Chemo #2

I just got home from Chemo #2 and, like last time, so far so good. Mom is here and she was my chauffeur today! During our neighbour dog walk this morning the topic of Mother's Day came up, specifically that it is happening this weekend. I was so sure it was next weekend, as it often occurs at the start of the Canada Wide Science Fair. So, I am thankful for Mother's Day I get to be with my mom. 💜

My treatment took just about exactly 3 hours today. I'm grateful it's not longer; some others are there for much longer, and still others go home hooked up to a bottle of chemo. Here is a picture of my in my comfy chemo chair - they are sweet recliners and VERY comfortable.

I mentioned in a much earlier post that I received a really amazing gift from my friend Deb. She had a cancer diagnosis in 2017 (I think!) and did a beautiful job sharing her story at that time which I was grateful for. Her honest sharing helped inspire me to do the same, and I have found it to be cathartic to write about my experience and also comforting to know that people can swing by here to see what's up.

Anyway, I'm getting off track. The beautiful things Deb shared with me are these two fantastic bracelets that she was gifted during her cancer treatments. They carry a special magic and remind many of us of Wonder Woman - they are the 'pew! pew!' bracelets. :) The special magic comes from Deb and from the two other humans who have worn them between Deb's treatments and mine. I'm not much into 'woo' energy, but I'm telling you that these are FULL of 'woo' energy. One says 'fierce and unrelenting' and the other says 'suck it cancer,' and this is the vibe I choose to bring with me to the chemo suite.

I almost finished knitting a hat during treatment today, but didn't because while I receive ONE of the three drugs I exercise the option to put my hands in a bucket of ice. This helps significantly in reducing damage to fingernails, which can become thin and brittle and sometimes even fall out. So the ice is bad for knitting progress, good for nails. But having nails is good for knitting progress long term, I suppose, so it all works out.

My other bracelet in the ice bucket. 

Tonight we are having something from St. Catharines for dinner - one of the meals my chef brother in law lovingly prepared for us last weekend. I'm typing, mom's making a blanket, Rick's out walking the dog during my kiddo's piano lesson, and excellent smells are filling the air as I type. I'll check back in Sunday or Monday and let everyone know how things are going. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in my life!