It's Cancer - Happy Halloween

Thank goodness it's Halloween before the Christmas decorations take over. I was riding in the car yesterday and noticed that every retail center is already decorated with sparkling lights and stars. Spooky.

I've read about the fatigue associated with chemo, but are deep sleep and vivid dreams also part of the side effects? I've been sleeping "so hard" as Mr. B describes it. And now the vivid dreams. This morning I had a scary dream that I had to completely and thoroughly clean the house every day.

Today I'm celebrating Halloween, or All Hallows Eve if you prefer that term. There's not a bite of candy in the house, but Mr. B promises there will be by 6 p.m. tonight.

It's Cancer - To cover my head or not

Yesterday I had lunch with Mr. B at the local "grill" where there were several people that we know. I didn't have a cap on my head, which seemed to make even people I didn't know uncomfortable.

Here's my dilemma. As someone with a "people-pleasing" personality, I don't want to make people feel uneasy. Yet when it's 85+ degrees outside, I don't want to put anything on my head because I'll start sweating.

Today I'm celebrating Mr. B's aunt, who is 95 years young. Happy birthday, Evelyn! See you this afternoon at a family gathering to celebrate your long life.

It's Cancer - A better day

My days and nights are all running together. I slept most of yesterday thanks to pain meds, but woke up around 3 a.m. Thank goodness there is all-night television and continuous reruns of Law & Order. I don't think I've ever seen one twice.

My hair is no more than fuzz now so I avoid mirrors. We're invited to a 95th birthday party tomorrow afternoon and another gathering in the evening. I'd like to make an appearance at both, which will require wearing one of my caps or beanies.

Today I'm celebrating lattes. Mr. B brings me one every Saturday morning after he has breakfast with his buddy, Keith. Thanks, Mr. B!

It's Cancer - Day 2 after Chemo #2

Laying in the dark, curled in the fetal position and shivering.

This, too, shall pass.

Today I'm celebrating Rilla, longtime friend and Sweetness' Godmother. Happy birthday, Rilla Ann.

It's Cancer - Day after Chemo #2

On the first day after my second chemo I have no appetite, I'm nauseous, and my hands are shaking. I've eaten a few saltine crackers this morning and in a few minutes I'm going to take my morning meds. About an hour after that I'll be asleep (I hope).

I had a total of seven drip bags during chemo yesterday. I also had an on-body injector (OBI) placed on my arm. This device will help to boost my immune system 27 hours after the small needle was placed on my arm. Once the medicine is delivered I'll pull the device off. The side effect is muscle aches, which I'm experiencing this morning. It feels like I have the flu, except my head isn't congested.

Today I'm celebrating a clinical dietitian I met yesterday at MDA. She gave me tons of tips and ideas on what to eat and what to avoid. I'm ordering a book she recommended. She also recommended some ginger chews to help settle my stomach (have one of those in my mouth now).

It's Cancer - Chemo day

It's chemo day and I'm ready. I'll leave the for hospital in about 30 minutes. Today's activities include: blood work, meeting with dietician, meeting with doctor, needle insert in port, and chemo. It will be a long day and I'll be anxious to get home and in bed.

I'm hoping that on the way home from the hospital Mr. B and I can go vote. We'll play that by ear.

Today I'm celebrating pink. Mr. B and Dr. Mc have left the house in their pink shirts. TLP has his pink shirt ready. And mine is hanging on the back of the door ready to go.

It's Cancer - Errands and chores day

I'm happy to report that Dr. Mc and I finished TLP's Halloween wig last night. Unfortunately it's supposed to be 86 degrees in Houston on Halloween so I don't know if he will wear the wig or his costume. It may be too warm.

Tomorrow is a full day at MDA, including chemo. I think I'll be not feeling well through the weekend, so in preparation I went to Target and Kroger this morning. I want to cook this afternoon and freeze a couple of meals so Mr. B won't have to worry about it. This afternoon I'm also going to wash clothes and change the sheets on the bed. In my world, chemo might slow me down for a few days, but I can still get it (whatever "it" is) done.

Today I'm celebrating the scent of lavender. I love the clean, fresh smell of lavender, such as the candle burning in the kitchen.