I spent all morning trying to decide if I should post this or not. It’s always hard to post the “not happy” blog entries and I’m really not looking for sympathy, but I decided to write this because you’re all part of my journey now. Also, I truly hope this might help someone else who is currently going through chemo. Many of you have been supporting me since the beginning and deserve to know what’s going on whether it’s the good, the bad, or the ugly. This one probably falls in the ugly category…
I woke up Monday morning feeling stressed and anxious about my upcoming chemo treatment. Anxiety isn’t something I’ve ever dealt with before and to be honest, I just don’t know how to cope with those emotions. I tried to take my mind off of my upcoming chemo treatment by enjoying my morning coffee outside while Chloe ran around the yard. I also give myself pep talks before every treatment. “It’s going to be ok, you’re almost done, you’ve made it through 7 of these already and you can do this.” Still, I spent the next 2 hours crying and I couldn’t stop. The tears just kept coming. That’s when I turned to all of you for some help and I must say, you all really know how to cheer a girl up. Thank you to everyone who shared their favorite motivational quotes with me! I even saved a bunch on my phone in case I need them for my next treatment.
I managed to pull myself together when my mom got home and we started the long car ride to the hospital. We got there and after hearing that my oncologist was already running about an hour behind schedule, my mom convinced me to get outside and try to walk off some of my anxiety. After we had a good walk, I realized I was really thirsty since I only had coffee to drink and probably cried out most of my fluids that morning. I bought a water and a gatorade from the hospital cafe and immediately chugged the water. I got about 4-5 sips into my gatorade when I started to feel really sick. It was the anticipatory nausea making an appearance. I can usually hold it together, but this time I just couldn’t. Minutes before being called in for chemo, I got sick. They rushed me into my chemo room and hooked up my IV. The nurses always flush my IV with saline and it has a distinct “taste,” or smell as they say. I immediately got sick again when they did this and all I could think was, “Really? I’m getting sick BEFORE I even get chemo?” What I wasn’t thinking was that I now had no more fluid in me. All the water I just made myself drink was out of my system, just like that. Chemo is really dehydrating by itself and I was already way behind the curve with my fluid intake for the day. I didn’t eat or drink anything for the rest of the night after treatment.
Tuesday I woke up with a killer migraine. Every time I’d wake up from a nap, I would take a couple of ibuprofen and try to go back to sleep. It helped a little, but I was so uncomfortable and felt so bad. I got through the day, but when I woke up Wednesday, the pain was unmanageable. I’ve had migraines before, but this was by far the worst one I’ve ever had and the ibuprofen wasn’t helping at all. My mom got on the phone with my doctors and they quickly came to the conclusion that I was severely dehydrated. They said I needed to get IV therapy and they wanted me to do it that night. The problem was, I live so far away from the hospital that I wouldn’t get there in time for them to treat me before they closed. The other option I had was to go to the ER, but I already know they take hours to treat non-life threatening issues and I felt so miserable that I just wasn’t up to it. I promised my mom I would drink a lot so I could get out of going to the ER. I can’t even tell you how much I drank that night, but I always had a full glass next to my bed thanks to my amazing mom and, as promised, it would never last long. We were sure that this would help, but when I woke up on Thursday, I was in so much pain once again. I knew then that I couldn’t fix this on my own so I finally caved in and went to get IV fluids. They gave me two bags of fluid and I was finally able to think clearly again. I’m still dealing with a mild headache that’s been pretty constant since, but it’s so much more manageable than the migraines I had the past few days.
Every chemo treatment has been so different than the last and each time a new curve ball gets thrown my way. I’ll do a few things differently for my next treatment. I’m going to make sure I drink plenty of water the day before and morning of my treatment and I’ll probably also go in for IV therapy the next day as a preventative measure.
I know this is already a really long post, but I have to say one more thing. I checked my inbox today and saw messages from complete strangers who were asking if I was ok since I had not yet posted my countdown picture. It’s so incredible to me that people I don’t even know are following my story so closely that they can tell when something is wrong. I can feel the love and I appreciate all of you.
sunnyskiesahead.com 
Had wondered about you. Glad to read even the post you preferred not to write. Know that many prayers are being said for you.
Love and hugs.
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Keep smiling beautiful. You’ve got this!
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Crystal, you lived in the desert for how long before and forgot about the hydration issue? My, my. Put this girl on the Atlantic coast and she forgets everything about the desert. Teasing over. Pulling for you! Dan
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Hugs❤️ Always in my prayers.
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I have watched family members go through chemo and some days are just “not pretty”. You are a beautiful person and I pray your days get better for you! Looking forward to seeing you back on the air…………….those days are coming! 🙂
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You inspire all of us and we only want to help any way we can.
