Better, Blonder, Balder, Bump, Bastille

Better, Blonder, Balder, Bump, Bastille.

Let me explain...

Better:

This second round was so much BETTER!!  After the issues Jacqui had last round with nausea, weakness, hallucinations, blurry vision and then the high fever that put her back in the hospital, her Doctor decided to change the way they were administering the Ifosfomide.  They still gave her 3 doses, but instead of full strength, over 3 days, in 6 hour stints, they gave her 75% of the former dose, over 3 days, in 21 hour stints.  The drawback was being an inpatient instead of being able to go home each night.  But what a difference for her. No trips back and forth each day, one IV, rather than a new one each day and wonderful care while she was in - she could even have visitors which really helped pass the time.

Blonder:

Unfortunately one of the side effects of this type of chemo is hair loss.  Her hair started it's departure two weeks after the initial round.  As it was coming out in clumps, J decided to just go in and get her head shaved and be done with it.  Her good friend told her that his mom's friend had a wig salon and they arranged for us to go and see her.  So Jacqui, the friend, the mom and I found ourselves in a little room in the salon (he even brought wine to make it more festive!) with a cute little lady who really seemed to know her stuff.  Although at first we weren't sure  - the first wig she brought in was a chin length, light blonde wig - a huge change from the long, wavy, brown she'd been growing out for the last 3 years.   But when she tried it on, all of us loved it - it was such a surprise and after trying on a few others, she decided to stick with the first and now she's loving the blonde. 

 

Balder:

 

I work for a great company called Stepper Custom Homes and the people there have been a wonderful support for us during this entire roller coaster over the past few years.  As a show of support for both Jacqui and another beautiful woman battling cancer in our company, they decided to have a head shave (and in one case a very long beard shave) to show their care and solidarity in this for the two.   The buildup to the day was fun, on Wednesday there were about 5 guys committed to shaving their head's and then the challenges started.  At the end of the day on Friday, there were 16 brave men that bared their head's to the cold weather and one chin that hadn't seen the light of day in many years.  Money was raised to help with expenses for the two, but more than that was the love that was expressed in this outpouring - both awesome and humbling - that people would take the time and put the effort to show they care in such a tangible way.  Peter and Tyler were among the shaver's, so I am currently the only one in my family with hair, I suggested that I get blonde wigs for them also, but my offer was turned down and/or ignored - rude!

 

Bump:

 

Jacqui, after the initial week had been feeling so good!  And then, this past Wednesday, I had to be out of town overnight for a conference and that evening Peter called to say that he'd had to take her in to the hospital because she was feeling very weak and dizzy and had a bad headache.  There was no fever, but he was concerned because these were possible side effects of the chemo and when he called they had advised that she go in to be looked at.  They checked all her vitals, kept her in for a while and she started to improve as the hours went by.  Finally they decided she was well enough to go home again - we were relieved she didn't have to stay in .  At home as we talked about what might have caused this, she told us that as it had been such a nice day (finally) she had taken some time to go for just a little run (yes run!!!) and it had just felt so good.  That and a late night at the "Kings of Leon" concert the night before proved to be a bit much - as would be for a lot of people - let alone someone undergoing CHEMOTHERAPY!!!!  Haha, can't keep a good girl down, but we're only laughing because it turned out well - we'll have to keep a sharper eye on her. 

 

Bastille:

 

Speaking of concerts, this last week was full of concerts for Jacqui, she had planned to go to two, then went to see the Kings of Leon at the last minute also.  She missed one because of the incident above and the final one was Bastille on Friday night.  The day before, her friend told her she had a surprise for her - she'd arranged for her to sit in on an interview a radio station (92.9X) was doing with Bastille on Friday afternoon.  So fun, the two of them were able to meet the band, get some pix and then sit in the studio for their interview and live performance of one of their songs. 

 

In telling these stories of kindness to Jacqui, let me say these are just a few of the many ways people have reached out and shown love and support - it continues to awe and inspire us.  Thank you!

 

All in all this second round, round "B" has been so much better, what a relief.  Tuesday is the start of the next round and it looks like they will admit her again so we're hoping she manages as well.  My sister is coming to help and hang out so we're excited about that!

I read this the other day - someone's mom had told her this:

It's a marathon.....

When you get tired and feel worn out, DON'T STOP. RUN ANYWAY.

When you feel drained and parched and starved and desperately far from the finish line, DON'T STOP. RUN ANYWAY.

When you feel sick and close to dying, and feel like thousands of people are easily passing you by while you're there giving your best and not moving an inch, DON'T STOP. RUN ANYWAY.

You may not win the WHOLE race, but you will win YOUR race, meet your goals, and accomplish something spectacular.

 

 

Jacqui if you're reading this - no running for you - yet....