It's May Already!

Well, I'm happy to say that Charlie came home from the hospital last Monday; he was there a full week.  He may have to stay on antibiotics for awhile. They think his urine is backing up to his kidneys, and that may be what caused the infection.  They'll do a test on him sometime this month to see if that is really what's happening. If it is, he'll stay on antibiotics indefinitely, and hopefully grow out of the problem eventually.
Today is the first day I have not had to watch either of the boys!  Yesterday Rachel had an eye dr appt. so I dropped her off and took the boys to visit grandpa at work.  Then I brought them here for a little bit.  Charlie was very happy and alert--playing with a toy and smiling a lot.  Rachel said we were finally seeing "the real Charlie".  They are both such good boys.  [Rachel just called and she is at a neighborhood garage sale with both boys!  I don't know how she does it!]
I talked to Shonna today and she will be home next Thursday!  Yay!  She'll get to be home most of the summer!  Her boss ok'd it (she works at a library in KC).  She'll be able to work as a sub at the library here, and hopefully get a few photo shoots too.  If you need a photographer--let me know!  She does weddings, grads, parties, families, kids...whatever.  She even took pics at a funeral--the family wanted some, but didn't want to have to do it themselves.  She edits the pics, then puts them on a cd for you to print as you want.  When Shonna goes back to KC in Aug. she'll be moving into a new place with some friends.  But that is a long ways away and we plan on enjoying the summer!
Last weekend Alyssa and I went to a women's retreat with our church.  We spent the night at a hotel together, and attended a women's conference.  It was a great time!  The worship and praise alone was enough, but the awesome speakers we had made it even better!  Friday night worship was by Kari Jobe ("Revelation Song"), and The Desperation Band.  I didn't realize how many songs the Desperation Band has written that I already knew from the radio or from singing in church.  I bought one of their cds and its really good!  The worship was Spirit filled and emotional.  God's presence was there!  It was nice to spend the time with Alyssa too!
I had my Herceptin infusion Wed., April 27th, and I asked the nurse to print the MRI results for me.  As I already knew, nothing unusual showed up.  I will have another MUGA, and see my oncologist the week of the 16th.  I will also have blood tests and get my next Herceptin infusion.
Yesterday I went clothes shopping for the first time in a long time.  I was in serious need of some spring tops!  It's nice not have to worry about whether or not the top will go with one of my scarves!  But I do have to pay attention to the necklines--they can't be too low.  And by too low, I mean barely low at all--something most wouldn't think of as "too low".  It's frustrating sometimes, and makes me think more about getting reconstruction.  I want to be able to shop and wear swimsuits and such without always worrying about whether or not the scar is visible.  Everytime I shop I am reminded of the cancer, and it makes it a bummer to shop instead of fun!
I was talking with someone recently about the side effects of chemo and radiation.  I think I've said this before, but I never realized what treatment does to a person.  I thought, like most people, that once you are done with treatment, you are DONE.  But, I now know that isn't the case.  I will have side effects for a long time--probably forever.  Radiation damage from the colon cancer, the threat of lyphedema from surgery for breast cancer, neuropathy from chemo, "chemo brain", and fatigue.  And I'm sure there's more--but with my chemo brain, I can't remember!  Speaking of that, it IS real, and I have it pretty bad some days.  Thinking of the right word, remembering names (which has always been difficult, but now is much worse), and just remembering everyday conversations and such, is difficult.
So this is my life, and I've just got to deal with it.  Overall, each day is a blessing!  As much as I hate (yes, hate!) gardening, I was thankful today to be able to do it.  I am looking forward to enjoying this summer!  I missed out on the last 2!  I'm hoping it's not too hot, but with my short hair, maybe I won't mind as much!  I plan on keeping it short, at least for the summer.
Hope everyone has a safe and blessed weekend.  Invite God to be with you as you go about your day.  You will see things a whole new way!
Love,
Tina