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Elizabeth14 
I realize it’s been a couple of weeks since I have updated my entry. I guess now I feel I have the time to do it as well as share some news with you.
Today I had my first chemo treatment of the second round. I really dreaded going in today. I tried to put it off as long as I could but I couldn’t do it any longer.The drugs I am having this time around are as follows: http://www.chemocare.com/bio/taxol.asp and http://www.chemocare.com/bio/carboplatin.asp . Along with these drugs come 4 other drugs I have to take during the process. Not totally sure of the names of all of them. What I can tell you is that by the time the taxol started I felt like I was drunk. The best way to describe it is that my nurse said it was the feeling of being drunk without the hangover afterwards. I do not like the sensation of not being in total control. My speech was blurred and let’s says I wasn’t tinker bell on my toes either.
Because some effects can hit you immediately the nurse sat with me for 15 – 20 minutes to make sure I was taking the taxol alright. I really like the nursing staff at this oncology center. I was told by one of the nurses that she and another nurse fought over who would have me as a patient. It’s nice to know that people care. In all honestly it wouldn’t matter who was my nurse they are just a great staff and you can see they genuinely care about their patients.
I was in and out of sleep all afternoon. I finally began to feel like myself this evening. Now it’s a waiting game as to how the rest of the effects will play out. I am still anxious about losing my hair. I don’t think I will ever get over that.
I reminded my students on Monday and Tuesday of my impending absence. I saw genuine concern on their faces. A few students have asked me questions about my treatments.
Ravenna High School is an awesome place to be. The staff is great and the students are just as great. After a week and a half I feel totally at home there. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher to work with. He is very supportive of me. The one thing about him that I treasure the most is that he is a Christian. He doesn’t hide his faith and that I admire him for.
One thing I have to say is that I am totally in awe of the comments people pass my way. I guess I don’t consider myself brave because this is something I need to do to continue living. There is no if’s, ands, or buts’ about it. I’ve gathered all my strength from the friends and family that surround me. You are my hero’s. You always know the right words to say. You keep my spirits up and my strength powerful. Your prayers have sustained me and given me strength to get through each day. I would have never gotten through all this without the love and encouragement you have all given me.
Thank you for being you,
Beth
