Thursday, June 7, 2012

Life is never dull!

Panic attacks are taking over this body!  Cancer is a word that makes me think of true evil!! 

Cancer has been enveloping so many people around me lately I truly thought I was going to be swallowed up in sorrow when I heard about one of my cousins who is now having to go down this path!!  I did not have any sisters growing up but I had so many cousins who were just like sisters to me!  This is my oldest cousin who is the most recent diagnosed.  I know she will get through this because she is so strong!  I wanted to be the one to take it for the team and not have any one else in my family have to go through this!!  The second thought I had was how hard it is to be a mom and have cancer!!!  The kids are the ones who are constantly on your mind... I even remember thinking I should not go to the ER because it would cost money that needed to be used to pay for something the girls needed!!  It is not easy for moms to put themselves first (Most moms)!!!

I am struggling with "break through panic attacks" which basically means my body is over-reacting to my anxiety and is making me feel like I am in a continuous panic attack.  The break through comes from the fact that I am on meds to try and stop these.  I realize I do have some anxiety with the upcoming surgery but I really did not expect to be dealing with this like it is happening... I had an attack begin at about 9 am while driving in the car over to my school to do a few things and it kept happening on and off through lunch with Keith.  The feeling I get is an overwhelming fluttering of my heart and even a warm feeling in my chest.  I also do have a kind of worrying feeling from my head to my stomach.  The number one worst feeling is the need to cry for no reason!!!  It is also hard to think straight because all these other things going on are distracting!  I do feel like it is over for now but when I was in the oncology office I did ask about upping my meds until after the surgery which I was OKed to do if I needed. 

My 16th Herceptin treatment was today (17 total so next time is the last one!!!).  It was a terrible day for my veins!  They did not cooperate and it took 5 sticks... OH and I had my first vein blow out when they were putting in the saline--- I do not wish that on my worst enemy!!!  I am so sore still and it was hours ago!  I was needing to ask a few pre-op questions which all got answered so that was good!  The nurses are all wonderful and I do not blame them for the problems today!  I just have the worst veins to get an IV in and I have no idea what miracle will be done to have one put in for the surgery coming up BUT I do know they will find a way!

I am doing rather well after Herceptin because Keith got me home quickly and I was able to lay down and fall asleep for a few hours.  I am totally exhausted and am on the couch for the night BUT my head does not feel as fuzzy as it has in the past.  Tonight I am the luckiest mom-- Katelynn is off camping with dear friends of ours and the twins are set up in the same room as I am in sleeping bags ready for a campout of their own!  Daddy had a wonderful idea to help me get through the night without a lot of trouble... even the American girl dolls are sleeping in their tent my mom got the girls!  :)

I am blessed and know that all I am going through is making me stronger!  I will walk away from this surgery with a "do-over" chance to get healthy and fit.  I am planning to take advantage of the change in my body to spark me into a more physical life in which I respect the whole me! 

I am in the midst of praying for all the new babies in our life: Brianna Grace, Addison Lynn, and the many that have not yet been born but who are absolute miracles to those being blessed with them.  I am also praying for those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer and those who have lived with the diagnosis for years.  Thank you for all of your prayers for me!

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