A Warmer Look and a Shorter Day

Highlights from today's chemo adventure are fun to look at actually. First, I must explain that my hubby thinks I'm a goofball, rather idiot, because I love to take photos of everything. I mean everything. On the way into the Roswell Clinic in Williamsville this morning, I plopped my stuff down in the snowy parking lot to take photos of the outside of the clinic. "Why?" you ask. My answer, "That's just me!!!"

Moving on, we walked into the office at 7:45 a.m., the first ones there which meant I could get right down to business. Lab tests completed, I started with 6 bags instead of 12 or 13, hoping to be done by noon. This is a short day, you see, and not as intense as last week.

Who puts a picture of their feet on a blog?

This time I was more prepared. Ever go to a quilt retreat and leave most of your supplies at home (not planned), and then wonder how you're going to manage? That was me last week. I wasn't as prepared. My bottom half was cold, especially my big feet. 

This week I wore my toe socks, some Sherpa lined sweat pants (ahhhh), and used a quilt my sister made for me several years ago (on the back there's the fuzziest fleece I have ever felt). Being warmer made a huge difference. I actually rested more and didn't feel as under attack from the drugs as I did the first time around.

Being the first one there, I could welcome patients as they arrived. (You know me! I love to greet people at our sewing events!) First came Elizabeth, then Bonnie, and Vanna. So I made three new friends, all with their own stories to tell, and we talked our way into treatment until they infused us with Benadryl and we all fell asleep! You see when you make new friends at chemo, you actually sleep together and it's perfectly okay!!!

Then I came home, had lunch with Tom, did crossword puzzles from the newspaper, and of course, had to hug the bouquet of flowers I received from my boys on Saturday. It is priceless. (They would say it was pricey.) 

This bouquet stands slightly over 24" high (measured naturally with my quilt ruler) and displays a multitude of absolutely perfect, gorgeous flowers of color. The card reads: "Cancer should be afraid of you!"  I'm still pinching myself that the boys sent me flowers! Wow! Tears here every time I think about it.

My day is complete because already, my little dog, Claire jumped into my lap for snuggles. She doesn't mind the smell of chemo at all (not so far). I was so afraid she would have nothing to do with me. Seems like we are closer than ever. She and God are becoming my best buds. 

Next on the agenda...at 6:15 p.m., I get my hair cut to about an inch. This week or next I will be losing my hair to chemo so have chosen to preempt that major change with a new do. This part is hard. I stand and look in the mirror and realize I will never ever look the same again and then think maybe baldness and new growth on the other end will show you a better me. Sure will be an adjustment! This is an experience in good, better, best! Best is on the horizon...a long way forward. Just you wait!