Something I keep wondering. Is Multiple Myeloma hereditary or not? I want to know because I want to know if Brandon will get it. I want to be able to teach him what he can do to relive pain. I want to be able to be there for him and know what he's going through should he get it. All, I believe, valid points. In recent months I've come to figure that MM is environmental. Not hereditary, since nobody in my blood family has had cancer.
Today one of my aunts, on my moms side, e-mailed me telling me how one of my great aunts (one of my grandma's, their mom's sister) was recently diagnosed with MM. She is at the beginning of her treatment. I've never met this great aunt. Honestly, I didn't know she existed. She lives in Ohio, far from here in Northern California. My aunt told me she told my great aunt about me and then told me her name and that she is on her friends list on Facebook. I sent a message and friends request and hopefully we can connect. I don't know anything about her. Her age or anything. Just her name, that she lives in Ohio, she's my grandma's sister, and was recently diagnosed.
Finding this out, it makes me wonder if MM is hereditary. So, tonight in Google search I typed in "Is Multiple Myeloma hereditary?" What I got was this...
"Multiple Myeloma is not considered hereditary, because the cause of multiple myeloma is not known. It is uncommon for myeloma to develop in more than one member of a family, as plasma cell changes are acquired, not inherited."
That is from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or MMRF. So, now I want to figure out, does this great aunt and I have the same plasma cell changes then? Can family members have the same plasma cell changes? It's interesting to me. Probably because I have MM and now I find a distance family member does too. It's something I am going to bring up to one of my doctors at my next appointment. Maybe both doctors. We have Stanford in November and back again to my Kaiser doctor in December. It's something I am going to be pondering for a while.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Groups
Recently I have been thinking of something. That something is "mom groups". There are so many different kids of mom groups out there. The main one being the regular old "Mommy Club". To those women who are moms. I associate it as not just a human mom, but also to our fur children. Then, there are the moms of different age groups (infants, toddlers, pre-teens, teens, etc). Next are the working moms and the stay-at-home moms. Moms of premies, different disabilities, dog moms, cat moms, etc, etc. I have always imagined myself in there somewhere. Right now, I am the working, toddler, dog mom. Not only that, but the cancer mom. A group I never thought I would be a part of.
"Cancer Mom". "Mom With Cancer". "New Mom With Cancer". "Working Mom to A Toddler While Fighting Cancer". Really, there could be any name to give it. It doesn't change. I personally like one that some friends have given me. Even some women in the same shoes as me have given me. "Warrior Mom". Basically, summing up the fact that I am a mom fighting, no wait, KICKING, cancers butt who happen to be doing it since I was pregnant and undergoing chemotherapy treatments and a transplant while having a newborn and even toddler.
It's not easy to be a mom. A new mom. Especially for the first time when you are almost 40. There's a lot of sleepless nights. Or very little sleep nights. There's trying to keep your cool while you baby is screaming because they are in pain from teething and you are going on about 3 or 4 hours of sleep. Endless days where you don't see another adult other than your husband. Wishing for a nice soak in the bathtub for a little "me time" only to have it interrupted because your baby will only calm down and go to sleep in moms arms. Really because they need the boob for comfort to sleep on. Then, add in cancer. Cancer doesn't care if you are a new mom, or a mom to be. Cancer comes and shows it's ugly head when it feels like it. Cancer is a bitch like that. When all you want and plan on for your mom life is to watch your child grow with no interruptions, cancer comes in and says "Hey, screw your plans, I'm the speed bump in your life now."
I hate cancer. I'm a planner and cancer has been a bitch in my planning life. When I heard those words over a year ago while 28 weeks pregnant that I have cancer, I was;t just sad and upset, I was pissed. How was I going to be able to bond with other moms? How was I going to be able to have other moms that could sympathize with me and what I'm going through. The chemo treatments, the sick days from chemo treatments. The pain your body goes through as the cancer is trying to take over. Having to take what seems like hundreds of pills everyday, sometimes twice a day. Where would I find another mom, new mom, who would understand what I was going through. I searched Facebook. I didn't find any groups for Moms With Cancer. There are regular mommy groups, but no moms with cancer groups. I had an in person group at my hospital. But you could imagine how small it was. There were only 3 of us. Unfortunately, because cancer is a bitch, I only got to meet one of the other 2 moms and kind of bond with her. A very sweet young lady. Only to come back from my transplant to find that the bitch cancer took her from this planet. From her little boy who is the same age as Brandon. The biggest fear I have for me, happened to her. To her little boy. I know he has his extended family. aunts and uncles and great aunts and great uncles to tell him what a wonderful mother he had and how amazing she was, but it's not the same as her being there. The bitch took her from her little boy.
