Today is chemo day. It is also the exact date 6 years ago when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer (12/12/12). Six years…wow. Time flies when you’re having … wait … what is that saying again?
I brought my nurse a blue mitten cookie from Panera Bread and she gave me a big hug. It warmed my heart like a mitten warms the hands. I don’t think we can hug our caregivers enough. They need to know we appreciate the work they do. I know it’s a small gesture, but I hope it makes her day.
As soon as I arrived, another nurse came scurrying into my room, in a bit of a panic, looking for barf bags. Yep, that’s what he said. Twice. Folks, this may be TMI, but these little rooms are not very soundproof; they are only closed by a thin curtain. I feel bad for the guy, really. My heart went out to him. No one should have to go through this. But, let’s just say, I am glad I brought my earbuds today or I might have also needed one of those bags. I’m listening to Christmas music on Pandora while getting my treatment. Francesca Battistelli has such a beautiful voice. Frankly, I could sit here and listen to her all day. Ahh. Much better than the alternative noises resounding in the hallway.
When I finish getting chemo, my nurse will leave the port accessed as I have my tri-monthly scans all day tomorrow. There is something comforting in knowing how to work the system. I called ahead and got an order to leave it accessed. Now I won’t have to get poked with an IV tomorrow, risking another blown vein. Again…comfort.
Even though it is time consuming, I am at peace knowing the juice going into my veins is keeping the cancer at bay. I fully expect to hear everything is stable after my scans tomorrow as well. When I spoke with the bone scan technician, she was so happy to hear my port will be accessed. That will save time. The scans are set for 9:00, 2:00, and 5:00, but they usually try to do them closer together when I arrive. Hopefully I won’t be here another whole day.
I got my hair colored this morning before chemo, so it has already been a busy day. Thanks to Tiffany for her willing spirit to try something different; she applied the HairPrint that I usually do at home. It’s an all natural product, but a bit messy when I do it. I wanted my hair to look pretty for tonight’s annual Christmas party for the Breast Friends support group, which is where I’ll be heading as soon as I finish my treatment. Maybe I’ll see some of you there!
Á la prochaine … until next time…
You are my hero and one of the bravest people I know. ♥️♥️