Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Who's Counting?

Following is a list of side effects I've expereinced after the last chemotherapy infusion. I'm making this list for myself - as a way to remember.

1. Bone pain, bone pain, bone pain.
2. Tearing, watery eyes
3. Runny nose
4. Oral thrush
5. Yeast infection
6. Lost of all taste (How I long to enjoy a simple glass of water!)
7. Sore nails
8. Indigestion
9. Other tummy troubles
10. Phlebitis of the arm at the site of last infusion (a rash/burn along the last vein used)
11. Hot flashes
12. Fatigue/loss of stamina
13. Mood swings

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sherry Jo,
It's Cara Payne, (Ben's cousin). I've been reading your blog. I've never read a blog before. You may feel it is self-indulgent, but to me, it is a gift to those who read it. It is a small peek inside your nightmare and a reminder to me to be grateful for each healthy day we have.

I don't want to be too long-winded on this public note, even though I have many things to say. Just know that I will be praying for unbelievable-didn't-know-I-had-it-in-me strength and endurance for you and Ben. With as little as I know about you, you clearly seem like a fighter to me. You have it in you to win this fight. You are going to. And when you are healthy again, how inspiring you will be to others. And to Eli. What a mother he has!

jojo said...

Awww.. thank you Cara. I had no idea you were a reader. The blog has been a wonderful outlet and a great tool for reaching out to others for support. Thanks for reading and for cheering me on. I will succeed.

Anonymous said...

What a great list, now as each disappears you can cross them off the list..........
You are in my prayers and thoughts everyday.
Hang in there keep focusing on the party and don't forget to let me know when the celebration is.
Love,
Susan in Illinois

Anonymous said...

ONLY ONE MORE TO GO!!! Hang in there, girl. Soon this will be a memory. Sending lots of prayers!

Love, Cathy

Tabitha and Kelly said...

Thanks Sherry Jo for the blog, getting tested and all the information! (This is Tabitha, E.B.'s Granddaughter.) I plan to discuss this with my doctor. We're all praying for you. As a side note, we have a special friend in common, Julie Chavis. I'm a lawyer for the state and work on cases concerning abused and neglected children. I was assigned Julie's courtroom for a few years. She's a great friend! Take care!

jojo said...

Hey Tabitha! So nice to hear from you! Julie is a great friend to me too and I'm glad you are working with her.

Listen - Don't run to the doctor just yet. You need very specific information from me before you can be tested - so wait for the package I'm sending out. Truly - it makes more sense to have your mother tested first. If she is negative you won't need to be tested.

All the details coming soon - I promise!

Tabitha and Kelly said...

Thanks so much!! I'll be sure to hear from Carolyn once she gets your package. I'll encourage mom too. Thank you again and take care. I know all my aunts have really enjoyed keeping up with you and your blog. They are really proud of your bravery.
I think we also have another commonality. I think we both advocate for children! Makes me happy to know my family is as interested in kids as I am - Mawmaw has a nephew that runs the Sheriff ranches.
I'm adding you to my bloglist, so I can keep up with you easier. Take care and thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Hey Sherry Jo,
I'm thinking your last, LAST, chemo infusion is this Thursday, and you are in my thoughts each day. Our Alliance team talked about how much we look forward to seeing you in mid-September--though if you need to make another decision, we'll just see you a little later! I wish you the very best outcome with this last treatment--good health for decades ahead, and a whole new head of hair. So many of us holding you in our thoughts and hearts...