Back at work!--and other news

Hi everyone!!!! I know it's been awhile since I've updated all of you, and I am really sorry about that. I am happy to say my lack of updates is due to feeling pretty good and trying to get a lot done!!! For starters, my tomatoes are trying to take over my back yard!!! I planted 10 plants this spring, thinking I was going to be needing a "project" since I didn't have cancer to fight this year! Well--that was a thought-out plan, wasn't it!! So far, I have canned 42 jars of the little buggers, but I think I am done now. I still have tons of tomatoes, but have just run out of time to do anything with them. I went back to work this week, and I go in for my second round of chemo next week. (Secretly, my hope is that my tomatoes will be all gone by the time I feel well enough again to do more canning! But don't tell anyone!!)

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I did say I went back to work--on Monday, to be specific! It feels good to be like a "normal" person again, although I admit I'm not really doing a hell of a lot of work! I've met with a couple clients, mostly to process with them what is going on with me and to refer them to another therapist. That is sad, but I feel confident I am leaving my clients in good hands! I plan to work the remainder of this week and next Monday, then I'm off to Omaha for 3 days of chemo. Yippee!!

I didn't mention the weekend canoeing trip Scott and I are planning to go on this weekend! Before all the "fun" of next week, we were invited by Adam and Tawnya (Scott and I met at their wedding and they were in our wedding) to go on a 30 mile trip down the river and camp overnight! I am so excited about doing this, but am keeping a watchful eye on my health to make sure I am safe to go. For those of you who have been skeptical about how wise it is for me to go on this trip (and I know you're out there!), I really do appreciate that you haven't been too vocal regarding not wanting me to go. Afterall, you all know how stubborn I can be--and this is something I really want to do!

Finally, the big "fallout" of hair is definitely beginning. I started noticing it on Monday and had my next door neighbor/cosmetologist cut it real short yesterday. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's chunks of hair falling out everywhere. So, I'm hoping it hangs on through the weekend (although I plan to wear a big floppy hat during my vacation), and then it gets shaved off--again. Emotionally, it feels a little harder for me this time around. I am confident, however, that when I'm "ready" to shave it, I will be fine. The hardest part for me is actually my oldest son, Riley, who is (and was the last time I was sick) very sensitive about it. He told me last night that he doesn't like it when mommy is sick and he doesn't want me to take the medicine that makes my hair fall out. Damn. There's just no easy way for any of us to understand this crap. Of course, five minutes later, he was happily eating ice cream! See, ice cream does fix everything!!!

Well kids, I think that's all for now! I will try to be more vigilant about updating here--ya know, since I continue to avoid replying to emails! I'm not trying to be rude, but I just know I would feel obligated to respond to everyone's emails and I just don't have that kind of energy. As always, I absolutely love to see when people leave me comments here!!!!! Take care and love to all!!!