Pink Party and More

I've had such an enjoyable week! I wish I wouldn't have had so many complications that my chemo treatments have been delayed, but I have treasured having a week that I felt 90% well. I now know that in time I will feel better and stronger.

Monday evening I was able to venture out and experience a Pink Party. Some of you might have heard of one, but it was the first for me. A Pink Party is given for someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and who will be undergoing chemo treatments. Patty gave this surprise party for Joelle who started her treatments on Thursday. Patty made the evening incredibly special. Each woman brought gifts that would bring Joelle comfort during or after her treatments. It was an evening filled with love, laughter, prayer, and yes, even tears. I left the evening feeling so thankful to know women who pour their hearts out so another will feel encouraged before facing a difficult life experience. I felt so blessed to be a part of this evening.

Tuesday, Kellie took me to my doctor's appointment with the plastic surgeon. I had a feeling he would drain the fluid that had been building up, and I didn't think I would feel good enough to drive home. At first, he wasn't sure he would try and drain the fluid, but than decided to see if he could. I'm glad he did because it helped take a lot of pressure off the area. He then decided I had to wrap my chest with an ace bandage for a few days to prevent the area from filling up again. So far, so good. He was glad to see that the fluid he drained showed no evidence of infection. We still have no idea why I had a fever last weekend. I've gone six days fever free!

Tuesday evening my sister came to visit and help Katie with practicing for her band performance. I think they practiced for three hours. Katelynn was so thankful. As a treat, of course we went to Golden Spoon for yogurt. Matthew says he's thankful for my new craving. Ashley spent the night and we stayed in our PJ's on Wednesday until lunch. It was a great visit.

Thursday I rested all day so that I would be OK to attend Katie's band performance. She joined the Corona-Norco All City Band and it was her first big performance. She went feeling much more confident with Ashley's help. We were so proud of her. We can't believe how well she has done in only six months. Right now she plans to continue to play through Jr. High and hopefully High School. Jim says if we thought football was expensive for Matt, we've seen nothing yet compared to participating in band. I'll have to set up a band fund (smile).

Friday morning I attended an award ceremony held at Katelynn's school. I waited until the program started so that I could stand in the back by the door. I just couldn't miss watching Katie receive the Teacher's Choice Award for Academic Achievement. She has worked so hard. We ended our week by going out to dinner to BJ's to celebrate.

I'm just so excited that I'm sitting here on a Saturday feeling good. I can't remember the last Saturday that I felt good. We are planning and hoping that I will feel good enough to go to church tomorrow - I haven't been since starting chemo. Who knows how I will do after chemo starts again on Thursday?

I'm trying not to think about Thursday. It will be eight weeks since my last chemo treatment. Not long enough to forget how it feels. Maybe months or years never allow you to erase the memory of chemo. So today, and the next four, I'm just going to focus on the great memories of this week. Thursday will be here soon enough.