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

Yet Another Weekend Down....

Weekend is over! Poop. I skyped with my brother and his family last night. My nephews and nieces are so adorable...can't wait to see them in early September. I have a new found obsession with make-up, which is well warranted. But it makes me feel fantastic. Anywhoo, relatively great weekend. Ocean fishing with my parents and football! My team is going to be the 49ers this year. I figured I would root with my dad's "team". Although, he is no die hard because he knows they will be losing yet again and quickly reverts to being a fan of a "winning" team. I feel great today! I will be meeting up with the lovely Amanda later today for dinner and hopefully hearing about her Europe trip. It will make me feel super excited that I will get the chance to do that one day. And I will. Also, I am starting Curves [work out program] today. Yeah, these extra pounds are no joke. Well, my parents laugh, but I'm not laughing. And maybe take part in their Zumba classes?! Yeah, maybe. Welp, that is all. Looking forward to (not really) treatment #6. Officially half way through at that time and than I will begin an official treatment countdown. 

<3 parker

Whirlwind...

Treatment #5 just finished. So, almost halfway through this total of twelve treatments. Seems like a lot when you put it that way, so in other words, almost three months left. NOVEMBER! I am going to be extremely excited to know that this new year will bring a breath of fresh air to my life. Can't wait...

This weekend was exhausting to say the least. Had a garage sale and sold a bunch of my dollar stuffers from my website, and got a huge sale of purses from a lady I guess who does swap meets. Which I did not mind because any inventory turnover is a good thing.

Monday hit me pretty bad. I guess I was tired from everything that weekend, especially with getting up so early each day. Today is a noticeable difference and tomorrow will be better...and than off to making fun things to do this weekend!! Have to look forward to things to keep your mind at ease. Ideas would be a baseball game, meeting up with my friend to see pics of her Europe trip, and I am still waiting on some delicious restaurant  pizza. We shall see....

<3 parker

Family Time

Had a really great weekend. My sister is spending lots of time with us, granted its probably because her boyfriend is not here to take all her time, but at least for right now we have her full attention. So, that is good news. Anyways, went to a baseball game, had a beer (first time since treatment ), did some shopping (not that I have money), and worked on my website. I feel really really good on my good days now. I am really excited for that because I feel like it is hope that I am going to breeze through the rest of the treatments. Still in a little anxiety for Friday's results. Please be "clean".

p.s. I re-vamped my makeup collection after learning how not to look like a clown. Ha! So, I love it. Now just to get cleaner looking skin, which chemo is not helping out with. Damn you ABVD!

p.p.s I want to purge my closet. Like just get some classic pieces in solid colors rather than all these cheap Forever 21 clothes that go out of fashion in a month. Soooo garage sale this weekend. And I will sell some of my online stuff too!

<3 parker

A Lil Emotional? Yeah...But I Can Be...

So, I have my first PET scan tomorrow after two full months of chemotherapy. I am not sure how to describe this feeling. I am nervous because I want it to come back "clean", but even that wouldn't stop another four months of treatment. So in a way I am hoping that this scan shows that "hey, i'm beating this thing, i'm kicking its ass" and than four months later I can be like don't ever come back!! But chances of remission are really high if you have a good reaction to the first few months of chemotherapy, which is why this is really important to me.

I am really feeling accomplished about my website. I only have descriptions for the products left to do and than I will be able to post a "Grand Opening". I am looking forward to a lot of things in the future. Most importantly, going back to school in September. I think that is important to me because it will show me that I can start living a normal life again. That I can push myself to do the things I want to do. And, it will get these last few treatments going quicker when I have studying to do.

I still think about a lot of things. No wonder my head feels like a huge balloon sometimes. But, my concentration still remains to just getting healthy and enjoying family and friend time. Reconnecting with my loved ones and consoling with lifetime friends that really have showed they care. Sometimes I think about relationships, but boys are stoopid. Final Answer. =]

Energy =]

I've had a REALLY good last few days. Almost like i'm "normal" again - minus the buzzed hair and having cancer thing. Ha! So, I've been learning how to put on make-up this past week via You Tube and this girl called Tiffany D. It's been fun! I've never put on make-up right, I guess I just had more fun looking clownish? [not really]. But, I'm excited to use her techniques since right now I'm relying on my face to overcompensate lack of flowing hair.

I've also been working on my website. Finally, I have all my handbag pictures posted. Descriptions are coming soon! And today I will finish up the jewelry. The photo backdrop I got makes such a big difference and makes things much easier. I've really been envisioning having my own office in the future all pretty and with cute furniture and than a showroom where I put all my stuff to sell. I think that vision has really made me mentally strong. This is the reason to fight this cancer and keep myself healthy and active.

