Happy Monday everyone...I'm back!!! :) I am thrilled to say that today, for the first time in awhile, I truly feel like myself again...and it feels great! I finally started to feel better last Friday. I woke up on Friday morning and realized that for the first time in almost a week, I wasn't lightheaded or dizzy! It was a fabulous feeling! After my last post, I saw Dr. F on Thursday and had a bunch of blood work done to see what was going on in this body of mine. Thankfully, my blood work results came back great and my blood pressure was up, so Dr. F was very pleased. He obviously wasn't happy that I had passed out, been lightheaded for over five days, and was feeling flat out lousy. But, it was a very good thing that my hemoglobin level was good, protein values look great, white and red blood cell levels are where they should be. So why the low blood pressure and dizziness? No one really knows. Dr. F always says that everyone reacts differently to chemo and right now we are in a sort of trial and error period to see how things go. He is planning on altering some of my anti-nausea meds this next round to see if that makes a difference. I have also been battling a head cold all week so I am hoping that has something to do with it and that I won't have to deal with this after the next round of chemo. All in all, if this is how chemo goes for me, I can deal with it. Even with the lightheadedness and crazy low blood pressure, it could have been much worse and as long as I was lying down, I was okay. I know things could always be worse so I make sure to recognize that and appreciate it each and every day. I didn't want to freak everybody out so I didn't mention the fact that I was also having a MRI of my brain last Thursday to see if the cancer had metastasized there. Breast cancer tends to metastasize to the bones, lungs, liver, and brain in particular so I requested for this test to be done so that I could know for sure what was going on in my noggin'. I am beyond thrilled to share with you that the MRI came back negative for metastases to my brain! THANK GOD!!!! I can't even begin to tell you what it feels like to get some good news - especially about this! And of course, Dr. F said that the MRI showed I have an exceptionally large and advanced brain....haha, just kidding:) For the first time in nearly two weeks, I drove my car today. I ran a few errands. I did laundry. I went through my mail. I paid bills. I walked my dog. I was able to be home alone. These are all things that we often view as the normal, mundane items on our daily to-do lists. To not only have the ability to do these things, but to do them while feeling good, truly brought a smile to my face. It felt great to be able to complete those activities that normally feel like the daily grind. I have never been more thankful to be able to accomplish these small feats. I have my next round of chemo this upcoming Thursday. Until then, I am back to my (near) normal pace - I still get tired pretty easily and have learned how to rest a bit between activities. But, these next few days I plan on getting a lot done that I wasn't able to last week, visit with friends, and try to pack on a few more pounds that I lost after the last dose of chemo...that part should be fun:) Your support and love continues to warm our hearts and bring smiles to our faces each and every day. Thank you so much for the meals, the flowers, the heartfelt cards and gifts, and the prayers. Mike and I, and our families, sincerely appreciate each and every one of you and the endless support you have provided us. We talk about it every day and are constantly amazed by how blessed we are with the most incredible support system that reaches out all over the country. Thank you, thank you, thank you! xoxo, Meghan ps. Although there are always too many wonderful people to thank personally, I would like to add a special thank you to the amazing staff, students, and parents at Waterford Kettering High School. The amount of love and support you have all shown Mike (as you always have, but especially over the last few weeks), has truly meant so much to us and has made dealing with this, so much easier. It brings me so much joy and happiness to know that Mike is so loved and appreciated by the Waterford Community and we cannot thank you all enough for that! GO CAPTAINS BASEBALL! I was able to pick up my camera and capture some beautiful spring images of my garden today. It felt so good to finally feel well enough to get back to my photography.
54 Comments
Lennon
5/2/2011 11:00:12 am
You are awesome, still worrying about other people, great to hear some good news.
Reply
Teegan
5/2/2011 11:37:39 am
Yay for good news!!! Hope you have a super normal week with lots of little blessings like sunshine, delicious food and restful sleeps :)
Reply
Ann Knapke Whisler
5/2/2011 11:48:46 am
Been thinking about you! So glad to hear your feeling more like yourself!
Reply
Kiki
5/2/2011 12:22:24 pm
This post made me happy :) Youre pretty freakin' amazing, so glad youre feeling better. xoxo
Reply
Aunt Carol
5/2/2011 12:34:57 pm
It is fantastic to actually hear you sounding like you again! I am sure that Wrigley was excited to be out of the house with you too. Eat up my girl & enjoy every minute of that!!
Reply
Patty L
5/2/2011 01:01:41 pm
OMG....great news on the MRI-fantastic!!! I again am inspired by your grace and gratitude not to mention your ongoing strength. So happy you are feeling like yourself and I love the photos especially the tulip shot-you are very talented!
