Thursday 5 June 2014

Day 280: Sweet dreams are made of this (or A new look)

I had a hair appointment yesterday, 6 weeks after my first post-chemo cut and colour. I decided to make a bit of a change and go for an Annie Lennox look in preparation for my 30th high school reunion, which takes us back to the early-mid 1980s,  It is "champagne blonde" and shaved at the back. I love it.  It reminds me of the cut I made from 1982-92, though that was a bit more "Flock of Seagulls".

It's important to remember that good can come out of "bad".  I never would've taken my hair short if I didn't have to and I love it. I can't say that I'll keep it like this, but I am really enjoying the chage (and I'm not just saying that). I can say that I'm happy to be blonde again, though.

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Day 279: Post-radiotherapy check-up

I went to the 3-6 assembly today as Alex was getting an award. He was so proud as he got up to accept his Saphire Award for "being a smiley, friendly and cooperative member of class". So cute.

After that I jumped in Errol and enjoyed another sunny drive to the Mater, today for my post-treatment check-up with Dr. Susan. As I was early, and she was early, the appointment ended before it was supposed to start. She is happy with the condition of my skin and my overall health (which is really all she can look at as there is no test or scan to determine if the radiotherapy is going to help prevent my cancer from recurring), so she said there's no need for me to see her again but I can always ring if I have any questions. The invoicing system was down so I even got out without having to pay for the appointment as well as out of the car park under 30 minutes so it was free. What a banner trip to the hospital.

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Day 278: Another travel necessity

When I spent my few years in the mid-1990s on a plane from the west coast of the US to Europe and back for work, travel was relatively simple. I really only needed to remember 4 key items: passport, credit card, prescription eyewear and prescription drugs, plus a mobile phone or 2, as US phones didn't work outside the US.

In the past 8 months, I have added multiple items to 3 of the above categories: passport (I now have 2), prescription eyewear (I now have daily disposable contacts and prescription sunnies) and prescription drugs (I've added Tamoxifen and Stillnox). Plus I've added yet a new category: compression garments (!).

I had a very enjoyable drive in Errol today to the Mater, where I saw Dr. Theresa to get fitted for a compression sleeve. We walked through my diagnosis and treatment, and she revisited my need to take care to try to avoid lymphoedema given that I had 25 lymph nodes removed. She fitted me with a lovely compression arm sleeve AND hand sleeve in the lovely "flesh tone", so I will be looking fabulous on my flights. She suggested I find a physio clinic in Boston to be prepared in the event that I do experience swelling in my arm. It's unlikely, but she suggested it wouldn't hurt to know what to do.

After that I went to yoga, which I found challenging today. Apparently I have some swelling in my rib cartilage under my left arm from the radiotherapy, or so Dr. Theresa said. It's not really painful but, combined with my recent focus on exercise and subsequent soreness, it did put a damper on my backbends (which haven't actually happened in years).

Kirstin and I had lunch and both agreed that, despite all the fear of the diagnosis and unpleasantness of treatment, we are actually happier now than before. We don't worry about the little things knowing that life is short. I'm trying to make a habit out of enjoying every day, or at least some part of it.

Monday 2 June 2014

Day 277: Regrowth

It's 12 weeks since my last round of chemo and 4 week past radiotherapy. My hair is growing madly, and I even have eyelashes. I'm back into an exercise routine that consists of gym/PT, swimming and yoga, so I'm feeling stronger (and much more sore). My sleeping has settled down, though I'm still awake at the slightest noise and generally up early. I even stayed up until past 10p last night doing stuff, and having that energy is exciting.

I'm looking forward to our trip that starts next Wednesday but I'm appreciating the ease of living in a familiar space. I'm hoping to be able to get enough rest while we're away to get the most out of the time I get with friends and family in fun places.