The fog is lifting

Today's Shout Outs:

Stacy M, Hilda, Dawn K, Kathy B, Dawn B, Melissa B, Vicki D, Phyllis L, Elizabeth L, Connie J, Carole R, Carol L, Laura I,  Cathy W, Beverly S, Broni H, Jacki P, Peggy E, Tina D,  Lori T, Linda L, Keva B, Vicki W, Tiffany W, Kelley E, Nancy E, Barbara R, Ann H, Traci M, Christinia and Joshua, Kris C, Holly J, Rosalia H, Sharon E, Theresa M, Rose Ann R, Celisa M, Rebecca M, Carol L, Sue S, Karen S, Penny S, Karin M, Sharon M, Julie T, Shawn O', LeAnn S, Chris V, LouAnn, L, Wanda C, Donna V, Carletta B

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Dear friends, today is better, only one nap this morning and quietness so far... I have been feeling a bit more alert, but not quite all together quite yet.  It's a frustrating process being in and out, living and breathing, but not really interacting with life or people.    

This week's chemo was a different experience for me than the first round.  The first round was rough with nausea being the underlying issue.  What I didn't understand was the fatigue that enveloped me with this second round.  In hind site of course, I was probably just as fatigued last week, but being in the hospital more than likely masked the symptoms compared to being at home.  From my experience from just the two chemo sessions, it appears that it will be nearly a full week's time for me to recover from each session... that essentially means that half my life will be spent floating along.

This round of chemo was slightly different as well in regards to other types of symptoms.  The first round I had a short bout of very achy legs but that was it for muscle soreness.  This time, no achy legs, but I did have achy muscles mostly around my shoulders and chest area. Mouth sores seemed to be a bit worse this time around but not debilitating.  I've heard that they can get very painful for some so I feel lucky.  I've had a sore throat as well, but I'm attributing that to the sores as well. 

You also know that I had Kevin shave my hair off and that was because my hair was starting to consistently fall out, but ironically, it is still sort of growing.  Instead of a smooth bald head, I have a stubbly bald head.  I think this is funny and interesting.  Kevin asked if me if I thought we cut it too soon, but I don't think so. 

I will also mention that this head shaving incident has changed my shower moment... no, I didn't have a shower moment, but I was really cold and opted to use the shower to warm myself and let me tell you, when I do have that shower moment, it won't be the same without hair, long or short.

And totally incidental here, I thought I'd share a quick picture of my oldest... he was out with family a lot during Christmas and he was short changed in the picture area.  Now he has a head of hair to die for... all the ladies oohhed and aahhed over it since the day he was born.  My child is also blatantly honest and no he won't share!   If you also notice, I'm sporting a new hat that was just sent to me from a new crafty friend named Dawn who was willing to share a piece of herself with me along with her mad hat knitting skills and not too shabby card skills too! 

And one last note for today, as you can see from my shout out list, I not only feel loved and enveloped, but I am loved and enveloped by the most wonderful crafting community that I could ever have ever imagined existed.  Strangers and friends have poured their talent and their enthusiasm for a craft that continues to carry me along on my journey.  I love you all and embrace the strength that you are willing to share with me.

Until next time.

-Katie