Friday, March 7, 2014

DLBCL

2014.03.07

Slept really poorly last night. It was the combination of the bandage on my neck making it a little tight as the incision healed and the mental tiredness which left me wide awake during most of the night.




Finally at 6 am I could have my morning chat on FB as I got ready to shower the whole body at once in preparation for removing the bandage. It has been on for a week and it was time to see what it looked like underneath. The shower was the quickest ever because it was easy to wash the new hair doo.

Now that the bandage was good and wet it was time for removal. Mostly painless removal. It looks pretty good even though the surgeon said he was only 2nd best at sewing stitches. I am happy with his handiwork.


Drive Eric to school and time for a breakfast of toast and juice before the fresh air is calling my name. Sophie and I joined Caroline och Monica for a dog walk with their dogs. Fresh air and great conversation while the dogs got a good workout. THANKS GIRLS for today.

Home again it was time to figure out to get the flu shots. Last nights adventure to Lowenströmska City Akuten resulted in nothing. They said they didn't have any flu shots left. So instead it was a stop for the boys at McDonalds for some ice cream as promised. I was really upset that we wasted all our time. I also realized that my level of tolerance for things to go wrong is very low. That was part of the reason I couldn't sleep last night. Many things are outside of my control but it is still frustrating.

I called the Hematology doctors office to see what time he would call today to give me more information regarding the test results. Now it was time for Plan B with the flu shots. Peter and I to SveaVaccin near Täby Centrum. I explain the situation and they don't have any either. BRICK WALL

FRUSTRATION sets in because now we are forced to go with PLAN C up check with Täby Centrum Doctors again. Waited in line to see the nurse to discuss the issue but I am pleasantly surprised when I tell them why I need it (and she sees my frustration) and she says OK,  Wait right outside here and someone will be with you shortly. DISBELIEF. Within 3 minutes a male nurse comes and we go into the room to get the shots.

Of course I go first because Peter is such a gentleman. Just as the nurse gets ready to jab me in the arm my phone rings. NO CALLER ID and I know I need to answer it because it is the Hematology doctor. I ask him a few questions and get more information - most certainly not optimal time or place but par for the course. The current diagnosis subtype of Lymphoma which I have so far is DLBCL which stands for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. OK. The results from the breast examinations were negative. GOOD. Do the kids really need to take the flu shot? NO. RELIEF.  I will get more information next week. CHEMO is a go for MONDAY. YIPPIEE>>>>>>>>>>

All this happens in this nurse's office as Peter gets his flu shot. Hang up the phone and it is my turn to get a jab. Not a problem.

Relief that Peter and I have gotten our flu shots. Relief that the boys don't have to. One more thing to check off the list. Next on the list was the rabies shot for Sophie at the Vets so she could move with us to London this summer. But, it is a 6 month wait after the shot and I have waited longer than I wanted. So we move in August and Sophie will have to come in September. Bummer.

After the vet visit, I had just enough time for a nap. FELT GREAT. Awoken by a knock on the door by the florist. It was a most beautiful bouquet of tulips from the 2nd grade class where I teach LEGO Education. Fantastic teacher, Ulrica and the amazing kids in this class have made my day and weekend. TEARS of JOY.


We round out the days with a spontaneous visit to my favorite Indian Restaurant called GURU on Odengatan. I was greeted warmly by the owner with a great big hug. This has been our night out in town for the past 4 years and it never disappoints. Peter and I were joined by Annica and Mia in this food extravaganza. Many laughs, many laughs and stories of all the good times made it all that more enjoyable. GRATEFUL.



A day spent enjoying life through all its small hassles but still able to appreciate the good weather, good friends and family and good food that make this life what it is. TRULY GRATEFUL.

I am so ready for chemo on MONDAY. I am so ready for chemo on MONDAY. I am so ready for chemo on MONDAY.

Thank you all who keep my spirits up by texting, calling or leaving a comment here. It is the energy for my fight to kick cancer's ass.  


15 comments:

  1. Anonymous7/3/14

    HEJ Teresa
    Har läst om alla dina upplevelser under dagarna sedan jag var inne på din blogg senast. Du kommer att tackla din chemo med samma anda som du har nu - rollercoaster javisst - ett sisu som en envis finne - med underbar energigivande musik i öronen - och ett rungande skratt mitt i alltihop. Det är ett klart vinnande koncept. Carpe diem gäller inte enbart glädje utan också när saker är tuffa och obarmhärtiga mot oss. Alla dagar är inte soliga, men solen finns alltid bakom molnen!

    Det var vad jag upplevde genom min ettåriga behandling med cellgifter och strålning, att aldrig oroa mig för det som skulle komma härnäst utan bara vara i det som den här dagen så att säga bjöd på.
    Kram på dig och hoppas att du redan sover gott. Ulla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hej Ulla, Vilken fantastiska ord du skriver. Det värmer mitt hjärta. Allt du säger är sant och jag skall definitivt kommer ihåg att solen finns alltid bakom molnen. Vilken bra start på min dag idag. KRAM på dig och mår så gott. Teresa

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  2. Anonymous8/3/14

    Tack för en fantastiskt inspirerande blogg. Du är en magisk människa med ett otroligt mindset. Tack för att Du delar! Stor Kram till Dig

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tack för dina fina ord. KRAM till dig. Teresa

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  3. Anonymous8/3/14

    Ha en underbar lördag

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tack. Än så länge är det perfekt.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Erika Arenborn8/3/14

    Glad to hear that you enjoyed your night out at Guru with good food and lots of laughs!
    Will be thinking of you on Monday, keep up the good attitude and fighting spirit - you'll kick cancer's ass!
    Hugs to all of you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erika, Thanks for thinking of me. It really helps. Look out Cancer as your ass is about to get kicked. KRAM KRAM

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  6. Anonymous8/3/14

    Tack för dina fantastiska perspektiv och ditt jävlaranamma! Helt underbar läsning! TACK!
    Kram C

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C - Tack för dina fina ord och tack själv att du läser den. KRAM

      Delete
  7. Anonymous8/3/14

    Läste just ditt inlägg idag. Det ät som Ulla ovan skriver, vila i nuet och lita på att det som händer är det bästa just nu. Tillit är en stark kraft! Din styrka och klokskap imponerar verkligen på mig. Och din ödmjukhet och humor! Kram/ irre

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tack Irre. Jag försöker verkligen att vila i nuet. Det känns fridfullt inom mig inför måndagen. Tack för dina kloka ord. KRAM

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  8. Du är en riktig fighter och på måndag börjar nästa etapp framåt för dig och jag ska tänka mycket på dig då:):)
    Tack Theresa!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harry- jag längtar så till på måndag! Tack

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  9. Teresa - we are with you all the way! Mum

    ReplyDelete