So, chemo #4 tomorrow! I am hoping for quick recovery and minimal side effects. And than my PET scan, which I am nervous about. I hope it comes back "clean".

p.s. I've been gaining weight. GRRR! So, before it gets out of control, I've been doing salads for lunch and drinking nothing but water. We will see how this works, because I want to fit into my clothes comfortably again. =]

The Wedding & The Weekend

What a long weekend!! So, after chemo #3, I can't complain too much. Just some regular side effect nonsense, but not as bad as the last two. 

So, the wedding. It was hot. I felt really bad because I left around 7.30. But, I was so tired from the heat and felt like going home. Took a Tylenol and ate and knocked out for the night. Seeing everyone was nice, but I felt like very distant. I wanted to be able to drink and dance and be on a better day, but that heat takes so much out of you. I loved seeing Martin and Eddie have so much fun! I guess it was just bitter sweet because I really just want to be done with this already. Blah!

Should be another long weekend. Got to make sure I get some projects done to keep me going. Which would include the photo book, getting my internet site again going, ughh I hate that I haven't done that yet. Yikes!

But, I have been reading a lot lately which is taking up my time. But I finish the books fast. Last book I read was probably way too sad. So I am ready for a happier book this time. 

Welp, PET scan 7/27 after a 4th treatment to see where we are at!! I am really excited about it because it will give the doctor a chance to really lay out the rest of the treatment plan. =]

5.

Chemo #3 today!!! So, wishing for a quick bounce back and minimal side effects, or at least no NEW side effects. THAT I could handle too. Should be getting a visit from one of my co-workers so that will be nice. Now time for downloading some music to listen to....

4.

So far a really really good weekend. Hanging out with my sister, Angel, for dinner and book buying. More hanging out with my sister and family for Uno Attack and Taboo. Two games that are seriously ridiculous. I laughed so much. And than Transformers today with hopefully a good hamburger and some decent firework viewing from the backyard.

Next chemo session:: Wednesday! dun dun dunnn...just kidding. I'm ready for it. And i've got my friend Martin's wedding Saturday so i'm hyped and ready to bounce back from treatment real quick.

On a side note, the shaving of the head was honestly emotional. I did it yesterday. Hmph. All I can say is thank goodness for semi big eyes and makeup to play them up. I got used it to real quick. It's not that bad. And its so much easier to take care of. I'm still losing the tiny hairs, its thinning and eventually will resort to balding, but its manageable to keep the fuzz, so I'm happy with it. I do need to shop for more cover ups like hats though. I want a newsboy hat. [I will post pic up later tonight as long as nobody will pass out from it]

So, a weekend in the life of a newbie cancer patient. Fun stuff. I'm ready and eager to start working and school again, but we'll see.....

Happy 4th of July <3

3.

Beautiful day. Well except for the 102 degree weather. But the air conditioning is on right now so yay! 

So, morning dry mouth gave me a little anxiety today but found out that chewing gum did the trick and got some new mouthwash. Whew. 

Went with the Melissa today to Olive Garden for delicious ravioli and breadsticks. Than off to get some more hair beanies. Got some cute ones and a scarf. Gonna be rockin the short short hair look =]. 

Looking forward to dinner date with my sister tomorrow. I'll post on that tomorrow. 

Enjoying every day closer to remission.

2.

Thank goodness for Tylenol and heat warmers. My body aches have become bearable. I decided to go out to the bookstore today. Got two books. Girly. But hopefully good reads. Than to Target to get a fabric steamer to iron out the muslin for the photo backdrop. [that project I will do tomorrow]. So far just looking ahead towards the weekend. Definitely some smiles planned for fourth of July, which includes some extra time not being alone at the house (always a good thing).

So the hair is falling out more than usual. As in it is on the pillow and in the shower, but I have Martin's wedding to go to just around the corner, so I don't plan on shaving until after that. But I definitely see why people just go ahead and shave it. Psychologically, it is not fun just waiting around for it to fall out.

Other than that, nothing horrible. Good day =]

Day 1? More like a month or so since diagnosis...

First post. I'm trying to bounce back after this treatment as much as I can. It's just hard to get rid of that need to sleep. And half the time it is way too hot to even think about sleeping, but I feel exhausted. So, it makes me frustrated. My bones are aching, but I tried working out and stretching and took some Tylenol, so I am feeling less miserable. I read on blogs about certain over the counter drug medications that could work like Claritin. But, I still have this weird thing about taking drugs on chemo. Like I'm not putting enough crap in my body already. Hmph.

But, nonetheless, fifth day after chemo infusion #2 I am doing better than last time. Just the bone aches get to you. My sister is going for her appointment today for the cervical cancer. I still cannot believe that that in itself is happening. My heart goes out to her for even having to deal with that. 

I continue to read blogs online from lymphoma patients. It takes the sting away from knowing it might be a little longer of a journey. But let's just kick this thing in the butt and get it over with. My dad asked me the other day if I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, I do. It might be faint and overwhelming, but I do see that I will survive. It is a journey that I must take, and when I look back it will be something I will never forget. 

Well, I need to keep my mind preoccupied so I must choose which project to work on today. =]