Chemo #4: One-Third Through Taxol and A Quarter Through Chemo

Texas Oncology had closed for Thanksgiving and post-holiday led to a backup in the treatment room.  Many bodies needing chemo last Wednesday had folks waiting much longer than normal, for me and my sidekick of the day, Francine, ninety minutes in the reception area.  It is a cozy place, however, now especially with the lovely frosted and festively decorated Christmas tree and the ever positively cheery staff.  We made the most of it with lively conversation and moments absorbed in our own thoughts, books and tasks.  Francine is a rockstar who has endured more physical challenges with cancer than anyone I know, and yet remains upbeat and mostly joyful, despite the warranted depression and moments of rage that would be abnormal not to have, and I love her dearly.

Once in the chair the treatment went well and though I felt fatigue and wooziness set in with the Benadryl, I only had to rest my eyes a short bit and was able to keep my cold mits and footies on longer this time.  The puzzle app on Francine's laptop was a nice distraction and fun to complete: a photo she had taken under the Union Pacific Railroad bridge on the hike and bike trail.  

I was out of there with time to go home quickly before my acupuncture appointment with Stephen.  Deeply in a meditative trance when I got off of the table, I had to sit in my car awhile before heading home.  My body was craving warmth and comfort, so I took to the bath for more meditation and did not teach class that night.  I was in bed at ten-to-eight, early, even for me and I slept hard for a few hours before waking.  Thinking it must've been around 3 or 4am, I was pleased to look at the phone and see it only midnight.  Pleased also to find a few missed calls and messages from dear friends, checking in (it never is a bother, and never is unwelcome) I retreated once again to my friend's bed (Monkey & Willie's mom and dad, where I am currently pet sitting) and though had more tossing and turning, finally did sleep again.  

Next morning, I woke to the sound of water running.  I had noticed it before, but it didn't register as something to investigate, but this morning my intuition was alarming me to look around.  Thankfully I didn't disregard my inner whisperings because I discovered gushing water that was covered and hidden from view, a busted waterspout!  Cursing myself and my luck, I was already running behind schedule for my 10am yoga class but was able to contact my friends to tell them the situation and get help from afar and also to let my beloved Summerwood Gals know I wouldn't make it to class.  Instead of downward dogging and warrior posing, I found rubber gloves and got into a low plié squat and covered the small hole with first one hand, then the other, repeatedly until the plumber arrived to shut the water off at the main.  It made for an interesting start to the day.

The rest of yesterday went better than ever.  Cyndi and I had a great session (my wonderful friend who is another rockstar, a woman who has been living with Parkinson's Disease for many years and remains as gracious and steadfast as can be, along with her tireless and saintly best friend and husband) and we celebrated a good day in the body.  Afternoon workout was a blast, as always, and a gasser for sure.  My final class of the day was joyous and to boot left there with another dinner-of-champions from the soup queen Joy.

Wrapping up week four with a bow and counting down the days to end of chemo.