I'm a Fashion Statement

 (The days have started running together, but I wanted to throw you a little update.  I also didn’t take very good notes to refer to for this blog, so I know I missed things.  SLACKER!)

Easter, Hair, and Cardinals Baseball

Birthdays, Celebrations and Chemo

April 17th through May 5th  

Easter with the Roth family went great!  Ate way too much food, chased the bunny and just enjoyed a wonderful day.  Watching little ones run around in the yard and get so excited over an egg or piece of candy makes everything feel well.

The steroids they give me actually keep me hungry most of the time, so it is no surprise that almost every outing we have lately involves crazy amounts of great food.  While I was snacking on some Girl Scout cookies, I realized my food it talking to me!



Chemo Day 3

April 22nd (Friday)

Robert was my victim of the day.  We got to the center and were hooked up and labs drawn.  Then we went to meet with the nurse practitioner.  She said potassium was still a little low and to keep taking double the amount I was taking (UGH!)  We once again were able to get a private room, so Robert enjoyed the recliner and watched old westerns most of the day.  It was fairly uneventful.  I colored for a bit, scrolled through my phone and had a nap.  I am actually finding chemo days to be a bit relaxing (if it just wasn’t for getting stabbed first thing!)

I guess I didn't take a selfie, so enjoy a picture of my Grogu socks!

That night we had a 50th birthday party for my friend, Amy.  We all met up at Grand Slam in Fenton for some great dinner and desserts.  I was feeling fine but was really tired at the end of the long day.


Hair

April 26th (Tuesday)

This was a day I had been dreading.  If you know me, you know my hair has always been long.  I wasn’t seeing a lot of hair loss just yet.  More like shedding like I did when I was pregnant with the kids.  After some discussion, Robert and I thought it might be best to get it cut shorter so it would be easier to manage while it was falling out.  I didn’t tell many people about the appointment ahead of time, so it was a big shock to some.  I mean, it’s not that I don’t like the cut, I just don’t like short hair on me.  I got several compliments, but it is hard for me to gracefully accept them when I’m not happy about it and the reason behind it sucks even more.  It is growing on me, though.

It was the right call to make, because starting on Sunday moring, I noticed so much more hair falling out.  I see it mostly during a shower, but I am also picking it off of my clothes most of the day.  

Cardinals Baseball

April 27th (Wednesday)

Amy wanted to celebrate her actual birthday at the ballpark.  Who am I to argue with that!  We all know it is the best place to be and especially on a beautiful spring day in an all-inclusive area.  We had tickets on the AT&T rooftop and witness a very exciting game.  Even included a bench clearing brawl!  It was exhausting, but so worth every minute!


Chemo Day 4

April 29th (Friday)

Sandy was the one to have to suffer the day with me.  This time when we walked in, she took us straight back to the private room.  I didn’t even have to awkwardly ask.  It was good to be in there, though.  Sandy was able to do some work and I tried to nap.  Even though the Benadryl makes me sleepy, sometimes it’s hard to nap with all the beeping going on around you. I dabbled a bit with a digital coloring book.  It feels like cheating, but it is a pretty picture in the end.  We made it through the day and then stopped at Ruby Tuesdays for a late lunch.



On Saturday, we got together at a friends house for a BBQ.  It was just a nice, casual get together with great chats and wonderful food.  On Sunday, we went to celebrate one of my great neice's first communion.  After that, we stopped off at the farm to take in some fresh air and do a little planning for camping on Memorial Weekend.

Now, to explain why I am a fashion statement!  I realized just how casual and comfy I am on chemo days, but since I have been feeling well, there have been days when we stop and a store or at a restaurant.  It dawned on me that I would never wear these combinations out in public for any other reason.  I mean, a button down shirt and leggings! It doesn't really sound so bad on the surface, but I rarely match.  These aren't cute combos!  I will never again look at someone and think they are crazy for wearing what I assume are pj's in public.  You never know just where they are coming from or going.


A few things to note:

  • Chemo day 5 is tomorrow.  I am sure it will be just as exciting as the last four have been.
  • Someone remind me to go wig shopping!  My procrastinator is showing.
  • I am still doing well.  Tired, but good.
  • I am thinking about when I will post everything more publicly.  I know it is not something that has to be done, but like I said before, I don't like rumors, so I would rather people just know what is going on.  Small town life dictates that you must assume what you think is going on and tell someone else.  I am also a strong supporter of having the most prayers as possible.
  • I didn't come up with a good song for today.  From now on, I will try to pay more attention. (Feel free to send me recommendations!)

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Ricki


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