Surviving Step by Step: All is Calm

Thursday, 14 May 2009 05:37 Last Updated on Sunday, 02 August 2009 09:00 Written by Wendy Williams

My mouth does not have that dry, metallic taste. Even though food flavors have returned, I must try to avoid eating junk. I need to eat a lot of healthy foods so my energy level is high and to build up my body for round two of treatment: Radiation. The good thing is actually enjoying taste without my stomach having a bad reaction. I no longer fear going out to stores wondering if I will get a bellyache. It’s a good feeling. I'm sleeping much better but the body is still recovering from chemo. I have more energy and like to get out, but it still takes time to get ready. I have a lot of thoughts in my head and it slows me down. Blood work looked good and I will not need to see my medical oncologist for two months; my radiology oncologist will be my primary doctor while I receive radiation treatments. My medical results won't come until weeks after radiation stops.

I feel elated that I have come this far and still have plenty of strength, hope and faith to finish the rest and come out on the winning side of the challenge given to me. Sure, years down the road, who knows what may happen? But I live for the day and for my family. I cannot let my fears consume my thoughts and bring me down. I have three beautiful children (all boys) who one day will give me grandchildren – hopefully a girl will be in there somewhere – and I look forward to that day. But please, not anytime soon.

My hair is just beginning to show signs of growing back. It looks to me that it will be more of a salt-and-pepper look. I will have my hairdresser on standby. In the beginning, I will take care of it but once it gets long, I may need to help. Remember now, I have a 9-year-old and I am not ready to be known as his grandparent. I'm not known to be a vain person, but after all I will have been through, I think I deserve to be pampered. I would give up my daytime soaps to have this one piece of comfort and sanity. We are all unique and that is my thought.

I hope all the mothers had a wonderful day Sunday. The weather is great. Spend some time with the people you love. My Faith will keep me strong and my Family will make me smile. Life is good.