Next steps...wig-fitting! Weird...

So, what I week I have had. And I am thankful to be home today, puttering and doing normal things. 5 different doctor appts. this week with 3 more coming this week...such is my life these days!  And I have a patient, kind driver who has been so helpful...and LOVES logging driving hours with her permit.  :)

 

 

Things accomplished this week:
Stitches out, met Oncologist, had Mediport placed for chemo, met nurse practitioner at oncology office, and had pre-chemo baseline heart echo done.

 

 

Things coming this week:
Followup with surgeon, another expansion (blech...), meet with Oncologist again, try to see my primary care doc and possibly switch to one at Paoli (it would make some things easier even though I do love my current doctor)

 

 

I am scheduled to start chemo on December 13th.  They were nice enough not to schedule me the week just before Christmas since I don't know how I will react.  They truly do everything they can to make it easy on your body, but it is still an assault on your body.  So, I should have some time to recoup before Christmas.  AND, they say I will most likely be looking to be bald(ing) by New Year's.  That has been surprisingly difficult to handle this week, even though I know we will make it fun.  Just all of this is becoming more of a reality. Up until now, this has been Mom recovering from surgery.  Both girls have said that when I start chemo, the reality of the cancer will hit home more.  I have appreciated the Oncologist already.  We were 'warned' about her upfront, no-sugar-coating way of dealing with things, but found her warm and friendly and just very honest.  We thoroughly appreciated that.  And like her and the office very much.  She was the first one I've met that openly said the the expanders hurt!  Thank you for that! 

Off to talk Christmas lists with Buddy and sit here to test light strands for the tree.  There are some things I can do without getting too exhausted and I am so glad for that.  Physically, I am feeling pretty good but just tire easily...my arms and chest muscles get tired by the end of the day.  I remember someone telling me, after having kids, that they kept waiting for things to get back to 'normal' and then realized that there was a NEW 'normal'!  That's how I am feeling at the moment and the new normal will eventually end, but it is here for quite a while.

Thankful for:

• the fact that people at Paoli are well-trained in their jobs, both technically and personally.
• the fact that this cancer is treatable. 
• so many here and around me that show their love in many thoughtful, practical ways.
• Christmas music - what a LIFT to my spirits!
• Christmas lights - I know I have said that before, but I just love them. I'm glad we don't have them all year. Makes it all the more special. 
• Driving home in the dark and seeing different houses decorated.
• Shopping in Target with Kristen - she makes so many funny comments! You just don't even know!

Have a blessed day. Wherever you are, be reminded of the Advent of our Savior. What a blessing in the midst of difficult days!

Andi