T minus 3 days

Kimmy had her "chemo class" today. Honestly, I forgot to ask her what she learned! We will let you know later. I think it was mostly about certain foods she is to stay away from during her treatment but again, I'm not yet positive. It's not that there was a lack of interest, it's just that we knew she would learn the date of her first chemo session, and that is what I was anxious to hear.

We did learn that she was given a schedule of her treatment plan.  Apparently, she will receive a master schedule of all her appointments, including chemo sessions, next day injections, lab work, etc.

Her first chemo date is set for this Thursday, January 19 at 11:00 am (Phoenix time). T minus 3 days....

There is something strange about the dates big things are happening. We found out about her cancer on my nieces birthday, her portacath was inserted on our Oma's birthday and her first chemo is on my daughter Mia's birthday. What are the chances? There has to be some good karma behind that.

After a little bit of deliberation, Hansi will be heading out to Phoenix on Wednesday and stay though the weekend. We've been talking alot about someone being with Kimmy during her sessions, especially the first one, but after talking to her, I now realize that may have been more for us, or just me, but it was important to tell her so. I really appreciated, after I heard a little bit of a sigh, that she was able to tell me she really just wanted to do this one by herself, read her book, listen to her ipod, essentially just sit in peace.

I'm good with that. I'm glad she said it. Otherwise, us cackling fools might try to fill the space of uncomfortable silence with too much talking. Maybe I should just speak for myself here. But, now I know and if I ever do go with her, I will be able to bring my book and my ipod too, and know it's okay.

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My mom has said numerous times that she knows how she feels and can't even imagine what Kimmy feels like. I think everyone has something different going on.  This week, I felt like a horse in a cage about to start a race....feet moving, only in place, anticipating the opening of the gate...you can picture it, lots of subdued jostling but enough to know that the moment the gate opens, it's off to the races. Well folks, we are now off to the races.

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Random thought: Everytime I write the words cancer or chemo, I keep saying to myself 'is that supposed to be capitalized?'. Well, I caught myself talking to the computer telling these two words 'you don't deserve to capitalized!' I had a few choice words in there as well.

Caps for proper nouns, what's so proper about cancer or chemo? Nothing, so you don't get my caps!

I warned you...random thought.

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Nikki update: I wish I had the capacity to not only perfectly quote Kimmy but to also bring to life the way her voice sounded when I asked about Nikki. She said she is doing so great, so much better than expected. Kimmy has to utilize her left arm for most tasks. She has to keep her right side pretty steady to let the portacath settle properly. She also can't let it get wet just yet. Nikki helped her wash her hair in the sink and when mom holds one handle of the laundry basket, Nikki holds the other. Together, they carry it up the stairs. Not only that, Nikki switched the laundry on her own and took the dry stuff upstairs. Now, you may think that's an easy task, but if you have young kids, then you understand how utterly cool that is. Kimmy said she did it all on her own, no one had to ask. That, is what makes this special. She is getting it, and no one had to say a word. A few weeks ago, a laundry story didn't bring lumps to my throat. Now it does. Making us proud Nikki....

Teamwork is the ultimate power,

Jessie

P.S. So, a Shoe Solidarity Movement has materialized for Kimmy! If you want to take part, go get some pink kicks...check ours out! Who is next?