We were hit with a foot of snow on Thursday. At some points it was snowing 2-3" per hour. There was no way I'd get home, so when they closed the lab at 10:00, my employer put me and three coworkers up at a nearby hotel. It was total insanity. The three of them had to push my car as often as it moved under it's own power. By last night, I was super happy to be at home.
Monica was supposed to go to Mizzou (in Columbia, MO) for a band event tomorrow. They were to rehearse tomorrow, sleep in a dorm, rehearse Monday and then perform Monday night. The other girl invited is a friend of Monica's and her mother was going to transport them. There is now another snow storm heading this way and it is supposed to hit Monday evening. This made us very nervous so I was happy when they called a bit ago and told us they were postponing it.
A week from today, I'll be in Texas visiting Brooke. I'm travelling with my friend Tammy, who is visiting her son in San Antonio while I hang with Brooke a couple of hours away. Then we'll travel home together. I'm super excited. We'll get back on Monday afternoon, and then I'm off work Tuesday for doctor's appointments. The annual visits are approaching and I'm getting more nervous by the day.
I know two people who have gone through breast cancer treatment at the same time as me and who have recently found out they have metastatic cancer. Both have it in their bones and one of them in her lungs, too. This freaks me out hardcore. There is nothing I can do except stay vigilant with exams and report anything new that pops up. That, and enjoy every minute of every day. I try my best not to dwell on the what-ifs, but my mind still goes there several times a day.
NASCAR is back for another season, starting with the running of the Daytona 500 tomorrow. My family can utter a collective groan, but I'm thrilled. It makes everyone happy that we have two TVs in the house. Combine this season starter with the new season of Duck Dynasty starting on Wednesday and you have one happy redneck chick right here.
Wow, that was a lot of subject hopping. I guess maybe I should update more often and that wouldn't happen, but that's what's going through my mind this afternoon.
Showing posts with label brooke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brooke. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Chemo Day 6 of 8
I had an appointment with my oncologist yesterday. I always have lab work and an appointment with her the day before chemo. I really like her, and I trust her completely. She's never been anything but honest and open with me. However, I was in a foul mood when I got there yesterday, and it caused me to leave there mad at her.
I posted on Facebook that I could tell her that there is battery acid dripping from my eye sockets and my arms have fallen off, and she would smile, nod, and say sweetly, "Yes, you're doing great." Normally, her positive attitude is what I need. She is gentle and sweet and understanding. I think the big ol' chip on my shoulder wanted her to say, "Wow, you're having a rough time, aren't you? Here's a cookie." LOL
The truth is, she really does think I'm doing very well, considering the side effects. She sounds amazed every time she asks if I'm still working and I tell her that I am. I keep saying that, if my job had better short-term disability pay, I'd take off until this was over. The truth is, though, I'd be in a worse place, emotionally, if I was home all day feeding my pity party. At least when I'm at work I am solving other people's problems and not thinking about my own.
Today is the day that I could have slept later. However, Kevin is trying to get some overtime, so he was up early and the light shines in our room, so I was up by 4. So much for sleeping in. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon (it takes fewer than 5 minutes for a tissue expander fill) and then I double back to this side of the state line for chemo.
Chemo day is a relaxing day. Any side effects don't kick in for a couple of days, so it's not an uncomfortable experience in any way. I can play on my computer and relax. I can take lunch there if I choose, and they have a basket of snacks for those who find themselves hungry and ill prepared. The nurses are caring and sweet and chatty and genuine. I don't mind chemo day at all.
Three times, others have gone with me. It was fun to have someone to visit with, although I always worry they'll be bored. Kevin took reading material when he went, and my friends Brooke and Tammy each took a turn, hiding any boredom they experienced.
Kevin has planned an outing to Red Lobster for Sunday afternoon. We don't eat out very often, and he wanted to treat us with some of his OT. That is my incentive to not hurt so bad this time. LOL If it's as bad as last time, it'll just be him and the girls. If I can do it, I'll be going along. I LOVE Red Lobster. Maybe I'll start taking pain pills now to make sure it doesn't get too bad. I'm kidding, but I DO love those cheddar bay biscuits.
Wow, that turned into a rambling post. When you wander around that much in a blog post, it's time to stop.
I posted on Facebook that I could tell her that there is battery acid dripping from my eye sockets and my arms have fallen off, and she would smile, nod, and say sweetly, "Yes, you're doing great." Normally, her positive attitude is what I need. She is gentle and sweet and understanding. I think the big ol' chip on my shoulder wanted her to say, "Wow, you're having a rough time, aren't you? Here's a cookie." LOL
The truth is, she really does think I'm doing very well, considering the side effects. She sounds amazed every time she asks if I'm still working and I tell her that I am. I keep saying that, if my job had better short-term disability pay, I'd take off until this was over. The truth is, though, I'd be in a worse place, emotionally, if I was home all day feeding my pity party. At least when I'm at work I am solving other people's problems and not thinking about my own.
