Dreading the Drive Back in October, I dreaded the 6+ weeks ahead. I wasn't sure what radiation would be like, but I did know what driving in Houston was like. I didn't look forward to spending a minimum of 60 minutes in the car for daily appointments. Making it Fun But a few friends offered to go along to appointments, now and then. It seemed silly at first, since I needed no help. But I certainly had the time and it was a great excuse to get together and talk in the car... or eat lunch after. Houston's Citycentre area has some pretty nice outdoor dining options and it was a good time of year for that! Exploring with Don Don was up for some fun exploring on the days he went along. We stopped on Highway 6 and ate fried shrimp at the crazy looking boat-shaped restaurant I've wondered about for 18 years. Another day we shopped and dined in Houston's Asiatown, where street signs are in Mandarin and you can find every kind of Asian food... from Taiwanese to Korean. Going Solo But for most of these 6 past weeks, I've driven myself and I've actually enjoyed it. My 10:00 appointment times have helped me avoid traffic and I've allowed extra time to avoid stress, in case I meet up with some. I've listened to NPR and heard some wonderful stories and learned about authors and artists and heroes. And I've taken different routes home, meandering through ritzy neighborhoods or different ethnic shopping areas. I've even taken my running shoes and stopped for a quick jog in a park, on a pretty day.
Two More Times I only have two more treatments and two more drives. I never thought I'd say, "I'll sort of miss this drive."
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Colorful Me I actually love to wear the Christmas colors. Just not on my skin. Way back in October, I was decorated with some little clear stickers and some green llines. These marks helped the therapists locate my field of treatment. It wasn't exactaly turtleneck weather then, but I started wearing shirts with a higher neckline. Time for a Boost! On Thursday, when my doctor said it was time to begin my "boost treatment", I couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. It actually meant I was close enough to the end of treatments, that they would narrow down the radiation focus to a smaller area. That's a good thing. So before starting my first boost treatment I got spiffed up with some new stickers and marks. "I hope these are Christmas stickers!" I announced, as new decorations were added to my skin. My therapist laughed and said the stickers were clear again, but my new marker color was red. "You'll be wearing Christmas colors, now!"
Acutally, I was allowed to remove the green marks and old stickers when I got home! Yay, I can wear normal shirts now! Losing Things Lately, I've complained a lot about hair loss. And yesterday morning I was distraught when I thought I lost Ms. Donkey. But the hair is growing slowly and my good luck donkey mascot was found... and I'm feeling foolish for fretting over minor worries. Yesterday evening, I was reminded about real loss, when I heard someone I knew died unexpectedly. How could this incredibly well-liked, energetic man suddenly be gone? Hadn't I just clicked "like" to Tommy's new profile picture, after spotting his huge smile on Facebook? I pictured his son, who was in marching band with my son and I couldn't imagine the pain he must be feeling.
It's Christmastime, the hardest time to face a loss. Four years ago today, my mom died unexpectedly. Two years ago, my brother-in-law also died unexpectedly. Five years ago, I lost my much younger half-brother in December. It's not a time of year we expect to grieve. So instead of getting mad myself for pouting over the stupid things, I'm putting a tiny angel next to my donkey and reminding myself to enjoy each day and to take no one for granted. |
Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
January 2022
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