Treatment #12!!! And thats a wrap...with chemo at least. BUT huge vacation time =]

Hola!

So, last chemo treatment was yesterday. It was a day of celebration and I sure felt like the luckiest girl in the world. That kind of contradicts itself since I have cancer and I'm lucky? But oh well. Haha. For now that is how I feel. So what happened yesterday? I woke up and went for a scrumptious breakfast at Dennys with my mom. Than headed to the clinic where my sister Angel had gotten cupcakes for all the staff, especially my oncologist. Everyone liked them, and the doctor ate hers like RIGHT afterwards. Haha. Than I sat down and got my four hours of juices. Which felt like the longest innfusion thus far. But, I was greeted by my brother in law who brought me flowers! I was so excited. Than the buzzer went off and I was all done and she said "all done". I think the best way to explain that was confusion and I felt lost. Like I pulled myself off the chair and was like this is great, but what do I do now? Than I got home and there were more flowers from my brother and his wife. So adorable. Oh, and earlier my boyfriend bought me my San Francisco 49ers jersey, I haven't seen it yet, but I'm pretty excited about this. We are killing it this year!

So what do I expect these next few weeks? I have a PET scan in about two to three weeks. Than follow up. Than orientation with radiologist. Than we will see when he wants to start. It might not be until after holidays, which I wouldn't complain about. Trust me, this last six months has been a bitch, so a few weeks vacation is a good thing. I have about four more vending parties to attend, which is super exciting. I have a Universal Studios trip, a Vegas trip, a party boat cruise night thing, and just enjoying every second of this new life.

I will definitely keep you posted about any new news, and I definitely plan on keeping this blog updated for you and anyone else who reads, which I don't know who is, because I can't really track that.

And now PICTURE TIME!!! And if you make fun of any of these pictures of me, I will poke you, punch you, and that is about it...haha. ENJOY!!!!

I made cupcakes for the Gas Company guys who have been extremely supportive. Came out nice! Lime green is my ribbon color for Hodgkins Lymphoma.

This is my official countdown since infusion #6 as well as just things I kept telling myself to remember. I plan on erasing it today so I definitely wanted a pic of it. And than the bottom has those hair cuts I wanted and my appointment calendar. =]

So yep this is my super short hair. Model, right? Hahaha. Oh, and see right there....yeah that's the extra ten pounds I gained all in the stomach section. Ughhhh....

This is how I usually go out with like either a beanie or some hat. But I do both now. Whichever I feel more comfortable with, just the cold weather makes me usually want to wear a beanie.

This is my jewelry and make-up collection which is forever growing. I love make-up!

Flowers from Philip and Carolyn.

Flowers from Angel and Jacky.

My little Parker's Pashions set up in my room.

And finally, the collection of scarves I've gathered [about 20] from wearing scarves on my head this summer. Now I get to wear them around my neck for a change. Yay!!

So anyways, love you very much. Keep in touch. And have an amazing day!

Love,
Parker

Treatment #11. Uno!!!!

Yep. Uno! One more left. The battle of chemo is almost over and I can feel every possible emotion. Mostly excitement. Mostly just ready for a four week vacation with family and friends and the boyfriend. Oh, yeah, boyfriend. I guess its official. We shall see what the future holds.

Treatment #11 is going swell so far. I don't know if I can let myself have a bad day. Its like saying you're on third base and home base is right there, and I am definitely not going to let myself get like a broken ankle or something on the way. Mentally, no bad days this treatment. So I will rest and drink and stay physically in this.

In other news...yesterday I went out for the first time with my hair. Definitely with courage from the boy, but I went with Malyssa shopping. All in all, nobody gave a crap. Haha. Its a pixie cut and my eyes sure do take most of the attention. So, I am excited about this. Definitely was a big step for me, and super happy I did it.

