Hi guys!!!
I know you missed me. I promised I’d be back so here I am!
Awwww… Look at how excited you are to see me! Ok. Ok. I’m excited too! Boy, I missed you guys!
This post is about getting you caught up with everything leading up to my last round of chemo.
So first things first…
I just want to say the world is in a state of shock and seclusion over the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Please, stay safe at home with your loved ones and practice hand hygiene and social distancing. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, then please do it for me. Cancer patients already have an immunocompromised system, so you can imagine how much more susceptible we are to the virus and to being adversely affected. Many thanks to all the healthcare professionals making a difference in our lives by keeping us all safe and healthy! You all are the real MVPs.
Like seriously… leave Trump out of it!
Just so you know, I had many grave concerns about my last round of chemo. I wondered if it would happen. Doctors from different clinics were calling me and canceling standing appointments that I had with them. But no, not my oncology team. They toughened it out for me. Believe it or not, the hospital was basically shut down. Only cancer patients were allowed in. If it was your last day (as in my case) you were allowed only one other person in the entire building. The waiting room, a place usually filled with families coming to support their loved ones, was empty except for three other people. So yes, the virus is deadly and it is not a joke. I’m already fighting one war; don’t suit me up for another.
With that out of the way, since we’re all stuck at home, I figured I might as well give you all something to read.
I know no news is good news, but in other news, I have some news for you!
Do I have your attention? Ok, here goes…
A lot of things have happened since my last post but I am happy to announce that I am a recent graduate!
My last day of chemo was Friday, March 20th!
Yes, imagine that! I remember back in October of 2019 when I had my first infusion… so scared, so confused, so unsure of what was going to happen to me. So uncertain of my future and the changes that I would experience and the challenges that lay ahead; the fluctuating emotions, the highs and lows, the pain, the tiredness, the discomfort, long days, dry skin, weight gain, and night sweats… wow! I can’t believe what I have already gone through and how far I’ve come. But before we go forward and I give you the details of my report card, let’s take a look back at a few of those hospital stays… come on, hold my hand and let’s walk down memory lane…
In the beginning, it wasn’t so bad. I had lost some of my hair at this point, but I still felt like myself.
Then I officially lost all my hair… I mean, I was the ‘bald queen’. Not an easy job but somebody’s got to do it!
When I lost my hair, my family even teased me and started to call me Smeagol… (Remember Smeagol “my precious” from Lord of The Rings? The one who had no hair?)
At first, I was like…wait… what???
And then I told them off! I’m not listening…
As far as I’m concerned, I am RAPUNZEL…
Then I started to feel tired and weak but tried, all the same, to keep a smile on my face
Then the tiredness really set in… and I was just blah! Put in my IV, give me a pillow and wake me up when it’s over…
I mean honestly, are we done yet? (Just trying to keep my mind on Jeremiah 29:11).
I remember Ms. Wilma who would always sign me in with a smile on her face every time I walked through the door;
I miss her warm hugs, but not as much as my mom sitting out in the sun with me and making me laugh. Priceless!
Then the ENDLESS needle pricks for my Hormones…
ENDLESS needle pricks for my IVs, ENDLESS needle pricks for blood draws, ENDLESS pricks for medications…
ENDLESS needle pricks for flushes. ENDLESS! ENDLESS!! ENDLESS!!!
Good times with my wonderful nurse, Porsha! I swear she owes me about 10 pints of blood! Those bloody vampires!!!
More like 20 pints… 🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I definitely DO NOT MISS Adriamycin! Remember ADRIA? The Red Devil? Ugh!
Just let me go ahead and eat my ice-cream…
And my awesome, gracious and funny oncologist… A bright Harvard mind indeed! Here I am complaining about some of the negative side effects of the drugs and the discolorations on my skin and nails… And then I burst out laughing. What was that he said about… “But we don’t look at your toenails that much”???
Pause at 42 seconds. 😂🤣😂🤣
Anyway, I’m a bit tired now. I just wanted us to revisit some of the highlights of this phase of my chemotherapy journey and the things and people I will (or will not) miss.
Ooops! I said that!
I promise… my report card is really out. And I can’t wait to break it all down for you.
Do you have any loved ones that are going through chemotherapy? What were they diagnosed with? Did they have preferences for one form of treatment over another? Were there any physical and emotional changes and challenges that they experienced as a result of their treatment? How did they manage stress? Relaxation? Exercise? Did you ever take a moment to find out what their fears were and how they chose to deal with them?
