As I finish up with radiation, I am finding my nails are getting pretty awful again. I have had a ridge in them that is either a result of the SVC syndrome blood clots (someone suggested my hands were so swollen it pinched the nails beds) or the chemo drugs making them noticeably thinner. Either way, they are ripping low as that ridge grows out! And these ripped nails are getting caught on everything and every little one I touch. Must mean it is time to get a new spring color in my favorite polish, right? Check out the last time I talked about this Brittle Nail Side Effect here.
Long Time No Post
March 9, 2015 Leave a Comment
I just realized that while I have a lot of drafts waiting to go, I have gotten so busy with other commitments and appointments and actually listened to my body when I needed to rest that I have not actually posted anything this month. My favorite editor, That Guy, needs to give them a good once over and they will be ready to go. I will be getting some of those drafts finished up and posted. And I promise to continue to tell the story as it happened to me over the last nearly ten months since this all started. So all is well here with That Family and new content will be coming soon!
Karma Saved Me?
February 27, 2015 Leave a Comment
One small part of the SVC Syndrome diagnosis and dramatic hospital story that I didn’t include in the original posts is a little detail that really should be unrelated; however, in my mind, it might be very much the reason I am able to blog and share this story with you. I debated, because in no way am I trying to sound like a hero or like I do some generous things or that it should be impressive. It’s really not the point. It just amazes me that something so little and not heroic, may have in some way changed my path. And the responding action that lifted my spirits. [Read more…]
Other Birthdays
February 25, 2015 Leave a Comment
I’m not sure what the normal protocol is for life threatening events and survival, but years ago I had blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolisms) and obviously I survived. From that date forward, my mom called it my second birthday. On my first second birthday, she even bought me a card and gifts. Maybe even balloons if I remember correctly?
Back on Track
February 22, 2015 2 Comments
I had lost a week and missed my first scheduled infusion of this second chemotherapy treatment group as a result of the SVC Syndrome and time in the hospital. Now that I was out, I was ready to get back to it. Even though I had just been discharged the day prior, I had to meet with my oncologist to be cleared for treatment. They gave me an appointment for very early that next morning, before his normal appointment times start. No rest for the weary since we all know you don’t actually get to rest in the hospital!
Sometimes It Is The Little Things
February 20, 2015 Leave a Comment
This could also be called, Sometimes It Is The Really Superficial Unimportant Things. Potato, Potahtoh. Either way, a few things that have been making me feel a little more like myself lately are worth noting. [Read more…]
My Cheesy Valentine Recap
February 19, 2015 Leave a Comment
That Guy and I have a long history of botched Valentine’s Days. For real. Food poisoning, the flu (both stomach and typical in different years), and even a breakup to give a brief highlight reel. So saying that we don’t really make a deal out of it anymore is an understatement. We have actually intentionally celebrated on March 14th to avoid the crazy in the past and try to switch it up. This year I went in with no expectations and actually enjoyed the day quite a bit! [Read more…]
Wacky Wednesday – Those Golden Arches
February 18, 2015 4 Comments
Breast Cancer isn’t really very funny. Parenthood, however, I will admit can be really really funny. And I do try to laugh at myself as often as possible. When you combine That Girl, That Guy, and My Girls, you get a pretty Wacky life. When I was a child, probably when I was learning to read, one of my favorite books was “Wacky Wednesday” by Dr. Seuss. Since we constantly talk about how wacky my oldest is, some Wednesdays I will be sharing what I think are pretty Wacky stories, quotes, and silliness from our lives. Enjoy!
I’m That Mom who has never let her daughter eat McDonald’s*. To be fair, she had never asked. I love love love me some delicious salty freshly made McDonald’s fries. They seriously are my comfort food, but I indulge only a few times a year at this point. Even with the stomach issues chemo unleashed (and those delicious fries were legitimately the only thing that fixed it) I resisted sending That Guy out to the “good one” until the situation was dire. Point being, I never wanted That Little Girl (since she was the only girl I had at the time) having such an emotional and physical comfort in such an unhealthy food, or something like that. Plus, it helps that she doesn’t like hamburgers, chicken nuggets, or, usually, french fries. It is not like my great resolution made before I even became pregnant had ever been challenged. Until it was.
*Disclaimer: That Little Girl did once have a few sips of a Shamrock Shake, but let’s be honest, that is totally not the same thing as eating there.
How Superstitious are You?
February 13, 2015 1 Comment
Today is another Friday the 13th. Last time I can remember a Friday the 13th making an impression in my memory is when I had my port placed. We all know how that turned out!
So, as of right now, I do not have any plans for any big appointments or events. I think it might be a good day to lay low going into a holiday weekend. For all of you out there wondering what That Little Girl thinks of President’s Day, she misheard me the first time we talked about it and asked what she was getting for Presents Day.
I can’t say I worry about black cats, breaking mirrors, or walking under ladders. I don’t go out of my way to do any of that either! I check to see if any suspected black cats in my path have any patches of white just for peace of mind. At Christmas time I did buy an extra piece of chocolate when the total was six dollars and sixty-six cents. When the woman gave me the total I was like, oh no, I need to buy another thing. She said to me, I usually tell people when that is their total, but you didn’t look like you would be concerned. What exactly do I look like then? And what does someone who does care look like? Apparently she has given this some thought and I’m curious now.
Do you worry about Friday the 13th when it comes around?
Wacky Wednesday – Gas Hole
February 11, 2015 2 Comments
Breast Cancer isn’t really very funny. Parenthood, however, I will admit can be really really funny. And I do try to laugh at myself as often as possible. When you combine That Girl, That Guy, and My Girls, you get a pretty Wacky life. When I was a child, probably when I was learning to read, one of my favorite books was “Wacky Wednesday” by Dr. Seuss. Since we constantly talk about how wacky my oldest is, some Wednesdays I will be sharing what I think are pretty Wacky stories, quotes, and silliness from our lives. Enjoy!
We live in an area where it snows. For most people, you drive when you have to, and you just do it carefully until it becomes unsafe to go out. This is That Guy’s category. Then there are people who get super anxious about it, but do it anyway. I’m in that category. Then there are people that have huge SUVs with brand new tires and are still freaking out white knuckled and holding their breath with the first 1/4″ on the ground. That’s my mom’s category.
All About My Girls 