Life Moves Pretty Fast

It was a mere four weeks ago when I first heard that I might have cancer. In that month I have had more scans, IVs, and various test than I’ve had over the course of my entire life.

Finally, the testing is done (except for bloodwork) and we’re moving on to my first treatment: chemo. Wednesday I will get my port and start 20 weeks of chemo. The idea of having something implanted under my skin freaks me out, but I will get used to it. Having the port keeps me from getting poked over and over and makes it much easier to administer my treatments.

My chemo sessions will be 3-4 hours each week. J gets to come with me, so at least I won’t be alone (with COVID that was questionable). I am doing my best to prepare for the unknown and planning as much as I can in advance.

Nobody knows how I will react to chemo. Every person has a different experience. We’ve known that chemo was looming for a little while, so J has been making me exercise, getting me as strong as possible. I will probably lose my hair. (Nobody needs to shave their head for me, but thanks for the offer). I will definitely be tired and probably nauseous, too. I may have chemo brain sometimes and need something brainless to do. Sometimes I may feel fine and maybe even get some work done.

So far in my cancer survival / distraction kit I have:

• Books (duh)
• Video games (my old Nintendo DS still works!)
• Snacks and water  (Lisa gets hangry)
• Comfy clothes
• A blanket

I know I am not the first person to go through this experience and I will not be the last. A few of you have already reached out to share your long-term medical experiences with me.  Whether it was you personally or someone you love, I really value your stories as I determine my own.  What has helped you to keep busy during long periods of inactivity? I would love to hear your suggestions.

And finally, I forgot to mention this last time, but please feel free to share my blog with anyone I may have missed. I know that everyone isn’t on social media but that was the best way for me to get the information to a lot of people at once. While none of this is secret, I’m really going to be relying on you to make sure my updates make it to people who want them. Thank you in advance.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Ferris bueller