The Journey Continues . . .

The Journey Continues . . . 

During February, I focused on my health. I am thankful that I had finished five interviews, pláticas, in January. Two more women priests responded to my request for an interview. I had set up one of them for 2/16/21, but it turned out that I could get my first chemotherapy scheduled that day. I was excited to get started with the chemo because Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, the type of cancer I have, is aggressive and frequently returns. So I need to be just as aggressive with starting the chemo. 

The month started with several appointments, an Echocardiogram, a neck CT scan to make sure the cancer hadn't spread to the lymph nodes in my neck. Then, I was scheduled to get a PET scan, but it was postponed due to the insurance needing to get a different doctor to order it, the radiation oncologist, and not the ENT/Rhinologist. I got emotional, and my sister reminded me to stay calm and that we would find a way. 

I also had surgery to place a port under my skin for infusions/chemotherapy. I named the port on a friend's recommendation, "her name is "Lucy" for the "I Love Lucy" show. I also learned that St. Lucy is the patron saint for people suffering from eye problems; I have been dealing with double vision due to the tumor spreading to my left eye socket and pressing against the eye. 

It took some time, but I finally was able to get a PET scan, which scanned me from head to toe. I also took a class called ChemoTeach, where a pharmacist explained the medicine I would be taking, VAC-IE. The following day I was able to begin chemo, Tuesday, 2/16. I looked forward to starting and was in a good mood. When I completed my first round, the VAC portion of the chemo, I half expected a marching band with balloons and confetti celebrating that I had my first infusion. It was a good day. I had a rough night but got the right antinausea medicine and slept better. The next day I felt better than I had since I first started having symptoms, the end of last October. I took a shot the following day to help build up my blood, which caused me to feel achy and have sore joints. The rest of the week was up and down. 

The Friday after the chemo, I watched a comedy when I snort-laughed and noticed that I could breathe out of the nostril that had been blocked with the tumor. By Sunday, the nostril was completely clear, and the double vision was less noticeable. The chemo is working!

The following week I had an appointment with an acupuncturist, and her treatment helped me so much, body, mind, and spirit. I had blood drawn the following day to make sure my blood and platelet counts are good. I was able to see Dr. Paul, the medical oncologist, to finally discuss the results of the various tests I had taken, including the PET scan, to learn if the cancer had spread. Dr. Paul said my blood work was excellent and that the cancer was located only in the left sinus and around the left eye. It did not reach the frontal lobe of my brain. It is localized. Thank you, God!! 

This past Monday, 3/1/21, I noticed that my hair was starting to fall out; by Friday, the hair loss was significant. The news that the chemo is working and that the cancer is located in only one area of my body softens the blow of losing my hair. I cut my waist-long hair the day I started chemo. I'm curious how I'll look with no hair. I'll soon find out. 

Next week, if my blood counts remain good, I'll enter the hospital for the second part of the chemo, the IE medicine. I'll be in the hospital for 6-7 days. Keep your prayers and good thoughts coming. And thank you for your awesome support!

Dissertation Update

This week I made progress on my dissertation. I started editing the Zoom transcripts from the pláticas, the heart-to-heart conversations I had with the women priests. I'm so happy that I finished two of the interviews, the pláticas. It was great to listen to them again. I was able to convert the transcripts into Excel spreadsheets, making it easier to code and analyze the data. I worked with my dissertation writing buddy every day this week. Every hour of plática takes roughly two hours to edit the transcripts to make sure they represent what the speaker said. Working on the Zoom website makes it easier because the transcript is highlighted as the speaker talks. I'm saddened that I couldn't meet the women priests in person, but this is the next best way.

Since I last updated this blog, two more priests have responded to my emails. I was supposed to interview one on 2/16/21, but I had to reschedule because the first dose of chemo was scheduled for that day. I will keep trying to reach the two priests. One priest is a nonbinary, transgender individual who doesn't identify as a woman. They use they/them pronouns. They were ordained through Roman Catholic Womenpriests. The other priest is a woman of color. I value the diversity their voices will bring to the dissertation study.

My new dissertation working title is Roman Catholic Womenpriests Ordination: Looking beyond the binary through Anzaldúa's Path of Conocimiento and the Methodology of Plática.

Another development on the dissertation front is that the Chair of my dissertation committee nominated me for a dissertation completion fellowship through ASU, which will fund me for a year, two semesters, while I finish my dissertation. As I look to the future, I realize that I need to give myself more time to complete my dissertation. I now plan to graduate (God-willing) in May 2022. The cancer diagnosis has caused me to reevaluate every aspect of my life; my health must come first. I want to give myself the upcoming school year to focus on my health and my dissertation.

Say a prayer for me that I get chosen for the fellowship; it will help a lot! 🙏🤞

I'm not sure how much work I'll be able to do while I'm in the hospital. I'm bringing my electronics with me, but I'm not sure what to expect because this is the first time I'm having this chemo experience. I'm open to the experience, the people I'll meet, and the healing that will take place.

Take care, MD