Mish-Mash:

Back home after my second PET scan.  I have an office visit with Dr. Montgomery on Monday when I will get results.  Praying it will show more shrinkage.

I covered the early illness and the hospital stay, the diagnosis, and starting chemo.  Since then there have been three more chemos.  Each one is about three to four hours of sitting in a big recliner with tubes coming out of my port.  Sherry, my nurse keeps a close watch, and comes by to check on me.  I take a big oriental embroidered bag full of my "stuff".  My Kindle, snacks, water, tissue, and anything else I think might be needed or wanted.  I take my blankie because the room is fairly cool.  Has to be for the way those four nurses run around.  

The infusion room has fifteen chairs.  When I have been there, it is usually full.  The four nurses are so wonderful at what they do.  If they can't get an iv in someone's arm, they are terribly hurt.  I know they try to stay objective but my girl, Sherry, has become attached to us (Bill and I).  We don't leave without a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.  I watched and it seems all of them have favorites. I'm glad I am a favorite.  Her hug means a lot to me.

In fact, everyone, patients and staff, seem to be in good moods.  Maybe some are grouchy; but in a way I can understand.  But I have found that being upbeat and happy helps you get through this disease a lot easier.  True to my personality, I have made quite a few friends there.  

Just before the second chemo, my hair had begun to fall out by the handfuls.  They had prepared me for that.  I went to the sweetheart gal who has done my hair for years; and she shaved the rest off.  Was a heart wrenching moment as I watched it go.  Now I have about lost my eyelashes and eyebrows.  Strangely the unsightly mustache under my nose continues to grow but it is solid white now.   It will all come back I know.  At first it was hard for me to go out in public.  Even with a hat or scarf.  Gradually I grew to accept it and go on.  Now frequently I have women come up to me and tell me to be strong, or to fight, or just that they had been there.  That means a lot to me.

More mish-mash tomorrow