Half-way...

HALF-WAY MARK

 

Today was treatments 3 & 4 - 4 more to go. Traffic was horrible both ways but that is the only complaint I have! My early morning treatment went smoothly and Dr. Demanes came in while I was being disconnected and looked at the site and asked how the weekend went. He always pleasant and unassuming but this man has dedicated his entire adult life to fighting cancer. He is a pioneer in his sub-specialty and, yet, he moves and handles business light of feet, if you know what I mean. Alfred did most of the hooking, unhooking and CT scan. Tom was in and out. Alison handled my cleaning and wrapping. The Fellow dropped by and asked how everything went over the weekend and how I was feeling. I'm already missing them.

 

I walked to Starbucks by the Fox theater and drank a hot chocolate while working on an assignment for school. I finished most of the note taking and had an outline of my journal in short order. I texted with Scott - funny, Scott!! I feel like I haven't missed a day of work because he keeps me in the loop as if I was sitting right next to him. I can't thank him enough for that! - And I can't wait to take my seat back and get to work, crazies and all.

 

When it was time I went to Aveda Institute to have my hair washed. Wow! I am so impressed. I have never been there and didn't expect the above par treatment. Daisy was my stylist and she was very sweet and presented a professional image. I can't say that about all the students, though. The red, green, purple, blue hair coupled with face piercings and neck tattoos kind of spoiled the professional appearance on some. It may serve them well depending on what kind of hair they style once they complete school. The booths are cramped and it isn't the prettiest of surroundings but it was clean. Daisy brought me herbal calming tea and we talked about my hair. Included in the 20 dollar package was a scalp, shoulder, neck, hand massage, facial and shampoo/blow dry. My hair looked beautiful and my face was refreshed. I could use a full body massage but for something I wasn't even expecting it was just right. Another moment to be thankful, thankful, thankful.

 

On the way back to the building I stopped at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I haven't been in one of these coffee/tea places in years - I am so glad I stopped. They offer a variety of green teas and, my favorite, Matcha Latte!!! A little more expensive but absolutely delicious.

 

I arrived back way ahead of schedule so I finished preparing my assignment and began reading ahead/taking notes. At some point a family arrived and took a couple chairs across from me. An elderly gentleman (probably in his 90s) was in a wheel chair and his wife sat across from him. Accompanying was a young man. The elderly couple talked with a thick accent and the conversation was of previous cancer and back and forth banter - like a methodical discussion of health with no sign of emotion. The voices quieted and after a time the young man asked the gentleman "are you scared?" and quietly the man responded "yes I am scared". My heart broke. I closed my eyes and prayed - layered them in angel cloth. I had to fight, hard, to not cry. I noticed the woman and young man began moving closer to him and words fell from their mouths rapidly as if all the talk and advice to "not be scared" was going to make it go away.

 

I read about the second day of Holy Week and felt the anger of Jesus as he cleared the temple. It is refreshing to read the stories that include all of His emotion - not just the sweet, compassionate, kind but anger. Curse the fig tree and clear the temple. Love stirred his emotion - loyalty and devotion brought about a fierce emotion that moved him to action.

 

My second treatment (Enya piped in)went well and more conversation with Alfred. Interesting book he read recently  - I will have to write the name of it down - Plutonium secrets. The mood became very somber when we started talking about the homeless vet scam and the community of military that includes rapists, murderers, and thieves. Just because a man/woman wears a uniform doesn't mean they are honorable and heroes. The military has its share of worthless crap. Alfred said, " and on that (depressing) note...". Alison and I started laughing.

 

I picked up a bra last night that I wasn't sure was going to work but it is fantastic!! It is made by Playtex and I found it in the sports bra section of Wal-Mart. It is soft with wide straps, razor back and front zipper with extra padding around the zipper. It is perfect!!! It holds everything in place, provides padding and is very comfortable. This is perfect for holding the wires and gauze pads in place. When I walk I feel less discomfort and can walk at a normal pace without hurting. I am taking the tags to Alison so she can recommend it to others (same with Aveda - I will get business cards when I go tomorrow and take them to Alison to recommend for other patients).

 

My mood only dropped once, briefly, while I was preparing a late dinner of chicken breast and mushrooms. The sun returned when Natalia walked in the room! Now we are watching reruns of Kim Possible - feels like old times!

The amazing bra!

Aveda Institute (picture taken from website)