Three down, three to go. Let's call it the homeward stretch. Or the downhill tumble? Some observations...
*It seems that each chemo knocks me down a little bit more and takes a little bit longer to bounce back. I experienced some "chemo brain" this time that I didn't after the first two treatments. It was an exhausting weekend - and I basically didn't do anything except read a good book. The chemo brain and significant fatigue may make working a little bit more challenging.
*Speaking of working, it's such a blessing that I am able to work from home during this treatment/recovery period. I've been working about 3-4 hours daily on almost all of my "good" days, which has been pretty nice (except when I lose my wireless or 3M network connections!). These hours may actually have to be reduced as I move on down this path. I'm finding less time to just rest and heal.
* Exercise is "medicine" just like food. I'm so glad there is Leslie Sansone to walk with at home! I tried about 10 minutes of a Denise Austin kickboxing video (garage sale bargain) and that was about it before I collapsed (as did Kevin!). And it was for beginners! I schedule in the exercise just like any medication per the dietitian and common sense for good health now and in the future.
* Doing something non-cancer is very therapeutic. Even just a Saturday morning garage sale or lunch at Subway and fabulous Dunn Bros Ice Crema coffee drink with friends (I guess that was a little specific!). I "save up" for those sweet treats, because they, of course, don't fuel the body, although often they fuel the soul! The friends & conversation & laughter certainly do!
* Moms cry when they watch kids performing....even when it's not their own kids! Tonight was Alec's grand performance of "The Wizard of Oz" at school. He did wonderfully! I'm one of those that is usually choked up as they play the opening music. I'm so proud of him and all the hard work he did rehearsing and memorizing lines. It's a truly astounding production for a 3rd grade class! His teacher is an amazing director and all around fantastic teacher. Oh, they also dedicated the shows to the two moms in the class fighting breast cancer right now. The entire cast wore pink ribbons in our honor, as did we. Okay, add that to reasons to get choked up...
* Mother's Day was very nice and I am again so blessed to have my little boys. It's so incredible that God chose me to raise them here on earth. I hope all the mothers had a special day! I had several people walking "for" me at the Mall of America Race for the Cure, which means a lot to me. I now have a new cookbook, scarf, and hat to remember their efforts. Very nice!
* Gardening is miraculous! Our veggie garden went in late this year (Mike just planted it today, in fact). When you really think about putting a dried up seed in some dirt and just adding water and sunshine and here comes something beautiful or good to eat, it's nothing short of a miracle. We did emphasize green things in the planting choices this year, plus always tomatoes. I've already pulled some rhubarb and made some experimental muffins. Too bad rhubarb always requires a fair amount of sugar to sweeten it up. It is a favorite of mine, now to just get those boys to like it....
* Sitting at a baseball game in the wind tends to turn a longer wig into a mass of tangles. Yikes!
* People that have known you for 10+ years may not recognize you with new "hair" and glasses!
* People tend to feel better themselves when they do something to help someone else. I'm hoping to get involved (at least a little) in the Cottage Grove Relay for Life in July (a non-chemo treatment weekend). It's very close to our house & I think I could take a lap or two. Hopefully with a friend or two! Also, I'm looking at some community service type projects for the Cub Scout den. The options to help others are endless.
* I didn't mean to cause anyone to worry by waiting a long time to update! I'll try to keep this a little more current in the future. It was more "busyness" than sickness that created the delay.
* One can never have too many in her support network. I am, again, so very thankful for each of you and your own individual talents and gifts. You bring so much to my life. I cherish your prayers and positive thoughts more than you can imagine. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and keep in mind all those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
