Here's to the Weekend (#2)

On Memorial Day weekend, I have disproved the prevailing stereotype: cancer = all work, no play. 

Ha. Nope.

It's pretty ironic because I've been more social in these last few weeks than I have in the last few years. Friendships have been rekindled, and I've been making further efforts to hang out with my friends because it really does feel good. This weekend I have had the pleasure of spending time with some of the people I love the most in this world.

Because I temporarily have my appetite back, my fatigue is gone, and my back pain has drastically lessened since my last chemo treatment, I have taken advantage of my good health and have spent a couple of days in upstate NJ with my crazy, wonderful family.

There isn't a place in the world that I would have rather been than in the great outdoors chasing my cute, energetic, young cousins around. I caught a toad. I played Kan Jam with my brothers and Brian.  I spent quality time with my cousins, aunt, uncle and parents. My team dominated the Catch Phrase tournament (thank you Colleen for holding the team together). I ate yummy BBQ and shrimp salad. I went for long walks around the village and by the lake. There's something so comforting about spending time in the place that provided me with some of my best childhood memories.  

I can't stress enough how uplifting it is for me to spend time with my family. They have made this challenge in my life easier for me, and I am forever grateful. Moving on, after our Vernon trek Brian and I spent the evening with our friends at a BBQ. Good food. Great company. Lots of laughs. Puppy cuddles. What could be better?

This weekend has marked the first time I have sported my head wraps in front of my friends and extended family. It's weird not having hair.  Being without something that has been a marker of my physical beauty for most of my life is certainly a challenge, but every day I'm beginning to embrace the new me. I look forward to speaking about my new beauty standards in a later blog post.

Anyways, I want to remind you all that my second chemotherapy cycle is this Tuesday. I have been anxiously awaiting this day, and I am very excited to destroy more cancer cells! Because I kept a detailed record of my symptoms from the last chemo cycle, I generally know what to expect for this next one. Yes, for a few days I'll be tired, groggy, and without an appetite, but I'll be one step closer to beating this horrible disease. 

Look out for my next blog post on May 28th. I'll be writing from the hospital in my comfy recliner.

All my love,
Lia 
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