Friday afternoon January 29th things changed.  Just before closing up shop for the weekend, I was told I was being put on sick leave.  Apparently, my compromised immune system and need to be further away from students, the sick room, and large quantities of people on a daily basis was a problem.  It would take negotiations and several weeks to come to the conclusion that long term disability is to my advantage.  My plans of staying actively working have now changed.  In the long run, it was the best choice as I will come to find out.  As the weeks have progressed the fatigue and various illnesses have proven to be more than anticipated which would have prevented me from being able to show up for work for days at a time anyway.  Its just a hard pill to swallow when these were not the plans.

Friday evening I let all my current troubles on the wayside and enjoy an evening of friends and family suport.  And boy oh boy, did they show up.  It was held at our friend and local business owner Kelly's Bleachers in Wind Lake.  A friend and former co-worker of Bob's, as well as cancer survivor, had t-shirts and stickers made.  Another friend had some local hair stylists come to shave heads.  As a bonus, WKTI was broadcasting and later a great country band would be playing Madison County, something already scheduled at the bar so an added bonus for attendees.

One brave lady ;)

Long time friends

My Flamingo girls

My girls

Two peas in a pod.

 

The organizers and "the Mayor"

There were many friends I haven't seen in a very long time that showed up, co-workers of my husband's and mine, family friends, former co-workers, strangers that were at the bar, family, friends, so many people it was humbling.  I could never thank the organizers enough for their efforts in putting things together or all that attended.  I did the best I could to get around to all in attendance to thank them for coming and to try and say hello.  Anyone that has ever hosted a party knows sometimes it's impossible to get to everyone, but you try.  If you are reading this and I missed you, thank you :)

Bald is beautiful.

The weekend is here and I am wiped out.  What a whirlwind.  The girls are visiting the rest of the weekend, time to relax and enjoy the family.

Monday morning, no work, I get to sleep in and watch Lets Make a Deal and The Price is Right.  Woo Hoo!!  The rest of daytime TV is useless.  Tuesday, same thing.  Wednesday, same thing.  Days are spent grocery shopping, house cleaning, movie watching, laundry, doing whatever I can to stay busy and not think about what's going on.    Since I still feel well it is hard to not be at work, it's what I've done since I was 18.   A cough has started to developed as well.

Thursday, February already.  Second chemo.  Visit with the doctor.  My cough has gotten worse.  I can take Mucinex.  No Tylenol as it can mask a fever, need to I know any fevers that my arise from chemo or infection.  2 of 4 red devils done, half way there 👍  Chemo affects, I have a UTI which I guess are common as you body is shedding so many cells and becomes ultra sensitive to everything going on.  I am dry, dryer than the Sahara desert.  There isn't enough water in the ocean for me to drink at this moment.   I have also started to lose my nose hair, so my nose is constantly running, nothing to hold anything in who knew.

By the weekend, I am no better than a 5 year old.  I am whining to the nurses office about the cough I have somehow contracted.  Isn't there ANYTHING else I can take.   By Monday the chemo is now kicking my ass and the cough and small cold are as well.  The couch and daytime TV are my best friend.  By Tuesday my hair is falling out in clumps, it's time to shave it off.  A bad week, just became worse.  Until Friday :)

A Cupid showed up at my door.  Made me cry and my day.    Cupid shot my heart with this beautiful blanket filled with hearts of messages of encouragement from my work family.  It couldn't have come at a better time as the week was getting me so down with sickness, chemo, and cutting all my hair off.  💘💌


It would be another week and one chemo session before I attempt to join the human race at a very dear friends 50th birthday party.