A Table Set for a King

How is everyone holding up? This is new territory for us all as we commit to staying home and washing our hands! There are going to be times of frustration, irritation, and hopefully some times of laughter too! 

A couple of nights ago we had a “royal” dinner. We needed to spice things up from being home day after day. The arguing was getting to be too much. So, we set the table with candles and “goblets”, we practiced using table manners, and to make it more fun, we dressed up. The boys wore their knight costumes and yours truly put on my favorite dress and a crown. Our dinner became a feast and we became royalty. This is just what we needed to get out our “funk” for that night at least. 

It was a fun evening, and one that I am so grateful to have had. At the time I was just getting rid of the quarantine blues, but now looking back and hearing them talk about it, I realize we created another beautiful memory in this very uncertain time. You see, our uncertain time has been long since before this quarantine. We have been uneasy since November. But, slowly we are adjusting to every curve ball that is thrown our way. And one of these days we will breathe a sigh of relief again. I can’t wait for that moment.  Until then, we will accidentally make beautiful memories that will last forever, even though mama is sick and worn out. 

This past Friday I started the new chemo, “The Red Devil”. I was quite anxious and scared. I had to do it all alone. They no longer allow visitors in the back due to the coronavirus. In the infusion room, we are all vulnerable. I am so thankful for my nurses. I came in with tears in my eyes. My anxiety and fear had gotten the best of me this day. They immediately comforted me, reassuring me I was going to be ok. I knew they were there for me; they were my new visitors. 

The entire infusion lasted 3 hours. Significantly shorter than my last 12 rounds. After hearing about the side effects and getting the infusion, I was given this little gadget that was going to release a shot into me 24 hours from that time.  It was the size of a two inch box and was placed on my stomach. A little needle was inserted and 24 hours from that time, it would release a shot that would boost my white blood cells. This was so that I could stay healthy and strong until my next infusion (2 weeks from this past Friday). It was quite amazing. Yesterday at 3:30 it started to beep and then the shot was administered. I slowly took the “box” off when it was complete and now wait for my little white soldiers to multiply. I am so impressed with modern medicine. This was one more obstacle that I went through. Cross it off the list. One step closer to recovery. 

I will get my treatment every other Friday for the next two months. Only 3 more sessions! This number feels good. Right now the side effects are manageable, but I am told it will get worse. I guess I will keep praying for another mini miracle and hopefully the side effects will be better than I thought, and will allow me to be present for my family.

My Marigolds this week are my nurses. They have become my friends, my caretakers, and my support when I am alone. I couldn’t get through this without my medical team. They will always have a special place in my heart.