Today is the day that I could have slept later. However, Kevin is trying to get some overtime, so he was up early and the light shines in our room, so I was up by 4. So much for sleeping in. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon (it takes fewer than 5 minutes for a tissue expander fill) and then I double back to this side of the state line for chemo.
Chemo day is a relaxing day. Any side effects don't kick in for a couple of days, so it's not an uncomfortable experience in any way. I can play on my computer and relax. I can take lunch there if I choose, and they have a basket of snacks for those who find themselves hungry and ill prepared. The nurses are caring and sweet and chatty and genuine. I don't mind chemo day at all.
Three times, others have gone with me. It was fun to have someone to visit with, although I always worry they'll be bored. Kevin took reading material when he went, and my friends Brooke and Tammy each took a turn, hiding any boredom they experienced.
Kevin has planned an outing to Red Lobster for Sunday afternoon. We don't eat out very often, and he wanted to treat us with some of his OT. That is my incentive to not hurt so bad this time. LOL If it's as bad as last time, it'll just be him and the girls. If I can do it, I'll be going along. I LOVE Red Lobster. Maybe I'll start taking pain pills now to make sure it doesn't get too bad. I'm kidding, but I DO love those cheddar bay biscuits.
Wow, that turned into a rambling post. When you wander around that much in a blog post, it's time to stop.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Being More Careful
Yesterday was fun. The girls even got up without struggles, and we left early for City Market. I didn't have to ditch my group for a bench, even though these stupid steroids take my breath a lot. I just moved slowly along and we had a good time.
When we got home, I realized that I'd need a nap or I'd never make it through the afternoon, so I went to bed at 1:30 with my alarm set for 3. It went off, I felt dizzy, so I turned it off. Backup alarm went off at 4:00, but still, I couldn't get out of bed. I looked over by the bed, saw my full water glass, and started counting ounces. I didn't get to count very high.
I'd had a lot of coffee while everyone got ready, and then I'd had a Diet Coke. I filled my glass before we hit the road, and that's all the water I had all day. We walked around in the sun and heat for a couple of hours, and I wasn't drinking anything. I was good and dehydrated.
It took a couple of hours and a LOT of water and Gatorade to straighten me out. My head finally stopped spinning and I was told I looked better after 2-3 hours. After getting that straightened out, I was hungry and actually ate dinner. That's saying something for day four. If I'd stayed hydrated, I'd probably had an amazing day! LOL
Today should be crash day, but as easy as the rest of this cycle has been, I plan to not let it happen. I'm already pumping down water, and anything we do will be inside the a/c today. Brooke will head back home tomorrow, and I don't want to waste any of our time crashed out in my chair. I'm already sad about her leaving. I want to make the most of today.
I just have to be more careful. I let the fact that I was doing so well lead to a false sense of security. I now know to enjoy the fact that this third cycle is being so good to me, and keep up with the things I know my body needs. Like water. Time for a refill!
When we got home, I realized that I'd need a nap or I'd never make it through the afternoon, so I went to bed at 1:30 with my alarm set for 3. It went off, I felt dizzy, so I turned it off. Backup alarm went off at 4:00, but still, I couldn't get out of bed. I looked over by the bed, saw my full water glass, and started counting ounces. I didn't get to count very high.
I'd had a lot of coffee while everyone got ready, and then I'd had a Diet Coke. I filled my glass before we hit the road, and that's all the water I had all day. We walked around in the sun and heat for a couple of hours, and I wasn't drinking anything. I was good and dehydrated.
It took a couple of hours and a LOT of water and Gatorade to straighten me out. My head finally stopped spinning and I was told I looked better after 2-3 hours. After getting that straightened out, I was hungry and actually ate dinner. That's saying something for day four. If I'd stayed hydrated, I'd probably had an amazing day! LOL
Today should be crash day, but as easy as the rest of this cycle has been, I plan to not let it happen. I'm already pumping down water, and anything we do will be inside the a/c today. Brooke will head back home tomorrow, and I don't want to waste any of our time crashed out in my chair. I'm already sad about her leaving. I want to make the most of today.
