Eternal Hippies A Year Homemade and Beyond

I started radiation treatments on Tuesday. They are 5 days a week for 5 weeks. I was told my appointments would be the same time each day so Joe and I arranged our jobs around that notion. But when I got to my first appointment I was told no, it would change day to day. This upset both us and I let the nurse know that wouldn't work for me. She said she'd work on it, but the next day the appointments were still at different times in the afternoons. I'm going to loose money (not working, not getting payed) over this and Joe is upset because he wants to take me to my appointments, but with the crazy scheduling, there will be times he won't be able. Today is one of those days. He said he would look at his work schedule, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I like him to drive me for many reasons. The most important is because I love him and want him near. Plus, I am not comfortable driving at night. It still gets dark early here in the south. Also, it's an hour away fro...

Happy New Year, just in case I hadn't said it yet. Monday I had a scan to get ready for radiation. They "tattooed" me where they are going to point their 'lasers'. I'm a little sore from that. It looks like all of my treatments will be at the end of the day, so I'll only miss 30 minutes of work each day. If they were in the morning, I would have lost 2 hours each day, so this is good news! I am getting a little bit of "peach fuzz" on my head. My hair is starting to grow. So far it's difficult to see, it almost looks clear, but I am certain it will be white when it comes back. I've got roughly 8 weeks for it to grow back before the doctor makes the decision where I need to go back for more chemotherapy. Back in October she said I would need it, but the last time I saw her in December, she said I might not. That would be great if I didn't! My oldest son, Sean, has come to stay and help out for awhile.We don't have room for him...

Sleep. It seems that is all my body wants to do. It's beyond fatigue. I wear my exhaustion all over my face. Everyone that sees me comments on how tired I look. Yup, that's what you want greeting you, a worn out receptionist. My co-worker is about to become a grandmother. Sally, the Generous. Bless the whole family. Very exciting! So I finally remembered to order some new jeans. Been wearing the same pair for the past 4 years and they look it. Faded and the spandex worn out. The big box store I used to buy them at stopped carrying them, so I went to the website that the company who makes them. They were on sale, yeah! It's the same company that makes my bras and since the same big box store stopped carrying those as well, I ordered them too. And they were cheaper. It's nice when I can get a deal on items that I was going to get anyway. That's about it. My energy level is so low. I want a nap. about a 6 hour nap. no, make that a 12 hour nap. I'm sure having...

Yesterday I had two radiation doctor's appointments. I went to the first one on time and was told he doctor didn't need to see me. When why schedule the appointment? I'm not sure. But that's not what got me. After waiting in the patient waiting room for nearly an hour, I as told that my other appointment that day was given to another patient in more "critical" need. Okay, so why not call me to reschedule so I wasn't wasting both my time and a day off without pay???!!! Now I had to ask for yet another unpaid day off next week to get done what should have been done yesterday. I understand that other patients take priority to me, but why not call me? If I had done that to them, I would have been billed. Well, I lost 1/2 of my weekly pay for no reason and next week I have to come in on a day off to make up the time I will loose next week. A simple phone call to me would have prevented this mess. I am already worn out and feel like I constantly need a nap...

Yesterday I had a ct scan. It went okay, but I wasn't able to drive myself. I couldn't get a handle on some mean vertigo. It lasted all morning. Tomorrow, I have a radiation appointment that is supposed to last much of the day. Then on Friday afternoon I have a doctor's appointment to find out the results of the ct scan. Hoping for good news. At some point we are going to visit Joe's mom and I think we will have a bed at her house. Last two times we had to bring our tent, but the person who occupied that space has left permanently. Sigh, drama. I am just happy to get away for a few moments. But we haven't worked out the details for a trip. We had a wonderful early Christmas gift from my co-workers. New tires for the van! What a wonderful surprise! We were also given some cash, which immediately went towards my medical bills. Still owe thousands of dollars, but it was a start. We are trying to knock the medical bills down to a manageable level, but we are far f...

Here at work the mood staying jolly during the holidays. Even when we are busy, everyone has a smile on their face. Until today... It happened after several luncheons had taken place and most people were gone. An older woman, who had left, came back in to get her coast when she fell on in the lobby. The floor is porcelain and she fell on her face and arm. Lots of blood and screaming. I called 911 while my boss helped the woman stay calm and a team of coworkers fanned out to find her husband. We all worked well and she is now at the hospital. The EMT workers did a great job taking care of her. But the reality of it all has sunk in and can be seen on everyone's faces. Concern, worry and I know for me, panic. It only takes a moment, just one, to cause the whole world to change. One horrible act, where by intent or accident, to turn everything upside down. My boss turned on Christmas music to try to lighten the mood, but I think it will take awhile to go back to the light heart...

It's been a week that I had my latest chemo treatment. I am starting to feel human again, instead of a poisoned marmoset. I have decided to forgo the wig and instead sport pretty chemo caps that go with my work clothes. After work, I opt for beanies, toboggans, or whatever you care to call them. Both the chemo caps and cap liners I got off of Ebay stores. Here are some examples of me at work: In a previous post, you can see my big bald head as I stand with my eldest son, Sean. It was so good to spend time with him. I hope to get to do with the rest of my children. Rachael it's easier since she lives just down the road. So, no wigs. Now, last week was my last chemo treatment until after radiation, which won't start until January. We hope to visit Joe's side of the family soon for the holidays. He hasn't seen them in awhile. We hope to finish decorating for the holidays and I will post our setup. Spoiler alert: there will lots of bears and Santa! Peac...