asked if I would be willing to move it to this Friday (Feb 4). She said they were quite busy tomorrow and they wanted more time to pay attention to me because I am a new patient. So now I have to wait 2 more days. I really just want to get the first treatment out of the way. See what it's like and what I have to go through afterwards. That part of this process is such a big unknown for me. And I would like all those things answered. But I guess that will all come soon enough.
Other news I have on me at this point it that I am non stop tired. I could sleep all day. That is just part of the illness.
I am only slightly sore from getting Dolly put in now.
I have been working on eating 3 meals each day which is a challenge for me right now. But I do not want to drop anymore weight. If anything I would love to gain weight during this process.
Still have lots of love pouring in which is awesome.
Well will keep you updated on how first treatment goes.
Megan, Just wanted you to know that we are praying every day for you. I hear your niece Renee's sweet voice every morning reminding us in circle time and every meal to pray for her aunt Megan.
ReplyDeleteI have complete faith that God will see you through this. I am also excited to see what opportunities for growth and JOY you will have after you are 100 percent healthy.
I know you have a lot of support, but if you ever need anything, I am here. I would be happy and honored to help in any single way I can.
Sonya
My 64 year old mother is living with stage 4 lung cancer and is past her 5 year mark, and beating the odds. People don't pass the 5 year mark with her cancer. When she was diagnosed, they removed 3/4 of a lung, did chemo, and the cancer came back surrounding vital organs therefore inoperable. That's the bad news.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that through diet and exercise she has been able to enjoy a great quality of life throughout 2 additional years of chemotherapy and now a year on Tarceva, a drug that targets rapidly growing cells.
In all that chemotherapy she didn't lose all of her hair, she had energy, she didn't get sick, the worst she felt was really super tired but she was able to function at a level that worked for her. Maybe a couple of queasy days but that was it.
She is on a whole foods diet, when she's "good" I must add. But there are two things she did that made the chemo tolerable for her. She drank 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice (good quality from the health food store) and a blended green drink every morning. (Google Dr Oz Green Drink, add a banana, 2 T Chlorophyll and a scoop of Spirulina Protein Shake from the health food store, not the grocery store, the ingredient list is different).
And every single side effect from the chemo or Tarceva she has fought with natural means. Hours and hours of internet research, but so far, she has beat every symptom. It can be done.
I went with her to the doctor's just two days ago. Her full body scan showed the cancer stable. Not shrinking but not growing and that's a miracle.
It also needs to be mentioned that she walks or rides her bike and drinks a lot to flush the toxins out of her system.
We always set goals together. We've been on an all family trip to Disney, we've road tripped twice to Utah to see my brother and his family, we've gone to Washington DC with my Cub Scouts, we're going to American Girl Chicago (I'm from Cincinnati) this May for Mother's Day weekend...we always have something she has to work to be capable of enjoying dangling ahead of her. A motivator. She had to walk a lot and really eat well and ride her bike to prepare for the 8 hours of walking a day we had before us at Washington DC. And she was amazing. She only needed to sleep in one of the mornings and she met back up with us within 4 hours, we were there 5 days. And she spent the weekend at Gettysburg after DC!!!!!
You own your treatment path. Be your own advocate. Mom's doctors are not been able to help her with a natural approach to her cancer and/or symptoms. But they let her try everything because what's it going to do? Kill her? That's where she's headed anyway, it's a joke in our family. And we do laugh about it. We refuse to dwell on the negative. I've cried twice in 5 years and she's my best friend.
Learn to meditate and stay in the present. I am really good at wiping my mind clear when fear threatens (actually it never does anymore, I'm on autopilot to sweep it back out the door). Fear changes your body chemistry in negative ways that will impact your health and healing. Study the effects of stress on the body. Become an expert. You can do this. It can be done. It's being done by a 64 year old woman with the worst kind of lung cancer!
A diagnosis is a piece of paper. Take that information as a guideline and own your own path.
I got on the computer to pray in my blog and accidentally opened Facebook instead where my cousin (Jenny Bethel) had posted your link. I was meant to find you. I will pray with you.
God led me to you so I will be following and praying.
I will pray you have the energy to do your part, which is the hardest, be your own advocate and follow the lifestyle changes you feel you need to make to help you live your best life.
Blessings,
Michelle Carver
Wow Michelle! Great Message there...not only for Megan...but for everyone that has a loved one fighting cancer! Thanks for posting that for Megan to see, and for the rest of us as well :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI really want to thank you for sharing your story with me. Gives me lots of inspiration. I plan on trying my hardest to keep energy and spirits high. I wish your mother the best.