It's been a while since I posted an update--it's been and eventful month! 

I had hoped that I'd avoid any other medical emergencies this year, but alas, those odds were not in my favor. Mid-July I spent a few days in the hospital with a small bowel obstruction, which was honestly the most painful thing I've experienced in a while. Unfortunately they couldn't tell what caused it; it could be scar tissue or adhesions from my surgery, or could have just been a fluke thing. I'm hoping for the latter, since adhesions could mean a higher chance of it happening again and requiring surgery. I'm over six weeks out, and so far so good. I was on a low-fiber diet, but am adding back fruit and veg and whole grains, thank goodness. I've never craved salad so badly in my life! 

Round 4 was a special one, featuring some very special company. Many of you know my very close and wonderful friend, Jacy, whose friendship has lasted over 20+ years and many moves around the country for both of us. She made the trip all the way from Texas just to sit with me for round 4 of chemo, which is the first time we've been together in 4 years! To say that I was touched doesn't quite describe it; I am just so incredibly blessed to have a friend like her (who am I kidding, she's family at this point). We have a lovely weekend catching up and exploring Oshkosh, and of course I shed many a blubbery tear when she left. 

Round 5 was uneventful again, other than some high blood pressure. Side effects are generally cumulative with chemo, so it has been getting a little harder every time. The first week, my taste buds go kaput, food just doesn't taste good, and the exhaustion is real. I've noticed that the fatigue is lasting a little longer than it did previously, which is tough as a person who has always been pretty good at just powering through. It's definitely been a lesson in self-care. One of the worst things has actually been the brain fog. I'm forgetful normally, but this is a whole new level! Information just does not stick, words escape me all the time... it's like I'm getting to experience "mom brain" just without the baby, as I've learned from conversations with my sister 😂 It's the one side-effect that has been pretty constant, so I'm just hoping it's not permanent. 

        I had the opportunity to have some really poignant conversations over the past month, which has been really nice. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t really want to join support group or talk about it people, mostly because I don’t think I was ready to fully accept my new reality. There are so many things in your life that  change, long term, with a cancer diagnosis, and it a ton to process. But last month I joined a WOCA (Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Association) Young Survivors group. What a wonderful and welcoming group of people. It was a small group, but it was so nice to hear about their stories, our similarities, worries, and tough days. 

          Two weeks ago, when I was visiting the clinic for my weekly blood work, I got to chat with a patient and her son while we were waiting. She was sitting across from me and asked what I used for head coverings, so I told her about my hair loss experience and what I was using. She had just one week out from her first chemo treatment for breast cancer, and we ended up having such a wonderful conversation about our experiences, and I was able to give her some advice on dealing with side effects and such. She was so friendly and in good spirits, but I could see that she was scared, and I remembered what that felt like in the early days, trying to figure it all out and see what lies ahead. The clinic was busy that day and I waited longer than usual, which ended up being a blessing, as it allowed us to have a nice long conversation. When she was called back, she squeezed my hand and thanked me for giving her some comfort. To be able to do that for someone else is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do. I had a good cry when she left the room. Thankfully, no one looks at you weird when you’re crying in the waiting room of a cancer clinic 😋

Round 6, my FINAL ROUND, is tomorrow!! It’s hard to believe that it’s here already. Bring it on! 

Silver Linings

-Friends that give you strength for the fight

-so much appreciation for every lovely day that I’m able to enjoy 

-A new appreciation for what my body can handle 

-For some reason, chemo has made my skin super soft. So that’s nice!