Reply
Megan Knapke
5/2/2011 01:54:50 pm
Meghan,
Reply
aunt
5/2/2011 02:13:32 pm
Reply
Katie Ceci
5/2/2011 02:14:12 pm
Meg,
Reply
Aunt Erin
5/2/2011 02:18:41 pm
Megs,
Reply
Becca J
5/2/2011 02:35:25 pm
Hooray for a normal noggin! Wonder what that feels like!? That has got to feel pretty amazing!!
Reply
Hayley and J.D.
5/2/2011 02:46:12 pm
Glad to hear you're feeling better this week! We both really like reading your updates so keep them coming! Good luck with your next round of chemo on Thursday. We're keeping you and Mike in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Joe and Juile
5/2/2011 03:32:20 pm
Yea! We are so thrilled that you are feeling better Meghan - and so happy for the good news!!! I think this is a sign of things to come! I know this news brings a lot of joy to TONS of people who love you. Even if you feel yucky and sick in the future - remember that you WILL feel good again and that the chemo is working! You are on your way to beating this and you have a lifetime of feeling good to look forward to!!!! Love to you and Mike!
Reply
Doug
5/2/2011 11:42:45 pm
Thinking of you today (as always) and am so glad you are feeling better. Love you!
Reply
Barbara
5/3/2011 01:42:36 am
Meg and (Mike especially),
Reply
Marty and Keely
5/3/2011 02:12:20 am
oh Megan I am so happy to hear about your brain being big and highly functional..(it must run in the family). We won't tell anyone that we aren't related by blood. hahaha. I think about you everyday and I am thrilled that you have had some good days. My prayers will continue for both you and Mike. I am making homemade chicken noodle soup today and I wish we were closer so I could bring you some.
Reply
Meagan
5/3/2011 02:14:23 am
I'm so happy to read this Meg! I can tell by your tone that things are so much better... Your strength is truly incredible. Day by day you will get through this... Thank you for the pictures...they brighten my day :)
Reply
Kara
5/3/2011 04:34:04 am
So glad you're feeling good! Thinking happy thoughts about you and the family. ;-) Love you guys!
Reply
Niche
5/3/2011 06:20:23 am
You rock my world sister!
Reply
Mary Somers
5/3/2011 06:23:44 am
Dear Meg---------I think you made a lot of us well-wishers smile :.) today! I am going to smile all day with this good news ! Continued thoughts and prayers for both of you . We love you ---Aunt Mary and Bill
Reply
kathleen mccracken
5/3/2011 07:25:43 am
So glad the MRI was clear and you're feeling a little better each day. You have remarkable grace under pressure. You are supported daily with prayers and all kinds of positive thoughts.
Reply
Christie Skoczek Simony
5/3/2011 08:40:08 am
Meghan,
Reply
Heather Whiteman
5/3/2011 09:13:28 am
Yeah! SOOOO happy that the MRI was negative....Did Dr. F say "Look at the big brain in that girl?" LOL!
Reply
YAYA
5/3/2011 09:34:31 am
Of course that head o' yours is too hard to have much space for anything else... :)
Reply
Sally
5/3/2011 12:47:43 pm
The good MRI news incited some whoop whoop from the South Florida Chapter of Team Meghan! How we love the good news! Very happy to hear you received our beachy stuff...if you can't go to the beach right now we wanted to bring the beach to you :) Keep up your amazing spirit and I'm so happy to know that this is a better week for you. I think of you and your family all the time...xoxo Sal
Reply
Emily & Jimi
5/3/2011 12:52:17 pm
Hi Meg,
Reply
Angie
5/3/2011 02:45:46 pm
Lainey must have known something about yor MRI as she prayed that you got better from your "camel brain". Which turned into " camel therapy". Til I finally figured it out. So keep the good news coming and good luck on Thursday's camel therapy!! Love you!
Reply
Ree
5/3/2011 03:26:14 pm
i just heard your giggle on a commercial from a room away..made me think of your beautiful you.. i wish with all my heart to take away from you all the weird things you are feeling..smile lady..(; i feel your strength in every word you write ..with each picture you take. you are doing this..sometimes it takes baby steps but your doing it.
Reply
Jenny Hoekstra
5/3/2011 05:04:33 pm
Cheers to great news! We have so much to be thankful for this week! Love always, Jenny and Nate
Reply
Mama Gina
5/3/2011 11:27:21 pm
So happy and overwelmed regarding your MRI result! So glad that you were able to do the "normal" things too! Hope your attitude stays positive ! Baby steps~ but just wonderful!
Reply
Elizabeth
5/4/2011 01:30:04 am
Hey Meghan!
Reply
Barb A.
5/4/2011 05:53:01 am
Hi Meghan Honey,
Reply
Sheri
5/4/2011 06:03:28 am
Hey Meghan...glad to hear things are getting better for you. Your courage and attitude constantly amazes me. The pics are beautiful as always.
Reply
Sara W.
