Life has become more normal this past week. I am out and about a few hours each day, trying to be active around the house, and sleeping fairly well. Some days walking is easier than others, which still baffles me. Even the annoying side effects that remain have faded into the background of busy days. Wearing rubber gloves around the house leaves me no excuse for chores that might otherwise exacerbate skin and fingernail vulnerability. And a combination of coffee (yes! my taste for Starbucks has returned) and water pills keeps me fairly unpuffy.

But alas, today is my first radiation appointment – a “simulation” which I don’t know much about, though I believe it includes an MRI to pinpoint where future radiation will be directed. Now that I’m living again, I am not excited about what radiation may have in store for me, but feel I must give it a go. Radiation goes on for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. So if I’m not home, you’ll know where to find me until shortly after New Year’s.

It is now three weeks since my last chemo – so the plan is to start growing hair again at the end of this month. Unfortunately, a good insulating cover isn’t likely anytime soon, so I’m in search of warm winter hats to get me through the winter.