six months, two days

Things are changing.  I can’t say that everything is getting back to normal, because what is normal, exactly?  Radiation might bring a whole other brand of weirdness, but right now, all of the changes are good.

My eyelashes and eyebrows are coming back.  I’ve just now figured out how to draw on eyebrows in a semi-convincing manner.  It’s not a skill I feel I need or really want, so to have eyebrows again will be a relief.  On the other hand, I will have to start shaving my legs again.

I got up today at 7 a.m. for the first time in ages, and I was full of energy and in a great mood. My mother-in-law has been getting up and making breakfast and getting the kids ready for school by herself since chemo started.  I haven’t been fully present mentally or emotionally for the kids during this journey, but today, I felt like I’m coming back to them and to life in some small way.  I have a ton of things to do today, including a support group meeting, but I know I’m going to make it through the day, and that’s comforting.  I’m looking forward to having a routine again.

My parents are coming to town to visit just before Christmas.  I’ve missed them so much.  I know it’s been hard for my mom to watch me go through this from such a long distance.  Mom comes every year, but Dad hasn’t been in quite a while.  He hasn’t seen Alex since he was an infant.  I’m looking forward to seeing him bond with my kids.