Woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend... Just when I thought life could not get any better I heard a knock on my door, it was Cancer.
It changed everything but not for the worse. I choose Life and Hope .
BACK OFF CANCER is what I say!

The beginning of this journey...shaving my head

The beginning of this journey...shaving my head
Me, Francesca, on April 1st 2007, the day I shaved my head....

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Week I: Francesca 1 x Cancer 0

Overall I feel great. Carsten got my bike set up in the room so I try to stay on it for 30 mins a day. It feels like I have stayed 5 hours. The first 10 mins are the hardest. I really can't believe that once I actually biked from Boston to NYC. (AIDS Ride '98)
I feel GREAT once I am done.... and it helps me sleep better.
I have little nausea and although my energy doesn't compare to b.c. (before cancer) levels... I really can't complain. I also have not lost my appetite. ( not sure if that is good or bad!)
The nights can be hard. The steroids that I am taking prevent me from sleeping well. Also nights can be LONG... during the day I keep myself very busy but at nights my mind tend to drift away....
I BRING IT RIGHT BACK! For as much as I can control, I will try not to think of the "what if?".
Carsten and I decided that life will go on ,as much as we can control of it, so he left today for a 10 day trip to Switzerland. As most of you know, we have accepted a transfer with Google to move to Zurich this Summer. Dates of the actual big Giessmann move may have to change a bit but we are still planning to go and Leonardo is already enrolled in a great bilingual school right by the lake. I will miss Carsten while he is away and worry that I may need him but he is a flight away and my Mom is here helping me. ( she is beginning to drive me crazy but it is all with the most well intended manner...and I will try my best to just accept that her role as a mother is of that: to protect me! )
I have scheduled my next cycle of chemo for Thursday 4/12. My sister , Chiara, arrives on the 13th and we will have a long "sisters week end". I hope my energy level will be good so I can take her out to do a couple of fun things... No hard partying!
Today I went to Sports Authority to buy some dumbbells so I can also get some resistance training into my daily routine. I definitely think working out will be a great escape for me.
As I begin to go out "in public"... I wonder if people can see thru me ... I still "don't look like I have cancer" and my buzz hair cut has actually been a hit....
I wonder at what point .. and how I will feel when I will LOOK LIKE CANCER????... will people stare at me? will they think: how young! Will they look at Carsten and Leonardo and feel sorry for them.

Well... I can't plan that now! I have promised to take a day at a time.. and for right now..... LIFE IS GOOD!
much love... many blessings for a Happy Easter!
Francesca

8 comments:

ney filho said...

minha linda... viva uma dia após o outro, é bem melhor, e vc sabe. acredito que as pessoas já olham pro leo o carsten e pensam: sortudos!!!!
e que lance é esse de suiça?

Unknown said...

You are an amazing woman, Francesca. I know you will come out of this stronger, healthier and more feisty than ever. You are an inspiration for your family and friends and especially for Leonardo. My thoughts and healthy wishes are with you. Kisses to you on your fabulously shaved head!
Love, Nancy

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

GI Jane-
First of all you look hot. Im going to get you some cute army accessories to go with your new fighter look which is again, hot. Anyway, its weird, I have never had anyone very close to me have cancer, fortunately. SO when I heard the news it was strange how immediately hopeful I was just because I know your a fighter and you wont let this consume you. Your son will not only see you as his mom but one of his favorite superheros. You are invincible and there is nothing you cannot do. I know you know all this but its just a reminder that not everyone feels bad for you, strangers may look and say "how young" but they dont know what we know and thats whats behind that so called "cancer look" and that is Francesca Giessman once just our friend, now our favorite superhero. I admire you, I dont feel bad for you and I am here for you always Love ya girl.
Jill

Unknown said...

You are amazing!! for the short period of time that i got to know you this is what I thought. You will be fine and get through this with flying colors. You are forever in my prayers and pray for your continued strength as you you win this up hill battle.

God Bless
Sunshine

Unknown said...

The haircut looks Great. :)

Unknown said...

I agree with Jill...the cut is hot!! Stay strong GF and keep your thumb high in the air!!!

Much Love,
Audra

Unknown said...

Frannie,
Pra mim voce continua sendo uma pessoa linda, forte, valente e um super exemplo pra todos nos. Uma super heroi e das melhores!
Te mando muitos beijos, abracos e muito, muito amor!
Betina