I have multiple vending parties coming up for Parker's Pashions. Really excited about this too. Definitely want to sell a lot for the holiday season and get my name out there. I am working on my business plan so I can start presenting to the bank for a loan, and than off to see who will take my business. Lol. I decided that while working is a big part of my life, I really want to see how my business will do. I feel like I need to do this for myself, rather than going back into the 40hour a week life. Benefit wise, I can look into small business health plans and what not. I could just marry the boy and get his health plan?? JK!!!

 I think that is about it. I have some pics for you guys...<3

Treatment #10, Vacation Pics, Lucky you...

So, treatment #10 is officially in my system. Not only that but my LAST cycle will begin very soon consisting of my last two treatments. My last chemotherapy appointment was actually made at the office, so it definitely was a surreal feeling to see everything coming together. I asked the doctor about taking a sweet four week vacation before radiation begins, and she said that was fine. So, I have a boat cruise party, universal studios trip, and san Francisco trip planned during this time, as well as finishing up my finals. I'm pretty excited. The happiest I've been in a while since this begin, obviously. Heh. The doctor always jokes about what treatment day I am on, and I always tell her "I swear doc this was my last one". Yeah, right. Heh I've made friends with an older cancer patient with cervical cancer that has spread pretty bad I guess. My prayers are out to her. She radiates so much positive energy and I really hope this new chemo treatment works for her. I'll find out when I go next time. The other lady next to me was in her 80s and getting chemo treatment for first time with breast cancer. My prayers go out to her too. But, I am really ready to be able to lend some good energy to new and still battling cancer patients, it is definitely a duty we all have as part of this cancer club to continue to be there for each other, as well as continue to support ourselves.

What else? Oh. Arizona trip was lots of fun. Discovered that pool lounging is not for me, but at least I tried. As well as fancy food is not for me. I wish I could have ate from the kids menu instead. But, there was shopping. And that is always my favorite past time. Just some new lipstick. But, you know how into makeup I have been.

What else? Oh yeah. So I was wearing fake hair for a while like two months, especially on my first few dates with the boy. But, finally decided to go back to the beanie as I am super proud with the growth of my hair. Few more weeks and we got something going on there. Yay! But anyways the boy was very supportive so that has definitely made me more comfortable being me and more proud of myself for taking that step.

What else? School is going terrific. I feel like a smarty pants again, as well as my old perfectionist self.

NOW FOR PICTURES!!!!!!!

and no, none of them have me in it, I apologize. coming soon i swear. haha.

Doesn't look like it, but this is the intellectual one [Sawyer]

This guy is the love of my life <3 [Spencer]

I've never seen anything cuter [Shya]

This guy we all adore. He's very into quite time too. [Soren]

Treatment #9, Classes, The End is Near

So, treatment #9 is going swell. Pretty much rested all weekend watching movies and football and doing homework.

I had to bring up radiation at this last doctors visit. In the beginning, I was pretty much set against it. I don't think as a young adult I want to deal with some of the consequences at later life, but the doctor is pretty adamant that I need this. And I really should trust her. So, I guess adding years to my life right now is more important. Besides, with preventative care, I should be able to catch anything serious later down the road before it gets to anything complicated. Optimism, right? So this means four more weeks of 15 min sessions getting radiated Monday through Friday. I didn't talk too much about particulars, but that is the gist. On another good note, I heard there is not major side effects. Just the regular fatigue. Because I made sure to ask her if going to class was still manageable, and she said it would be no big deal. =]

On the topic of classes, I am so glad to be back. I've already met some cool people and an old friend. Pretty excited to have these few weeks fly by in terms of these last three treatments left.

Hair continues to grow back. Really excited about this. Obviously, I only wish it grew inches in a day. But for what it is right now, I think the vitamins and exercise is working. Honestly, chemotherapy would have been 90% better if not for the loss of hair. They really need to start researching this. I've actually heard of new drugs that will prevent it. Hmm...

So many exciting things planned out for the next few months. Nothing comes fast enough. Mr. Aaron and I are planning a San Francisco trip whenever this ordeal is done with. I am pretty excited for this. A road trip sounds pretty amazing. He just bought a truck last night, calls it our SF road trip truck. Lol. Optimistic about this...

