This post contains photos of a medical nature. None are graphic, but I know this is sometimes a sensitive topic.
Some people might have noticed that recently I’ve been posting a huge recap of my trip to Dunedin (and there’s more to come!), instead of writing about life.
This is because life has been a bit crazy lately.
Some of you might remember me being diagnosed with The Mysterious Kidney Disease.
At the time, we didn’t do anything about it, but after looking at the results of another kidney biopsy I had a few weeks ago, we decided that the best idea would be to start a year long treatment of steroids and chemotherapy.
There go the steroids! Soon I will be the Incredible Hulk! ;)
I’m being treated with drugs which are also used for cancer, but I have a rare autoimmune disease which is more common in older adults than in young women. THIS is why it took so long to diagnose me!
Obviously this is a pretty big thing to deal with, but overall I’m doing really well. :)
Last week I was at the hospital every day having IV infusions of steroids, and on Friday I had my first chemotherapy treatment. To my surprise, I felt fine! A bit tired, but no headaches or nausea or anything.
Mr. Rituximab. My new BFF, dangling above me in his enormous bag. He was about a third gone by the time I took this picture.
The actual infusions, even the chemo one, weren’t as bad as I expected. None of the side effects I’d been warned about actually happened. The worst part was getting stuck with the needle, and then having to keep my arm straight/still (for 8 hours on Friday!). I just sat there and read, Tweeted, FBed, texted friends, and talked to my mum who stayed for a bit. I also chatted to some other patients, which was nice. :)
My view just before I got to go home. Empty. I was the only person left, but the next treatment will be shorter, thank goodness!
Of course I realise that this is just the beginning, but knowing that this treatment has a high success rate helps a lot. *woop woop*
I’m not going to die. I’m also not going to give up working1, socialising or generally living my life. This aside, I am healthy, in a good emotional headspace, and have a strong support system of friends and family.
Although this was NEVER something I expected, I’m choosing to look at this treatment in a positive light. I’m lucky to live in a country and an era where it is readily available! :)
I’m not sure how regularly I’ll blog about this. I don’t want to have a health-themed blog, but this is part of my life now, so I do want to write about it. Watch this space.
If anybody has questions, feel free to comment or email me! There might be some things I don’t want to discuss, but I’m not going to bite, or be offended that you asked! ;-)
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Well wishes your way. My mom is also doing chemo (as you know) and she hasnt had the awful side effects they said she might have. I’m happy for you and keep those spirits up. keep us posted as we’d like to know how you’re doing with it all. :)
I’m glad you’re getting the treatment you need and that you have such a great attitude! You’re definitely an inspiration :) I’ll be thinking about you and hope for more updates on your treatment.
Chemo is kind of a scary word, but it must be a comfort knowing that the doctors have decided on a ‘plan of attack’, instead of you just being in limbo not really knowing what was wrong, or how to fix it!
You’re brave to blog about it, even when you’re not certain if you want to; somewhere in the world there’ll be someone who benefits from your words.
Hoping that the treatment continues to go smoothly!
You have such a positive outlook on this whole thing! I think that will help you so much in getting through this. I wish you the best of luck!!
So sorry for all of the health issues, but glad you’ve got such a positive attitude about it! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way!
Wow! I’m sorry you’re going through all this, but keep up the positive spirits. I am a new nurse, so anything like this interests me (:
I am interested in your progress with this also and look forward to other posts.
Good luck!
I would give you a hug if I could see you. So glad you stopped by from Holly’s. I haven’t gotten a chance to get over there yet. I try to catch up on the weekends. I am following you on bloglovin now. You are so beautiful. I love finding little hero’s and you truly are so brave.
Treatment is the first step…hope you continue to not have side effects but most of all I hope the treatment does what you need!
Hugs~
Wishing you well! I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and can relate to your story in different ways. I’ll be staying in touch with your site and would like to talk to you sometime!
my goodness I had no idea! I thought I had clicked to follow your blog but for some reason it didn’t work!! Will keep you in my prayers girl that stuff does not look fun!
It’s great how positive you are! I hope you start feeling a little better too!
You are such a strong young lady and I’m so proud of you for getting your story out! As you said once before, it’s all about balance, and I believe you achieved it here. Health is a huge part of our lives but it isn’t our whole world. We can adapt, overcome, educate, and still enjoy friends, family, and laughter.
Keep us updated on your progress. You have such a great attitude– I know you’ll rock this year. If you ever need to talk I’m here for you! xo
You are so strong to be dealing with all of these changes in such a mature and informed manner. You seem so calm, even though I’m sure it can be nerve wracking. I do wish the best of luck for you in your treatments and hope that you will begin feeling better soon. Take care!
Wow! that sounds overwhelming. glad that everything went okay. you have such a great attitude about the whole thing.I hope you continue to do well and improve!
Oh my heavens… I am praying for you.
Wow, your positive spirit is so inspiring! I will keep you in my thoughts–I can’t imagine how scary this all must be for you!
I really, reaaallly admire your positive outlook! Like others have commented, it is truly inspiring. Best wishes as you continue your treatment!
Your going through the motions of it with great positivity! :)
I’m happy to see they’re able to treat you properly! And it has a high success rate, that’s great news! I can’t imagine having to sit there for 8 hours straight with my arm stretched out. I wish you the best as you continue to get treated and I hope you’re able to be 100% again. :)
Emily at Amazing Grapes
I’m glad you’ve been feeling pretty good so far! I really hope everything works out well with this. It’s super encouraging to hear it has a good success rate. :) xx
[...] other news, thanks to everyone who left comments on my last post! I know some bloggers who can post about their lunch and get double this number of comments, but [...]
Um, wow, that sounds incredibly scary! You’re a brave woman and health issues can be really upsetting but I’m glad for modern day medicine and glad it has a high success rate. I know you’re going to overcome it! Be strong! XOXO!
Hi Holly!
You visited me, and I visited you back! And I’m glad I did. Good to hear your next IV time will be shorter!
Blessings!
Hi Holly, I am sending you get well wishes and hopes that the treatment performs as expected. I am so impressed with your positive outlook on this new situation in your life.
Well best of luck with your treatment. I hope you have great success with it :)
I wish you all the best in your recovery Holly!!