I just have to be more careful. I let the fact that I was doing so well lead to a false sense of security. I now know to enjoy the fact that this third cycle is being so good to me, and keep up with the things I know my body needs. Like water. Time for a refill!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday
It may be too soon to claim victory, but I believe this round is easier. I got eight hours of sleep on Thursday night (Kevin had to WAKE me for work!) and another 7 last night. I didn't have a headache all day yesterday. Not a single pain pill or Tylenol was necessary. I'm still not enjoying the steroids and I'm still out of breath, but I think the cut-dose is something my body can become accustomed to. Woo Hoo!
Today, we're going to the city market. I doubt I'll make it as long as the rest of the group, but they have benches in various places and tables and chairs in the shade, so I can take a break when I need to. We don't really need much in the way of produce, with Mom around, but it's fun to go, anyway. We'll hit it early before it gets hot, too. The planned group is myself, Kevin, Brooke and my girls. Who knows if the girls will get out of bed in time. :)
I'm going to hope that the trend for this cycle continues. I felt pretty darned good yesterday, even if I *did* fall asleep in the recliner at 8:30. LOL That's karma for all the times I've laughed at Kevin for nodding off. Yup. Karma.
Today, we're going to the city market. I doubt I'll make it as long as the rest of the group, but they have benches in various places and tables and chairs in the shade, so I can take a break when I need to. We don't really need much in the way of produce, with Mom around, but it's fun to go, anyway. We'll hit it early before it gets hot, too. The planned group is myself, Kevin, Brooke and my girls. Who knows if the girls will get out of bed in time. :)
I'm going to hope that the trend for this cycle continues. I felt pretty darned good yesterday, even if I *did* fall asleep in the recliner at 8:30. LOL That's karma for all the times I've laughed at Kevin for nodding off. Yup. Karma.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A/C Cycle Three Begins - and Brooke!
My buddy Brooke flew in from Texas to surprise me on Monday night. What a surprise it was, too! I love it when she's here. I don't feel like I have to entertain her, so I can go to bed when I need to and sit comatose in the recliner if I need to. She jumps up and helps in the kitchen, whether it's preparing food, cleaning up, or anything else that needs done. She's family, only not as lazy as the rest of us. :)
She accompanied me to my infusion appointment yesterday. We had my favorite nurse and she laughed with (at) us several times. Having Brooke there made the time fly by. After it was over, we made a quick stop at HyVee, and Brooke spotted an Einstein Bagels, nearly giving me whiplash as she pulled in to the parking lot. She loves them, and can't get them near her home.
After that, we came home, and it's good that we did. I had hit my wall. Thank goodness, my appetite wasn't completely gone yet, and I enjoyed a piece of pizza. I had some rewards points built up with Papa Johns, and they have $10 large pizzas on Monday-Wednesday, so I got a great deal. I'm such a tight-wad.
I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 7:30 and was asleep within 15 minutes. When I woke up, there was light outside my window. I looked at my phone and it was 8:40. How depressing! I forced myself to stay in bed and dozed off and on until midnight, when I gave up. I probably got a total of 2 1/2 hours. Stupid steroids.
Oh well. Every two weeks, as soon as I start to feel good, I go again. Thank goodness I only have one more dose of A/C, and then I switch to Taxol, which is supposed to be easier and pack fewer side effects. I SO hope that proves true. I still say I'm blessed with light side effects, but if I could eliminate the headache and insomnia, I'd be a happy camper!
I better sign off. I only have 4 hours before I have to get ready for work! LOL
She accompanied me to my infusion appointment yesterday. We had my favorite nurse and she laughed with (at) us several times. Having Brooke there made the time fly by. After it was over, we made a quick stop at HyVee, and Brooke spotted an Einstein Bagels, nearly giving me whiplash as she pulled in to the parking lot. She loves them, and can't get them near her home.
After that, we came home, and it's good that we did. I had hit my wall. Thank goodness, my appetite wasn't completely gone yet, and I enjoyed a piece of pizza. I had some rewards points built up with Papa Johns, and they have $10 large pizzas on Monday-Wednesday, so I got a great deal. I'm such a tight-wad.
I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 7:30 and was asleep within 15 minutes. When I woke up, there was light outside my window. I looked at my phone and it was 8:40. How depressing! I forced myself to stay in bed and dozed off and on until midnight, when I gave up. I probably got a total of 2 1/2 hours. Stupid steroids.
Oh well. Every two weeks, as soon as I start to feel good, I go again. Thank goodness I only have one more dose of A/C, and then I switch to Taxol, which is supposed to be easier and pack fewer side effects. I SO hope that proves true. I still say I'm blessed with light side effects, but if I could eliminate the headache and insomnia, I'd be a happy camper!
I better sign off. I only have 4 hours before I have to get ready for work! LOL
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Are You Butt Hurt?