I am just wondering myself because as someone going through this journey, as someone who lost an aunt through this journey, as someone who lost a grandmother going through this journey, I am just grateful to God for every bit of life that he has given me. I’m not sure where to start really… There were days when I felt really emotional. Even helpless. Yes…. long, emotional and helpless days! But make no mistake about it: I am armed for battle! Armor, sword and all.
In the comments section, feel free to tell me your experiences with loved ones who have gone or are going through a similar journey. Let me hear their voices through you!
Stay tuned for my next post so you can see how my graduation went!
In the meantime, enjoy!
I really did ring the alarm.
Namaste!
love, light and keeping up the pink fight,
Rose❤❤❤
To see my chemotherapy report card go on to my next post.
Not sure where you are on my cancer journey? Be sure to visit the contents page.
You look so good with or without the hair. And your Spirit is even better. Mabih you are great character and i love you so much.
Thank you my dear Aunty Pam!
Oh by yes yes yes big sis!! You did it love 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿!!! God has been good!!!
All the time.
Hello Mabi ,
God has healed you for once and for all. We give Him all the praises. He is our Healer and the best physician. Thanks you for being a source of inspiration for many others who may be facing the same health condition. We thank God for endowing you with so many gifts. I thought you were a dctor and accountant , and never knew You are also a great and seasoned writer. When i started reading your story I never stopped till I completed all the chapters. My dear daughter You are blessed for ever and you remained a blessing to many of us. Keep up your faith and remain under the protection of the most High God.
Aunty Maggie Waah Bejanga
Aunty Maggie, you are so awesome! Thank you so so much! Keeping the faith!
Yesssssssss! You are an amazing woman and God bless your heart! I know it’s been a long road but look where you are now. It is so good to see you at this point… regardless of how horrible you would feel after your chemo, you still would put a brave face, pushing that smile forward always even when you didn’t have to. Thank you for keeping family and friends at ease with your smile so they don’t stay worried. You are a trooper and a fighter. I’m so happy for you and pray that as you move into the next phase of this process, your spirits will remain high and you stay hopeful as always. Muaaahhhhhh!
Love,
Josie
My heart is sooooo full! 🙏🙏🙏
I am so proud of you sis. You are really a “go ghetta”. You definitely kicked cancer all over.
The sky is the limit!
Mandy…🤗 Thank you. Kicking butt!
Wow…so proud of you Mabih!!!! I knew you would come through with flying colors. You did it!!!! Yeah!!!👍👍👍👍 I remember that graduation bell too well. One of the biggest achievements ever. Congratulations my dearest. 🍾🍾🍾🍾🌹❤️
Aunty Jstine, thank you so much for all the guidance and advice you have been offering… really appreciate it. Hope to see you soon!
🙌🙌🙌🙌 oh yes big sis u did it . God is faithful and He knows how to preserve His own . You are truly a fighter. Luv u lots 🥰🥰
Dearest Mabih
You’re such a beautiful, high spirited and strong woman whom I’m so proud of. Your attitude and determination to be positive throughout your journey, no matter what, has taught us many life lessons. You are, indeed, a trooper! You are special 😘👍
Hello Aunty, it has been so long! Thank you for stopping by my blog and offering me some love and encouragement! I appreciate everything, especially your prayers. Thank you!
Congratulations my dear Mabih,
You are truly your mother’s daughter.
God is good all the time.
We will forever Praise and Glorify His name
😍😍😍😍
God is great! Thank you!
You are so inspiring. Your courage and resilience is incredible. I thank God for how far He has taken you, and all those who supported you through this journey. I pray God keep you in perfect health and may you continue to shine so brightly.
You are an inspiration to others going through the tough journey of cancer treatment. As a breast cancer survivor myself( thank you Lord , for healing me), it takes resilience to travel the journey of blood works, chemotherapy, side effects, uncertainty and conflicting advise from friends and relatives. When you leave all your worries in the hands of God and when you focus on the fight and not fear, it becomes a less difficult route.
Aunty Judith, thank you for being an inspiration, and for sharing your journey with me. Thank you for coming to see me, and encourage me. Thank you for all the concern and prayers, that your family has offered up for me. IMy prayer is that God will keep us, heal us, and protect us. ❤
Manish, I thank God for you. What a brave girl you are! The Novenas we went on really paid off. I understand you so well because I accompanied my Husband through Chemo and radiation. The journey wasn’t easy. I thank God for you. We can thank God and praise him. May the Precious Blood of Jesus renew every cell in your body. God bless.