Recently I posted in one of the other mom groups asking how working moms do it. It's been tough for me to go back to work and leave Brandon at home. I know he's in great hands right now, but it's been hard because I loved being home with him. But, I have to go back to work. I gave a brief detail of what I am dealing with and from that I found 2 other women I have started to bond with who also have fought cancer. Who are Warriors in my eyes. They both have young kids and both are fighting cancer. They understood how I was so exhausted at the end of the day. I personally think more so now than before I had Brandon. My first week back I was not only exhausted, but my whole body ached. It ached so much I could barely pick Brandon up. But that is one thing I will never let happen. Cancer will not keep me from picking up my own child. With these two women, I felt a weight lifted. I felt like somebody got me. All of me. Another mom understood where I was coming from and what I was feeling. Moms who when I have one of those days where I feel like the bitch cancer is trying to defeat me, they are there to help me know I am stronger than it and that if they can do it, so can I. I have other mom friends who can say that too. Don't get me wrong, but there are times where I feel like I need that other mom who is also fighting or has fought cancer to really understand how I feel.
I am a mom with cancer, and my cancer will never fully go away. There is no cure, just treatment. So for me, I will always have that fear in the back of my head of "what if". What if my cancer comes back stronger than ever and I can't fight it? What if my cancer comes back and decides this is it, and takes me? I have sleepless nights thinking of that at times. My biggest fear is leaving Brandon without his mommy. And all because of that bitch cancer. I need those moms that understand my fears. That have the same fears as I do.
Because of cancer, I am seeking out other moms like me. We need each other. It's not easy. This mom thing. But we do it because it's what we wanted and we love our littles to the ends of the earth. So much innocence in such a little person. Who will eventually grow to not be so innocent and get in trouble. We love to watch them grow and learn. And for us moms with cancer, we don't know how much of that we will be able to see. For the other "Warrior Moms" out there, I get you! We are a part of a club we never wanted to and don't want to be a part of. But let's fight. Let's fight like we never fought before for our baby's, toddlers, pre-teens, teens, etc. They deserve for us to band together and fight to be there for them.
"Cancer Mom". "Mom With Cancer". "New Mom With Cancer". "Working Mom to A Toddler While Fighting Cancer". Really, there could be any name to give it. It doesn't change. I personally like one that some friends have given me. Even some women in the same shoes as me have given me. "Warrior Mom". Basically, summing up the fact that I am a mom fighting, no wait, KICKING, cancers butt who happen to be doing it since I was pregnant and undergoing chemotherapy treatments and a transplant while having a newborn and even toddler.
It's not easy to be a mom. A new mom. Especially for the first time when you are almost 40. There's a lot of sleepless nights. Or very little sleep nights. There's trying to keep your cool while you baby is screaming because they are in pain from teething and you are going on about 3 or 4 hours of sleep. Endless days where you don't see another adult other than your husband. Wishing for a nice soak in the bathtub for a little "me time" only to have it interrupted because your baby will only calm down and go to sleep in moms arms. Really because they need the boob for comfort to sleep on. Then, add in cancer. Cancer doesn't care if you are a new mom, or a mom to be. Cancer comes and shows it's ugly head when it feels like it. Cancer is a bitch like that. When all you want and plan on for your mom life is to watch your child grow with no interruptions, cancer comes in and says "Hey, screw your plans, I'm the speed bump in your life now."
