The Final Countdown
This week has been a shitshow. I’ve been pretty nervous about being alone for five weeks. Then on Friday, I’m driving the kids to school when we get hit by another car. We were going straight on a light and this guy merges on but instead of staying in the lane that’s created from the turn (the right lane) he immediately veers in front of us. I luckily was paying attention – I braked and honked. He still managed to damage the right front, but missed Evelyn by a few feet.
We called the police right away. It took them a while to get there. Meanwhile, this guy is telling us all about how many accidents he’s been in and that the sun was in his eyes when he merged into us. He also told the police that…who told us before we left that they’ll document that it’s completely his fault.
We were lucky for find a semi-local body shop who could squeeze us in in the next month. It was that or he’s booked out until June. He was such a nice guy and drove us home (Josh was still at work).
Unfortunately, my car insurance doesn’t cover rentals, and really, I can’t afford that for an entire month. My parents are graciously lending us my mom’s new Ford Bronco (OH YEAH) for the month. One less headache.
Car accident was the icing on the cake.
Poor Evelyn has been crying about me needing to be gone. There are a lot of scary things happening in her life, as well as a lot of changes. It’s going to be hard to be away from them during the week. At least I can drive back on the weekends to see them. I’ll likely have to leave Saturday morning rather than Friday night because I’ll likely be in treatment late Friday nights. We’ll see, though.
My radiation schedule was released – finally! – on Friday. They are supposed to come out Wednesdays for the following week. I believe that means I can get my schedule when I’m physically in the radiation building. But the portal shows my entire 5 weeks (plus a weekly appointment with my radiation oncologist, and some other random appointments)…so I’ll have to ask about them. The times are all over the place. Some in the morning, some in the evening. Nothing super late so far! That’s great news. I think. It’ll depend. If it tires me out, then having AM appointments is gonna suck.
Last Thursday was my second shot – Phesgo. Got my FAVORITE nurse, Bree. Who was asking about radiation and asked if someone was coming down with me. I said no. So she told all the other nurses who are calling their friends or relatives who live in the Rochester area.
Labs are all good. Shot went fine. I’m schedule to get my next dose at Mayo. Spent too much time chatting with all the nurses who all know me by now. They make it such a great experience.
I am penning this from a local Rochester restaurant. I left Blaine about 2. It was hard to leave the kids. Evelyn had been crying on and off. We got to spend the weekend together…well a ”long” weekend, since they played hooky from school on Friday. Then we traveled to Grandma and Grandpa’s to visit and grab the car. It has been ~6 months since the kids have seen her. And they’ve only seen Grandpa once. So they were SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to visit on Saturday.
Mom was finally discharged early last week. She looked good, aside from the fact she couldn’t talk and still has the trach in. Kids were a little apprehensive but Mom sent a picture before we left so they knew what everything looks like. She was in good spirits; looked good. She was happy watching them play and talk.
So I’m in an Airbnb apartment until Friday, when I can move into the apartment I rented. I managed to carry ALLLLLL my crap to the apartment by myself. I wasn’t sure how I’d do lifting some heavy weights but I got everything up to the 2nd floor in just a few trips. I still don’t notice the lack of chest tissue until someone hits me.
I brought a monitor with me so I can work in luxury while I’m here. ????
I’m hoping I can resume normal activity. I’m scared to be alone this long. I’m scared of what side effects I might get. I’m part of a ”young survivor’s” Facebook group and someone just posted a photo of their radiation BURNS. It’s like if you were Irish and fell asleep in the sun all day. I really, really hope that doesn’t happen. I don’t know if I can FEEL this while I’m laying there.
I did bring my big-ass water bottle to stay hydrated. I’m hoping it works for radiation like it did for chemo.
Lots of unknowns. But like everything else, I’ll get through it. It’s necessary. And by now, I’m kinda good at finding the silver linings.
If anyone has the time or inclination, I’ve got an extra bed. I’d love company.
Josh could also use help – with the kids and dogs. He’s got help (from Nana!) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are two dogs who would love company. Roxy is a wildcard – I’m not sure anyone should go near her at this point.
I’ll keep y’all updated as I go through the final round of kicking cancer’s ass. <3
