Good Morning, Everyone! And it IS a good morning!! It has been a while since my last post - my first chemo treatment was far more difficult than even my oncologist anticipated. WOW....but only 7 more to go, right?!!!
On the day after my first treatment, as I lay in bed, my husband walks in with a box that had just been delivered. He opened it for me and he sat next to me on the bed.....it was from my AN family!!!!!!!!!!!! In it were cards of personal well wishes and love, a wonderful hat from Sara, and beautiful purple dishcloth from ombrerose, and a quilt made up of squares from so many AN friends with words of inspiration, warmth, and love - all in my favorite colors. Steve and I are just overwhelmed by your generosity - together we ran our hands over each and every piece, reading the squares, feeling the warmth that it radiates, and hearing a symphony of voices whispering in our ears that we'll be ok and that we are loved. I can not thank you enough - the quilt is on our bed and comes with me to the living room as I lie back and rest. The individual gifts are always in my sight in my bedroom (when I'm not wearing the hat!). It could not have come at a better time, as I was feeling so very small, ill, and desperately weak.
Snce then, I've had good days and bad days, but the last few have been good. My spirit is back to what I know is "me". Steve took me to work yesterday to say hello to my friends there - he sat outside in the parking lot for 2 hours while I was surrounded by my friends who filled me up with their hugs, smiles, and encouragement. We talked "work" which I was so thirsty for, and it let me see that I am valued at work, missed, and will be welcomed back with open arms when I am ready.
3/18 is my next treatment. My oncology team is armed and ready with a new mix of preparatory drugs to hopefully avoid the misery I experienced the first go round. My IV antibiotics for this infernal infection (AN-related) will END ON MONDAY, so no more dragging around this fannie pack!! HURRAY!!!! I'll just be on oral antibiotics for an extended time, and should not have the digestive issues related to the high dosage of the IV meds I've been on for 10 weeks. That may also help to minimize my chemo side effects.
I'll update more later...my husband is rarin' to go today and wants to take me shopping!! I just love that man!!! I'm on the lookout for pretty things - jewelry, clothes, and the like because this week or next will be the hair loss and I know that will be a very difficult time no matter hard I am prepared. My wig's name is Lola, and she stands ready to serve me when the time comes - she is next to my bed on a stand and she seems to be a nice gal!!! I think we'll get along fine!
Love to all of you and I am sending you gentle hugs from both Steve and I!
Kathy
PS I learned at work yesterday something very important about hugs....with each one, my stuffed **** got smaller and smaller!!! Gotta put in more stuffing next time!!!!
