I feel so blessed to be writing this with relatively no side effects, the 4th night post my new chemo regimen of "the blood of Christ/ Jesus wine - our family name for doxarubicin (known as the red devil) and Cytoxan.
The Med regimen to prevent side effects has worked extremely well so far, I've felt a little dizzy a headache relieved by Tylenol and have been able to eat normally. I did rest a lot the last three days giving my body a chance to heal! I was able to go for a walk the last three days, and took time to hangout with family watch sports, color, and really dive into some strong bible study practices which truly ground me.
I had a cool idea I wanted to share - I have started a little notebook called "encouragers" and everytime I am reading the Bible, devotional, Bible study and I feel the verse is speaking to me specifically in this season I'm recording it in that little notebook. I'm then able to carry it with me so when I'm waiting at appointments or anxious I can pull it out and feel grounded. I think it's something I should have done a long time ago so wanted to share in case it helps you.
Today I got to work from home and it felt so amazing to know I spent the day helping so many patients throughout the hospital as I implemented new projects and updated protocols etc. I truly love what I do!
I also had my first appointment with fetal maternal medicine. He was super fun and I really liked him, Lyla is measuring small but not alarmingly small. We will continue to have visits with FMF throughout chemo and treatment to track her growth progress.
Tomorrow I will be off work as Justin and I travel to Gainesville for me to get Bone MRIs. I can not get a PET scan while pregnant so this is the only safe way to check for metastases in my bones. It will be 4 MRIs in a row - pelvis, and then 3 different spine views. My oncology team worked with specialists to ensure positioning safest for Lyla.
The rest of the week I plan to work as normal as possible and continue to pray that this chemo is kicking ass!
If you would like to have a direct prayer - it would be great if the cancer wasn't also in my bones although we know it is likely place for it to be. We also can use all the continued prayers that the treatment is working and god is working a miracle. Whether it is or isn't also in the bones would not change my current chemo regimen at this time.
I'll continue to keep you updated throughout the journey in the ups and the downs.
Psalm 119:14
"You are my refuge and my shield. Your word is my source of hope."
Until next time 💖
Sami
You have touched me. You have empowered me. You AMAZE me. You are the epitome of beauty and grace. I thank you Sami for being YOU.….prayers and a big big Hug being sent to you.
My day prayers start with you and end with you. Our God please do all good things with our Sami. Give her the strength she needs to beat this horrible disease. Continue to help sweet baby girl grow and become a child of the good Lord. Bring this cancer to a stop before hitting Sami’s bones have the treatment become the winner in fighting this Cancer! In your name I pray.
You are in my prayers every day. You have a strong circle of love around you. Cancer can‘t compete.