I hate cancer. I'm a planner and cancer has been a bitch in my planning life. When I heard those words over a year ago while 28 weeks pregnant that I have cancer, I was;t just sad and upset, I was pissed. How was I going to be able to bond with other moms? How was I going to be able to have other moms that could sympathize with me and what I'm going through. The chemo treatments, the sick days from chemo treatments. The pain your body goes through as the cancer is trying to take over. Having to take what seems like hundreds of pills everyday, sometimes twice a day. Where would I find another mom, new mom, who would understand what I was going through. I searched Facebook. I didn't find any groups for Moms With Cancer. There are regular mommy groups, but no moms with cancer groups. I had an in person group at my hospital. But you could imagine how small it was. There were only 3 of us. Unfortunately, because cancer is a bitch, I only got to meet one of the other 2 moms and kind of bond with her. A very sweet young lady. Only to come back from my transplant to find that the bitch cancer took her from this planet. From her little boy who is the same age as Brandon. The biggest fear I have for me, happened to her. To her little boy. I know he has his extended family. aunts and uncles and great aunts and great uncles to tell him what a wonderful mother he had and how amazing she was, but it's not the same as her being there. The bitch took her from her little boy.
Recently I posted in one of the other mom groups asking how working moms do it. It's been tough for me to go back to work and leave Brandon at home. I know he's in great hands right now, but it's been hard because I loved being home with him. But, I have to go back to work. I gave a brief detail of what I am dealing with and from that I found 2 other women I have started to bond with who also have fought cancer. Who are Warriors in my eyes. They both have young kids and both are fighting cancer. They understood how I was so exhausted at the end of the day. I personally think more so now than before I had Brandon. My first week back I was not only exhausted, but my whole body ached. It ached so much I could barely pick Brandon up. But that is one thing I will never let happen. Cancer will not keep me from picking up my own child. With these two women, I felt a weight lifted. I felt like somebody got me. All of me. Another mom understood where I was coming from and what I was feeling. Moms who when I have one of those days where I feel like the bitch cancer is trying to defeat me, they are there to help me know I am stronger than it and that if they can do it, so can I. I have other mom friends who can say that too. Don't get me wrong, but there are times where I feel like I need that other mom who is also fighting or has fought cancer to really understand how I feel.
I am a mom with cancer, and my cancer will never fully go away. There is no cure, just treatment. So for me, I will always have that fear in the back of my head of "what if". What if my cancer comes back stronger than ever and I can't fight it? What if my cancer comes back and decides this is it, and takes me? I have sleepless nights thinking of that at times. My biggest fear is leaving Brandon without his mommy. And all because of that bitch cancer. I need those moms that understand my fears. That have the same fears as I do.
Because of cancer, I am seeking out other moms like me. We need each other. It's not easy. This mom thing. But we do it because it's what we wanted and we love our littles to the ends of the earth. So much innocence in such a little person. Who will eventually grow to not be so innocent and get in trouble. We love to watch them grow and learn. And for us moms with cancer, we don't know how much of that we will be able to see. For the other "Warrior Moms" out there, I get you! We are a part of a club we never wanted to and don't want to be a part of. But let's fight. Let's fight like we never fought before for our baby's, toddlers, pre-teens, teens, etc. They deserve for us to band together and fight to be there for them.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
First Week Back To Work
Last week was my first week back to work. Monday was tough. Not just for me, but for Brandon too. I was expecting him to stay asleep and sleep through me getting ready for work and leaving. Of course, that's in a perfect world. That didn't happen. He woke up while I was in the shower. Almost as soon as I got in the shower. I could hear him crying/whining the whole time. Eric got him and tried to console him, feed him, cuddle him. Whatever would work. Nothing worked. I got out of the shower and got some clothes on and he came to the end of the bed reaching for me to pick him up. So, I did for a little bit. He played his head on my shoulder and wrapped his legs around my waist. Well, as far as his legs would reach. He calmed down and I put him back on the bed with Eric so I could finish getting ready. He immediately started to cry. But, I still finished getting ready.
Once ready, I snuggled Brandon a little more and then went downstairs so I could eat, make coffee, take Kahlua out, and make my lunch. The whole time I was downstairs I could hear him crying. It was breaking my heart. But, I knew it would be good for him. Not the crying, but me going to work. He was going to have his Nanny and Grandpa Hoover. I did go back up stairs to brush my teeth and try one more time to calm him down. Which, I was successful, for about 15 minutes. I was walking out the door when I heard him start up again. Eric reassured me he would be ok as I left. I knew he would, but it was tough leaving knowing it would be for several hours, not just an hour or so.
A little later I got a text from Eric while I was at work. It was a picture of Brandon getting into the cabinets in the bathroom and smiling. Eric told me that he was whining off and on all morning, but he was doing good. That made me feel better. But I still missed him. All the cuddling we used to do all day. Playing together. Watching Minions. Everything. I missed hearing his laugh.