Many thanks Aunty Fri! I receive every kind word and prayer you have uttered on my behalf. God is good all the time!
Mabih,to God be the glory..Just want you to know I have been pray for you from the day I got to know you were sick.St Peligrine is a wonderful saint.I prayed to him for healing. The courage tou had to go the end of of chemo was not by your power but by the power of the Almighty.You are well my baby..Uncle Barnes and Auntie Aggie will always pray for you.We love you sweetheart
My Mabs, u did it. You hear me girl?? You are a fighter. Congratulations and know that we all love you very much. Praiseeeeee the Lord!!!
You’re so funny… Thank you Cuzo!
Dearest Mabi you did it! Congratulations 💕 I am~ he is ~ we are really proud of you. Our Mother of fair love ~ your intercession we thank you for the mercy and compassion that you guided your child to the finished line.
Oh Lord God we join Mabi in glorifying your name.
Continue to trust in him for he is your strength.
Remain blessed…. 💕
Aunty Thecla, you and I are together! I don’t have to type much here;. You already know.. My heart is fuller. 💞
Dearest Mabih
You are prettiest and most blessed child of God’s. We continue to thank Him for being by you and touching you wuth His healing hands.
We love you dearly and encourage you to keep Him as your shield.
Many thanks for the prayers and encouragement, Aunty Ash!
Hello MABIH,
Praise be to God for your healing. We continue to glorify His name for having taken your through such trying moments in your life and giving you an opportunity to be a source of inspiration to many others who are victims of similar health condition.
Congrats my dear daughter for your courage so far. May you continue to look up to Him as you sail through the rest of the phases victoriously in Jesus Mighty Name. Thanks for sharing your story and we thank God for the multiple talents he has endowed upon you, just discovered that besides0 being an accountant , a medical doctor , you are also a seasoned writer. Keep up the faith and your beautiful smile as always. It is well.
Aunty Maggie
Hi Mabih. I’m so proud of you. Though your diagnosis is a tough one! You handled it with dignity and love for yourself and life. Your pretty face is always smiling and lightens up any room where ever you go. We thank God for what he has done to heal you . May he continue to bless you forever and ever Amen. Love you always !Auntie Vi.
Love you too, Aunty! Thank you for always standing by me!
Hello Maby Words cannot express how proud I am. Going through this illness is one of the most trying experiences one could ever go through but you’ve fought like a true warrior. I’m grateful to God for proving himself in your life. Stay blessed ❤️❤️
That’s really sweet of you Amanda! I’m happy you stopped by.
Ohh my gorgeous beautiful Rosie, you are more than a fighter, a warrior! Braver, stronger and more courageous than you think you are. Ohhh woow I’m so proud of you and soo happy you made it. With all the ups and downs you went through in this journey. The fears, sorrow, tears, smiles, laughter, positive attitude took you this far. I remember last October you were scared of how you will go through this, and wondering where that strength will come from. You had it all in you, girl! you just didn’t ring the bell hard enough deep down in you at that time 😁 until you started this journey and those bells ignited the strength and all you portrayed to us in your story. You’re beautiful Mabih, even laying in that bed with eyes closed, no hair, you are more than gorgeous. You should be proud of yourself. You did it! We are popping the champagne soon🍾🥂🥂🥂🥂💃💃💃 love you💕💘💝💖
Vicka, thank you for your kind words.❣ I clearly remember 2 days: the day I got diagnosed, and the day I started my treatment. Traumatic! Coming home from Santorini to start chemo felt like I was being led to the guillotine. 😭 God is definitely the one who got me through it.
There’s a saying, “you never know how strong a tea-bag is until you put it in hot water” I’m not calling myself a tea bag, but then again you’ll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. On that note, I’ll have some scones with my tea, please. 😋😋😋
Hello Mabih,
I couldn’t wait a second to get on your blog. I got to know about your illness and chemo journey from your mum this noon. I was first so sad when she told me but when I got to the blog, on reading the story and watching the videos I saw your brevity in going through it all. This gives me peace. And I said this can only be Jesus in you. You are truly your mother’s daughter. Her courage has been genetically embedded in you.
Oh my dear daughter, by the Grace of our Almighty God you made. You are a testimony. We give Him all the glory.
Thank you for sharing this your life experience. Many will be blessed with it.
Remain blessed and keep trusting and serving the great Jehovah Rapha. He has more for you.
You may not remember me but mum will tell you. I last saw you as a kid, You were born in my hands at Hopital Central Yaounde.
Aunty Matilda