November 10th, 2024

Hi family!

Well, I'm officially bald. I have never been bald in my life. I was born with a head full of hair so it's interesting to see my head. It's a little pale and I had a dream one night that I had a huge ridge in the middle. Thank goodness there's no ridge. I'm not walking around without a head covering yet. Nor am I in a rush to show it to anyone, but I'm bald and all things considered it's not too bad. I said from the beginning, it's just hair and if what is being done to my hair is any indication of what is being done to my cancer, good riddance!

Other symptoms of chemotherapy that I am experiencing, I have black patches on my tongue. I look like a Chow dog except with no hair so not as cute. I also have to pee all the time. Like run to the bathroom pee. It's not cute. None of it's cute, but I'm doing okay. The best symptom I just noticed is the size of the lymph node under my arm. It has gone down so much. It hurt a couple days which I thought was weird and then a couple days ago I went to feel it and it was so much smaller!

So, tomorrow I face round three of sixteen which several people have told me is when it gets harder. I feel like I did better the second round because I was more aggressive with my nausea medicine, I took it before I was even feeling nauseous around the clock for a couple doses, and it really kept the feeling at bay. So, I plan to do that again. Also, I may not take the medicine they give me to sleep better for as many days because I really think that is what is making me extra sleepy during the first few days, but I will see. Obviously, a side effect of the treatment is fatigue anyway.

Last bit of news to report is I am going for my second opinion in Tampa in two weeks. I will meet with a surgeon and a medical oncologist on the same day. I am really hopeful that they will say- just continue with the plan it sounds great. But if they have any radical differences, I will have to make some serious decisions. If anyone has anything they think I should ask, let me know.

I cannot stop saying thank you to my village for keeping me up and in good spirits. My mom always says you have to laugh to keep from crying. Thank you for keeping me laughing. Thank you for checking in on me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for keeping my spirits up. We are going to have such a celebration on the other side of this. I love y'all! Talk soon.

Comments

  1. Elijah WaltersNovember 11, 2024 at 10:15 AM

    For the celebration on the other side of this…. I’m bringing the Publix carrot cake. 🍰

    ReplyDelete
  2. Auntie VandaNovember 12, 2024 at 2:22 AM

    You are truly a warrior Niecy! You give me inspiration and I will definitely be attending that celebration with the potato salad🤗🙏🏽

    ReplyDelete
  3. TéNovember 13, 2024 at 3:26 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TéNovember 13, 2024 at 3:47 AM

    How interesting that Levar, you and I all have short haircuts at the same time. Maybe God wanted us to show you that ridges don't run in the family and we all look cute with a "low boy". We should all go to cute photos after for our celebration! I joke but seriously you are crushing chemo and I know God is going to continue showing you favor with limited symptoms and side effects. I'm praying for favor with the Dr in Tampa and for clarity and direction! Thanks for the update Warrior!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Delano WaltersNovember 18, 2024 at 12:49 PM

    Just remember that I am the first one in the family to go bald. I did it not because I wanted to look cute or follow the style. I did it to support auntie Rosa when she had Radiation Therapy. I never regretted the decision and was happy to support her. So Shayna just know that there is nothing to be ashamed of and your hair will grow back more beautiful and more plentiful. I am marching right along you supporting you with my bald look and looking forward to be part of that victory celebration. God is working in us and through us. I love you!❤️

    ReplyDelete
  6. MamaNovember 18, 2024 at 3:25 PM

    Victory is mine...Victory is mine.....Victory today is mine!!!!! Claim it until you make it because on that day we will sing this song!!! Hallelujah, Amen!🎶 Te amo mi hija!!♥️

    ReplyDelete

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