Bald Mom

(via suicidal-dreaminq)

When you really think about it, science and medicine are freaking amazing. I mean, here I am, a 21-year-old female human being with a condition that as little as 30 years ago would have probably killed me. For nearly six months now, on a biweekly basis, I have been receiving a dose of chemicals whose primary purpose is to kill living cells. Not cure, not heal - KILL. In the meantime my immune system has been destroyed, and something as innocent as a fresh apple garners enough bacteria to kill me. And yet every two weeks I pick myself up and leave to get more. More chemicals. More toxins. More damage to the healthy tissues in my body. The amount of trust we deliver unto our medical teams is beyond mesmerizing, because as a cancer patient, every two weeks I am literally walking into a near-stranger’s office, signing my name on a sheet confirming that I am accepting a therapy that on its own has a generous chance of killing me, and then I sit down with a half smile as I am hooked up to the IV and quite literally served my poison. To think of the trials and horrors that went into developing these therapies, dosages, and regimens makes my mind spin and ache with wonder.  I am so thankful for the progress we have made in this age, and I only pray that this progress evolves exponentially. This, I think, is another reason why I have decided to take on the path of medicine.

It all seems like one bad nightmare. You’re thrown into a world of needles, medicine, and hospital walls. You feel like no one can truly understand but then there are other people, like you, living it too. Stay strong.

Thank you.  I’m so glad it was helpful!  Stay strong.  You are going to do amazing and those 6 cycles.  It seems like an endless road but you will make it through. We are in this together. 

I do get anxiety especially a few days before chemo and was prescribed anxiety medicine called Ativan.  They also started putting it in my IV the last few treatments because of nausea and anxiousness.  It helps me get through the diagnosis, the insomnia you get from steroids, and the outbursts from steroids (being on them can make you feel crazy).  You should defiantly talk to your Oncologist about it if you have any.  Be persistent.  You’re already going through so much and can use whatever will help along the journey to make it a little more easier.

It’s crazy how common blood cancer is.  It’s good that you found it now rather than later.  We never know the reason why things like this happen but you will fight this with strength and beauty.  Keep in contact.  I’m here  through your battle and after.  Much love!

You are amazing for being by his side though one of the hardest times of his life.  Loving and caring for someone with cancer is an emotional journey itself.  Often times we forget to take a step back and recognize that it takes a tremendous amount of patience and love to care for someone sick.  He will be forever grateful for your amazing support.  I hope he continues to be strong and that we can bring awareness together.  Keep in contact and I’m here if you need anything.  Much love.