Wanted to say hi

I wanted to say hi here and that I haven't forgot about my wonderful CSN family. The summer has been a fast one and full of memories. My kids and I have all done a lot and had some well deserved fun. Everything from the simple BBQ (just us and also backyard parties), weekend getaways, and a cruise to Mexico where we went para sailing, jet skiing, and zip line. This has been without a doubt the best summer of my life...feeling my body wake up from the chemo fog and at the same time adding my new normal life back into the activity mode. It feels so good to cook meals again! And I don't mean a grilled cheese or a can of soup. It will be awhile before any of us can eat that again. lol

The only thing that really dampened my joy of recovery was the issue of work. You may not remember but I lost my job because I was unable to work on chemo. It was held for as long as they said they could according to hospital policy. So when my disability ended in June and I had no job reality struck and tried to eat away my happiness. I had to reapply at the hospital but not till the end of July. I did apply at about 50 other positions in the surrounding area. I was very humbled in finding that 15 years as an ER RN was not an automatic open door, although I did have some interviews and did get an offer that I will not burn my bridges with I hope. I finally got an interview with my old dept. and yes I had to interview. I got the job on a night shift, I used to work days. I think I have been given the test of morality and tolerance now. My fellow co workers are having a hard time that I was not helped back into work and given a better shift. They know what I went through and don't like what happened. But I don't want to be encouraging them to talk, gossip, be negative, etc...so no matter how I truely feel I have to take a breath and find a different point of view redirect to a different way to see things happening. New possibilities.

I also saw a new onc yesterday and got a second opinioon on getting a PET scan, which my onc didn't want to order. He was very patient,listened, and explained a lot to me. He did order the PET and was very kind to me. He also told me he probably would have followed the same treatment as my other onc and only ordered the Cat Scan, but he said there are times when we have to follow our gut. And that is what it is with me. I need more proof and I think it's because of the way I was misdiagnosed for so long.

Also, my Folfox neuropathy is improving!! Yay!! I take lot's of vitamins and supplements and Lyrica. I know time has something to do with it but I really think all the meds I take is helping too..... My head is sprouting a whole new crop of hair. I ended up not losing it all but had a very short Halle Berry cut for awhile but quit wearing hats to let my head get plenty of air, sunshine and circulation to help with new growth.....And thank gooddness...my..umm...restroom trips are not as frequent. The only think with this is when I think I have found the key to keeping it predictable...BAM it sneaks up and surprises me. So I just do what I know helps most and it seems like its a 2 steps forward and 1 step back then 2 more steps forward... lol I'm working on making it work. But! I never go anywhere without my emergency kit, and I always know where the restroom is everywhere! lol

Soo.....that was a hello and an update. I hope it wasn't too long or boring I love and missed you all and it feels so good to read through all the posts that I could.

peace love and happiness to us all, Gail

p.s. did anyone deal with tendonitis while regaining their strength? My arms are killing me! I had to buy those arm bands and start taking Alieve.