Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
“Okay, the first day of chemo is completed and it went well. I still feel pretty good, but tomorrow may be a different story.”

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
“I haven’t felt as good as I had hoped. The first and second day after chemo went fine, but the third day I hit bottom and just wanted to sleep as much as possible.” 

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008
“I’m learning that every day can be a totally different experience. Yesterday I felt my best with lots of energy and was very hungry. This morning I woke up pretty tired and could feel my immune system was down. It’s frustrating not having control over how you feel.” 

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008
“I seem to be having some short-term memory lapses during my chemo and while coming out of it. Bear with me. I may need to be reminded of things.” 

Jonna knew losing her hair was a side-effect of chemotherapy, so she took matters into her own hands.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008
“On Nov. 13, I had an appointment to have my head shaved. It’s a good thing because that morning as I was brushing my hair, I had a small wad of hair come out. Oh well, it was gong to happen. I was relieved to see that my head wasn’t as deformed as I thought it would look. It actually wasn’t too bad at all.” 

Finally, she started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of chemotherapy treatments.

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009
“Yesterday was my sixth chemo treatment out of eight. It began as, ‘Wow…how will I get through four months of this?!?!?’ Well, with a month left, I think I can handle it.” 

Jonna realized she needed to lean on those close to her to help her make it through the last month and the emotional challenges of chemo.

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009
“I know people think I am strong, and can handle anything, but even the strong need a shoulder once in awhile. While I am tackling chemo as best I can, it does effect the emotional part too. Us strong women want to appear strong all the time and not show our vulnerabilities, but I am learning that I can’t handle all of the emotions on my own at times. The mental part of cancer/chemo can be the worst part of the treatment.” 

In February, she moved on to a new stage in her journey.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009
“Last treatment today!!! Whoo Hooo! The entire staff stopped by with bubbles that they were blowing throughout my room while hollering out congrats. Then they presented me with a certificate of ‘completion’ signed by everyone—how cool is that? In a bittersweet way, I will miss all of them!” 

A new chapter begins... Read more