Half Way Milestone!

It's Saturday morning, day one post chemo four and here I am for the second time feeling pretty ok...... much to my relief and overwhelming joy.

Yesterday marked a really significant achievement for me as I can now say that I'm half way. YAH! I was super excited to reach this point, so I can only imagine what it will be like for me to get to Xmas when I will only have ONE to go! I will be beside myself with excitement.

We had a really good week this week and I was feeling strong; I even did 6kms at the gym on Wednesday..... and felt pretty good afterwards. Matty and I dressed up for the big milestone occasion yesterday; I wore jeans, my wig AND a hat (it's a far cry from my beautiful Alannah Hill wardrobe which has been lying dormant for the past few months but far dressier than the cargos, jumper and hat I usually cobble together) and my goal was not to cry during chemo for the first time....(trust me, that is a big goal!). Everyone in the chemo area is far older than me and we always look completely out of place when we sit there so it is rather a depressing environment.

I spent the morning creating one of my new product lines (pics below) and was totally in the creative zone. I then realised the time so raced to get my blood test before leaving for the hospital. We arrived a little late and while I had that nauseous feeling in my stomach as soon as we entered the car park, I was far more relaxed about it this time round than ever before, so I was confident I could do it without crying (and it's not just a few tears normally; it's a good 20min sob while poor Matty has to calm me down!!!). That was until the nurse put the needle into my wrist for the first time and failed..... then tried another vein in the back of my hand and failed at that too.... then I asked her if someone else could do it; seeing that she was getting stressed which was making me feel anxious! The second attempt REALLY hurt me so I didn't want her coming near me again.... thankfully she found the lovely man who usually does it for me and he got it right first go.... (thank you Ralph!) so I got through that without any tears and I was proud of myself.

I was very excited to see the first drug go into my body (it's a red liquid which instantly makes me feel terrible) for the last time....... we had a mini celebration at the end of that; there were high fives all round! Then I sat and the second drug was injected, which takes about one hour.... but boy it was a great feeling to say good riddance to these two drugs! The next four treatments will involve only one drug and it's apparently a lot easier than these ones..... a very exciting thought.

I decided to take a big dose of Grape Seed tablets before I went in yesterday and when I saw Ben (kineso) straight afterwards, he said I was much better this time than after the last chemo session...... I felt ok too as normally I get really sick very quickly... so I was hopeful! He dosed me up and I had loads of pills last night and I am feeling remarkably ok today, so I'm soooooo happy! It was definitely a good plan to take them before chemo.

My blood test results were excellent yesterday much to my delight. My white blood cells were higher than what they were before chemo 2 (4.5), so I was thrilled (also because I don't need to have the self injection this time round). My red blood cell count went down by 2-3 which is nothing, so I was also really pleased about that. It confirmed that all of my dietary changes and supplements are making a massive difference.

One of the really strange things that happened yesterday was that I have had a sore eye for the past few days. I think I was getting a bit of a sty on it, however, it was amazing that about 30mins into chemo I noticed that it had really eased and by last night it was gone! That's how powerful chemo is; it kills anything and everything inside your body!

I have such relief and hope today and I'm now past the worst of this experience...... while I've had to make massive dietary changes and really dedicate myself to getting well, it is so worth it after reaching this milestone. Not a day goes by where I don't think myself SOOOO lucky that I found Ben, my kineso, as I have no doubt that he has made a massive difference to my health and at the same time, he has been so kind and generous with his time as he has wanted me to feel better each and every day.... so for that, I am forever grateful. Like all of my specialist doctors, he is truly amazing! I am still so touched by these people who dedicate their lives to helping others. Everyone I've come into contact with (including my GP who originally diagnosed me who still calls me every few weeks) has been so kind hearted, caring and brilliant at what they do.... I'm sure it has made this journey so much easier for me....

I can also reflect at this point on all of the love and kindness from all of you; my friends, family and supporters....... there hasn't been a day where I don't get at least a few emails, texts, phone calls and I cannot tell you just how much this has boosted me each and every day.... I have never felt so loved and cherished in my life and it is so amazing to have so many beautifully kind and caring people in my life..... I haven't always had the chance to call everyone back but I really appreciate every single message; they always bring a massive smile to my face! THANK YOU and I love you all!!!

Now for the fun stuff..... Joey and I are still going strong with our creative brand and the labels are due to arrive from the US any time soon..... she has taught me a new product line this week and here are some pics of completed ones....... hope you enjoy!

Here is to the homeward stretch....I can do this!
xxx

This was my very first tea cosie - in Xmas colours!

Head Scarf