Week 2 kicks off with blood work, hydration, magnesium, chemo, & radiation....

 

My morning was a packed one. I walked over to the hospital following my now-normal routes. I actually avoid the children’s hospital deliberately because it breaks my heart knowing that one is needed. I listen to the same hawk every day as it either sings or heckles me. It depends on my mood—sometimes it's a majestic soundtrack, other times it's just nature’s version of a backseat driver.

I have had a wonderful team at the hospital rearranging things for me to get me out as soon as possible… Is this because they like me? I will pretend they do, but let’s be honest—maybe they just want my smart ass out the door before I disturb my neighbors. Today was no different. What was scheduled as an 8-hour day was shortened to 5 hours by some miracle of scheduling sorcery. This is more than I would have ever asked for, but exactly what I’d wish for everyone if possible. Efficiency with a side of “please leave now”—a winning combo.

Now, let’s talk about the fun side effects of treatment! (Cue the drumroll…)

I am writing this at 1:30 a.m., stuck in a strange limbo—partially wide awake and partially ready for a Rip Van Winkle-style nap. The problem is, my body can’t decide which way to go, so instead, I exist in this weird third-person mode like I’m narrating my own life from the outside.

My tongue? Oh, it’s on its own adventure. Taste buds are hit-or-miss, and textures are playing hard to get.
My teeth? They’ve decided to start a personal vendetta against cold drinks. Ice water feels amazing on my tongue, but under my tongue? Absolute betrayal.
Did I mention being tired? No? Well, let me just say it again in case I forgot. I. Am. Tired.

After getting cat-called by the hawk on my walk back to the hotel (seriously, I think we’re in a situationship now), I talked to my sister with full intentions of grabbing lunch with her. Fast forward five hours—I woke up just in time for dinner instead. Fortunately, my appetite showed up to the party, and I enjoyed every bite.

All in all, a solid day. Weird, exhausting, but solid.