Love you all,

Parker

Treatment #8. Four more To Go! Two Cycles! 7ish Weeks?

Yeah, I've pretty much got the countdown till I am all done on check. Its a 24/7 constant thought. So much a constant thought that its pretty much driving me nuts that I'm not over with everything yet. I mean, the best thing that would happen to me is that doc says "hey we're just gonna cancel these last two cycles, because you're doing great". BUT, that is not going to happen. So, meanwhile I am just going to continue to stay strong and get through these last few treatments with a smile. I'm planning a Cancer Survivor party for New Years Eve. I seriously cannot wait to bring in the New Year with hopes and excitement and my health, and just new beginnings in general.

My hair has been growing back between treatments. Enough so that I like to part my little little baby bangs to the side. I also bought this coconut oil that helps the strands to stay strong. And than this vitamin to help hair grow. I don't know. Anything that will help. =]

What Else? Oh. I start school Monday. I'm excited, antsy, and extremely nervous. I'm just hoping none of these last treatments will hinder my studying. But timeline wise I should be fine to get through the end of the quarter treatment free and healthy. So if anything bad happens in the beginning, I can make up for it. I'm excited to be out and about again. To have a commitment to tend to. Do my reading. Talk to new people.

I continue to work out, but no results. Actually, results as in I am getting toned, but I am still relatively a fatty. So, I am thinking of somehow making a diet plan to stick to. I can't wait to get done with treatment and work out on campus. I really love running these days.

So yeah, all in all everything  is going really well. Got to celebrate mom's birthday. Looking forward to vacation with my nephews early October. [last trip had been canceled]. This trip is at some resort though on my good weekend with an outside pool bar. Yeah Buddy!!

<3 parker

p.s. that boy. we're still hanging out. he's been nothing short of amazing so far. i guess I'll give him a name. Aaron. haha. we'll see what the future holds. health first though. boys later.

//edit//

can't wait to rock these hairstyles!!!

Treatment #7 (Official Countdown = 5 More Left!!)

Just got back from my seventh treatment. What can I say? I honestly feel like I got knocked out. That has never been a feeling I have gotten before. But I'm hoping it will go away pretty quick so I'm just trying to move around because it is really too hot to take another nap. note to self:: no rootbeer float again during chemo, it is doing wonderful to give me some stomach cramps. Damn you! Lol.

So, I need to get myself a travel bag tomorrow so I can start packing. Probably Ross. I'm really excited to go see my nephews and niece this weekend. Should be eventful. So everyone send their positive energies my way so I don't feel too much fatigue. =]...

So, I am really proud of my working out routine as of late. I've been getting up early to do three miles of walk/run on the treadmill every morning, followed by Curves in the afternoon to add more toning. Its wonderful. And it actually makes me less hungry. I am really determined to get myself down to my normal weight and maintain that.

Welp, I will write again after this vacation and post some pictures since I have none up here.

<3 parker

p.s. there's this boy. we talk. text actually. its nice. he's nice. we hung out. going out to lunch sometime soon. the end. haha =]

Treatment #6 -- Halfway Down!!

Good weekend. Retail therapy. Delicious barbeque. My new friend Tiger [beta fish]. Just an overall feeling of being beautiful and optimistic about future life.

This treatment is going relatively well. It is already Monday and I feel super invigorated that I am going to get through this week with minimal fatigue. Woot Woot! And my mom and I are continuing Curves, so that is extra working out for me. Yoga? Border is closing up shop so I am heading down for a few great reads and I want to start a Yoga DVD.

Classes begin soon. Sept. 22nd. I am super excited to get some normalcy back into my life. I really think invigorating my mind and having some deadlines will make things go by so much more quicker. And I think being around people again will ease my self back into a social life. Not that I don't have one, just I still get minimally self conscious about my whole condition.

On a side note, I am really really thankful to all the support of my family and friends and doctors. I mean, I am as strong as I am because I love the compliments and positive feedback they give me. "This doesn't even look like its bothering you" "These are the results we want to see". It is definitely a feeling of success.

<3 parker