GI-JEN's Adventure: Oh, those nasty infections...Three down, One to Go!

Whew, that was a crazy couple weeks with two ER visits and a 3 day hospital stay. The downside to chemo is the infections that can occur when your immune system isn't at its strongest. Unfortunately, I was hit with two infections. The first was the infection to my port, resulting in my port needing to be removed. We will never know for certain what caused it, however, we think it may have been from the initial stiches that they had difficulty removing since my body healed so quickly. It never felt quite right, but I thought it was part of my "new norm". Antibiotics were prescribed to clear up the infection and the antibiotics in turn caused the C-Diff. Let's just say I lost 8 lbs. during the hospital visit. I do not recommend this for a "quick fix" way to lose a few pounds. C-Diff...Yucky, eeewww, nasty, gross! It didn't take me long to gain the 8 lbs. back...I'm back to my hardy appetite. My third chemo treatment/cycle was scheduled for Friday, May 9th, but was pushed out a week to give my body time to rest and heal. I was very grateful for the extra time. Any setback while you're going through cancer/chemo is emotionally and physically draining, disappointing and brings moments of sadness, fear, doubts and anxiousness. Another opportunity to grow in my faith and surrender being in control. Let Go, Let God!

My third chemo treatment was this past Friday and was given through an IV and took about 6 hours. The first attempt wasn't very fun, but the second attempt was a success. Again, Jon & I packed our picnic, electronics and reading stuff, but spent most of the time visiting with others that were getting their infusion. Lots of laughs, memories and friends made. My next and last treatment is scheduled for Friday, June 6th - woohoo! I continue to get my tummy shot (to bring up my white blood cell count) on the Saturday following my Friday chemo treatment. The chemo/shot side effects are still minimal/tolerable, but each treatment increases the fatigue, nausea, bone and muscle aches. Since I was "pre-menopausal" before my diagnosis, the chemo also kicks you into FULL menopause...yup, I'm a hot mess ;) Lots of prayers for my incredibly loving, understanding, supportive and patient ROCKSTAR husband! ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!

Chemo #3!

Jon and I have a consultation appt. with a plastic surgeon (Dr. Hammond-GR) at the end of the month. Dr. Hammond is one of the best and has had experience with reconstruction with expanders that have been removed due to an infection. I will have two more surgeries that need to be scheduled. The first one will be scheduled six weeks after my last chemo treatment to have the expander inserted in my left breast and then the final reconstruction surgery about 3 months afterwards. I will continue to have "expander fills" during the three months prior to the final surgery. By the end of the year, I will have new tatas and a healthy new hairdo!

Prayer Request:
NO MORE INFECTIONS :)
Consultation with Dr. Hammond goes well and we feel confident
Last chemo treatment goes smooth
Prayers for so many people that are being diagnosed and/or battling cancer!
God will continue to use me/my story to bring others encouragement, hope, faith and knowledge!

Major Praises: (prayer request)
I was asked to be the speaker for the Relay For Life Survivor Ceremony in Grand Rapids on Friday, June 6th. Ironically, I was captain of a team that I put together 5 years ago to support three friends that were battling breast cancer, as well as, my mother who was battling colon cancer. Our team was "Team Peace" and we did some crazy cool fundraisers including euchre' tournament, selling tshirts and McCulla & Macie (with their friends) made and sold necklaces/pendants made from pressing clay on the soles of their shoes. They called the finished pendants "Sole Mates". We raised over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society. If you feel compelled, please consider joining a team or making a donation so we can finish the fight against this disease. I am completely honored and humbled for this opportunity, as well as, a little nervous. Since this falls on the day of my last chemo treatment, I will be heading there right after my treatment. Prayers that I feel good and that I can deliver a message that would inspire, educate and bring peace and hope!