I’m sitting here at chemo with Xavier.  Once again the nurse was able to get blood return from my port so my arm was spared.  Thank God for small miracles.  The neuropathy continues to be a problem.  I can’t sleep.  The numbness, tingling, and pain continue to keep me awake, as do the non-stop thoughts that run through my mind.  Unisom doesn’t help at all.  My right breast continues to fill up with fluid.  I see Dr. W on Friday, if not sooner.  He will probably remove about 100 cc’s this time.

I got some nice news yesterday.  Back in April I saw an article in a magazine that mentioned a website that caters to breast cancer patients/survivors.  The website is breastcancerfreebies.com. This website is exactly what it sounds like, a place where people affected by breast cancer can find freebies such as wigs, mammograms, scholarships, lymphedema sleeves, retreats, and financial assistance.  I found a retreat that I thought looked interesting: little pink houses of hope.

• Little Pink Houses provides FREE week-long beach retreats in private homes in North and South Carolina for breast cancer patients and their immediate families. The aim is to promote recovery and reconnection in a relaxing environment. Meals are served in a common area with other families. Activities include fishing, yoga and parasailing. Babysitting is provided so parents can have a date night. Click Here, or call 336-213-4733.

I applied for one of the retreats that same day.  I then forgot about it until a week or so ago.  I figured if we had been accepted, we would have been notified in early June.  Well, yesterday, I received a call and the woman informed me that my family had been accepted.  I guess we were on the wait list.  One of the families that had been accepted had to cancel.  We will be going to Emerald Isle, NC for a week this summer.  I am excited.  We could definitely use the break.  According to the woman I spoke with, all of the families get their own houses for the week.  The house is stocked with breakfast food and some snacks.  Lunch and dinner is usually with the other families.  There are also activities that the families do together. It will be nice to be with people who are going through the same things that you are.  In past retreats, the activities included kayaking, sailing, fishing, hang gliding, golf, stand up paddle boarding, massages, etc.  It looks like a lot of fun.  The only expense to the families is the cost of getting to the location.  We will probably drive down to North Carolina and maybe visit some family on the way.

This morning I did 35 minutes on my stationary bike (the Tour de France model).  I did a part of stage 2.  I didn’t have time to finish the stage because I had to get to my appointment.  I think I’ve only ever done Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 (not at one sitting, my butt would be hamburger).  In one of my last posts I joked that steroids aren’t included but I realized later that I do take steroids.  Every week.  Unfortunately they are the kind that PLUMP YOU UP.  They don’t PUMP YOU UP.  When all this is done, I’d love to get rid of the spare tire that has been developing in my stomach area.  Damn you steroids.  I always had some junk in the trunk but my stomach was always pretty flat, even after 3 kids.

Just finished up with chemo.  The needle has been removed.  We are heading home.  Later!

PS- Family-  that date that I mentioned as a possible going away party for Chris, it isn’t going to happen.  We will be heading home from North Carolina.