One Week

One - Week - Barenaked Ladies

It's clear that the actual song does not always mean anything....it's the words that spark it.- 'one week'.

So, one week until treatment begins.  Yes, I have a treatment plan.  Who'd have thought anyone would get excited about starting chemotherapy.  Well, actually, there are those who would be ecstatic about that opportunity.  Those who have cancer but have no known treatment, those who can't tolerate treatment or those who don't have access to or can't afford treatment.   So, I consider myself one of the fortunate ones.

The anxiety leading up to the appointment was huge.  Not about having treatment, the diagnosis or the drugs but rather the not knowing and not feeling recognized in the system.   I felt it all drop once I left the appointment.

My treatment plan is long - 12 weeks or so of active chemotherapy, then surgery and radiation and ongoing treatment for a further 9 months.   There is still some refinement of the timing and make up of the medications to be included in the chemo cocktail but all will be confirmed as the final tests are completed.

That one week will go quickly.  Echocardiogram today, CT scan Monday, 'chemo school' Tuesday, oncologist appointment Wednesday and then first chemo Friday.

They say if nausea takes it's toll, I will be sick Monday.  They give you anti nausea medication and it sounds like it works so I doubt this won't be a weight-loss plan.   Hair loss likely by the end of March.   I always joked that I could never go bald because I have such a lumpy scalp - it freaks the kids out.   Well, be careful - Never say Never.  

The kids are coming to chemo school with me.   I'm glad that they will be there with me and will become familiar with my new 'second home' for the next months.   It will take the mystery and scariness out of it all.   We'll be going through this as a team and I've got super teammates.