More Good Days Than Bad

Having a break has been WONDERFUL! I will be honest and tell you that there are still bad hours, and I never know when my body will just all of a sudden want to stop, but they are only hours. I SO WISH I WAS REALLY DONE WITH TREATMENT AND IT WASN'T JUST A BREAK. Yet I'm so thankful for the break and trying to enjoy each day. I can't do a lot without my arm swelling, so I just have to take it a little at a time.

I started back to lymphedema therapy yesterday. I know it's good for my arm but it's such a hassle being all wrapped up. My physical therapist and primary doctor are in the process of ordering a machine that I will be able to use at home and then put my sleeve on afterwards to keep the swelling down. Of course the treatment causes the wound to ooze more, so I am making sure I am changing the gauze more. Without having chemo the wound on the skin is beginning to heal - finally! I know it's confusing but I actually have two different wounds under my arm. One is on the skin. The other is an opening under the arm pit. This is the wound that broke open because my arm had swollen so large and it needed a place to release the pressure. They believe the fluid that is coming out is actually from the lymph system. It will be interesting to see if City of Hope can determine exactly what it is.

Everyday I continue to lose more and more hair. I've tried not to have to cut or shave it because I have enough to still wear a baseball cap or beanie and have enough hanging out in the back. I know there will be some special occasion events coming up that a hat just wouldn't look right. The last time I had chemo I was never comfortable wearing wigs and wore scarves. My friend Joelle who was also going through chemo only wore wigs and not scarves. She had been trying to drop off a couple of wigs to me for weeks and we finally connected on Saturday. She was so sweet to be my instructor. It's very difficult to do it because of my left arm and hand, so Katelynn was quickly trained.

Joelle brought over a beautiful wig. The most important thing is that it is long (the Jaclyn Smith look I wanted 3 yrs ago - smile). I took it and had the bangs trimmed (with Joelle's permission). I decided I would wear it for our Women's Christmas Dinner last night. Katelynn was wonderful helping me. What a blessing to have her as my daughter. She was so excited that I was getting dressed up and going out. As we were leaving she told Jean and I the same thing we always tell her when she is going out with friends, "Have fun, but make good choices." It was so cute. Here is a picture that Katelynn took before I left.

I had such a nice time. I got to sit with treasured friends, plus love on the ones sitting at other tables. Each table is decorated differently by the host. Our table was hosted by Lisa Wood and it was stunning. I wouldn't know where to begin with something like that. I've decided that Katie and I are going to have to start picking up items (in the clearance section) to decorate our table one night at home. I think Katelynn would love it.

I'm resting today before therapy because I get to go out again tonight with Katelynn. Her Bible study leader Sheryl has invited the girls and their mothers over for a Christmas Tea. Maybe you will get a picture of the two of us together next.

I'm still waiting for news from City of Hope. We figured out on Friday that there was some kind of misunderstanding. I'm hoping it will be clarified today and the process will begin.

I just looked at the picture again and if you look closely, you can see the difference between my arms. I normally hide my left arm if I can (I just forgot this time - at least my port isn't showing - smile!). It's hard being vain. I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

See...when I feel good you get more updates.