Fast facts (if you don’t have time to read the full post): Today I got my second to last growth factor shot in my stomach. One left! But don’t confuse that with my hormone blocker. Those are still monthly, with the potential of going every three months for the next five years. Boo. I also got a call to have a consult with with a doctor next Friday in radiation. *Squeak* I think the extra fluids are the secret to my success following chemo. I truly believe they are making my recovery times more manageable!

TO THE SHORT VERSION!

There are a lot of things in motion right now that I am excited to share with you all VERY SOON. I am guessing like next week? I have mentioned something in a previous post, so die hard blog readers already know. I just have to say that I might be a little loca in the head for doing what I am doing right now as I receive treatment. But I love a challenge. I also have some bigger post topics I am working on to research so I know what I am talking about. I have requests for blog posts on the costs of cancer treatments, intersectionality in healthcare and health equity, what is in my chemo bag, and how to receive help/love while still giving and how that lightens burdens without fixing them. There are some big topics in that list that will take some time for me to find how I want to approach them. I realize I am not an expert, do not claim to be, and several of these topics could be thesis papers. I simply want to have posts that breach the topics and expose you all to new ways to approaching and thinking about the every day experiences of those around us.

Today was a day full of connection and rest. I spent time with a couple visitors, got my shot, and started a new tradition of getting my special pancakes from Denny’s with my mom and sister after my shot. Cancer sucks, but feeling so loved and supported by so many of you has made this moment in my life easier to digest and endure. Don’t get me wrong, on the days I am having good days (like today) things are still fucking hard in their own way. I am still only a fraction of myself, but these days are easier to stomach and I am grateful for science and love and those around me to lift me up. Thank you for being here with me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I have a consult with my radiation doctors next Friday! I am curious to learn more about radiation since I haven’t been told a lot about it other than I will receive around six weeks of treatment following my double mastectomy. There is so much that goes into treating cancer that the moment I think I know what is going on, I realize I know nothing at all. Thank goodness I love learning!

Today’s song lyric of the day is brought to you by Jack Johnson.

“Maybe we could sleep in
Make you banana pancakes
Pretend like its the weekend now
We could pretend it all the time
Can’t you see that it’s just rainin’
There ain’t no need to go outside”

– Banana Pancakes, Jack Johnson