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From someone who has lived with migraines, I can, literally, feel your pain. In this, anyway! Now that #8 is behind you, maybe take some extra “me” time until the next treatment. Please know, always, that we are rooting for you and sending our strength and healing vibes your way! BTW, it is GORGEOUS here in Chesapeake today! Take care! Paula
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So glad you found the energy to post to let us know how you’re doing. I know that must be a challenge. Take care of you first 🙂 I’m so sorry it was so hard on you and for your headaches. You teach me so much through what seems so simple (hydration), but isn’t simple for you to go through it to learn. We’re still praying for you as often as God allows. Love the picture of you and Chloe! ❤ God loves you! And Chloe! ❤
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Crystal you are a cancer warrior. I have so many friends battling different types of cancer and I can only say hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
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So glad you are feeling some better, I keep you in my prayers. You are such a strong young lady, I know this has to be so hard for you, I don’t know if I could do it. Just think only 4 more and it will be over.Prsyerz for you and the family, I know this has to be really hard on your family. Especially your Mom, Mothers don’t want to see their children in pain or sick, no matter their age, I know, I have 2 on 52 and one 48. Hope you are having a good day today.
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I continue to admire your honesty about what you are going through. Only those who have “been there” can possibly know. It’s even worse for a young healthy girl such as you, in the prime of her life. I can only identify with the pain of migraines and it isn’t pretty. I think of you often and know this will all be behind you in a few months. I look forward to seeing your beautiful self back on 13 and hope to meet you sometime.
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God Bless your strength…don’t ever question God’s purpose…He knows your heart and he will be there for you!!!
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Thank you for writing this blog, even though this treatment wasn’t kind to you. Migraines are brutal, but to wake up 3 mornings in a row with one is even painful to read about. It had to be difficult to ride in the car to get the IV’s.
Hopefully number 8 was the worst and the remaining treatments will be as pleasant as possible.
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Love your shorter hair.
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Crystal you’ve made it so far you getting close to wrapping up the hospital treatments. In a few months it will be the holidays and then 2018. My daughter had the same treatments 2 years ago in July and she is great. I know your strong and your family and dog all love you. You will be broadcasting again! We need you with the crazy weather! Hugs to you! Mrs Marsh
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Crystal….my 30 year old son going through 2 rounds high dose chemo starting this week. Hes had 5 rounds of 5 day chemo already this year treating testicular cancer. Every chemo makes something else pop up. Crazy. You hang in there….we are all puking together!!! Love from wisconsin…joan
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Love u back Crystal. Hang in there girl we r all praying for and thinking about you.
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Chrystal, again so very sorry. Whether you post or not we are there for you during this journey.
I had my last five year appointment on Tuesday. I told my oncologist Dr. Miller, that I felt guilt that my chemo for colon cancer had been so much easier than others had faced or were now facing. I started to tell him about you and he already knew your story. Everyone who goes through cancer treatment has their own story. We are all different because treatments are so varied.
I am now officially in remission and my hope is that 5 years from now you will have this too! Blessings always to you and your family!
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Glad to get your post! Keep strong. Praying for you.
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I am sooooo happy you are feeling better Crystal, I had not seen a post from you in awhile and I was worried about you as well. Even though I don’t know you personally, you are part of the Hampton Roads family and we love you. You are really fighting an EVIL adversary, but you are winning little by little. Keep up the good fight 👍👍👍😘😘🌈🌈🌈🍾🍾.
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I mailed you a small gift this week. I pray for you constantly for God to give you the strength to get through this and to heal your body! Much love from Virginia Beach!❤️
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You are a trooper keep smiling 😃 your strong i had a little bit of relapse but they got all of it had to take a bit of my kidney off im good some pills but good im still praying for you i keep in touch with your mom via Facebook she friened me good talk keep updating LOVE YOU REMBER I LOVE YOU AND GOD DOES AND YOU GET BETTER BACK ON AIR LUNCH AND DINNER ON ME
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Im so sorry to hear about this session going sideways but so glad you are feeling better. Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way. 💚💜💚💜
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Thank you for sharing your journey thru this difficult part of your life. I believe that everyone concerned about you wants to know how you are doing (good days or bad). Your being honest about your experience will certainly help those who will or are also going thru this know that they arent alone. Yes migranes and the pain and nausea that comes with them are almost intolerable. I know that myself. I do wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you back on the set having crushed this ‘beast’….
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Crystal… Positive thoughts going your way as you are showing everyone just how strong you are.. keep subtracting that number until you are down to zero (0) chemo sessions… you’ve got this thing…. I need my favorite weather guesser back on TV, along with Iisha, Evan, Tim and Jim…
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Still in my prayers every day. Have you begun to think about life after chemo? Plans? Things you’ve been putting off? A reassessment of things that are important?
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Crystal, we all love and care about you so much. I think everybody wishes we could help you fight this battle. You’re almost at the end so try and stay as strong as you possible can. You are in my prayers. As Dr. Schuller says,”turn your scars into stars”.
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Glade to hear you’re ok crystal . You only have 4 more to go you’ll be fine and back doing the weather before you know it . i’ll be nice to turn the tv on and see you. anyway fingers crossed. Take care of yourself. Dale
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You will get through this. Until you do, know you have all of our love, support and prayers.
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You are so strong. Keep your eye on the prize. You have a strong family support system and your 13 News family and all your loyal weather junkies want you back.
We are all behind you. And keep up the posts. I’m sure they help you more than you realize.
