Malcolm-1 Cancer-0

On 6/19 I went to the clinic for my second chemo treatment (Adriamycin and Cytoxan combo).  The actual process went by quickly, but the side effects were absolutely ruthless once the IV anti-nausea medications wore off.  It's like having the flu with nonstop nausea and lethargy.   At one point Dad and I were in the living room- I glanced his way and whispered "I don't think I can do this six more times." Dad replied, "You will make it through, and I'll be right here with you."  Love this man so very much! I was also encouraged by dear friends.  Lauren from high school enlightened me about the benefits of ginger, and she sent a tea package to aid with nausea.  Sharkey suggested pop-sickles which stay down better than Gatorade!  Also the Pediatric department sent these gorgeous flowers with a sweet card! Gotta brag on y'all.  Seriously couldn't get through this without you.  In the words of Big Sean "ain't nobody fresher than my clique.&

Short post.  It's happening!  You know, I'm not nearly as traumatized as anticipated.  What you see in this photo has progressed to the point of about 50% hair loss at present.  Who would like to help me create an epic Okoye costume for Halloween (Black Panther)?  Asking now because it will take me that long to focus and finish such a detailed project.  😅 I wanted to also take the opportunity to introduce Nat tips.  These tips are short tidbits and advice that I would like to share with other women going through something similar.  Some of this advice has been passed down to me as well.  They will be dispersed randomly throughout the blog and identified with a pink heart 💖. Nat tip 💖: For those of you going through hair loss related to chemo or another cause, rub some coconut oil on your scalp nightly to help keep the hair follicles stimulated.  It can be cooking oil or branded as a hair product, up to you!  Please seek medical attention if the source of your hair los

Bienvenidos a mi blog.  It's been a minute.  Currently jamming to the melodic sounds of Prince, compliments of Sharkey!  Thanks girl! My little collection is steadily growing. A week ago from today we had our Internal Medicine Retreat for the rising third year class.  It is unbelievable that we'll be starting our third year of residency in the next few days!  For those of you wondering, yes- our program is amazing, and my schedule has been rearranged with mainly electives during chemo treatment months.  So far, Lord willing, I'll still finish residency as planned June 2020.  What follows?  -Only Father knows, but hopefully I can land a position and practice general Internal Medicine & Pediatrics in an academic setting :) I digress, back to the retreat!  So our chiefs arranged a day of team building, encouragement, reflection, and fun.  We went to camp located in Clinton, MS and participated in various activities that were pure tests of relying on each other and ph

In response to the recent post quoting India Arie about not being defined by the crown of hair we wear, "ain't nothin wrong with an occasional glam up" *snap snap* (Yours Truly).  Beauty is skin deep, but it's more than alright to sport a healthy display of fabulousness.  Can I get a witness? Tina, hairstylist & owner of Diva Salon in Pearl, MS Anyway, I'm finished clowning for now.  I would like to thank one of my sweetest and life long friends, Jenna Bond, for such a generous and extraordinary present.  She blessed me with the purchase of some high quality hair used to make the customized wig as pictured! I cried when she told me about her plans and was opposed to the idea initially.  The hair used for the wig was far from inexpensive; however, I have learned that it is okay to be on the receiving end of someone's ministry.  Sometimes you have to check your pride and not be a hindrance to a blessing.  Allowing loved ones to help you blesses them to

Buenas tardes, amigos.  I write to you from one of my favorite rooms (yes, the office).  Tonight I'm jamming to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," album courtesy of Kelly Pippin- thanks, girl!  What a neat surprise. Well, last Thursday June 7th I met my Plastic surgeon for our first appointment.  He explained that the procedure will occur 3-4 weeks after chemotherapy is complete (late November/early December), and he will insert tissue expanders directly after the double mastectomy.  These expanders are temporary but will allow air to slowly stretch the skin in preparation for implants since all of my own breast tissue will be removed.  After the 6 weeks of radiation and healing I'll have a second operation where the expanders will be removed and silicon implants inserted. Shortly after the discussion with Plastic surgery, the Genetics appointment was moved up from July to that same Thursday.  We made an entire pedigree of my family tree which extended to my great

