Warm Thoughts on a Wintry Morning . . .

I'm up bright and early this morning so I thought I'd spend this time with you guys. The weather has turned ugly; it's quite frigid outside and we're expecting ice and snow. We cozied up in front of the fire last night so that was warm and nice. There are definite advantages to wintry weather! Snow is always nice to look at from the inside but I had hoped to get back to trekking with the dogs and it looks as though that won't be happening for awhile since I'm a klutz on ice! I especially don't want to break anything now!

I received my fourth treatment on Thursday and it went well. Even the bone pain is at a minimal. Of course, as soon as I say that, it will probably rear it's ugly head and let me know the power it can wield! That's okay, I can take it! It's a minor inconvenience as long as I know the chemo is doing it's job.

The worst thing about being sick is not being able to do the things I would normally be able to do. Sometimes that gets a little disheartening but then I have to stop and think about some of the other chemo patients who are confined to wheel chairs, oxygen tanks and the like. I have no right to complain in light of all they go through just to make it through the day. I am blessed and I hope never to forget that.

You might think that it's pretty dismal in the chemo room but it isn't. There's a lot of chatter and laughter among the patients and the nursing staff. Conversation doesn't all center on illness either but, instead, on a myriad of other topics. Our two nurses, Mary Ann and Chris, are very personable and warm and do everything they can to make chemo a pleasant experience for us.

The room itself is like a sunroom ~ it's very bright and homey. We each have a recliner chair with a TV and pillows and afghans to make us comfortable. Our visitors have chairs right beside us. We can talk, watch TV, read, sleep, eat, work on crafts . . . anything we feel like doing. People are always bringing in goodies for us to munch on . . . brownies, cookies, cake, candy, muffins, fruit bars, trail mix, you name it . . . maybe that has something to do with my weight gain. ; ) Plus there are cupboards filled with instant soups, crackers, chips, etc. We also have coffee, hot chocolate, soda, fruit juices and supplementary drinks.

There is a patio right off the room that we can use when the weather is warm. It's very nice and anyone who wants to haul their IV pump out there and get some fresh air and sun is welcome to do so.

You can see it isn't a bad place to go at all. Before I went I thought it would be all sterile and medical looking but it isn't. That was a very pleasant surprise. It's a welcoming place to spend five hours. Maybe not exactly like home, but they make every attempt to create the same kind of happy and relaxing atmosphere.

The sun is up now (well, it's light out) and so is Dave so I guess it's time to start the day. I hope all of you have a wonderful day and that your week starts out great tomorrow. Know that I'm always thinking about you guys and am forever grateful for the support you give me.

Until next time . . . share your laughter.