Chemo~A Dreaded Word

CHEMO, A Dreaded Word

Written by Jane Davis

I’ve been asked why I can’t make it to church lately so I’ve decided to let you in on a little secret. Chemo is hard.

I never imagined what it was really like. Well, now I know. And I’m going to share most of it with you, my friends.

I was not scared of chemo 8 weeks ago. It’s a different story now. Each time is more fearful than the last. Because you just never know what part of your life will be destroyed next.

The first week after chemo, I lost all my hair in one fell swoop. I was in the shower and suddenly saw what appeared to be a wig in the bottom of the tub. It was just my hair. It had decided to die together. My beautiful silver hair is now in a plastic bag. A lovely memory.

Next was body hair, nose hair, and slowly eye brows and lashes. A little makeup helps keep me sane.

When losing nose hair happens, then each morning you have nosebleeds to deal with. Also mornings are great for nausea and vomiting and other body functions I’ll try not to mention. Chemo does not discriminate.

Each person receives their own set of chemo medications. I receive about 7 bags of poisons in my bags. I have an aggressive cancer, so it calls for aggressive meds. The consequences are many.

Sometimes I’m unable to walk out of the hospital, I have to use a wheelchair. Sometimes I have to use the chair to go in.

Last week I spent 5 days in bed because not only does chemo knock out the bad cells, it also knocks out the good ones. My iron, calcium, and magnesium plummeted. I could barely walk, see, or think.

Many trips are taken back to the hospital to replenish things and hydrate the body. But you are never the same. It takes a toll on you physically and mentally. I was never afraid but now I am.

I’m not afraid to die. I have a real and honest trust in my God. I’m afraid for my family that will mourn my loss. I’m afraid for my kitty that loves her mama. I’m afraid I didn’t do enough while I was here and able to. Death is always in the back of your mind.

Please. I’m asking everyone to support Gilead Ministries. The cards do mean a lot, the letters even mean more. The prayers are greatly coveted and the concern is real.

I hated missing the Gilead banquet last night! But once again, chemo messed me up and I had to spend 8 hours at the hospital getting refueled and feeling better. I was wiped out by 6 pm. But I hope it was a success. Bill tries so hard to help cancer patients and their families. I personally know what it means to me when I receive a card, call, or message.

Yes, chemo sucks big time! Chemo patients also are a very very vulnerable to infections. One small infection can kill. So if you have a cold or infection of any sort, please keep your distance from them. Send a virtual hug, buy them a milkshake, call them, send a card. It means so much to be remembered.

I’m sure there are a lot of little things I’ve forgotten to mention here. But I wanted to try to educate you a little about chemo and cancer patients. And I hope it helps. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.

I have three more rounds to go before surgery in January. Covet your prayers! As

always. I welcome you to stop in and visit. Just make it short. And don’t come too late. I miss my church family when I’m unable to attend.

Thank you for your prayers and food and gifts, visits, phone calls, and cards. You are awesome! If you send food, please just make small portions. Our neighbor sends over meals regularly too. Right now about all I can eat are soups, like potato, noodle, etc. fruits, and ice cream, fruit pops, and yogurt. Debbie, the dum dum suckers were a hit! It’s the little things that count.

I’m learning through this journey that I’m on. So maybe I can teach you and also help another chemo patient along the way. Still on the journey. Still learning, and praying for peace and understanding.

God bless you all.

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Read the next installment of Jane's story, "My Story Continues"