The only thing in life that is guaranteed is change!
So, we have been a little quiet over the last week. I spent over 8 weeks (pre chemo) planning to attend the KW Chamber Gala and despite having a plan A, B and C, we made A happen. I have to confess that behind the scenes, I was in my robe at 4:30 pm and wearing jewelry for the first time in months was weird. I anticipated it would suck the life out of me! But waking Friday, I was still relatively strong. OK, one step at a time… but I am thrilled to report, I kept it up!
It’s odd when achievements become the things we took for granted in the past. Dog park walks, making cheesecake (Miah's, for her birthday), cooking family meals (yes, we have turkey dinner and crispy duck… also for Miah's birthday), dropping off the odd treat for friends and sharing a meal “out” between appointments at the hospital with my hubby!
And appointments we have had; this week was loaded with hospital visits!
Aside from chemo, I have to take a range of other meds. Some are by injection and have to be hospital administered. But the most unique of the week was my mid-way ultra sound. I am officially done with the first half of chemo and this was a true progress check (the doctor sees me every two weeks, but this was the official measurement). Starting out, my primary mass in the right breast was 14 cm and we are down to 7ish! The lymph node also saw about a 50 percent reduction. All to say, we are moving in the right direction.
As I said, the only constant is change and yesterday was my first “new” chemo. It was very different… the infusion was approximately 5 hours (with travel time on top). Going in, the anxiety was high as allergic reactions are not uncommon, and the premeds are more intense than the first chemo. A dose of IV Benadryl made me feel trippy, and then a few hours later nausea kicked in… could be causation if correlation… but required a pause, more side drugs, and fluids. Then came the pins and needles in my feet- something that is expected from this drug (hands and feet with extreme drying of the skin). I left tired, and grumpy! But woke up this morning after a decent nights sleep- solid!!!
The next few days will be interesting. I have incredible high hopes as the first regime was not my friend! But, I will be patient (at least try) as we figure it out. And as we head to warmer weather, my toques are getting toasty… and Izzy’s obsession with my naked head is hilarious. Announcing to the lady at the post office “my mom has no hair but don’t worry it will grow back. Papa's won’t!!”
The other day she presented me with her wig from her dress up box- rock star, not Elsa!
And proceeded to give me a new look, which apparently should be accompanied by a KISS style tongue! I have said from the start I have too many fabulous drag queens in my life to rock a wig… but never say never!!!!
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