The nurses are hustling and bustling today. It’s the last day this MD Anderson center is open until after Christmas. Several techs and nurses have commented on how they are looking forward to the holidays!
In addition, the downtown center closed some of their infusion rooms to make room for COVID patients. MD Anderson just got the vaccine. They are the first hospital in downtown Houston to get it. My nurse said she is going down there tomorrow to get vaccinated.
On a “normal” day this center would treat around 80 patients, here in The Woodlands. Today, they have treated 127. I am one of them…tucked away, way back in the center. It was just luck of the draw as it happened to fall on Christmas week. Every three weeks…like clockwork.
In addition to infusion, I was seen by the P.A. We were both a little confused as to why I was here. I was just seen a few weeks ago, and I normally visit the doctor every 3-4 months. We finally decided it must be a follow-up from when I had pneumonia. She also asked where I get my annual physicals (pap and breast exam). I go to the gynecologist once a year, but she said they might want to start doing them here. 🤷♀️ She’ll check with my doctor when he gets back next week.
I gave the P.A. and my nurses some peanut brittle to thank for them for all they do for me. They were very grateful. My chemo nurse has two teen-agers, so I imagine they will enjoy it as well as her husband.
I’ve never made peanut brittle before, so this was another thing to check off my bucket list. It’s a miracle it turned out so good on the first try. Otherwise I would have resorted to store-bought cookies. I used the raw peanuts that you have to shell. Shelling the peanuts took longer than completing the recipe. Otherwise, it was quite easy in the microwave, thanks to a friend’s recipe.
This will be my fifth Christmas since my MBC diagnosis. They didn’t think I would make it passed the second when they first diagnosed me, but God had other plans! I am so blessed to have good doctors, and a great God who has brought me this far. It’s also my ninth Christmas since the first diagnosis in 2012. (I was diagnosed right before Christmas both times.)
I want to live life to the fullest. Every day is a new beginning, and a new opportunity to serve the Lord and fulfill his will for my life. This may require me to take risks, within limits of course, and try new things. I am open to whatever He has for me. We are starting a new adventure with our Airstream, and we are beginning a new ministry.
Every year I think of something new I want to try, see or experience. This year, it was peanut brittle. I’m finished with all the presents, wrapping, and even the stocking stuffers. Now I can spend the next few days baking, writing music, and enjoying the week before Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!
…AND HAPPY NEW YEAR…
Á la prochaine…until next time!