4.9-4.13: Chemo Tomorrow

Today I had my appointment at the cancer center. I was able to do a half day at work before the appointment, and then returned to work for a few hours afterwards. The appointments go roughly as follows: check in at the front desk, take the form the give me to the examination/doctors area that I will be in that day, get the lab requisition form from the receptionist there, go to the lab and wait about a half hour for my number to be called and my blood to be drawn, return to the examination area and wait another half hour or more to go in and talk to a nurse, and then wait another 10-15 minutes to talk to the dr, which usually only lasts for about 5 minutes (typically just repeating what I told the nurses.) Last week my doctor said that since I seemed to be doing well he would only have me meet with the nurse from now on to save me time. Today was the first day that happened, and it was nice. Everything looked fine for chemo tomorrow, so that was good.

It was snowing and windy on my walk to/from the cancer center. I was thinking that the last time I was in snowstorm was on I-80 in the Sierra Nevadas, driving home from Utah after a spring break. I had to put chains on our van and drive over the pass. I think I like walking in snow better than that, even if it is a bit cold with the wind chill.

Tonight one of Brittney's running buddies had us over for dinner, and then helped me with a small project we are working on for Christmas. The kids did not want to leave their house and return home, due to the awesome toys that they had. People have been so kind to us here.

I took off my hat once I had entered the building, and even at a cancer center there are not that many people with bare bald heads. As I was standing in line waiting to turn in my lab requisition form I felt, for some reason, a little more noticeable and different. At that moment, in my mind's eye I saw all of the people who have sent me pictures of their bald heads, and in that moment they were all standing shoulder-to-shoulder behind me. My own bald army. I felt overwhelmed with strength, emotion, and gratitude. Just know that your love and support make a huge difference to me. I am adding to my store of happy faces and memories to draw upon whenever I desire. I feel so blessed.