French Word(s) of the Day: la stérilité (la stare-ill-ee-tay)- sterility
After my fabulous, late-night fiascos, my doctor has decided that CellCept is a bad idea. Apparently, getting sick every night isn’t good for you. Who knew?
I stopped taking it, and I’ve been feeling much better. I’m currently in high spirits- still exercising, eating right, and maintaining an active social life.
Medication-wise, we’re back to cyclophosphamide, a form of chemotherapy. I’m actually happy with this decision. The CellCept was not worth the trouble. I’m not saying CellCept isn’t great for other people, my body’s just not so much a fan of it.
As for what taking chemotherapy will do to my body, that remains to be seen. I’ll be taking it once a month for 6 months. It’s supposedly a five hour process each time. Unlike cancer patients, I probably won’t lose all my hair; but even if I do, hair grows back.
At the end of this, I’ll have kidneys that aren’t being attacked. I’m super excited about that.
Cyclophosphamide is in the group of chemotherapy that can cause sterility. Because of this, even though I’m not even in a relationship or even currently contemplating children, I got to speak with a fertility specialist. (Ah, the fun things I get to do before even turning a quarter of a century old! If you think it’s awkward having to discuss your relationship status with relatives, it’s even more fun with a fertility specialist.)
I won’t be taking a strong enough dose of the medicine (and I’m not old enough) to be in an extremely high risk category for becoming completely sterile. To help preserve my fertility, I’m going to be placed in a state of menopause for the next 6 months during treatment. I’ll get to experience the joys of hot flashes, night sweats, and moodiness that will surely make me a pleasure to be around.
You should all be warned that I’m planning on throwing this into a lot of future conversations to make people feel guilty. “You’re having a bad hair day? Yes, well, it’s not as hard as going through menopause- TWICE.”
Life’s not about what happens to you; it’s about how you use those experiences as automatic trump card.
French with an American Accent 
NOOOO! MENOPAUSE! But at least it’s going to help, I guess.
Also, I love that picture!
Mood swings, body changes, irritability – been there, done that, wrote the book on it. So just know you won’t be alone and can call me when no one else wants to talk to you!
Love,
Donna