Round 2

     During chemo, you're more tired than you've ever been. It's like a cloud passing over the sun, and suddenly you're out. You don't know how you'll answer the door when your groceries are delivered. But you also find that you're stronger than you've ever been. You're clear. Your mortality is at optimal distance, not up so close that it obscures everything else, but close enough to give you depth perception. Previously, it has taken you weeks, months, or years to discover the meaning of an experience. Now it's instantaneous. ~Melissa Bank

     Well, round 2 is after the 9:15am sit down with Dr. K.  I am ready—it’s time to do it again and see how this one goes.  Things I learned from round 1:

1.    Portia is wonderful.  I love her.  And yes, she scares me as if she ever gets infected, I would not only spike a really, really high fever (according to Dr. Lynn) but then Earnest would have to make his appearance (just something else for the guys—see you were saved by the MALE port.  Oh please…).

2.    The first bag they give is the valium… ahhh… that says it all.

3.    Chemo was not bad at all.  Made a few calls, did a few minutes for some meetings and then just rested. 

4.    I crash 3 days early… so now we can try to work on that.

5.    The hair is basically gone, so check that off the list.

6.    Ketchup takes like metal… there goes the sausage mcmuffin… have to have ketchup. Dang…

7.    Tomatoes seem to have the same taste as ketchup… hmmmm... do I dare try a piece of pizza?

8.    I will lose my appetite in 3-4 days so the weight will drop.  But, have no fear as it came back during fatigue week… gained it back.  I could not care less.

9.    The toilet paper queen (Mom) is now the tissue queen with the purchase of aloe tissues.  It seems a runny nose is a side effect of chemo.

10. The leg cramps are what they are and is a side effect.  But he will give me strong stuff to try to help.  He told me I can deal with it for 3-5 days.  Guess he thinks I am strong. 

11. The nausea medicine worked.  That was the best news ever!

12. Thrush sucks…

13. I would have no problem being admitted to the 10^th floor again—but I would rather not be.  Still, the cherry Italian ice was great!

     Things to ask Dr. K in the am:

1.    What’s up with not being able to have Root Beer?!

2.    My right arm is hurting… am I going to need one of those sleeves and is my arm going to expand.

3.    If the wonderful nausea medicine proves to be too weak as time goes by, can I get something stronger?

4.    Root Beer?!

5.    Can I eat cooked mushrooms?! Please?!

6.    Sugar is one of my food groups… so what do I do?

7.    When the head is finally shiny and no sign of hair, does it stop hurting?

8.    My feet are starting to get that long word thing. I know I have to wear slippers, but will it ever stop?

9.    Root Beer?!

     I have also learned to slow down more than I have.  I had to work 8 hours the other day (for me) and yes, it was hard.  I have figured out I will schedule myself for no more than 6 hours and if I want to and can stay longer, I will.  If I need to leave earlier, I will.  This is a HUGE step for me.  Today I also realized while I love my Sunday School class and they give me such joy (most of the time!!!), I need to step back.  They are kids and they are germ carriers (not their fault, just a fact of life, we all were kids once.  I apparently spread the joy with the Chicken Pox—or was it the Measles?).  One had strep and he did not come back (thank you!), but then I was sitting next to a sneezer.  And while normally it would not bother me, I actually was worried.  I don’t need to get sick and have chemo postponed and while I really did not mind my mini vacation at New Hanover, I doubt my insurance company would like it. 

     I have also learned it is faith which has sustained me this far and will continue to sustain me throughout this entire “blessing”.   Hebrews 11:1.