Seriously, how many fire-drills can someone go through just to try to get to the next step of treating cancer? Got a call today that I need to have a chest x-ray, an updated physical and a covid test. Three separate things. It’s Thursday afternoon, my surgery to get my port for chemo is Wednesday, no biggie. Insert the biggest sarcasm ever. After a few choice words with the scheduler, she didn’t deserve it but she got it and I apologized after, we figured it out (hopefully). I literally came home from getting my hair washed, because I STILL can’t get in a shower long enough to wash my hair. (Sidenote… I’d like to just go weekly for washes and straight blow drys forever, Dorthy is my girl!) Come home, back and forth with the woman on what I need to do and what is realistic. I need a chest X-ray. I tell her I’m walking to my car right now, I will be at the clinic in 20 minutes the order better be ready. It’s noon and I have an echocardiogram at 2p and a chemo info training after. Kinda important. Done.
Echocardiogram, done. Techs name was Boris. I feel like I’ll never forget that. He also had a black leather jacket hanging on his door. Totally had to be his. Boris with the black leather jacket just gave me my first echocardiogram. Noted. You go Boris!
Chemo ‘training’. I really don’t even know how to explain that experience except to think of Charlie Brown’s teachers, wha, wha, wha, etc… So much information, overload. It’s all in a folder, super. I’ll sleep by it and learn by osmosis. My most important question, “What do I need to do before I walk in here for chemo?” The rest of my questions will be asked along the way. I’m not shy. I did ask about sex too. None your business!
Came home, it’s been raining, baseball is cancelled. Woo-hoo. I didn’t say that out loud, but I did. So I pampered myself tonight. MaryKay’s hydrogel patches for the win. Don’t mind the no makeup and forehead wrinkles. It’s called, I don’t fu*kin’ care.
The outreach from everyone continues to amaze me. Especially locally. Steve Gavers from the Gavers Foundation even reached out while on cruise to offer support. I think I’d rather drink a cocktail! https://www.gavers.org/. Local community and support is amazing, if you can find it.
LOVE your attitude!!! You go girl. And you shouldn’t fu*kin’ care because right now, it’s all about you. (shouldn’t I fu*kin’ care that I had to go back 4 times to see how you spelled fu*kin’? Make that 5 times cuz I just checked again). Love you girl.
I love your blog. I’m sure others have shared with you tips of things that helped them. One of the biggest things for me was an electric blanket. It was great for after the chemo days and I started feeling like sh*t. I have one other important tip that helped a lot, but I’ll share that with you privately!
I’ll bring my laptop on chemo day (May 18), but I’ve been told the ‘bad’ day will be day 2 or 3 after. I’ve also been told to suck on lemon heads or cherry suckers. So random, but I’ll bring them.
You’re amazing. You described a day no one can imagine – with spunk, grace, and determination. Thanks for sharing. You are rocking this.
Boris in the Leather Jacket got me!! How could you NOT forget his name??!? LOL
Katie, as I’m sure you know I went through chemo last year for my testicular cancer. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me on Facebook. I’d be honored to help you through it. Scott
Girl, you are absolutely beautiful and as I always says you are going to kick this shits ass.
Hahaha! You’re doing great! Keep the funnies coming.
Take every day one at a time, know that your faith, humor, strength and family will help you wander through this new and uncharted journey. After the port is put in, ask them about tegaderm film. It will keep the port clean and dry and let you enjoy showers.
Sending good thoughts and strength.