Where have I been?

I guess the best answer to that question is........in interferon land.

My sister called me yesterday and asked me "Lori, why haven't you been blogging for the past few weeks" I really didn't have a great answer to that question, I had many excuses running through my head; but no real answer. I told her that I really hadn't had much positive to say at the moment about treatment - she reminded me that treatment is not always positive and that my words of truth may someday help another searching for support and understanding......that was enough for me to start hitting the keys on the keyboard again!

I know my purpose in life is to make a positive impact on others and sometimes it's the truth about the obstacles in life and treatment that makes the most positive impact.

So here's the truth............

The last two weeks have been so challenging! The side effects are real, and yes - they happen to everyone. I thought in the beginning of treatment that I would be an exception - I have been a fighter, a survivor and over-achiever for many years, and really thought this experience would be no different - challenging? Yes - but nothing I couldn't handle. I thought the side effects everyone speaks of were all in people minds....and I had mind over matter!! My treatment was going to be different.....I was going to choose to be, as I always say, "Alive, Alert, Awake - Enthusiastic!" Hit it head on! Come out victorious! Be the exception to the rule!

Well, I was right in a way....my treatment is very different.....very different than I thought.....
I still to choose to be, as I always say, "Alive, Alert, Awake - Enthusiastic!" I am currently hitting it head on! I will come out victorious and be the exception to the rule! But I will have to deal with and do my best to overcome the very real and sometimes debilitating side effects.

I think the most difficult side effects are the fatigue and the results of that said fatigue.....depression and mood swings. No matter how much positivity I try to maintain - the true fact that everyone, who's red & white blood cells drop way below normal, will have fatigue and days of not feeling well or even wanting to get of bed. The true fact that eating a meal wears you completely out is not an easy realization for some one like me. But I have to face the fact that this it is my reality and it will be for a long time....BUT.....one day it will be over and I will be victorious! I must find the energy to continue this fight in spite of how I feel and remember that this too shall pass.
Here is a link to learn more on side effects

In the beginning I thought my body will adjust and treatment will get easier - the real truth is.....your body does not ever, nor is it supposed, to get "used to" Interferon or Ribaviron.

I know I have a long journey ahead of me but I have to maintain my belief that GOD has put me here for a reason....in this exact place at this exact time, for his own reasons and I must trust in HIM to show me the way through.