First Chemo

Yesterday was an incredible day. My heart was truly touched by so many people. The power of friendship is astounding in what it can do for your spirit. I am blessed with an abundance of remarkable family and friends in my life. I don't shed tears because I have cancer. I cry because the overwhelming acts of compassion are miraculous. They are happy tears of joy.

My day started out with a quick run. On my way back into my neighborhood, I came across 3 neighbors who put out encouraging signs & balloons to wish me well on my first chemo day. It took all I could muster to keep running through the tears. I live in an incredible neighborhood....many young families, lots of kids and caring people who watch out for each other. Love you guys!

My appt was at 9am. I'm usually prompt to appts, but I was rushing around getting last minute things to occupy my time. Lots of nervous energy. I was not on-time. Not only did my late arrival concern my doctor who called me on my cell, but also the 23 members of Team SOS who were waiting to surprise me. What a surprise it was! Mark and I turned the corner to the parking lot and there were all these people. Our first reaction was, "What's going on?". Then once their faces came into focus, we realized they were waiting for us! Wow! What an outpouring of support! Truly amazing! I was so speachless. The love and healing energy was phenominal. You make me a better person! I will be a survivor with the power of Team SOS, capable doctors, prayer, positive attitude, exercise and healthy nutrition. I need all these things to heal & move past this detour on my journey. I know this is only part of a bigger plan God has in store for me. I have learned so much and will forever be changed. Thank you Team SOS for standing by me! I love you more than words can say!!

So, we finally arrived into the dr office. The staff was wondering what was happening outside because other patients were asking what all the commotion was about. I apologized for being so late, because by now I was REALLY late. I asked the nurse if they see groups supporting patients often and she said, "I've never seen this in all my years." Wow! I feel so special. Thanks, Team SOS! My vitals were normal, except my pulse was up....wonder why!?! Ha! I met with my dr and she asked more about the crowd outside. She was amazed and said I should have invited them all in because she wanted to meet them. Can you believe it!?!? What an incredible doctor she is! She asked me to bring her a photo of everyone. My chemo session was pretty uneventful. My port worked like a charm and the nurses are so pleasant. The chemo room was quiet and calm. It was a good experience.

We arrived home to signs on our garage. Thanks everyone!! Your kindness is endless.

I felt ok yesterday afternoon. A little queasy, but I have lots of meds to help with that. One of them makes me very tired.....that's why I did not get to this post until now. Today I go for a shot that will stimulate the production of white blood cells since chemo drugs deplete them. This is why it's important for me to stay healthy & avoid high germy environments. For a few days, this shot will cause pain in my bones. Oh, joy!

Some of you have asked about meals & other ways to help. Meals are hard because I have a crazy diet......whole foods, lots of raw greens, fish, chicken/turkey sparingly and NO white sugar....agave nectar to sweeten. It's not as bad as it sounds, but it's definitely not mainstream. I don't expect people to have to cook within these contraints. There are other ways to help.....grocery shopping, carting Brodnik kids around, etc.

Thanks for all the cards, inspiring words & thoughtful e-mails. You are making a difference in my life. Live BIG, live STRONG, live HEALTHY! Love, srb