Hello! Wanted to hop on here and give everyone a quick update. The past few weeks have been filled with lots of emotions: from sadness and grief to happiness and hope. Warning—this post is a little more real and not as happy.
A few weeks ago, we learned of a friend of a friend who struggled with postpartum depression and did not see another way out. Despite not knowing her personally, this loss hit home for us. Many of you know, and many don’t know, about the journey we had with Asher right after he was born. We were exposed to Covid the day my water broke. Long story short, on day 9 of our quarantine (including the days I was in the hospital birthing Asher), I tested positive for Covid. I ended up transferring Covid to Asher, which landed him in the PICU for a few days. Through all that I was also dealing with sciatica pain that would, at times, leave me completely immobile. I was not able to care for my kids or my family. In addition to all of this, I was experiencing major postpartum anxiety and depression. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t just “snap out of it.” It’s almost impossible to describe the exact feelings of what I was experiencing. However, I was lucky and strong enough to recognize I needed help then seek it out.
I want people (moms and even new dads) to know, it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to reach out to someone for help. Everything we have been through recently puts so much more emphasis on the importance of reaching out and sending that “I’m thinking of you” message to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
As the saying goes: life is short…too damn short. And it sure will try to knock you off your feet. When I got my diagnosis, I started to go down a dark path pretty quickly. But one day, luckily, I just knew that wasn’t what God wanted me to feel and knew this wasn’t the end of my journey. Along side of my army of supporters, I am standing my ground against both of these diseases (cancer and postpartum depression/anxiety) and fighting. And will continue to fight.
Two weekends ago we traveled down to Virginia Beach to have another “normal” experience and attended the Shamrock Half marathon. It was SO good to have some normalcy in this crazy life and to catch up with family we haven’t been able to see very much. We were gifted some awesome shirts from a friend, reminding everyone to get their ☘️ ☘️ ‘s checked (see pics below)
My 5th treatment of chemo is DONE! Again, this round of treatment was uneventful— thankfully. My bloodwork came back within normal range for the infusion so it was another 6 hour day of catching up on shows 🙃. Every time I see my oncologist she asks about side effects and how they are going. One of those side effects being numbness or tingling in my fingers or toes. If you remember, I have been doing cryotherapy to prevent this. As annoying as it is to have ice gloves and socks on for over an hour, I have not had any prolonged tingling that would cause concern, so it’s working! Definitely a positive and my oncologist is very excited about it! 🙌🏼
The side effects I’ve experienced this time around so far: major fatigue and weakness. Both have left me bed bound at times. Just keep those prayers coming that these are the only side effects I have this time around!!
One more round to go y’all. ONE. MORE. ROUND. Then on to the next phase…
Next week I go into the lymphedema clinic to have some measurements taken. We are doing this to have baseline measurements available in case I develop lymphedema from the radiation therapy.
I will end this long post on a more gleeful and happy note: WHO WORE IT BETTER?! Many of you may have already seen our social media polls with this…When I was diagnosed my uncle immediately started with his dad “jokes” to help keep my spirits up. I told him I was going to send him my hair so he can make a toupee—excuse me a ‘hair accessory’ piece, as he is missing some of his own 🙃. He went above and beyond and had my hair made into a wig for me! So tell us, who wore it better?! 😂
Next treatment: 6/6–FINAL CHEMO! 🥳 April 14th, 2022
Thank you again for all the love and support! We truly are blessed beyond measure!
Love,
Alysa & Blake
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Alysa's Army 