April 21, 2018 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
Yesterday was again pretty uneventful, which is good. My counts were up a bit from last week and treatment went on as scheduled. I have gotten much more comfortable in the treatment room now that I am a regular. I’m able to joke around with the staff. The receptionist who checks me in and I joke about the questions they have to ask each week – are you feeling lightheaded or dizzy or have you fallen in the last 30 days (so they can put a “Fall Risk” bracelet on you if you are) and have you been out of the country in the last 30 days. The last one we really get a kick out of since I am a weekly visitor, so now it has turned into “having dreams of traveling outside of the country this week?” The nurses look at our cooler and ask if we are going on a picnic afterwards. Speaking of the cooler, we upgraded – we bought a soft sided RTIC (imitation Yeti) cooler to transport my frozen peas each week. When we were shopping for it I really wanted the seafoam green color – Marsh was rallying for the camo, he has been carrying a colorful striped bag and a purse each week so I conceded that he could use a little something to redeem his manhood here – camo it was.
This week was a pretty happy week in the infusion room. One lady who is my age and has been there a lot of Fridays with me was having her last treatment. Her husband, who sits faithfully by her side just like mine, was there along with her two kids in matching shirts that said “you never fight alone – #teamxxxxx (we will call her M). We chatted with them and told her to ring that bell hard on her way out, which she did 🙂 [for those of you unfamiliar with chemo, pretty much every place has a bell that patients get to ring on their last treatment – it’s a big deal] Also yesterday was Mr. F’s birthday. They are a very sweet family. I would guess he has about 10 years on us. His wife and daughter come with him each week – they have a younger daughter and some older children as well I’ve gathered. He is a Friday afternoon regular with me. His daughter surprised him with a birthday cake and all the nurses gathered around and sang Happy Birthday (one of which is quite the singer – she does performing arts on the side I was told). And then there are all the older folks who make up the majority of the room – one other Friday regular is quite a hoot and he was sitting by me this week. Another sweet older lady asked me last week “honey, why are you sitting with your feet and hands in ice – we were all watching you over here and trying to figure it out” so I explained to her how that prevents the loss of feeling in my fingers and toes.
I have tried to read while I am there and it never works. Yesterday I tried listening to a podcast. That didn’t work either. There are just too many distractions – and if I pull my head up out of my sorrow they are all good ones. Amidst some pretty doggone rough situations in that room, there is a ton of love, support, and encouragement to be seen. Everyone in there from the doctors to the nurses to the office staff to the family and friends and the patients themselves are quite the sight to behold – it is a place full of amazingly strong people that are much more important for me to pay attention to.
Comments from CaringBridge
Gale Roberts — 4/25/18
Always loved you, always will. I love reading your posts. You are such an encourager to all those around you. You have come a long way since Sunday School at 17 years old. I think you were about 17. That is when I knew you were a very special young lady and that you would handle life well. I am so proud of you. You are a WOW lady!😍😘❤️
Pam Cook — 4/21/18
Glad you are doing better with these treatments. Loved seeing y’all last week!!❤️
Debbie Jacobs — 4/21/18
That’s right, you never fight alone!
Lynn Harrell — 4/21/18
I’m always encouraged by your posts! Thank you Leslie. I’m grateful for the strength, love and support you receive and give during your treatments. Praying continued blessings on you and your family.
Debra Parker — 4/21/18
Reading your posts brings back so many memories. My guys had gotten me an i-pod so I could listen to music. Never used it – was more interested in hearing those around me. Before starting chemo I had pleated a dozen bishop bubbles, and spent my time smocking while they pushed drugs. Helped me get through the hours, with something productive to show for my time, haha. I’ve never been able to just sit! Love you dear friend! Praying for complete healing!
Kim Watts — 4/21/18
Cancer and it’s treatments absolutely stink!!!! However, the people it puts in your path are amazing! So glad things have gone well. Praying for it to continue.
Cancermamma 