Routine

 This past week, we got back into the routine of labs/treatment/recovery.

I would imagine that, when I see my doctor the next time, we will schedule my next CT and cardiac ultrasound.

Hopefully, the next time won't be as fraught with anxiety and tenuous results.

This past week was pretty easy, to be honest, despite the reality of  having to sit in a chemo chair, having poison pumped directly into my heart through a permanent port installed in my chest!

My reaction to the steroid was one cold sweat, but an entire night of sleeplessness.  That made working on Friday somewhat difficult, but then, our supervisor let us clock out early for the holiday weekend, so that helped.

I ordered the groceries, and then took a nap before the news came on, and felt better.

Yesterday, after the groceries came, and I got them loaded into the house, and put away.....I went and got 3 loads of laundry from Lori, who lives 3 blocks away.  

I find myself helping her out again, and it makes me mindful of the fact that, USUALLY, I am the friend who helps.  I am not the friend who NEEDS help.

Ten years ago, at the beginning of chemo, etc, I needed help.... but in the ensuing years, I have become the helper.

Fortunately, when I needed help, the dance community came through.  They helped me raise money to pay my first round of exorbitant bills, and one of them cooked several meals for us.

The individual who brought the meals eventually became one of our best friends, before relocating.

Anyway, these are just random thoughts.  

It's not like I am keeping score, I am just grateful that I have the strength and fortitude to do for myself, when it would seem to others that I might not, or maybe should not, be capable.

Anyway, other than 3 loads of laundry for someone else, I got all of my chores and laundry done, and then we went out to an antique mall to look for a better canister for coffee.

We'd been using a large mason jar, but the opening proved problematic, as it just isn't large enough for us to get our hand inside when the jar is almost empty.

This endeavor was met with success, and we found a circa 1940s coffee canister - for a mere $5.00 - that is perfect for our old house.

While we were at the antique mall, I spotted two really cool, 1960s vintage glasses that are the same pattern, but a different size, as some that are in my collection.  

They are bright red paisley, with real 22k gold leaf accents.  They are, in a way, hideously ugly, but I ADORE THEM!

(If you're curious, the maker was Culver, and I think the pattern was just called "red paisley.")

I told Dave I could recycle, or donate, a couple of the meaningless glasses that we have, and all he said was that I have "a problem." Yes, he was kidding.

SO, I left them at the mall...but regretted it the moment we got home! 

Then, last night we decided we would go back today to see if they're still there, and if they are, I am buying them!!  Yay! 

After we got back yesterday, we watched the Cubs game, and then I made dinner.

Today should be a bit easier of a day, with no chores to do, save the usual load of towels that I wash on Sundays.

It's supposed to be rainy, but, so far, all of the rain has missed us since the wee hours of Friday night.

I am off to make pancakes and slice strawberries.  Have a lovely week!