The Day After: Victory

Today I have had a really good day considering I spent 6 hours poisoning my body with chemo cocktails yesterday. I have felt no nausea at all. I haven't been tired any more that any mom of 3 would be. I don't know if this is overly unusual or not for the day after but I feel great. I feel really normal.

Everyone that has called to check on me sounds really surprised at how alert, happy & well that I sound. Thank God. It is crazy. I don't know if tomorrow will be different but I am enjoying my health today.

Yessie came over today to help me unpack mom's kitchen belongs here at my house. Mom is moving in with us during this time. But if I continue to feel this good I will have to kick her out. I wonder if she will let me keep her washer and dryer still. LOL Just kidding Mom. Love you.
Anyway we had to rearrange the pantry and other cabinets to make room for all her spices and pantry items. Who would think that one person could have as much as a whole family of 5 plus some. Oh Well that is Mom.

I made dinner tonight also. We had Sausage & Black Bean Soup. It was really good. Especially for a cold night out. Yessie made homemade Banana Pudding. It was delicious. Yum Yum!! Thanks again Yessie for all your help today. I love ya Girl!

I was talking to my cousin Nikki saying that if I feel this good thru chemo this really isn't all that bad. And in the end I get a TRAM(Tummy Tuck) & New Breasts. Can't beat that!!! And if they need more tissue I might get a little lipo to boot. LOL.

I know it will probably not be this easy the whole road. But as I said today I feel awesome and I am enjoying it. I know losing my hair in about 2 weeks will be really hard for me at least. Probably worst then losing my breast. I guess because it is an outward symbol that says "I have Cancer." Right now I can go anywhere and no one would know any better. It will be a long road ahead and I am not so naive to think otherwise but for me today is a very big VICTORY!!!!

I want to say, "Thank You Jesus" I would not have the strength, attitude, or sense of humor to go thru this journey alone. So far I have had no bitter or angry thoughts or attitudes. That might change but hopefully it won't. It wouldn't help anything to get angry at this point. I am glad I am not alone physically or spiritually on this walk and that means more than anything.

I hope that I will and others will use this experience of knowing someone close to them who is facing cancer, make the most of life, enjoy the small things, play and laugh with your kids just because you can, hug & kiss your spouse for no reason at all, & take that weekend trip you keep putting off. The Kids don't need more "things" they need you and trust me it will be the quality time on even those short weekend trips that they will remember all the days of their lives, not what toys you bought. Make sure those around you know how much that they mean to you and how much you love them. Just in case tomorrow never comes.

So this is my hat's off to a great day after chemo even if it doesn't last it is one small victory in my battle.

Good Night,

Rachael Renea