Munira Premji

 

IMG_1680It has been 2 weeks since my first chemotherapy treatment, and everything is coming back to me like an old, familiar song.  That first week after chemo was tough.  Like the nausea and the going to the bathroom a lot.  Like the nosebleeds – lots of it.  Like how everything tasted like sawdust.  Like the fatigue that saw me sleeping for 14 hours a day.  And the “chemo brain” syndrome that caused me to forget things. And the painful mouthsores.  Then, a week later, everything changed.  I started to taste food again, and have rediscovered my love affair with oranges and Cadbury Whole Nut chocolate bars!  The fatigue has lifted and I have tons of energy.  Life is so great!

I think it has helped that I have gone through chemo twice before, so I know what to expect.  Most days, as I go through different side-effects, I find myself saying, “Oh Yeah, I remember that!” and then promptly find a way to deal with it.  And very easily, I am relying on familiar habits to help me ride through the chemo. Carrot juice and beets everyday. Green smoothies. Vitamins. Ensure nutritional supplements for when I can’t eat. Sleep when I need it.  Walks to keep my body moving.  And getting things done when I have short bursts of energy.  Chemo, with all its side-effects, is actually quite manageable when you stop fighting it and instead listen to your body with all the wisdom it imparts.

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Afsan, Munira and Sabrina

Today, my hair has started to fall out. This is something I was expecting to happen, and yet it is not as devastating as it was when it happened four years ago.  I am holding on to my hair, literally, for as long as I can, before I start sporting wigs. My beautiful friend and hairstylist, Afsan, took Sabrina and me wig shopping last week, and we picked up 4 cool wigs!  They wanted me to go a bit wild, and showed me wigs with updos and exotic styles and colours.  It was one of my tired days and I did not feel like playing, so I opted for wigs that I could see myself wear everyday.  Again my past collided with my present as the owners of the wig place totally remembered me from 4 years ago and helped me source the newest styles and colours.

My next chemo is on April 4th and I am actually looking forward to it because it brings me one step closer to eradicating this cancer.  Going through cancer this time is like having a second child.  The first time everything is a novelty and you are on hyper-alert.  The second time is easier because you know what to expect and it is not as daunting.  An example of this, Nagib always reminds me, is when Shayne was a baby and he would drop a cookie on the floor, we would fuss over it and eventually give him a new one.  Whereas, when Sabrina came along, well… even if the toast with butter and jam fell wet-side down, we would brush off any visible dirt and give it back to her.  So much more relaxed with the second one!

So, for my second chemo, you should see what I have planned — a DVD player loaded with my favourite movie, my go-to red striped blanket, Don Miguel’s new book which I am currently reading, oranges and a Whole Nut Chocolate bar.  Oh, and an iPad to write another post!  Why, its almost like being on … no, not quite, vacation!

8 Comments

  • Anonymous , March 30, 2016

    Munni
    You are so beautiful and so positive. May Mowla give you strength and lots of barakat. I love your long hair wig. Looks good on you.
    Love U
    Yasmin

  • May , March 30, 2016

    You are so brave and positive! Love the wig with the feathered banks.

  • Anonymous , March 29, 2016

    Oh Munira. No one can put a positive spin on things like you can. How I wish I were more like you – I’m going to think of you whenever I have a grumpy, whiny moment complaining about nonsense. You rock those wigs, girl!!!

  • Zarina ebrahim , March 29, 2016

    You are most courageous woman. May God bless you and give you long life.
    Zarina Ebrahim

  • Nargis Hajee , March 29, 2016

    May you always be blessed with good health, peace, happiness, barakah, strength, courage and fulfillment of all your good wishes. Ameen.

  • Christine Vaccola , March 29, 2016

    You are an inspiration to us all. All the lessons you teach in every post. Your ability to embrace the most difficult periods and see the bright side of it is inspiring to me. Keep that light within you shining brightly. ❤️

  • Noor , March 29, 2016

    As always Munira you amaze with your spirit and upbeat view of your journey. A true inspiration. I send you positive vibes and healing thoughts. Allah Bless!

  • Gulshy Harjee , March 29, 2016

    Your tenacity and bravery , resilience and positive spirit is infectious. Continue to make progress. The wigs are darling. I love the long hair on you Munira

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