So, I have this weird friend. That's probably why we're friends. She is REALLY weird. What helps the friendship even more is the fact that we've had such drastically different lives and experiences, so there is never any shortage of discussion topics.
This lady regularly shoots rattlers to keep them from biting (probably killing) her dogs. (More than once is "regularly" to me.) There is reason I don't live in central Texas. She used to live in Phoenix, and she is visiting there this weekend. It's 115 degrees. There is a reason I don't live in Phoenix.
She has lived in Japan, she has worked a goat ranch, and she is working with a local (to HERE, not to her TX home) winery to make prickly pear wine. There is so much more that I could fill a post with, but won't. I told you she was weird. Wait. Maybe I meant "cool."
Anyway, a year or so ago, she used the term "butt hurt" about a coworker. Huh? She repeated that said coworker was butt hurt about something that had happened at work. What in the HECK are you saying? She acted like it was a common term, and I put it in the "Brookeism" column in my mind. Then I promptly forgot about it for a year or so, unless she'd say it, making me chuckle.
So there is this message board that she and I are both a part of. It's actually how we met, indirectly. I finally, yesterday, posted something about the fact that this is something that NOBODY but Brooke would say. Let me tell you, I think I might be the ONLY person in the WORLD who does NOT say it! It's turned into a funny conversation over there, but seriously? Other people SAY that? I am blown away.
Actually, I might be a bit butt hurt over the whole thing.
This lady regularly shoots rattlers to keep them from biting (probably killing) her dogs. (More than once is "regularly" to me.) There is reason I don't live in central Texas. She used to live in Phoenix, and she is visiting there this weekend. It's 115 degrees. There is a reason I don't live in Phoenix.
She has lived in Japan, she has worked a goat ranch, and she is working with a local (to HERE, not to her TX home) winery to make prickly pear wine. There is so much more that I could fill a post with, but won't. I told you she was weird. Wait. Maybe I meant "cool."
Anyway, a year or so ago, she used the term "butt hurt" about a coworker. Huh? She repeated that said coworker was butt hurt about something that had happened at work. What in the HECK are you saying? She acted like it was a common term, and I put it in the "Brookeism" column in my mind. Then I promptly forgot about it for a year or so, unless she'd say it, making me chuckle.
So there is this message board that she and I are both a part of. It's actually how we met, indirectly. I finally, yesterday, posted something about the fact that this is something that NOBODY but Brooke would say. Let me tell you, I think I might be the ONLY person in the WORLD who does NOT say it! It's turned into a funny conversation over there, but seriously? Other people SAY that? I am blown away.
Actually, I might be a bit butt hurt over the whole thing.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Time for a Freak Out?
Nah. Not really. I'm having my moments, but I'm getting by just fine. I did decide that next Friday is my last day at work, pre-op. I am taking the Monday and Tuesday before surgery to take care of some things, and make sure that I avoid the she-has-surgery-tomorrow-pity-face.
It's one foot in front of the other for a week and a half. I wish I could fast forward. No...I wish I could rewind. No...I wish I could pause. No...I wish I could....never mind.
A bestie sent this to me today, and it made me smile, because it's true. Part of the time.
It's one foot in front of the other for a week and a half. I wish I could fast forward. No...I wish I could rewind. No...I wish I could pause. No...I wish I could....never mind.
A bestie sent this to me today, and it made me smile, because it's true. Part of the time.
Sorry for the F Bomb, Mom. Maybe you shouldn't link to this one. I am supposed to read an 8 page document about possible side-effects/difficulties. I couldn't make it through. I made Kevin finish my homework. He has to do what I say. I have cancer.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
My Best Friend
The 30 Day Photo Challenge wants my best friend. Umm, OK. This poses 2 possible answers.
This apparent lush (she's not, but I made sure that she looked like one) is my BFF. It is one of those things where I feel like I've known her from childhood. Separated at birth. We laugh non-stop the entire time we're together. Chica gets me. We only get to see her a few times a year, and I cherish those times. It hurts me when our visit is over.
This dude is my other best friend. He puts up with me like nobody else on earth could ever do. He knows my oddities and loves me anyway. He was even kind as we drove away from my other BFF after last year's gathering in Texas, and I was bawling like a baby. Radar was crying about being separated from his mother for the first time in his 4-months on earth, and I was crying about being separated from Brooke, and Kevin just drove. He let us have our tears.
He drove our sorry asses all the way back to Missouri, and kept all of his man-thoughts ("What the hell is WRONG with them?") to himself. I love ya, man.
He drove our sorry asses all the way back to Missouri, and kept all of his man-thoughts ("What the hell is WRONG with them?") to himself. I love ya, man.
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