Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

I was feeling young, cute, and cool driving to the hospital this morning when I realized I'm actually a 42yo going on 60yo now, just driving a cool car and drinking my old lady drink to hit the protein goal my oncologist gave me. At least I've got the cute covered and I feel like I get points for the hot ride! 🤣
It's been a busy week around here! Christian is back at school and already diving in to his syllabi to work ahead. Cade is taking three dual credit classes this semester and staying after every day for cross country. Rhys is bringing on new clients and managing the all the technology installation for an existing clients' new build. I'm working 30 hours and I have radiation scheduled for late afternoon so I can work early without interruption. This week, they threw in a CT scan on Wednesday, x-ray on Thursday and today was my regular set of appointments. Luckily, they were able to adjust radiation Wednesday and today to be right after my appointments so I didn't have to make extra trips to the hospital. 🙂 We're moving right along with radiation and I only have seven rads left! I have some darkened, sensitive skin, more soreness in my shoulders/upper arms, and some fatigue. Could be worse! My tech and I have become fast friends (I mean, she does feel me up every day) and she was telling me about the Lume at Newfields. If you haven't heard of this, you should check out this video. It's super cool and immersive even if you don't like art. Plus I'll try anything to get Rhys into any kind of art gallery! 🤪
I met with Dr. Khanal this morning and he said labs were fine to proceed with immunotherapy, but my numbers aren't bouncing back as quickly as he'd like. I have developed some skin condition from the immunotherapy that makes me itch everywhere, even though I take a Claritin every day so that's fun. My neuropathy hasn't gotten worse so he said what's left is probably permanent. He said we can try gabapentin, but I'm going to try to manage on my own first. Not that I don't want to take yet another pill, but I'm holding out for the next chemo that adds six pills a day. Yes, I said SIX. PILLS. EACH. DAY. In addition to the pills I already take. Good grief, I need to buy some pharmaceutical stock stat! 💊 💊💊💊💊💊
My most irritating symptom is the brain fog. I was doing pretty well for the most part, but the further I went into chemo, the more it progressed. I used to have a pretty large vocabulary and could speak intelligently, but suddenly I sound like a third grader using my new ISTEP words. Hell, I was telling the girls a few nights ago that I was watching a show and couldn't remember who the REALLY famous guy was. Who can't remember who Brad Pitt is? I mean, seriously, he's BRAD FREAKING PITT.

Dr. Khanal asked about fatigue and I told him I was exhausted when I came home yesterday so I laid down and woke up almost two hours later. I told him I wanted to go back to work on September 14th, the day after I complete radiation, but he's hesitant to release me yet. He wants to wait until closer to time to see labs and how I'm feeling. Radiation is cumulative just like chemo he said. 🙄 Blah blah blah. I'm just trying to live my best life over here 😎
TODAY'S SILVER LINING: The long weekend is here and I've already done the grocery shopping, the dishes are running now, laundry is in progress and meal planning for next week is complete. Cade has a cross country meet in the morning, but we don't have any other obligations until Tuesday. This means I can relax, work on a quilt with Mom, and cook out with some friends. 🙂 Hope you all have plans to do the same!