Just cuttin to the facts. New things I've learned: -Official staging: stage IIb invasive ductal cell carcinoma (the cancer has spread to my right lymph nodes as confirmed on the PET scan) Appointments: -Thursday 6/7- receiving a Lupron injection which will essentially shut down and protect my ovaries while receiving chemo.  I'll be in temporary menopausal state.  Bring on the fans! -Thursday 6/7- appointment with Plastic surgery.  -July- appointment with Genetics to test for BRCA1/2 and other genes Chemo: -Adriamycin and Cytoxan once every 3 weeks for 3 more treatments -Toxol once every 3 weeks for 4 treatments 4 week break after chemo to give my blood counts an opportunity to recover Surgery: Novemberish. I'll have a double mastectomy with concomitant insertion of expanders (for reconstructive purposes) There will be a drain on each side for a short time, and I will need to wear a compression sleeve on my upper right arm to prevent lymph fluid from accumu

Short entry.  The following day I was visited by one of the outgoing Internal Medicine chiefs- Keith!  He's the type of person who can instantly brighten up your day because he is SO down to earth.  Keith came bearing a gift; this present turned out to be a stack of letters in vibrantly colored envelopes from Internal Medicine residents in our program!  Can I go for one day without crying happy tears? Don't think so.  You guys have such enormous hearts, and I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support. 

Afternoon, everybody.  Many of you have heard that Monday June 4th was my first day back to work after a brief hiatus.  I honestly felt like an ecstatic child returning to school after a long summer break, itching to get back to see sweet friends and catch up on their stories.  In nerd-filled anticipation, I packed lunch the night before and picked out a set of scrubs to match one of my new beanie caps. Pretty stoked! The following morning, I made the short trek from the parking garage to the pediatric radiology reading room.  Although this distance was previously walked many times before, I was a little winded.  The Radiology folks were very welcoming.  Seemed like the theme that morning was bladder reflux 😆.  During a break I also had the opportunity to stop by and say hello to the new Internal Medicine and Pediatric chiefs- looking good, guys!  There were lot's of smiles, hugs, and "welcome backs."  After lunch, the next stop was one of my favorite places- our M

Hello all, these last few days have been...less than spectacular, but I'm managing.  So many visitors and phone calls.  With this entry I wanted to take the opportunity to post fun pics and talk about how amazing y'all are.  Yep- lots of shout outs.  Unc and Tia! We always have a great time To my loving family- it goes without saying- family is everything!  Those tight hugs, prayers, reassurances, and new head scarves to add to the collection were so sweet. Tia Neet and Maw-maw And to my Jackson family- oh my goodness!  I wish we had a group photo to add to the blog.  Thank you for praying over and supporting me through this.  We've fellowshipped over Campbell's cookies, Cups, Spice Avenue, homemade chicken pasta + Netflix movies, Whole Foods goodies (y'all are not helping my waistline!).  To the girls of our tiny unofficial brunch club- there's always laughter, and you guys keep me up to date on the latest scoop lol. Faculty fam- thank y

Summer of 2012 I made the decision to "go natural" which means cutting off all of the chemically processed hair and starting off with an afro also known as "the big chop." Well, yesterday I went through an even bigger chop.  Yep- I'm bald now :) Although it was harder than anticipated, I couldn't get through it without my sweet, lifelong friend Jenna and rockstar hairstylist coaching along the way.  Jenna held my hand as I sat in that chair mourning the loss of what used to be tightly curled locks of hair, my crown.  As difficult as that process was, God gave me a peace that this was something I needed to do: not an act of control on my part, but a reminder that HE is in control. God is sovereign. This has always been one of my anthems: India Arie's "I am not my hair" Enjoy! https://youtu.be/3DAtTV0NATA Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group North America I Am Not My Hair · India.Arie I Am Not My Hair ℗ 2005 Motown Records, a Div