Chemo Withdrawal and Partying with my Friends

For several weeks now, I have been planning on having a "Chemo's Done" party.  Realizing that my cancer treatment isn't done yet, I almost gave up the idea, but it was important to me to mark the occasion in some way.  What was supposed to be a casual get together with snacks and visiting at the park across the street was kiboshed by howling winds and gray skies.  Everyone came to my house, instead.

It was utterly fantastic to see everyone!!  As we visited and ate over the 2-1/2 hours, I realized just how much I missed all of my colleagues.  Can't remember if I told you this yet, but I recently accepted a new position at Ashcroft Secondary School for September (yes, it's yet to be determined by my doctor when, if, and how much I can return in September, but the job's mine nonetheless). My entire staff was grilling me on why I left the elementary school and moved to the high school. My party was a perfect way to ensure I got to see everyone since I likely won't go back to say an official "good-bye".

Telling my chemo stories, and relaying events of nurses, doctors, and visits with other patients made me recognize a very strange fact ....

I miss chemo!!

I'm a crazy woman!!  However, it's the truth. Here's a few reasons why I think this is true:

1.  Chemo is a routine -- and I thrive on routine.

2.  Chemo is predictable:

     - doctor appointments & bloodwork every second Thursday

     - chemo every second Friday

     - hair falls out when it's predicted to

     - most of the predicted side effects come to pass

3.  Chemo is social -- I love people and I need to be with people. Chemo was an

     excellent visiting time with daughters and even with other patients.

4.  Chemo felt like I was doing something to fight the cancer, and now I haven't

     been "fighting" for  four weeks.  I've just been lollygagging about putting in time.

At this moment, chemo is over ...  now what??

It's just a matter of time until I'm "fighting" again, but using radiation this time. Every time I think of 28 radiation sessions, Imagine Dragons' recent song "Radioactive" plays over and over in my head! (Even though the literature tells me that I'm not actually radioactive!!)  Will I feel the same withdrawal from radiation?  It, truly, will be the end of my treatment.

So ... I will find ways to fill the long days until radiation begins. There are some exciting events happening that will help tremendously -- Kate's graduation in Victoria, seeing my Grade 7 students "graduate" to the high school, visits from precious family.

I will be a "fighter-in-training" for these weeks. A fighter needs to be in exceptional shape to combat her opponent!!

I'm fighting on!!