May 18, 2014

 

 

 

What a week for me and for Team Sosa!

 



This photo is from a few weeks ago.  I was trying out the sunglasses and scarf thing and I had to double check with my friends to make sure I did it right....
Since shaving my head about three weeks ago, I have experimented with different looks and hats and scarves to see what feels good and looks right.  I find myself beginning a collection of headwear.  And, those who know me, realize I can quickly accumulate items such as shoes and purses, especially when I find something I like.  Uh oh.....

The summer weather makes it easier to go without a head covering at home, but I have to avoid  the outdoors and too much direct heat on my head during chemotherapy.  That includes pool time, which is one of my favorite things in the world.
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My next cycle of chemotherapy is this week and I am preparing for another week of side effects like exhaustion and pain.  I have been powering through them and that is the plan.  This week, I experienced a delayed allergic reaction/side effect to the treatment: hives.  Side effects can occur anytime, and while most happen right away, some are delayed by a few days or weeks.  I have never had hives in my life, and this was definitely something new.  My oncologists gave me medication and my symptoms were relieved quickly.  I looked into forums and online posts, as well as consulted with my mentors/survivors.  Hives and rashes can happen and the delayed side effect can happen two weeks after the treatment day. If you recall, my hair loss started two weeks after my first treament....I hope this is the only time this happens, because it was miserable!

Yet, I must not be selfish and I must keep things in perspective.  Just like the different levels of pain I have experienced so far, there will be different levels of side effects.  I am grateful for medicine and for my body's cooperative reaction with treatment.  This was another bridge to cross, and I was able to get through it. 

I use that attitude to get through the days when I am tired. And to get through the days I wish I could exercise or be more active.  I find myself frustrated with not doing as much daily as I have in the past.  So, this week, I took a long walk and mild exercise.  I usually do a yoga class during the week but my hives prevented that.  It was nice to get out and see how far I could go without being too tired.  It was also good to know my limits, because my body was not sore afterwards, but I was tired, which I think I earned.  While my mind wants to run around the block a few times, my body reminds me that is not a good idea....

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TEAM SOSA did a fundraiser luncheon at work that went very well!! If you have Facebook, you may have seen pictures posted by my work family.  There were approximately 100 people who came out to show support.  There was lots of homemade food created with love by Team Sosa.  These fabulous people wore their Tshirts and coordinated a lovely luncheon in a hot gym and shared good times with people I have worked with, and grown with, over the past 15 years.  I was unable to attend, but I was visited by friends afterwards who brought food and shared the fun times had by all. Including naps on the floor.... The event was supposed to be a surprise, but you know how that is..... 

I am truly grateful for anything that brings my work family together in a positive manner.  Seeing those smiles makes my day, every day.  THANK YOU.
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Occasionally, I get questions about if chemotherapy is working, and "when do we know if you are all better?"  The plan is to continue with chemotherapy for four more months and reevaluate.  While I have reacted well enough to the treament and the side effects, the actual medicine works over time.  It will take time for my cancer to diminish, and we will know more further down the line.  It is important to put faith in God or medicine or oneself.  Results manifest through faith.

I hope you understand that I can meet or talk or answer questions if you think things are worse than they are.  For quite a few people, they need to see my face or hear my voice.  Just let me know.

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Before I sign off, please take look at the post from May 11, Mother's Day.  I posted information about a FREE event in San Ramon on June 8.  I will be there and I invite everyone to attend.  Spend a few hours at the park or stop by and say hello.  This event acknowledges survivors of cancer and I think it will be a great day at the park.  Lunch is free but you must RSVP to eat, and you can purchase butterflies for release if you want.  The groups that sponsor the event work around the Bay Area in cancer research, treatment, and community support.

Love to you all,
Andrea