This past week was another quiet one. And if you’ve been following my journey, you know that quiet weeks are my absolute favorite. But let’s be honest—“quiet” is a relative term in my world. I had four appointments this week, and I was genuinely looking forward to all of them. (Yes, I’ve reached that stage in life where a good medical visit gets me more excited than brunch with mimosas. Don’t judge.)
Back to the Grind (and Losing Sleep Over It)
I’ve officially returned to work…well, I’m physically in the building more consistently now. And while I’m happy to be back, my body is throwing some serious side-eye. I’m only clocking about 5 hours of sleep a night, and I can feel my cells screaming, “Sis, we need more time to regenerate!” I know sleep is essential for healing, but I’m out here running on fumes and warm bone broth. We’ll get it together…eventually.
Appointment #1: Lab Work with a Side of Surprise
First up—the labs. Nothing fancy here. Just a quick in-and-out appointment where the nurse accessed my port and drew some blood to check my metabolic panel. But plot twist—she had to draw extra tubes for research. Now, I do remember agreeing to participate in research. It’s part of a study focused on lymphedema prevention and monitoring. But apparently, my nurse missed that memo. She looked at the additional tubes like they had just appeared out of thin air and asked, “Do you know what this is for?”
I chuckled and gave her a quick refresher. “Yep, it’s for lymphedema research. They’re tracking biomarkers to see if they can predict or prevent it.” She nodded along, but I could tell she was mentally filing this under “things I wasn’t briefed on.”
Honestly, I continue to be amazed by how well this research team keeps up with me. I barely know my own schedule some days, and yet they’ve got it all under control—lining up appointments, collecting data, and handling everything seamlessly while I go about my “normal” life.
The results came back an hour later. I was anxious to see how my blood was doing post-chemo. The verdict? “Abnormal,” but in the best way possible. Some of my levels are back to normal, and others—like hemoglobin—are just a tenth of a point away. I’ll take that as a win.
Appointment #2: Acupuncture and a Side of Levitation
Next up was acupuncture. Now, I went in with two goals—nerve repair and a quality nap.
As soon as I got settled, the doc inserted the needles and left me alone to drift off to the soothing sounds of spa music and ocean waves. My imagination took me to a beach surrounded by a rainforest. I know, that combo doesn’t make sense, but it’s my fantasy, okay?
Just as I was slipping into dreamland, my leg did that involuntary jerk—you know the one where your body’s like, “Not yet!” And then…magic. I drifted off again, landing in that blissful space between sleep and awake where you feel like you’re floating. And I’m telling you, I was levitating—hovering a good couple of feet above the bed. Don’t argue with me. I felt it.
But of course, reality had to bring me crashing back down when the doc walked in to wrap things up. I’ll be back for another round soon. I need more of that levitating life.
Appointment #3: Simulation Therapy—The Dress Rehearsal for Radiation
Simulation therapy was next, and this one was exactly what it sounds like—a trial run for radiation. I changed into one of those fashionable hospital gowns and laid down just outside a machine that looked suspiciously like the breast MRI machine.
After a series of forward, backward, and side-to-side moves, I finally landed in a comfortable position. And I better like that position because that’s the one I’ll be in for all 15 radiation treatments. They made a few marks on my skin and covered them with clear stickers, then gave me some bathing instructions. Let’s see if those stickers survive until April 30. I have my doubts.
I’m scheduled to start radiation on April 10, and while I’m ready to get this over with, I’m also bracing myself for what’s to come. Fingers crossed it’s as “easy” as they made it sound.
Appointment #4: Keytruda’s Grand Return
Finally, I had my Keytruda infusion. The last one was in January, and back then, I still had chemo running through my veins, so I was very curious to see how my body would handle Keytruda solo.
I did my usual—port already accessed from earlier, so I just had to wait for the meds to arrive. While I waited, I multitasked like a pro—played a little Pokémon Go, watched HGTV, and sipped on my trusty bone broth. After 45 minutes, the infusion started, and 30 minutes later, I was out of there.
So far, no side effects. Major win.
Bone Broth, Protein Gains, and Sugar-Free Victories
Speaking of bone broth, I’ve made some tweaks to my diet. I’m back on my 16:8 intermittent fasting routine, but now I’m using bone broth to open and close my eating window. Each packet has 10g of protein and 5g of collagen—exactly what I need to repair this body.
And guess what? I’ve stayed away from sugar-filled goodies all week! No cookies, no candy—nada. I did eye some pastries at work that looked heavenly, but I swear I felt Gabriel (My imaginary Friend) pulling me back by the collar like, “No ma’am, not today!” Thanks, Gabriel. You saved me from a sugar spiral.
Sadie the Seroma: Still Holding On
Now, let’s check in on Sadie, my affectionate name for the stubborn seroma in my armpit. She’s still here. I’m gently massaging her, hoping she’ll flatten out, but she’s hanging on like that one guest who won’t leave the party.
And just when I thought I was in the clear, I started feeling soreness creeping up my inner arm toward my elbow. Apparently, this is something called “cording,” but I refuse to claim it as yet another issue. I’m massaging and stretching—that’s my plan.
Moving Forward: Strength, Stamina, and Staying Positive
As my energy continues to return, I’m moving more—working in the yard, taking evening walks, and now I’m ready to add some strength training to rebuild my muscles.
This upcoming week, I’m hoping for more positive health gains. I’m embracing my grace and grit mantra and tackling everything this journey throws my way.
Here’s to another week of progress, maybe a little less drama, and hopefully, no more surprise guests in my armpit.
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