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Crystal, It’s been 19 yrs since my chemo and, I remember it vividly. What kept me going was family, friends, strangers and, a positive attitude! You are a fighter – you’re in our prayers! God Bless You! Evelyn
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You’ll get through it Pretty Woman. You’re stronger than you even realize and you’ve got God and me on your side.
Sending prayers Crystal b
Roy
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We are praying for you Crystal. You are a very brave and resilient young lady for enduring the chemo.
Jack and Caren Smithson
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Oh, Sweetie, I am so sorry you are having such a rough time this go round. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. Just know that everyone is thing of you and praying for you. You are such a strong person. When you first started your chemo, I offered you to come for coffee and something home baked. That offer is still open whenever you want to take me up on it. Miss you on the weather. ❤️
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Crystal,I haven’t written to you before but you are always in my prayers and I hope you are feeling better now.You are so courageous.
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So glad you made it through this round. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I go on Monday for surgery. It’s a very scary thing but knowing we are not alone in our journey helps. Many prayers to you my cancer sister.
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You are strong and with all that you have endured you still find away to be a voice of reason too so many that are going through something that isn’t quite as difficult as yours. Please know that we are always in your corner! When all this is over an you look back and see just how important life’s journey that you’ve shared has meant to so many and how important you’ve become to be… God Bless You!
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I am so sorry you have had such a hard time! Covering you in prayer !! Mary
mary ferguson theferguson13@gmail.com
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Praying you are feeling better and you headaches have subsided. You are such a fighter I know you will beat the beast!
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What is coming is better than what’s gone. Eight wasn’t great but hopefully nine will be just fine. Soon you will look back on all of this and wonder how you got through this. What you will remember most is not the “ugly” stuff but the love and good things that carried you through. Sending love and healing prayers.
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I’m so sorry you had such a miserable time with number 8! You are such a trooper and your candor is keeping it real. Keep remembering that storms don’t last forever and before you know it your sun will shine bright! Praying that 9 will be fine and 10 is a win! You remain in my daily prayers, Crystal.
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Crystal..I am so sorry that you are having to endure this..I am stopping right now to say a prayer for you for God’s peace and strength to finish these treatments and have a much easier time doing so..I know me..and I would be getting sick, too, we’ll before the treatment..just the anticipation..I pray that this dreaded disease will soon be a part of your past and that you’ll soon be back on tv doing your weather report for “much brighter days ahead”..God bless you and your wonderful family for their love and constant support…Dianne
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So sorry that is happening to such a sweet and caring girl. I hope you are doing better now and that
all the rest will go smoothly. There are a lot of people that love and care about you.
I still say my prayers for you everyday and will continue until I see you on the TV with your beautiful smile.
Like my son use to say when I was potty training him. Almost, almost all done. You are almost
All done too.
Love you girl. ❤️ Hang in there. Kisses and hugs😘
Adele
Sent from my iPad
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I can only Pray that somehow someway that all the love of everyone following you reaches you. Praying for all the strength I know is in and about you helps I just believe you got this.
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I am not sure you realize how many people’s lives you have touched. You have been such an inspiration to so many people here in Virginia Beach but I think your audience is much, much bigger! We are pulling for you to get this behind you and look forward to your successes in the future. I know your parents are so proud of you and they love getting to spend this special time with you. Only four more to go and then graduation! Keep your amazing, positive outlook and I know there are many adventures waiting for you! From one of your many local supporters, David Sharpe
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Chrystal,
You are so much stronger than I am… three weeks ago I called a meeting with my chemo team and told them I was done. I felt like my family was over the cancer and I know I was. After an hour with my social worker and another hour with my Doctor I calmed down sucked it up and took my treatment. It was my 8th treatment and I had 8 to go. It’s been a rough road…5 surgeries, Savi port internal radiation and now chemo. I am down to 5 more treatments and I get to ring that darn bell. Sometimes I am so ashamed of myself because there are people so much worse off and then there are the young like yourself. How dare I complain. I will be 60 in December and have lived a wonderful blessed life. But you have your whole life ahead of you♥️I pray for you every day. I watched you on the news every morning and LOVE the beach commercial. We are all waiting for you to come back. Stay strong and keep us posted on your journey. Your new normal as hard as it is is temporary. At least that’s what they keep telling me. We will get through this.
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Hang in there girl, you’ve got this. You’re over the hump now and on the downward slope toward recovery.
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You are doing great, almost there, hang in there!
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Crystal, you hang in there! I know it sucks. You got this and it is on the downside. Don’t be so rough on yourself, you are amazing!!!!!
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God bless you dear. I can not make it better for you, but I can send you love along your way. Hold on to the good moments. I pray it all goes away and you are better soon. Hugs and much love!
Linda Logan, LDL Creations, LLC
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Crystal Please hurry and get well. I want the beautiful lady that I net at the “Main” back telling me what my weather is going to be.
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Crystal I sit here and I really find it hard to comment on your post I can’t even imagine won’t you are going through but I can tell you this you are a very strong person and a positive person no one said this was going to be a easy journey but I can tell you this you will make it through this unimaginable journey and you will come out on the other side a stronger person then you ever imagined I’m on team Crystal and I’m pulling for you!!! Hang in there my favorite Weather Lady❤️🙏
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