Natalia's journey

In reality our entire family news will be shared through this blog as our baby grows and as we fight cancer.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Done with ESHAPs!

Dear friends, thank you for all the sweet comments, calls and cards! So much happened in a week that I don’t know where to start but I’ll keep it short as I am still very, very tired...

I am back from the hospital and am resting. Overall, the chemo went well - I've managed the side effects better than last time (less swollen, less fluid retention, etc) but I am much more bitten up than before - I guess it takes its toll. Also, nausea came on earlier and I still have some now and again; I just feel hazy most of the day but all and all I am happy to make it through.

I was very lucky this time as my oncologist was on duty at the hospital so I got to see him every day - we grew closer and on Saturday when I was checking out he came to send me off and gave me a hug!!! I think I really really like him - he is honest, compassionate, thorough (never in a rush), with a good sense of humor and a great style (Raymond and I love his ties! :))

I will be going for scans mid July and if I am in remission then they'll go straight for the auto transplant (my own one). That should take about a month - give or take - then they'll follow me closely for 100 days and then I'll do radiation, recover and hopefully I can get back to normal life in the beginning of 2007. That's my plan and I am sticking to it!!!

Other than that, the highlights of the day are:
-- our car broke down today and we are now thinking it may be time to look into something more reliable but we don't want to commit to anything until I am well and working again.
-- we got a call from a modeling agency in Houston who saw pics of Andryusha that we took in the mall so they would like to audition him in July. Can you believe it?! We know he is cute and adorable but we attribute it to being so much in love with him and being helplessly proud parents :) but just the thought of the agency wanting to see him tickles us! We'll keep you posted!

4 Comments:

  • At 6:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Natalia:

    it is really good to hear that you are recovering. I will continue to pray for you and hope God will bless you as he did so far.

    Be strong and this will pass away soon and you will be back with us with that wonderful smile. Please convey my regards to your husband and lots of love to the little one.
    Warm regards,
    Sujatha

     
  • At 2:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I work with Samandar and he told me of your website. I just wanted to offer you some encouragement and my prayers. I am a 15 year cancer survivor and I have learned to never give up and to have strong faith in God as he answers your prayers. In January of 2005 I was in M.D. Anderson hospital very sick and weak. My Dr’s gave me only a 15-20% chance of survival. I told them NO I am going to fight and after 10 rounds of Chemo and 3 months of physical therapy I am back at work and expecting my first Grandchild in mid-October. I found comfort in Psalms 116 and I will remember you and your family in my prayers. The Dr’s and all of the staff at MDA have all been very caring and supportive which makes it a good place to be.

     
  • At 11:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Natalia,
    So glad to hear that this round was a bit more predictable than the last. It's amazing how important it is to feel connected to your team of docs and nurses. I'm so happy that you have found someone that you trust and like.
    I will be sending you lots of healing energy and great positive energy for negative scans.
    L,
    Rebecca

     
  • At 11:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Natalia,
    So glad to hear that this round was a bit more predictable than the last. Hopefully those hazy feelings will give way to having some energy again.
    It's amazing how important it is to feel connected to your team of docs and nurses. I'm so happy that you have found someone that you trust and like.
    I will be sending you lots of healing energy and great positive energy for negative scans.
    L,
    Rebecca

     

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