Lessons learned from this adventure so far (post-chemo; pre-surgery):
I started this Friday, and if I don't post today the title won't apply anymore. And I don't want to change it because I'm lazy :-)
Lessons learned (post-chemo; pre-surgery):
1. Hydration is not overrated. Drink, drink, drink!
2. Sometimes it's good to know, at the beginning, how hard the journey will be. Sometimes it is not; this is one of those times.
3. A great healthcare team can (a) save your life (b) make it possible to keep coming back to poison one's self. Thank you Christ Hospital Hematology & Oncology (Ft. Wright, KY).
4. The "cure" sucks, but it is better than the disease...way better.
5. Medical marijuana needs to be a thing yesterday for everyone that thinks it might help. Also, recreational, but that's not directly related to this post :-)
6. I have friends and family who are amazing!! Again, I knew this...but wow.
a. Food feeds the body and soul and is necessary for recovery.
b. The cards and gifts in the mail, wow. I have so many, and I love each one. When you're feeling poorly, a card in the mail is a wonderful, incredibly important light. Thank you.
c. Rides to and company during chemo. Hanging out in a crowded room while I'm hooked up to a bag of poison isn't the most fun ever. Thanks for making it bearable and even, yes, fun.
d. My colleagues/friends are wonderful. This applies to both current (UC Blue Ash and former RBC). Thank you for all your help, encouragement and box of love!
e. Words of encouragement via the blog, Facebook, a text, a chat, whatever medium. They have helped enormously.
7. Breast cancer is neither pink nor fuzzy. No cancer is. It sucks, and it's hard, and it's ugly. I appreciate the consciousness raising of the pink ribbon, which has lead to greater funding, but maybe it is time to reconsider how we use this. Let's fund research for more targeted treatments for all cancers. We are making progress, but there is plenty to go. Might be more on this later.
8. Read the labels, trust my ability to research. Stand up for myself in treatment.
9. Always get a second opinion.
10. A good surgeon is key.
11. Walk, preferably in nature.
12. Limited energy requires one to prioritize.
13. Last but not least...laughter might not be the best medicine, but it's certainly an indispensable adjuvant therapy. Ending on lucky number 13, because Shell is my right hand woman in this :-)
Lessons learned (post-chemo; pre-surgery):
1. Hydration is not overrated. Drink, drink, drink!
2. Sometimes it's good to know, at the beginning, how hard the journey will be. Sometimes it is not; this is one of those times.
3. A great healthcare team can (a) save your life (b) make it possible to keep coming back to poison one's self. Thank you Christ Hospital Hematology & Oncology (Ft. Wright, KY).
4. The "cure" sucks, but it is better than the disease...way better.
5. Medical marijuana needs to be a thing yesterday for everyone that thinks it might help. Also, recreational, but that's not directly related to this post :-)
6. I have friends and family who are amazing!! Again, I knew this...but wow.
a. Food feeds the body and soul and is necessary for recovery.
b. The cards and gifts in the mail, wow. I have so many, and I love each one. When you're feeling poorly, a card in the mail is a wonderful, incredibly important light. Thank you.
c. Rides to and company during chemo. Hanging out in a crowded room while I'm hooked up to a bag of poison isn't the most fun ever. Thanks for making it bearable and even, yes, fun.
d. My colleagues/friends are wonderful. This applies to both current (UC Blue Ash and former RBC). Thank you for all your help, encouragement and box of love!
e. Words of encouragement via the blog, Facebook, a text, a chat, whatever medium. They have helped enormously.
7. Breast cancer is neither pink nor fuzzy. No cancer is. It sucks, and it's hard, and it's ugly. I appreciate the consciousness raising of the pink ribbon, which has lead to greater funding, but maybe it is time to reconsider how we use this. Let's fund research for more targeted treatments for all cancers. We are making progress, but there is plenty to go. Might be more on this later.
8. Read the labels, trust my ability to research. Stand up for myself in treatment.
9. Always get a second opinion.
10. A good surgeon is key.
11. Walk, preferably in nature.
12. Limited energy requires one to prioritize.
13. Last but not least...laughter might not be the best medicine, but it's certainly an indispensable adjuvant therapy. Ending on lucky number 13, because Shell is my right hand woman in this :-)
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