Bang Bang ... I am a Warrior!

Boy, it's been too long. I'd been thinking I really haven't had much to say, but for this blog that's good news, isn't it! Physically, I'm able to do almost everything I could do before. I can walk fast for a long distance, I can reach things on top of the refrigerator, I can curl up in a ball and fall asleep like that, etc. I'm not even itching much. I look about the same as I did pre-surgery, except maybe a bit happier knowing I'm past that huge hump. My attitude is really good right now. I feel strong and I healed well from something huge. Last week I had Matthew Wilder's "Break my Stride" playing in my head, and this week it's Pat Benatar's "Warrior."

Yesterday I went to Wu's office for my six-week follow-up. Yes, yesterday. During the snow storm. I don't mind driving in the snow, and I was NOT missing that appointment. I left four kids at home (including Allison's friend) and went. It was a completely uneventful drive. On the way there I thought maybe I would have another highway anecdote to write, but no. It was just snowing, and on the way home the roads were clear. The plus side was that I was about the only patient to not cancel yesterday's appointments. Wu saw me almost immediately. She was pleased, and released me to do everything I want to do. I see her again in 6 weeks just to make sure everything is going okay, but in the meantime I could (in theory) go to the gym, or run. I can carry the laundry and the vacuum cleaner. I went home and shoveled snow!

Friday is my big chemo day. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday I have to take steroids, and I'll be at the office for about three hours for the TC drip. I'm a bit nervous, but probably not as much as I should be. The surgery had to be worse, right? My hair. I've been mentally preparing myself for three months. I don't think there's much more I can do. I've noticed I keep touching my hair. I want Joe (the wig guy) to give it back to me after he cuts it. I want to have it here, even if it's not on my head. Ugh, now I'm getting a bit too sentimental.

Finally, last week I went to a support group meeting. There was a guest speaker, an oncologist, and it was interesting to hear how different medications are handled for different people. Some of the women were all decked out in survivor regalia, and some looked just like everyone else walking down the street. I bought myself a pink ribbon t-shirt from the breast cancer site (I think that's what it's called), and I wore it on Saturday. This isn't exactly a secret. I guess I don't care who knows, as long as it's not much of a conversation topic. Lately I just say, "I have breast cancer, but it will be fine." Let's move on ...