Today potentially marks the last day of my chemo (I'll hopefully know by next Friday). Today also marks the day I have decided what exactly I want to walk away with from this experience. I don't have any idea how to go about achieving my new found goal, but I know I will make it happen, even on a smaller scale.
A co-worker of mine and Craig's son was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer that has spread to his groin lymph nodes. I don't know the exact stage, but based on that information I would guess 3. He is 19, and no doubt scared shitless. Being on leave from work, I haven't had the chance to actually talk to my co-worker about it so all my information has come through Craig. He said he had his first chemo this week and it made him extremely sick. My heartaches for this poor boy.
Thinking about him and a dear friend of mine who maybe relapsing from thyroid cancer, makes me want to help. I want to be peoples support. I want to join people at chemo and share my journey, my tips for the side effects, and just be there for moral support, especially when their closer support system is unable to be there.
I'm planning on crocheting hats and putting together gift bags for those going through chemo. Hand sanitizer, peppermints, crossword puzzles, hats, journals... pretty much anything that I used frequently. I want to take them to the Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center that I am treated at as well as MD Anderson Cancer Center and maybe a couple other ones in my area.
I feel the need to help others. I realize how incredibly lucky I have been. I also realize how unlucky so many others have been. I've seen way too many people at chemo alone week after week. I have too many friends that have been effected by cancer, whether it be themselves or their loved ones. I have already started my helping processes by joining the Lymphoma Research Foundation as well as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for their walks. I plan on doing both every year as many years as I possibly can.
My best friend did her part in helping last week. She donated 12 inches of hair to Pantene Beautiful Lenghts. In December we had decided to do it together in June when she came down from Oregon for her annual visit. For obvious reasons my cut date got moved to March, but she didn't back down. I'm so proud of her and will be sending her hair off with mine and my sisters this coming week. Together we are donating 36 inches of hair... 3 FEET! How crazy exciting is that!
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| She looks awesome with her short hair. |
Anyway, that is what as been keeping my mind going for awhile now. Next time I'll update with all my journey as brought on in my absence from here.
- - - - -
1/16/13 to 6/27/13
41 veils of blood
2 PET Scans
3CT Scans
6 IVs
3 Surgeries
8 Chemos
7 Neulasta shots
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