Chemo Day 9

Was it a good week?

Hmmm, good question… there were some really really good things that happened this week, so for that the answer would be an overwhelmingly YES!!!

But, there were some rough patches too, which is never fun. So I’m not going to say it a good or bad week… it was both depending on the moment.

The really really good part of the week was watching these two… a visit that looked a lot different for obvious reasons including lots of distancing but we made it work. Family and laughter is truly the best medicine! Thank you both for the best non-prescription medicine!!

So here’s the other side of really really good...

and this is me just putting my feelings down as remember this blog is for me too.

It’s not to make you sad, or feel sorry for me, and I’m not complaining… but it is what it is!

This is a lot…

it’s not just dealing with drinking water, taking meds, and dealing with side effects… it’s not just making sure I eat properly, are my labs okay this week, did I walk enough… it’s not just that I’m immunocompromised and have been quarantined since Dec 4… it’s not just making sure I wear the proper ‘chemo’ attire… which means easy access to my port on chemo day, and it’s not just making sure that whatever I wear that day and the next 48 hrs must be washed in hot water which means to plan my wardrobe accordingly… it's not just keeping up with appointments.... is it in-person, phone or televideo and do they have everything necessary for the appt, and yes I know I have to go in alone... it’s not just making sure I rest when my body says so, even though it’s something I’ve never had to do before… and it’s not just asking for help when I’m truly capable, but not ‘allowed’ to right now ~ losing a little of my independence has not been easy.

It’s also being presented with my options for the next steps, and making those tough decisions that not only affect me, but everyone close to me. So yes, it’s a lot! It’s overwhelming at times, and it’s emotionally draining… it’s obviously a lot of personal decisions that I have to make because it’s my body, but since it affects my future, I know my decision affects everyone around me. I know it’s one step at a time, but still, it’s a lot!

The little reminders I get from you all are truly my biggest inspiration right now. Whether it’s in the form of a sticky note, the ‘just checking in’ and 'thinking of you' texts, a handmade bracelet, a song, the amazing and thoughtful special deliveries… they are all so very appreciated… so please know you ALL are helping me get through this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Here's some special treats I received this week...

Yes, the doughnuts were delious and amazing... thank you my friend BL what a sweet treat!!! And to HT, thank you for the scarf, my neck is very appreciative.... and especially for the beautiful, personalized bracelet, Joshua 1:9, what a special gift, handmade by another colleague, thank you JW, it's beautiful!! And AP and the Pclan... the treasure box full of heartfelt, perfect treasures... thank you so much... especially for the notes... I've read every one and they're just what I needed... and know that I will keep them all in a special place so when I need a little reminder, you'll be there for me. To R&L... the bread is amazing... thank you... and thanks for the front porch chat... it was great seeing you! And to my knitting machine mom, thank you... I love my new beanie... and to JG & AD... my WW blankie is just what this warrior needed to snuggle in... thank you so much!

Apparently after 8 weeks of chemo is when my eyelashes decided it’s time to go. Not many left, so it’s another new look… and not one I’m particularly fond of. Luckily, so far makeup has helped, but I know it’s not the same look. Depending on how long the stragglers hang on, I may be relying on some cute new eyelashes given to me.

Today’s appointment… really nothing new to talk about. Amazing nurses, good appt with my Oncologist, and the best part is that the treatment went well... I came home this afternoon and went right back to work. Then for dinner had some amazing Greek Night leftovers, and a good evening. I have my new med for tonight so it should counter the morning pre-treatment med that causes insomnia… which means I should now get more than the typical 3-hour Monday night sleep!! And I am definitely looking forward to that!

Next appt… March 8