Don't hassle me I'm local...it's my vacation from my PROBLEMS

What do you think of when you hear the word "vacation"? A beach, an umbrella drink and a break from reality? This week was my vacation, however, it was a vacation that sent me back to normalcy. As What About Bob said "A vacation from my problems...you bet I will!" Week 4 was pretty uneventful when it comes to new information or tests yet it was jammed packed with eventful journeys that have left me sitting here on Friday night exhausted so I will keep this week short and sweet.

I have to start this week's blog with last Saturday. Daniel and I got up early and took the dogs to the dog park to meet up with Patricia and Rome. Through all the appointments I feel like I have neglected my dogs and the attention they need so this was long overdue. After about a couple hours of playing in the water and Newton jealously chasing Igby around the park we headed home to clean up for the next adventure. Our next stop was Bite of Seattle food festival at the Seattle Center. Patricia met back up with us at the food festival to eat some delicious grub. This event was incredible! It was very overwhelming the amount of people and the amount of food that was in such a small space but we were on a mission to eat. We walked around for a long time tasting various amounts of food till our stomachs were satisfied. Mission completed. 

After satisfying all of our senses we headed to a local pub underneath my apartment for an afternoon beer and fun conversation. By the end of the day my mind was at ease and it was the first night in a long time I slept like a rock.

On a medical update this week has been all about harvesting eggs. This is such an intense process. Since last Friday I have been doing IVF to prepare for my retrieval (sometime early next week). This requires me to take shots (2-3) daily at night. Through this process I have come to terms that I am a huge wimp when it comes to puncturing my own skin. Needless to say I will never be someone who self inflicts pain. The thought of causing my own pain makes my heart race so Daniel, yet again, has come to my rescue in giving me my shots every day. He is strong but I know the thought of him hurting me kills him. It will be over soon. Along with the shots I have to go to the doctor every two days to get bloodwork and an ultrasound to make sure I am on track. Luckily they are super quick appointments and have been really early in the morning so they haven't interfered with my week.

Okay so now that is out of the way back to my fun week! On Monday I got the privilege to go back to work at the bar. Yes, a privilege because I know it sadly won't last much longer. I love the people I work with at the bar. They have been super supportive and are willing to give up shifts so I can make money. While I was working on Monday I was telling a few coworkers that I need to cut my hair before chemotherapy starts so it will be less traumatic when my hair falls out. I keep imagining massive chunks of hair falling out and me holding it in between my knuckles screaming "NO!" as some ballad is playing in the background. Quite comical if you ask me but not something I really want to experience. I had mentioned that I did not want to pay a large sum for a cut that I would only have for a few weeks. After I left work that day two of my coworkers had reached out to friends of theirs and got me contacts for a free haircut. Amazing people do exist. One day I will pay this all forward I promise.

Tuesday was my day of rest. I organized a few things at home and looked over my medical bills. Lets just say this whole process has taught me to be very organized. I also played around with my camera a bit. I think I am going to have to find a Groupon or something for a photography class. My camera is much smarter than it's owner.

Wednesday I made an appointment for my haircut. Now anyone who knows me knows I am super picky about who cuts my hair and how they cut it; so much so that I haven't cut my hair since I moved here because I don't trust anyone to do it right. This week I took a risk, figuring if I don't like it it will only last a few weeks and if I do like it then I found a new hairstylist. After the cut and all the love and support from friends and family I definitely found an awesome stylist I will continue to go to after my hair grows back! Now when my hair falls out it will be in small pieces. All I need to do now is convince my mom or Daniel to shave my head when the chunks start to fall out (neither want to- they think it will be to traumatic). Muahahaha :-)

After my amazing haircut I finally went to the dentist. My oncologist told me I needed to get my teeth cleaned before I start chemo because tooth decay and mouth sores are side affects. from the treatment The cleaner my mouth is the more these side affects can be postponed or prevented. My dentist office is called Supertooth. It is a superhero theme office that played instrumental music of movie theme songs in the background. It totally fit my theme of this whole year, karate chopping cancer, and it actually made me enjoy the cleaning. Oh and the people there were really helpful and nice. They suggested various over the counter medicines that will help keep my mouth "normal" throughout this year. Also, on a side note, I am STILL cavity free!

Thursday and Friday I worked at the bar racking up as much money as I could before I go into hibernation in a few weeks. On Thursday night I went to my third Mariners' game with a few coworkers/friends from my school. We were in the homerun alley right up against the field. Besides dodging a few flying balls it was a fun relaxing night with friends, beer and delicious food.

On Friday after work I cleaned my house in anticipation for a few friends from home to come visit! This weekend is going to be a blast. Saturday I am going to hang out with my friends from out of town ALL day and Sunday, Patricia invited me to go to Capital Hill Block Party with her! Flaming Lips, Frightened Rabbit, Hey Marseilles, Black Marble and so much more. I can't wait- pictures to come!

Overall this week has been just what the doctor ordered. A vacation from my own problems. I have talked to some amazing people, I joined the Young Survivor Coalition, many people have reached out yet again to help me in this dumb time of need and I have a great new perspective on how I am going to treat this year. Ready for it...This year I am working a really crappy job (treatment), but it is only a year contract. In this "job" I don't get paid, in fact I will have to pay to work, I will have crappy hours, I will cuss out my boss (cancer) but know that in one year all the hard labor that I put into it will all be worth it AND look good on my resume (SURVIVOR). One year. I am not dying, nor do I think I will die, it's just a job. I am hard worker so there is no doubt this is a job I will be excel at. Next week I have my harvesting surgery, an ultrasound of my neck/thyroid, my mom comes in town, and I start chemoterapy. Bring it on!