Candy Land

Yesterday was a chemo day. This time was the maiden voyage for my port, and much smoother sailing all around. Ed & Julie Turner from the church joined us, and we had a great deal of fun. They brought Candy Land for us to play. I've not made my rounds through the color coated board in a long time, so Julie and Matt both trumped me (I’ll get you Plumpy and your sugared plums too!). All of the nurses were amused, and at one point we were so lound (who ME? loud never) they shut our hospital room doors- so we wouldn't distrub the other patients.

Once Matt and I returned home I promptly fell asleep on the couch, while Mr. Krings became a lean mean laundry machine. I woke up in time to listen to our favorite NPR show This American Life and fold towels. This was our exciting Friday night on Chemo. On the agenda for today, picking up our co-op produce and maybe yoga at Glida's Club-- and lots more napping.

Big thanks to Ed and Julie for a fun chemo session on Friday!

Schools In Session

Thanks for returning once again. Or, Welcome if this is your first time checking the site out.

This week classes resumed. It's my second and final year at UIC, upon completion in the Spring I'll graduate with a Masters in Social Work. This fall I'm be taking three classes that meet once a week. When not in class I'll be at my internship three days a week. I'm excited to get things started, but I’m always sad to see the summer coming to an end. As summer's go, I think I'm finally ready to write the best 'What I did on my summer vaction' paper ever.

Tomorrow is my second chemo treatment. Ed & Julie Turner parishoners at 1st UMC Arlington Heights, and fellow Cancer Ass Kickers will be joining us. They have partnered with us from the very beginning of this journey, and are great sources of strength and humor. I’m glad to have them on the team.

In other news. After four grueling Starbucks shifts, I've turned in my apron today. Sniff, Sniff. I wear out quickly, and I just couldn't keep up. It was a great experience. After I've defeated every single malignant cell in my body I'll consider returning. In the mean time I'll just have to get and line and pay full price for my Decaf Grande Vanilla Non Fat No Whip Stired Mocha.

back to life

Yesterday Matt and I embarked on another one of our daylong adventures to the hospital. I had a port placed in my chest so that the next time I go in for chemo I don't have to be poked five million times before we find a suitable vein. The port procedure was an out patient surgery, which I was mostly out of it for. The port is on my right side upper chest; I have two new scars that will run parallel with the scar from July's biopsy. I've spent much of the last day or so riding out the painkillers, and working on thank you notes from the wedding (almost done!).

Things are returning to normal here. I go back to working at Starbucks tomorrow (another one of those great 4.45 a.m. shifts), and next week school starts. I've purchased most of the books on line, and I'll be doing my annual school shopping after the professors tell me what I need. In the mean time my laptop will be sent out for a few small repairs. I will no longer be bogging from home as often, but I'll definitely keep on top of things.

All and all chemo treatment 1A wasn't so bad. I was tired and had an upset stomach for several days, most of that wore off after the first three days or so.
Thanks for all the groovy post cards!