Banana Peels

This week has been a very tense week at work and I am so glad it is over. Not sure if this has fed into the exhaustion/fatigue I am still experiencing. It's not huge fatigue, but it's still there. I am getting out of the office - which is big in of itself - to walk a bit on the lunch hour. . .it feels great!

During treatment I think it helps to have a job or something (kids, animals) to keep you going. But I believe that once treatment has ended, people should have 3 months of paid leave to heal and get their strength back. Think we could find money for this? No, neither do I.

Thursday found Vic and I celebrating granddaughter McKenzie's 8th birthday. Seems just like yesterday that she popped out into the world and wrapped her dad around her little finger. McK is still a treat and the drama queen. When she climbed into the booth where Vic and I were waiting at the restaurant, she says dramatically, "Oh, Grandma! You have hair! It looks so pretty!" I guess I forget the physical changes that have been going on since I see what isn't there. I should focus on what IS there. . . .and give thanks. I'll have to figure out how to give thanks for the facial hair that seems to be growing a little to fast.

McKenzie's 5 year old sister, Courtney, had her first school performance this same night. She was so cute singing and doing sign language to the songs. Courtney also had the pleasure of introducing one of the songs her classmates were going to sing and she was so scared. Her grandparents were beaming with pride.

Eyelashes are starting coming back in a bit. They are still stubby and not long enough for mascara, but heck, I'm now thinking mascara is over-rated! What is strange is that the amount of eyelashes are not equal on any of the four quadrants or even close in equality. The left top lid has quite a bit of lashes. Some of the lashes are curly, like a pigs tail and some are growing down. Those are a pain. . .I try to push them up with my finger or use my eye lash curler to get them out of the way. It still amazes me how the body has changed and continues to change after chemo and radiation.

I am happy to announce that the dark tan under my arm pit is now starting to peel! I don't remember reading that this would happen, but just checked the web and, sure enough, it does! "Normal" looking skin is showing and I am so thankful to have one part of that area become less disfiguring. I meet with the Radiation Oncology next week and will have to give him a hard time about it. I'm thankful that the sore underneath the breast has finally healed.

Vic (finally) met with the surgeon for his Schwannoma. The doctor couldn't feel the tumor despite some very hard pressing on Vic, left the exam room to consult with the radiologist and review the MRI again. Surgeon estimates that the tumor is 1.5 x 1.8 x 1.8cm. Surgery will be in April.

Cousin Kim - I'm still trying to figure out a way to answer your questions that you posted in the comments a post or two ago. Haven't forgotten.

I don't know how to say it any other way - but thank you so much for everyone's continued support and prayers. They mean so very much to Vic and me!!

~Renee