STEPPING-MILESTONES
I realized yesterday that is was exactly 3 months since my last chemo. That's the magic number the oncologist threw out there as far as "getting it out of my system." However, there are a few notable things that I am afraid to lose:
1) I have not had any allergies this summer, which has been awesome
2) mosquitoes have not been biting me (note that people used to hike near me because I would draw the bugs away from them-- as an added bonus I would get a welt the size of a kiwi fruit wherever I got bitten)
I'm not certain that chemo is responsible for these two bonuses (although I must admit glee at the thought of a mosquito biting me and dropping dead from my "poisonous" blood!) but I'll take what I can get.... I think next summer I'll stick with Claratin and Deet, however.
I started back to work on Monday. I'm easing back into the swing of things, & it was heartwarming to get such a warm welcome back. Sure enough, everything kept functioning fine without me, but it's still good to know I was missed. I'm doing pretty well and getting much better at using the mouse with my left hand. I was exhausted yesterday, but I think that was much more a function of an early-rising baby than any lingering medical issues-- ah, "normal" life.
In really exciting news, Liam had a Dr. appointment last week and his echocardiogram was "Normal"!!!! Now he can be off O2 most of the day-- which is great considering he is moving up to the Toddler room at daycare. Someone described that room as "a blender with the top off," and although an O2 cord would have added some fun to the mix, I think learning to put on his shoes and clean up his lunch are big enough challenges to deal with. He will be on O2 at least at night through the winter, along with monthly anti-viral shots, and of course, the viagra, but those are relatively easy to deal with since now we get to see the whole of his beautiful face.
Team TigerOx is officially signed up for the Race for the Cure October 8th. Sign up for either the Co-ed 5k or the family walk if you're interested (on-line signup deadline is Sept18th). I've never participated in anything like that, let alone been part of "the cause". Hmmm. I wonder if suddenly pink will become a part of my wardrobe? All part of the infamous "new normal," I suppose...
One step (mile?) at a time...
posted by Carolyn @ Wednesday, September 13, 2006
7 comments
7 Comments:
I'm not sure when the last time was that I laughed out loud at one of your posts, but this one definitely qualifies. Maybe the mosquitoes live long enough to breed and kill their whole clan...
I am so so so very glad to hear the news on Liam. It seems like things are swinging in the right direction for all of you, and I know that must feel wonderful. Hopefully you guys will just keep building that momentum and never look back.
I wonder if there's a way for remote participation in the Race? If so, count me in. And I'd be more than willing to do the Sleep In For The Cure from here!!!
Can't wait to see you all on the 14th.
love,
bmc :)
Update for others:
It looks like the Sleep In is intended for those who are out of town. They even have a family 4-pack option! :) Now that's my kind of race....
bmc :)
hey carolyn,
Believe me i've never worn pink either (are we the same person? i mean no one ever sees us in the same room together...). But, I donned a pink tshirt AND a pink hat for the NYC race for the cure. (read my version here.) I had a blast even tho i was surprised to see that i was pretty much the only bald runner there.
As to going back to work....well, the blessings of ending chemo are mixed indeed...
and of course i forgot to say, WOO HOO! for Liam...
Carolyn -
Great blog...I decided that it would be unfair to the others in the Village if I logged in first since you told me you had just published it (I will admit I did read it earlier when there were 0 comments but restrained myself from writing). I must confess that I do wear pink on occasion and think it goes quite lovely with my pale complexion (please don't get visions of Molly Ringwald on prom night with OMD playing in the background). As for mosquitoes, I've often rejoiced in the fact that my sister is a mosquitoe magnet and I would strategically walk right next to her...she's like a 5'3" buffet for the little guys. I'm looking forward to the race, although I signed up for the early race by mistake (okay, brain fart)I really don't think they will kick me out for participating in the co-ed run/walk.
Have a fantastic day! My ESOP has already gone up in share price just knowing you are back at your desk...left handed mousers rule.
BBW Fan Club President - Pasadena
Three cheers for Whamo~ That's so fantastic, but now without the telltale cord to figure out where he got off to, he may soon become whamo-disappearo! Hooray for toddler pre-school.
And of course three big cheers for chemo-be-gone. I have a vision in my head of chemical-free Cari sending radioactive boob woman onto her next assignment far, far away.
Love and lots of good, good karma heading your way, Teri
Cari -
I am so happy that all is going well. Liam is off oxygen and you are returning to the new normal. I couldn't be more happy!
Keep on keeping on and know that your village wants to hear all the gory, boring details of your life! Hearing silly little stories about nothing (aka Seinfeld) would be very refreshing - and it will allow us to celebrate with you. Hurrah!
Karlynn
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