April 18, 2021

Barley looks like I do around 4:00 every day now. Haha!

After getting a latte this morning and running a couple of errands before the stores got crowded, I spent a lot of my day in my craft room. I ended up making several spring wreaths that I’ll post on my Facebook page to sell (hopefully!). At one point, I “shopped” out of my storage unit for some florals that I knew I had there and found a wig that I had gotten for a mannequin. Its actually kind of ok, so I think I’m going to wear it this week. I’m thankful for another productive and good day!

April 17, 2021

After a two-hour nap yesterday, I slept for almost ten hours last night. Crazy! While I’m still getting tired more and more it seems, I’m grateful to have most of the day feeling ok. Today I was feeling well enough to get some things accomplished beyond the normal cleaning. I finally got my craft room straightened up and even dropped off the box of Goodwill items that have been sitting in the basement for months. It’s good to get a day every once in a while that feels a bit more normal.

April 16, 2021

My chemo effects kicked in later today. I got so tired I fell asleep for a couple of hours this afternoon. Maybe it was the hour I spent outside working in the yard—too much fresh air and sunshine. And physical activity for someone who hasn’t been doing much. Or maybe just chemo fatigue.

I’m thankful though for not being too sore. I’m thankful for being able to take the afternoon off work to relax a bit. And I’m thankful for a surprise ice cream treat that served as most of my dinner.

April 15, 2021

Today I’m thankful for some quiet time outside with the pups while Patrick was picking up carry out for dinner. Usually, when we’re outside with the dogs, they’re running around chasing each other. Today, they mostly just stood at alert, watching the scenery and sniffing the breeze. I was able to get this photo of Chance, but Barley kept walking away. Silly pup.

April 14, 2021

The countdown continues…five treatments left after today! I wore my spotty shoes in celebration.

Today’s treatment was a little longer than usual because my nurse had trouble getting the needle in my port correctly. She’s worked with me only once before and had the same trouble. Both previously and today, she had to get another nurse to do it for her.

While it’s uncomfortable for me (I end up getting poked numerous times), I felt bad for her. She’s not a new nurse, but she is newer to oncology and must not have a lot of experience with ports. I could tell she was a bit frustrated and maybe embarrassed that she wasn’t successful. It’s all practice, but it’s kind of crazy that the practice can only happen in real time. The pressure of that must be awful.

I tried not to show it, but I was glad she didn’t keep trying on her own because I’m sure it will be sore later. However, today I’m thankful for her and all the nurses who take on this work with its pressures and crazy learning curves. It’s intense work and not something I’d want to do, but I’m grateful others have to courage.

April 13, 2021

Ok, I’m glad not every day is like yesterday. Today was better.

I saw one of my doctors today and asked about some of issues I’m having with eating. She thinks I maybe a little dehydrated which is causing too much thick drainage in the back of my throat. Gah. So besides drinking more water (even though I’ve been drinking more than any other time in my life!) she suggested sucking on lemon candy to help my dry mouth produce more saliva. Go figure. Patrick says only I would have a doctor who prescribes me candy. I don’t choose this luck. It finds me.

Today I’m thankful for better days. I’m thankful for a FaceTime chat catching up with a friend. I’m thankful for a bit of sunshine.

April 12, 2021

Every once in a while, I have a day where I’m tired of living with chemo side effects: the sinus issues and nosebleeds, the tiredness, the indigestion that causes a cough, the strange dry yet slimy feeling in my mouth, the sore muscles, the inability to regulate my body temperature. I know things could be worse, and I’m truly grateful they’re not. But today, I was tired of cancer. And chemo. I’m thankful I have Patrick who hugs me when I cry.

April 11, 2021

Today is my adopted mom’s birthday. I say adopted mom because I deemed her my local mom years ago when my parents lived over 8 hours away. We met when we worked together at the same college. She’s been my stand-in mom and friend for over 20 years.

Usually we are able to get together periodically for wine and snacks and lots of chatting, but since the pandemic and my diagnosis, we haven’t been able to. But she sends me cute and funny texts every day.

I’m super thankful to have had her in my life for so long, and I’m grateful to have seen her briefly when I dropped something off for her birthday. I can’t wait til we can get together in person again!

April 10, 2021

I love going through the photos on my phone. There are always some gems that I’ve forgotten about, like this one:

This was my girls and I being silly when I was visiting Brianna after she moved to Virginia a couple of years ago. I texted the photo to them today and we all had a laugh.

I’m grateful for these memories and our happy faces. I look forward to seeing them both again this summer and making more memories.