As my mind continues to bring memories back, I have been
reminded of some funny moments that I would like to share along with a quick
health update.
Flight from Portland
to Houston:
Leslie and I were so excited to experience traveling first
class, in style. It was early in the morning when our flight was departing but
our excitement fueled our alertness. As we boarded the plane, we noticed people
were sitting in our seats. We both looked at our tickets to make sure we were
on track – you know that quick panic prior to settling into the correct seat. For
a moment, I thought perhaps we really did not have first class tickets – as
though it was too good to be true. The flight attendant began talking with the seated
traveling companions; they presented their tickets noting Row 22! As they relocated,
there was some mumbling about traveling and airplanes. Leslie and I chuckled a
bit, perhaps they thought they were flying Southwest, grab any seat you can! Thankfully
our seats where reclaimed by its assigned owners – Leslie and I.
Flight from Houston
to Portland:
I so want to share a story, but again Leslie would never
speak to me; let’s just say there was quite a bit of chaos prior to boarding.
As we settled in we were both sweating like freaks! I grabbed an ice pack and
handed it to Leslie – she then quickly ordered an adult beverage and I took a
Xanax. Life was good. As the flight
proceeded, I began having hot flashes, I was waving my church lady fan rapidly
to gain some comfort as the sweat rolled off the back of my baldhead. A woman
sitting across the aisle from us stood up and grabbed a portable fan out of her
bag and handed it to me. THANK YOU! Nearing the end of the flight, I returned
it to her – then shortly after I had to break out my hand held fan – I was hot flashing
again. The lovely woman grabbed her fan and handed it back insisting that I
keep it noting, “I have been there before”. Awe, it’s about the little things…compassionate
people, fans, and fresh air.
Hair falling out and
hair coming in:
Of course, my hair fell out; I have been down this road
before. What is new this time is that all my eyebrows and eyelashes fell out
too! My first go around with chemotherapy in 2011 thinned my brows and
eyelashes, but this time it claimed them all. I know my hair is growing back; I
am kind of “fuzzy” right now. What I was not expecting was the resurgence of
facial hair. All those years and money spent on electrolysis and laser hair removal
treatments – washed away. The man hairs on my chin and upper lip are coming
back strong, long, dark, and coarse! What the heck? My eyebrows are equally as
wild, circa 1980s. I was so self-conscious about my eyebrows I went to the
salon to have them waxed down a bit. While at the salon, I learned how to apply
false eyelashes – that’s a bit tricky but I am getting better at applying them
each day. Hair is clearly on my mind, I had a dream the other night that within
a matter of hours my pubic hair grew back in full force! LOL This hair growing
back thing is like something out of National Geographic deep jungle addition; I
am bracing myself for the impending grow back on all areas of the body. Where
is the bright spot, well I am counting on my hair growing back curly, just like
last time. I know the curls will eventually leave, but they are super awesome
for growing your hair back. Please, please, please, bring back the curly hair!
What’s new and what’s
next:
After about 15 days on my new supplements (protocol), I had
my blood drawn to check my tumor marker counts – the good news is that
everything is holding steady for the moment! I am thrilled about this, yet the
reality of the doctor’s diagnosis sits in the shadows of my joy. My increased
energy has allowed me to resume researching clinics outside the US that offer
treatments not available in the states. I found a clinic in Frankfurt, Germany offering
several modalities I have used along with others I have researched and wanted
to undergo – like stem cell and oxygen treatments. For now, I am excited about
my bloodwork, increased energy, and possibilities to regain health in Germany.
Time will tell what the next steps will be for me to continue a healing path.
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| Cape Kiwanda Rock Cliffs - where true beauty unfolds. |
I really wish I could go back to work but I know that my
journey right now is to take care of myself and hopefully experience a healing
miracle. I have been spending time with friends and family on the days I have
energy and just hanging out at home when my body tells me to rest. This current
space is a difficult one to sit in, for both Curtis and I. At times, we both become
overwhelmed with emotions – it is not easy. The tears flow more often and
sometimes comes without notice. I am determined to beat the odds and return to
full health. I appreciate everyone that continues to support my family, send
prayers, and positive healing thoughts my direction. There is a saying that one
quickly learns who your real friends are when there is a challenge or tragedy –
they are the ones that show-up. I am truly blessed to have so many people
rooting for a healing miracle and loving on my family. Thank you for being a
part of my journey! I enjoy those that continue to send letters – I enjoy writing,
as it is very cathartic. I too am getting to know people on a deeper level
along with cultivating new friendships. So keep writing – I send a handwritten
response to everyone.
Send letters to:
Christina Garrett
PO Box 192
Philomath, OR 97370
Today, I am hopeful~