Leaning In

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Hello there, it's time for a check in. I'll start with the good...

Yesterday was our anniversary - 5 years married, and Dave's birthday. We had as nice a day as possible, and I especially want to thank you Tina for the lovely cake!

We're learning the cycle of treatment and leaning in. There was a very good appointment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance the other day where we learned more about the upcoming schedule, and got the news that it might take less than 6 months to complete induction therapy. Fingers are crossed over here.

We've had really good interactions with the infusion team at Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill. The nurses and staff there are truly superheroes.

Before I go into medical stuff and favors deeper, I want to talk about wonderful people, and I have a little favor to ask, if you're inclined.

Dave is being a super supporter, and I'm more grateful for him that you can imagine. My kids and friends (and maybe you) are checking in on me from time to time. Susan sent me some lovely flower pics to paint, Tad offered his time, Selena is constantly checking on me, and many others have sent little notes of support. The flowers from Ella and Mike were lovely, and from Austin and Bre as well. Many other little acts of kindness might not be crossing my mind right now and I'm sorry for that. Chemo brain is here for sure.

Resting chemo face is a thing. I saw myself in a zoom meeting yesterday and I just want to tell you that if you encounter this face in a meeting it doesn't mean I'm mad at you or hate you, probably I'm experiencing some side effects and need a nap.

Anyway, I don't ask people for things very often. I wasn't raised to be needy. But a little thing from a friend now and then, especially now, would be lovely, and in fact my birthday is coming up. If you were so inclined, here are some things that don't cost money:

  • A friendly text or message saying hi, telling me you know it's tough, and that I matter to you
  • Photos of flowers, buildings, landscapes, people, that would be good subjects for my watercolor practice
Some things that would be an imposition but which would be truly wonderful:
  • An offer to drive me to a treatment on a Monday morning in Seattle - I realize that this would be difficult for many of you who don't live here in town and I don't want to put anyone out. I have to be on Capitol Hill at 8:45 on Monday mornings and have to stay for about 2.5 hours. Dave won't be able to do this for me every Monday for the next 5 or 6 months and I'm not good to drive right now.
  • This Amazon wish list, one item, your choice, that will nourish me or help me deal with this treatment, my feelings, and constant nausea and taste of poison in my mouth: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QM9APU0E11VC?ref_=wl_share
  • Small ($20 or so) gift certificates to restaurants in Seattle that do delivery - cooking is hard for me right now and I don't want my lovely husband to go hungry
About medical stuff:
  • Chronic health issues that I've had to manage for decades are now becoming a little more difficult to manage. Not going to take you to TMI, but it's just not fun
  • Sleep is hard with the steroids - I'm getting quality middle of the night time staring at the walls and organizing things, reading about cancer, painting, visiting with fuzzy blankets and soft warm kitties, etc.
  • Reactions to the chemo drugs are getting less severe
  • We're confident that this treatment will work, and will be worthwhile

If you've made it this far in this post I want you to know I love you. Thank you so much for walking with me.

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