My dad passed away about 8:00 yesterday morning. We love him and will miss him, but in a lot of ways this was a blessing for him. He's been paraplegic 20 years ago (we just passed the "anniversary") and has really suffered the last 2 years or so. So, we are sad, but we are happy. Make sense? His funeral will be Wednesday.
I met with Dr. Prystas yesterday and will start my chemo treatments a week from Monday, although I may move it up to this Thursday. I just wanted to get past the funeral before I started, so I will see what I can do. Her plan is to do the 8 treatments, 4 of the A, C and 4 of the T. I liked her and feel confident that things will go just fine. Of course there is a little anxiety about how I'll feel after each treatment, how the chemicals will affect my body, but I just need to jump in with both feet and get it over with. : ) Thanks to Mary for driving me to the appointment and helping me think of all of the things I needed to ask about. And thanks to Kaylee (Mary's daughter) who came and tended while we were gone.
Mat's parents were here the rest of the day, taking exceptional care of the kids, cleaning everything in sight and doing our laundry. I joke with people that my windows have been cleaned more times in the last two months that they've been cleaned since we moved here 4 years ago! I look a nap after I got home (I was up almost the entire night the night before, worrying . . . ) and felt better after I got up.
Last night, we got to go to a really nice dinner. Early on in all of this, my friend told me about a support group for breast cancer survivors under the age of 45. It is called Young Survivor Sisters. They have this dinner once a year and other gatherings throughout the year. It was at Joseph Smith Memorial in the Wasatch Room. They had a really nice program and then we stuck around until about 10:30 talking to people. I met some really nice ladies and was able to put faces with names I've seen on e-mails. Corrine was there, she's the sister-in-law of my friend I ran into at the gym the day after I was diagnosed. It is always great to see her. I also met Renee who has long, beautiful red hair, just like mine. She was diagnosed 5 years ago and was so nice to me. I loved seeing that things get back to normal, and that once you are in this "club", you never leave it. Everyone was such a support, didn't matter if they knew you or not. I also got to see Ginny. When I saw her name on the list, I was sure I knew her. I did a landscape plan for them back in 2006 (?). She was diagnosed at the age of 23. She had a one year old at the time and was one of the founding members of the group. It was an awesome night! I'm so grateful Melanie helped me find them!
5 comments:
Our prayers are with you.
'Sorry about your dad Kim. It's hard to lose a parent, even when you know it's the best thing - been there. But knowing what we know helps a lot. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Best of luck tomorrow in remembering the "Greats" about your dad. I pray that peace will be with you and your family at this time.
I just made my appointment to get my hair cut short. I may be able to donate some to Locks of Love (the top layer is about 12" and is really thick - so that would be awesome!) I must say, it takes some guts and humbling, but off it comes on Thursday. Your gorgeous hair will be a much treasured offering - and you are one brave gal!!
Love ya tons!
Colleen
I'm so glad to hear that the group has come together for you so well! I'm glad I acted on that one. :)
Thank you everyone! ((hugs))
Colleen! You told me you would do it and you're going to do it! You're awesome. Can you email me before and after pictures? I'd love to see them. I'll be posting pictures myself, next week. I'm having mixed feelings about being a "baldy", but it's part of the process and I consider it a badge of honor. : ) Love you!
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