Chemo Day 2, Part 2
Small update.
First, thank you for the emails and texts today! Reading them has not only given me something to do, it has been cheering!
The nurse and I discussed Benadryl this morning, she is giving me a half dose today and won’t give it first (like last time) but instead towards the end and immediately before the chemo med that really needs it. So I feel really normal right now! Not dizzy or medicated, just very coherent. Unfortunately I underprepared for this scenario. I didn’t bring a book to read, just things to listen to (that’s about all I thought I would have margin for) but I forgot to pack my earphones. There’s another lady sitting close by, otherwise I’d just turn on my audible book. Jason plans to bring me some when he brings lunch so it’s not a huge problem. In the meantime I’m catching up on texts and emails.
I’ve mentioned my same-type-lung cancer friend before. I have 2 other friends who have recently had/are having chemo: one I’ve known since college and we overlapped living in Mississippi for a couple years and one here in Greenville that I met post-diagnosis. They are all about my age and have young kids too. I’m very thankful for my chemo friends and the specific, weird, awkward side effects and experiences I can ask them about. I’ve texted with 2 of them this morning, I just can’t say it enough- what a gift they are to text today and often! Their victories are so exciting and their bad news is crushing. I don’t feel jealous of them or scared to hear from them, it’s a pure blessing to have them and process this weird journey together…thank you Steve, Gina and Sara!!!
There was a miscommunication this morning so that my infusion was delayed about an hour. Two of the boys were upset last night and this morning. (In general we are seeing them react to our family changes in their own ways.) We planned some age-appropriate “alone with mommy time” for today/tonight. I really want to be with them and present and available to keep my word to them without pushing bedtime too late. Also it’s is very grounding and makes me feel like myself to snuggle and read books or play a game or work puzzles. I am disappointed and sad and discombobulated to miss out on so many tangible ways to be their mom in this season. Can you pray that I can be home in time for dinner and time with my boys?
