Tests, Tests and More Tests

I am down to two tests and one surgery and then I'll be good to go for my first chemo treatment. I meet with Dr. K2 on Monday morning to go over test results and staging then I will begin my first treatment. I have spent the past weekdays traveling to and from appointments, being poked and prodded and sitting very still. I spent this past weekend trying to think about anything but cancer.

Thursday I had a bone marrow biopsy. Not fun. The procedure left me very sore and grateful for my previous medical teams. In the immediate days after the surgery it felt like I had taken a 2x4 strike right across my low back. The soreness is still there but not nearly as bad. The staff at the surgery center lacked personalities and the one crazy nurse who had a personality I could have done without. The whole story would take too long to type but it involved Gabi being scolded for leaving the premises and me telling the surgeon, "You're the worst massage therapist EVER!" right before I went under. Note to self: insult the medical staff after the surgery is done!

Friday I met with the surgeon who will place the portacath in my chest. It was a quick consultation to explain the procedure (I'll be under anesthesia so he wanted to meet me and answer questions beforehand).

Over the weekend I watched the son of my co-worker play in a baseball tournament and took his youngest son on a movie date. Kids are the best medicine. I loved that the biggest decision of the night involved root beer and gummy bears. My Mom flew in on Sunday night and it is nice having her here. She is getting a crash course in hospital and cancer center visits but I know she is sleeping better now that she can be with me at the appointments and soak up some sunshine while I'm at work.

Monday I had the MRI on my brain. After having my head strapped into a brace and a football helmet type apparatus placed over my face the MRI began. The best description I can give is that it sounds like a woodpecker trying to escape a video game by using a jackhammer. Yeah, and that was with ear plugs in.

Today I had the full-body PET scan. I was taken into a small, sterile room where the radioactive tracer was injected into my hand. The nurse dimmed the lights, closed the door and I spent the next 45 minutes in a comfy recliner trying not to move. I managed to pull that off by taking a little nap. After the 45 minutes were up I moved into the scanner and spent the next 30 minutes having the table I was laying on moved in and out of the scanner. Again, I was not to move so I dozed off. The only time I woke up was when "Waterfalls" by TLC came on the radio. What does that song even mean?!?!

Over the past few days I came up with an action plan for my hair. It seems that hair loss is a very strong possibility and the oncology nurse suggested I think about it sooner rather than later so tonight I got my haircut. I have been growing my hair out in order to donate to Locks of Love again and by cutting it very short I was able to hit the required length of 10" before I started chemo. It's pretty short but it will make the transition easier for me. I will deal with hair thinning/loss when it happens but for my own sanity I know I was able to help a child with cancer. Donating means so much more to me this time.

Me and my cute mama.

Cut, cut, cut.

I think I fell asleep for a minute or two.

The 'do.

Here's to Locks of Love!

Tomorrow I have the echocardiogram and pulmonary function test and Thursday is the Portacath surgery. My brother will be here for the weekend and I am looking forward to some good laughs and a baseball game with him.

Overall, I am doing well. Physically I have no symptoms and I believe that helps my mental state as well. Having so many appointments also helps keep my mind focused on my day to day activities rather than the big scary thoughts that can consume me in a matter of minutes.

Please pray for smooth sailing at the tests tomorrow and a successful surgery on Thursday. Thank you all for your love and support.