Hey friends,
With my second chemo treatment coming up tomorrow, I want to check in and give you all an update on how things have been going.
First, some good news on the medical front: I got results today from the first test of my CA-125 (blood marker for ovarian cancer) level since before the surgery. Before surgery, my level was over 2,000 (35 is normal); now, my level is 25. The doctor said she's never seen such a drastic drop after only one treatment. Who knows what happens next, but not bad birthday news!
More generally, I'm still struggling a bit with healing from the chemo port I had implanted just before my first treatment. Over the last couple of weeks I've had time to do some recovering from the initial surgery and am feeling much more mobile. In the last week I've done more "normal" things than I've done in the previous five combined - things like going grocery shopping and having Sunday brunch at Local Harvest. Even though I'm running at probably 30% of my regular speed, it has been good to get out in the world and to have some time and mental clarity to actually begin processing some of what has happened.
In news of the bizarre... a few days ago, nearly 3 weeks after my first treatment, my hair started falling out like crazy. I'll admit that, even though I was expecting it, it has been unsettling. Going from a thick, fuzzy buzz-cut to thin and mangy over the course of about 48 hours is startling. I've been watching lots of YouTube videos to learn how to wrap a head scarf and maybe it is working out okay? Also, thanks to some awesome people, I know a couple of cute hats are headed my way. Some day soon, I'll rock it bald, but till the hair is all gone, head decor it is.
I'll keep you posted about how things go with treatment and recovery this week. Thanks for thinking of me and sending your prayers and good vibes my way. I can feel the love.
Hugs all around,
Sara