The Sulfa Theory

Wow. Today has been quite a busy day...actually, not "busy" under normal standards, just busy because normally I just hang around the house. Started off the morning with a nine o'clock appointment back at the Clinic which will become regular appointments about once a week. It was really great because my sister, Mackenzie, was off school today so she got to come meet my doctors and see where my regular appointments will be versus the unit where I go for chemotherapy. I had my blood drawn and we found out that I am handling the chemo great! All my numbers, the white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelets have all dropped below normal, but as expected. I'm still in the window of time where I am susceptible and prone to infections, and my numbers will continue to drop just a little more in the next few days. Funny though, I woke up this morning with some renewed energy! I felt great today and  still do, but when we were at the doctors office, I ended up getting sick, out of the blue. We laughed about it because I didn't feel sick at all, it was so random! Then, I got sick again on the way home, but I still felt fine! My dad pointed out that maybe the reason I was getting sick is that I took a new pill along with my daily regime of pills this morning. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I am supposed to take a pill just to keep my lungs healthy that contains Sulfa. My dad's theory is maybe the Sulfa isn't sitting well, so....we're not going to continue that one tonight. Overall, I feel great today even though my numbers are low!


After we got home, Mom, Dad, Kenz, and I had some lunch where I had a big craving for french fries...couldn't tell you why! I get so many random cravings for such random food! The funniest one is my desire to have Life cereal every morning. I also have to try and stay away from anything that has to be washed. Veggies or fruit that don't have to be peeled may contain germs that could make me sick. Limiting my food choices is just temporary (and annoying!) but im managing just fine. But, food doesn't taste the same. It's not that things taste bad, but nothing tastes like it used to...my doctors said that's normal and unfortunately a side effect that I will have to deal with for the duration of treatment. Just one more thing to look forward to when this is all over! 


After lunch, Kenz helped me wash my hair and I went for an appointment at a hair salon to talk about my hair and preparations for losing it. This will happen in the next few weeks, so were just getting prepared for when that comes. I actually haven't thought about losing my hair too much, it will probably be less of a hassle! It was fun though, Kenz helped me do my make up and I feel "normal" again, just like I used to do at school everyday. So, another day is ending, our fam has divided for the evening with Kenz cheering, Joe at practice, and Mom and I at home just relaxing. I got my housing assignment for next year at SLU and I am already looking forward to being back at school whether thats the fall or winter! Sending all my love to my friends out in St. Louis, I miss you all everyday. To all my great family and friends here in Cleveland, I guess that is the silver lining of being home; I get to see all of you. 


Life has it's ups and down's and that's the way it will be with all my treatment. I've gotten over the "shock" of all of this and everything is settling in that I can't change where I am. My parents have always, always, always told my siblings and me, "it's not about what you say, but HOW you say it. It's not about what happens, but HOW you handle it." Unfortunately, this is God's plan for me right now, but there is no other option for me than to be strong, because thats what my family is! Thankful and blessed for where I am right now and what I am dealing with, I'm learning life lessons everyday. Keep smiling, and always keep your head up!