5/4/2011 06:07:49 am
I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOUR GOOD NEWS, MEG!!! And so happy to hear that you're getting around to feeling better these past few days. You're on our minds and in our hearts every day and I'm so thrilled to see you out taking pictures, walking the dog and continuing to be your fabulous self with these updates. HEART YOU!! XOXO
Reply
Sarah B
5/4/2011 09:21:05 am
So happy you are feeling better. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.I love your photographs. Beautiful!
Reply
Aunt Erin
5/4/2011 02:07:43 pm
Hey sweet girl,
Reply
Ree
5/4/2011 02:52:43 pm
Round 2 !!! game on!! show em how it's done :)
Reply
Becca Peters
5/4/2011 03:56:08 pm
Meg,
Reply
Mary Hart
5/4/2011 05:18:14 pm
Way to go, Meghan. Wonderful news!
Reply
Kirsten C.
5/5/2011 12:38:28 am
So happy to hear you are feeling better. I hope things continue to go well for you!!
Reply
Niche
5/5/2011 02:01:05 am
Praying for the perfect concoction today! love you and thinking of you always!!!!
Reply
Chelsea
5/5/2011 02:25:27 am
Sending lots of strength, love and support from Chi today! XOXO ~Chelki
Reply
Janine
5/5/2011 03:39:11 am
Praying & thanking God for good days - it's the little things that make us smile (like walking our dogs & pretty flowers), but big things make us smile too (like confirming large brains with no cancer in them)!!! Hope you can rest & enjoy the sun shiny day a bit while you let the chemo kick some bootay today:). Love ya & will drink a DC for ya:)
Reply
Deb & Bob Hart
5/5/2011 04:06:39 am
Glad to hear you are doing better and enjoying the small things in life. Excellent news about your brain MRI. What a relief.
Reply
Bob Hart
5/5/2011 04:10:44 am
And a great smile as well. Deb beat me to the comment. I was traveling this week and just catching up on your activities. Good luck with the next round.
Reply
Aubri
5/5/2011 06:20:32 am
What an amazing update, Meghan! So happy to read your last post, and continue to think of you and send you super positive, healthy energy :)
Reply
Aunt Carol
5/5/2011 06:28:01 am
Hope that you are enjoying the sunshine this afternoon. Soak up the energy it can provide! I hope it will give you strength for the next few days.
Reply
Carrie Hermann
5/5/2011 09:07:58 am
Megan - We've only met a handful of times, but I'm a close friend of Andrea's and she shared your story and blog with me. You are truly an inspiration and I say a prayer for you and your family every day. Your positive attitude is amazing and your outlook is tremendous. I follow all your posts and look forward to seeing you beat this thing! You are a TRUE inspiration!
Reply
Diane Daley
5/5/2011 01:23:41 pm
What a wonderful relief about the brain scan. It is such a blessings to hear that you had some days where you felt like yourself. What encouraging news.
Reply
Carolyn & Mark Hallgath
5/5/2011 01:29:19 pm
Dear Meghan,
Reply
Ree
5/5/2011 02:23:09 pm
Thinking of you allllll day..Love you xoxoxoxo..got your thank you card today..most unexpected i should say with all goings on in your life ..so like you to do dat.. becca is right,,.. you need wonder women under roo's !! xoxoxo
Reply
Kristin Stamm
5/5/2011 05:43:18 pm
Just wanted to let you know that you're in my thoughts and prayers! It's nice being back in Michigan, so I can feel like I'm at least a little bit closer to you guys! Sending tons of love and strength your way!
Reply
Aunt Mary Jo
6/18/2011 02:27:23 am
You are a remarkable young woman. When reading your block today, I just had to write you, as I have wanted to do many times, but you have such wonderful family and friends, I felt that was all you needed, however, today I hope that maybe being the oldest (72) of a mother and five siblings who all were cancer patients, I might be able to help your wonderful attitude about your cancer and what it will mean to you. Aunt Maureen was diagnosed when she was about 32 (very, very serious cancer) and lived to be 54 - also a wonderful attitude. Aunt Sheila was diagnosed in her later 40's, Stage 4 cancer and I was there through it all. I was given her pathology report and received it soon after her surgery and truly believed she could not last beyond a year. Now it is 11 years later and she is still with us. When diagnosed and told what was coming, she said to me "I am going to beat this," (recognize it)? Uncle Kevin was diagnosed with cancer about the same time, at the time I was not sure about the outcome, and as you know, he has since had other cancers, the first diagnosed in 2000, he is still with us, again a wonderful attitude about beating it. You know Aunt Erin's history, and again, a wonderful attidue. Your grandmother was never a healthy person, but she also had a wonderful attitude and when diagnosed with cancer, lived another maybe10 years. Uncle Pat was not that blessed, but it was many years ago and treatment and medication were not as great as they are now. I hope I gave you something that would help you feel some good news.
Reply
12/21/2011 10:37:20 pm
So inspirational !!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy blog to keep you all Archives
December 2021
Categories
All
|