Post-Round One Update

A quick update on what it has been like since I had my first chemo on Friday 6/23. I was warned that Sunday would be “when it starts” (the side effects).

I was fine on Sunday, but Monday brought complete exhaustion and some weird effects on my legs. After researching a bit, I think it was the previously mentioned peripheral neuropathy. It felt like someone was squeezing both of my legs in a vice from the knees down. At one point, I’m pretty sure I told Robert to just cut them off. I may or may not have been serious.

That aside, it only lasted about a day and a half. I still feel it here and there but nothing like it was on Monday. And I’m mentally preparing myself that this is just round one, and this is likely the “easy” of it all.

Here Are Some Eyeballs For Your Troubles

In other news, my hatred for healthcare continues. The conversation with my insurance company was just wonderful yesterday.

Insurance rep: Great news! We actually cover wigs that are deemed necessary, such as in your case!
Me: Awesome. So where do I go get one that’s in-network?
Insurance rep: Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Me: I live in Northeast Florida… Is there anywhere…. local to me?
Insurance rep: Sorry, yes, here’s a list of five places near you

(sends me a list of five places that provide prosthetic eyeballs. No joke.)

Me: These are places that provide prosthetic eyes…
Insurance rep: I’m sorry, that’s what comes up in the category.
Me: So there is no place to go locally…
Insurance rep: You can go any place, they just won’t be in-network.

And around we go…

It feels like maybe this is karma, because when people used to ask if my blue eyes were “real”, I’d sarcastically respond, “no, they’re glass eyeballs”.

P.S. Did anyone else know that a real legit wig can be up to $10,000? Despite my gripes about healthcare, I’m definitely thankful my insurance will be covering most.

I’m Only Awkward Because I’m Awkward

I think the worst part of any of this for me is that I’m not someone to ask for help with ANYTHING. Anyone close to me knows this and is probably laughing right now. I do things myself, even if someone blatantly says, “let me help you with that”.

I’m still recovering from the hysterectomy on top of starting chemo, and can hardly bend down and I’m not allowed to lift things… so they say.

I get soooo many offers from friends and family to take me places, bring dinner, sit with me at chemo, get me anything I need… even clean for me. And I probably have the most awkward responses to you all (and I’m sorry for that!), but anything anyone does for me makes me feel like a burden. So don’t take it personally! I appreciate everyone so much.

I’m getting there. Baby steps in letting people help with things. And so incredibly appreciative of the offers just as much as the actions.

And of course, thankful for this guy that doesn’t give me a choice in him helping me with things. It wasn’t the best work, but it was the work of the best.