Getting On With It

My first two posts were largely about the first phase of this experience: getting sick, dealing with and learning about the disease and treatments, figuring out the many different appointments - where I have to go and when and with what frequency, what I have to do at home, and coping with some side-effects.

Since then, I feel like I've moved into the next phase of "ok, let's get on with it". Nothing is too new anymore. I've been to the Tom Baker at least half a dozen times, I know where all the departments are, I've got my routine down at home with the drug schedules, temperature checking, food do's and don'ts etc.

This past week or so has been quite eventful. First, let me say that I've felt great. My appetite has been really good and I've gained back about 5-6 lbs from my skinniest point, which is awesome! Second, I've had a really FUN week of going out, and NOT to the hospital! Yay!! I went shopping and out to restaurants and had a few visitors over. 

As I mentioned in my last update, the need for a hat was very pressing. My whole life, I've never found a hat that looked good on me. When I go golfing I wear a baseball cap, but they're usually too big and I don't care too much what I look like on the golf course since I'm usually in the trees looking for my ball. So the challenge was on. My friend Kari bravely picked up the gauntlet and announced "I will find you a hat". We went shopping last Saturday, and like all proper shopping trips it started with lunch. Okay, it was a two hour lunch. She eats really slow. But I had faith in her magical hat finding abilities so I was happy to lounge a bit over salt and pepper squids at Calgary Court.

We finally make it to the first store, I try on the first hat - I love it. They have the same style in different colours - I buy three of them. Definition of a successful shopping trip? Two hours on food, ten minutes on shopping! I'm not and never have been much into fashion. So the hats are very simple, versatile, basic, but still very cute. Kind of like a cute painter's cap for chicks. Rock 'n roll - Jeannie has hats.

Now the real challenge - something for the winter cold, like a toque. Toques and Asians faces don't mix well. We went to MEC, a MECca for toques but I only found one that I liked. It was some ridiculous price so we went across the street to what used to be Coast Sports. It took a bit longer, but we found two toques that actually look decent.

Lunch: $35
Three Hats: $88
Two Toques: $42
Having a friend with magical hat finding abilities: Priceless

The next big thing this week was my second chemotherapy treatment. This was a bit new, in that it was the first one as an Out Patient. It's very sad how busy they are there. The treatment room is really big - I think there's about 15 or so beds/chairs separated by curtains. But there's a whole row of windows so it's very bright and not at all depressing. Wayne came with me of course, and it was completely painless. They just hooked up my IV and started pumping various drugs into me. The first one was a "push", meaning instead of letting it drip into your IV from a bag, they actually use a syringe and push the drug into your IV. It's a bit unnerving I have to say, to see someone with a giant syringe pushing a bright red liquid directly into your vein. Yah, I can feel everyone wincing as they read that! But really, they go slow and you don't feel anything at all.

I was in a comfy chair, texting and instant messaging on my phone (with one hand), listened to my iPod for a while, and before I knew it, three hours had passed and I was done. That was just two days ago, so now I wait to see when and how it hits me. I'm still feeling good today.

The last big thing this week is the hair. It's gone. I shaved it all yesterday and am really, really happy about it. I'd rather be bald than have it continue to fall out. The constant clean up and feeling of hair down the back of my shirt was driving me mad. Besides, with the rate at which it was falling out, there was no doubt it was all coming out anyway. It's pretty weird seeing myself bald. I have to admit I'm not used to it yet. And it's so cold!! It's fine sitting on the couch, but just walking in the house is chilly from the breeze. So I have an indoor cap and some excellent outdoor hats.

I also did what I thought I would never do. I went to this place and bought a wig! I know - kinda crazy. I wasn't at all interested in the idea and thought I would look ridiculous. But I heard they will totally customize it, cut it and thin it out so it feels and looks they way you want. Besides, my work benefits covers it so it's a free experiment. The people at this place are in fact very compassionate. They set you up in a private room and have lots of great advice and information. They also shaved my head for free.  I got a wig that will look pretty much like my short hairstyle, but a bit thicker (I mean, why not!) and nicer. I don't get it until next week because they have to order it in. I wanted it in a different colour, ... and with the sports package, but definitely no sunroof.

Overall, an extremely successful week. Two treatments down, four to go. Head shaved. Hats found. Wig on the way. There have been some comments about me being brave through all of this and keeping my sense of humor etc. I appreciate the kind thoughts, but really, so far I've only written my blog when I'm feeling good, which means I'm in good spirits and feeling... normal?. My next post might be in a few days when treatment #2 kicks in, and it could likely just say "I feel like shit and cancer sucks!"

But for now, I'm thankful I've had a great stretch of good days. Thanks everyone for the continued support and comments on my blog and emails. It's great to hear from people and it was so awesome to see some friend this week.