Another chemo done

Or do I not get to count it done until I'm disconnected Saturday?  I think since I have tingly fingers on my right hand and quite the angry belly, I'm going to count it.

Pretty uneventful today, overall.  After getting some coffee from S'bucks, I went to the 4th floor for labs.  Very fast, as usual.  The nurse asked if my Eric tattoo was for my son.  Was I supposed to get some symbol that means "husband?"  I don't know.  It's not a big deal.  I still love it.

I stayed on the 4th floor to see the nurse practicioner (my doc is on vacation).  She asks a lot of questions and is very nice to talk to.  She seemed pleased that I'm doing chemo so well.  What can I say?  I'm good at chemo.  Blood numbers are fine, mouth is fine, everything sounds fine.  She sent me on my way to the chemo lounge.

It was kind of crowded, so I ended up sitting near some people.  Two couples started up a conversation, and when I heard that one of the men had a long chemo today, I butted right in thinking maybe he had colorectal cancer.  It was bone cancer.  The woman in the other couple has breast cancer.  It was noted that I'm kind of young to be in the chemo waiting room.  I explained my deal and got murmurs and "the face."  Then it got more interesting because they all started talking about the olden days of the Vietnam war.  It was a nice way to pass the time. 

I got called back by a little tiny nurse.  She was very sweet, but kept struggling with the curtains and my chemo tower.  She heated up my lunch and it was actually hot.  And she told me to help myself to the water.  I appreciate that.  I'm not an invalid.  I can get my own water (and juice, lots of grape juice).  I forgot my turtlepod, so I listened to Hugh Laurie's cd on my phone for a while.  I busted out Daria and watched that until Eric and the kids bounded in to rescue me.

I mostly feel very tired.  Tingly fingers.  Room temperature water is too cold.  My belly is angry.  It's kind of a drag.

However.  The sun was shining today.  It wasn't so cold this afternoon that I had to wear gloves like a big dork.  I drank a lot of ice water until the oxy kicked in.  My smiling laughing kids perked me up.  I took a little nap when I got home.  I wrote several letters THAT I PROMISE TO MAIL SOON.  I wrote in my prayer journal for a long time and my hand didn't even get tired.  This evening I laid on my bed and read a book (thank you, Eric).  There is sweet tea on the counter just for me (thank you again, Eric!).  I'm able to easily walk to and from the bathroom at the cancer center (and elsewhere).  I met some cool people today.  Coffee was great!  I felt more peace today (thank you, God). 

Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I am, how blessed our family is.  There was a time when I thought things could be better, that we could have more, that we could be happier.  I didn't see the blessings around me at all.  I don't think God gave me cancer.  This is an imperfect world, and that's why cancer exists.  There's a reason He allowed it to happen.  I think the reasons are starting to be revealed to me.  Not to be all churchy on you, but finally seeing the blessings in everyday life is pretty awesome.

The plan for the next few days?  Relaxing.  Keeping my fingers warm.  Ringing in the New Year in a quiet, peaceful way.

I really appreciate everyone's prayers and thoughts. :)