The JV Symptoms - Yikes!

So, I'm well on my way to having completed two chemo cycles.  Only four more to go!

Since I'm about a week out from my infusion the "JV symptoms" have started.  These symptoms aren't as severe as as the nausea and bone aches, but every bit as annoying as a freshman.  I'm talking abdominal cramps, random diarrhea and sporadic nose bleeds.  At the same time.  At 4:30 in the morning.

Let me tell you, I must have been quite a site as call out to Richard over the bathroom fan to come help me because too many of my body parts are leaking at one time.  Try it: holding your head back, to keep blood from dripping on the pillow you are doubled over on, all while you are sitting on the toilet.  Now, with your third hand and your eyes closed (because you can't see because your head is tilted back) go ahead and reach for some toilet paper so you can tend to your nose and your bum.  Oh... then for good measure swallow some of that blood that is dripping down your throat and start to gag once you finally make it over the bathroom sink.  Mercy!  My bathroom looked like a scene from Dexter.

I was so frustrated over that whole incident that I couldn't get back to sleep.  Small victory: I did resist the urge to get up and eat a piece of the chocolate cake that was in the fridge :).  So, while I couldn't sleep, I spent some time talking with God, another victory.  I didn't try to rush through my prayers like I often do, I spent some real quality time with Him.  Thanking him for the many blessings in my life.  Thanking him that it is me and not Mase.  Thanking and praying for Richard.  Praying that the doctors would discover that they had made a mistake and that it wasn't necessary for me to continue on with the next four chemo cycles.  Thinking of the wonderful families that raised Richard and me... And how because of their example we are equipped to raise Mason.

Still blessed.  And thankful for some quiet time with God.  And a husband that tells me he loves me and asks how he can help over the bathroom fan, a bloody mess at 4:30 in the morning.