Workout Class AKA torture from my friend Shira
Now don’t read too much into the title. By workout, I mean Shira told everyone what to do and I either did it slower than normal, with less weight than normal or changed it completely. But I made it there (even drove myself) and made it through! I am very excited.
One thing I didn’t expect was what the port felt like when I jogged. It kind of feels like it’s bouncing or moving. I ended up just gently putting my hand on it because it felt weird. No pain, just weird. Also a sports bra is the first thing to really annoy the port area. It’s just tight and sits right on it.
Not what we expected . . .
I’ll be honest, Tom and I are very surprised at how my body has reacted so far to this first round of chemo. We prepared for the worst and so far the worst has really just felt like the flu for a couple days and me getting tired really easily. Praise God for these great days we have had so far!
While we are thankful for each and every day, we don’t want it give us a false sense of hope as to how I will react in the future. I do know my dose goes up a tiny bit next round and my body will be a little weaker from the first round. We are taking one day at a time and for today, I was feeling good enough to go to workout. I might be resting the rest of the day, or it might give me more energy. That remains to be seen. One day at a time! Every morning I wake up and lay there and ask myself, “How are you feeling?”
My head has been itching since last night, making it hard to sleep as I kept dreaming about losing my hair.
Our 6 year old is full of helpful ideas about losing my hair. For example she told me if I lose my hair before Halloween I can dress up as a zombie. Perfect! She also told me she told her friends at school I was going to be bald but they didn’t believe her. I told our 10 (almost 11) year old she could have my blow dryer and flat iron as soon as I don’t need them. And our 7 year old doesn’t really talk about it. I really have no idea how they are going to respond. But I would guess it’s going to be with some tears. I have no idea what my head looks like without hair. It could be pretty ugly! 🙂 Even when I was first born I had a ton of dark hair. I guess we will see soon! I have a wig. I have some hats. I need to get a couple cute black or black design type scarves, but then I’m as ready as I can be.
My friend Donna is on call to help me shave my head as soon as the hair starts falling out. Plus she has some great ideas on how to make it fun and I’m sure we will take lots of pictures. I have no idea how I will actually react when that time comes. I’m as ready as I can be, but I think that will really make it seem real. The scarf, hat or bald head is just the look of cancer. Right now I still look in the mirror and I look the same, for the most part. I walk in the grocery store and no one would know just by looking at me that I have Stave IV breast cancer. After the hair is gone, it’s just different.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch . . .
As for the rest of the family, Tom is working hard on a new menu roll out for next week and is looking forward to having that off his plate!
The girls are ready for Halloween this weekend and are excited to start piano lessons next week (with someone other than me as their “teacher”).
As for me, I just continue to thank God for each day and am trying to live in the moment, whether that moment be talking with a friend, dealing with a 6 year old’s tantrum, or watching my chef/husband run video conference calls from the comfort of our living room.
Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
So glad to hear that you are continuing to feel better than expected with the first round of chemo. I look forward to each of your updates as you are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. Love and hugs to you all!
Love you too!
Your ability to capture what you are going through and share it in words has been such a blessing for me. Many of us have family members going through similar situations. Being able to read your insightful words have helped me to be reflective about these people in my life! Thank you! Also … I am so thankful that your battle this far has been “manageable.” I pray that this continues and that you will experience complete healing!
That’s interesting. Never thought of that. Thanks Heather.
So happy that you are doing much better than we thought. Glad you got out today. Not sure “workout” would be my choice but I’m sure it felt good to get out. Constantly praying for you, Tom and the girls. Love you so much. ❤️
Haha. Probably not. But remember I stayed going to workout to make friends. I love those ladies so much!
I am so glad things are going well. Our continued prayers are with you. I love you. Grandma Greenfield had a nice shaped head except for the question mark the doctor gave her during surgery lol…but u don’t have to worry..you are will always be my beautiful girl inside and out. Love you lots!!!
Praise God your first week has been far less difficult than you imagined! I’m so happy you made it to workout, and that overall you are all managing with the “new normal.” Your openness about going through treatment is inspiring, Jennifer. I have no doubt in my mind that God is using you even now.
Much love, my friend, to all 5 of you. When the hair starts falling out and you go ahead and shave it, you could always ask your family and friends to shave theirs too, hahaha. 😉
Sarah
True. But then I would have to look at them bald. What if they have an ugly head too! Lol!
Praising God with you for how things are going at the start of this journey. Thank you for being a shining light and giving him glory! You are in my prayers my friend 🙂
Praising God that you are doing well and that you were able to get out on your own. You are in my prayers!
Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord had arranged in advance for Tom to be able to be home with you and the girls as you go through this battle together. His timing is perfect! Know that He is with you always! You and your family are being showered in prayer!
You have such an amazing personality! Keeping you in my prayers & He’s listening!!