Course 4 - My favorite chemo things

Before the meh sets in (and it's coming on faster this time) I thought I would share my current favorite things while going through chemo.  I noticed so many of them this morning and was reminded of the generosity and thoughtfulness of so very many people, and my mood lifted instantly.  In honor of awesome family and friends and colleagues, here's the highlight reel:

My friends and former colleagues Trish & Violet gave me this amazing tea.  I drink it every morning during treatment weeks.  It is delicious and keeps the nausea at bay.  Thanks ladies!

My mom often gives me household items and other random things she no longer needs but thinks we may find useful.  Once she gave me several pairs of gloves that I was sure I wouldn't ever need.  Lo and behold, this pair is perfect for wearing to avoid the icky cold sensitivity nonsense when I take things out of the fridge and freezer.  As you can see they now hang right on the fridge, rescued from a life doomed to be spent at the bottom of a storage bench.  Thanks Mom!

This is an awesome super-long super-comfy cashmere scarf that I bought myself a few years back.  I can wrap it around my head almost three times if I need to.  Like the gloves, extremely useful for keeping the icky cold sensitivity at bay during cold windy days, especially when walking along the waterfront to my office - cold air in my nose, ears, lungs is not happy, especially when the sensitivity is high.  It has lots of little holes and stains... but it is still warm.  I promise I'll get it cleaned and repaired after this winter :)

This is an amazing letter I got from my NEPC family.  It came with an equally amazing care package full of well wishes and immensely helpful goodies, some of which are pictured here.  This is also prominently displayed on our fridge.  I read it every day and am reminded how lucky I am to get to work there.  Thank you, NEPC family!

This is a box of legit respirators, aka face masks, from my friend and colleague Bernie.  Not only will these ensure I stay as healthy as possible during all this treatment, they also come in handy for avoiding the cold sensitivity that occurs just breathing in cold air - these puppies keep the air by my nose and mouth nice and warm.  If you come to visit us and are in the least bit ill, you'll be trying one on :)  Thanks Bernie!

This is the view from my home "office," which is just my desk in the bedroom.  I work from home during treatment weeks.  It is a pleasant view, even when the leaves fall.  Good for witnessing squirrel fights on the wires and hawks overhead, and people-watching of all varieties: pedestrians, dog-walkers, stroller-pushers, drivers waiting at the traffic light, the guy from the assisted living place on the hill who takes his smoke break at the exact same time every day... you get the idea.  Thanks, Arlington community, for this entertainment!

This is a prayer shawl I got from a former colleague at Berklee.  I had never heard of these before - they are pretty wonderful.  I bring this to every chemo treatment.  It is perfect when the room is just a bit chilly, and especially comforting knowing the history and thoughtfulness behind it.  Thank you, Maria!

These are amazingly soft & cozy & moisturizing & pampering socks my friend and colleague Rosann gave to me.  I have never worn such a thing before - but now I do ALL THE TIME, especially when vegging in front of the TV at night.  I think I've mentioned how dessicating this treatment is and that applies to all my skin, everywhere, and these are particularly helpful keeping my feet hydrated.  Thank you Rosann!

Another awesome helpful clothing item I've received - from many people - is comfy lounge wear!  I was going to take a picture, but I wear these pieces of my wardrobe so often now, they are all in the wash except the ones I'm wearing right now!  Trust me, they are awesome and fashionable :)  Thanks to my friends Hathalee, Trish & Violet, my mom-in-law Bert, and again NEPC!

This is an overflowing folder of letters and cards with well wishes from all over the place - family and friends and daycare and neighbors and work.  I love these so much.  I read these often, especially during treatment weeks, especially during days 3 and 4 when I can't believe I have to go through this how many more times... and then maybe radiation on top of that...possibly one more surgery... ugh.  So I get to that place and then I read these and I'm back on the positive and emotionally stable spectrum again.  Thank you, EVERYBODY!!

Last but not least - these are my family peeps.  I like and love you very much.  I couldn't do any of this without you.  You reggae.  Thank you the mostest :)