Chemo #1 Done... Bucket list, check?

Thankful to report that my first chemotherapy treatment went well. The hospital called at 7:30am and said they had a bed available, and because it's the hospital, my first infusion started shortly after 1pm. But I was so well taken care of by my lovely nurse Diana and all the Kaiser staff and more or less enjoyed the day.

Scott took me in and we watched an intro to chemo video. Carrie and Bella Schultz then relieved Scott and enjoyed learning the grammar of cancer and chemo as well as playing games and chatting. Kaden & his fiancee Harli were next. We enjoyed stories of other hospital memories and contemplated things I can do when extremely fatigued - like Harli tutoring me in calculus, because, why not? Silas got to feed me dinner while my hands were occupied in the cold therapy gloves. My nurse, who had to be watching me for any allergic reactions, was thoroughly entertained. Scott came back and drove me home.

We were home about 8pm. We enjoyed a delicious dinner delivered by dear friends from church. We prepped a little for not sharing a bathroom and splitting laundry baskets, etc because the poison (chemo) will be leaking out of me for the next few days. I followed up on some communications I'd missed including letting people know who didn't know yet. Sleep came easily.

I woke this morning feeling fine, so I dragged Silas out of bed to go for my morning walk/run. I keep thinking the symptoms will hit any moment and I didn't want to be alone. Also, I'm not supposed to drive for 48 hours and I wanted to walk in the pretty park nearby so I needed a driver. So, I ran 5 miles this morning. I figure the extra blood flow is good for distributing the meds? My cancer treatment instructions do say to walk every day, so I am following orders.

It hasn't been 24 hours yet. The chemo parts of the infusions started at 3pm, so we shall see what hits. My nurse did say that 0.000001% of patients skip some side effects, so that could be me, but I'm not holding my breath. However, for those of you who prayed for no side effects - you are awesome!!!

Even so, God is good

 I planned to post an update on 8/31 - the 2 year anniversary of the accident (adventure #2). (Adventure #1 being the 2016-2017 trip around the USA.)

Well, early update: Kaden is doing awesome. His injuries are not holding him back. He is and we are thankful to God for His faithfulness seeing Kaden through this challenging time and we are so blessed that in His providence, though there will always be lasting effects, most people who meet Kaden today have no idea what he's been through because he walks and moves and uses all of his arms and legs like normal. Woohoo! and Praise the Lord!

Why did this update come early? Because I am going to hijack the family blog sharing our adventures for another medical drama unfolding before us - "adventure #3" (???) we didn't plan for...

I have cancer.

After a routine mammogram, I needed a follow-up ultrasound (which, for me, is also routine), but the day of the ultrasound, they asked if I could stay a bit for an immediate biopsy. The results were not good, but God is. So, on 7/28, I received the news - cancer. I have been to the doctor everyday since for scans and bloodwork and tests and meeting specialists and the result is that I will be starting chemotherapy this Monday, 8/11.

I've been meaning to get my hair trimmed. Guess I'll be taking off more than I ever planned for.

But - God is good. He is with me. "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him" - Nahum 1:7 

Trusting Him yesterday, today and always!