When I got home I was hoping for the big smile and yell of excitement while he was walking towards me. I didn't get that. He was taking a nap at that time. I felt like I missed out on what Eric gets when he comes home from work. It was just another day of me coming home. No big deal. I was right there though when he woke up. Standing over the pack n play he was napping in. He finished rubbing his eyes and when they focused and saw me, there was the big smile I had wanted 30 minutes prior. He started to stand up and reached for me. I got my snuggles I was waiting all day for.
The next day was a lot easier. He stayed asleep through me getting ready for work and leaving. Same went for Wednesday. Thursday I had to bring him downstairs with me since Eric worked early too and so Nanny and Grandpa got up to spend the day with him. As I left, he could care less. Friday came and I went to work a little late since he had his 1 year well baby check up and shots. Everything went well at the appointment except he didn't like being held down to get his shots. But he is a growing boy. 24 pounds 6.9 ounces and 31 inches tall. He's right where he should be. Our perfect little man.
I was off early from work that day too since there wasn't anything I could do without my co-workers there. So, I was home by about 4:30pm or so. We got to spend the evening as a family all together. It felt good. We ran to Target and got Taco Bell for dinner. And, the best thing, it was family time while it was raining outside. We all love the rain. Once home we all decided it was bed time after a long week. In the end, it was a successful first week back to work. Just a few hiccups in the beginning. All weekend Brandon was really needy, but we think it was a combination of me being gone all week and his shots. He just wanted to cuddle up with mommy and sometimes daddy. I was willing to take it. Now, we are on to the second week of work for me and so far so good. He's asleep when I get up and leave. Definitely makes it easier.
Getting into cabinets
Once ready, I snuggled Brandon a little more and then went downstairs so I could eat, make coffee, take Kahlua out, and make my lunch. The whole time I was downstairs I could hear him crying. It was breaking my heart. But, I knew it would be good for him. Not the crying, but me going to work. He was going to have his Nanny and Grandpa Hoover. I did go back up stairs to brush my teeth and try one more time to calm him down. Which, I was successful, for about 15 minutes. I was walking out the door when I heard him start up again. Eric reassured me he would be ok as I left. I knew he would, but it was tough leaving knowing it would be for several hours, not just an hour or so.
Family walk
A little later I got a text from Eric while I was at work. It was a picture of Brandon getting into the cabinets in the bathroom and smiling. Eric told me that he was whining off and on all morning, but he was doing good. That made me feel better. But I still missed him. All the cuddling we used to do all day. Playing together. Watching Minions. Everything. I missed hearing his laugh.
Before shots
When I got home I was hoping for the big smile and yell of excitement while he was walking towards me. I didn't get that. He was taking a nap at that time. I felt like I missed out on what Eric gets when he comes home from work. It was just another day of me coming home. No big deal. I was right there though when he woke up. Standing over the pack n play he was napping in. He finished rubbing his eyes and when they focused and saw me, there was the big smile I had wanted 30 minutes prior. He started to stand up and reached for me. I got my snuggles I was waiting all day for.
Big boy after shots
The next day was a lot easier. He stayed asleep through me getting ready for work and leaving. Same went for Wednesday. Thursday I had to bring him downstairs with me since Eric worked early too and so Nanny and Grandpa got up to spend the day with him. As I left, he could care less. Friday came and I went to work a little late since he had his 1 year well baby check up and shots. Everything went well at the appointment except he didn't like being held down to get his shots. But he is a growing boy. 24 pounds 6.9 ounces and 31 inches tall. He's right where he should be. Our perfect little man.
Weekend family fun
I was off early from work that day too since there wasn't anything I could do without my co-workers there. So, I was home by about 4:30pm or so. We got to spend the evening as a family all together. It felt good. We ran to Target and got Taco Bell for dinner. And, the best thing, it was family time while it was raining outside. We all love the rain. Once home we all decided it was bed time after a long week. In the end, it was a successful first week back to work. Just a few hiccups in the beginning. All weekend Brandon was really needy, but we think it was a combination of me being gone all week and his shots. He just wanted to cuddle up with mommy and sometimes daddy. I was willing to take it. Now, we are on to the second week of work for me and so far so good. He's asleep when I get up and leave. Definitely makes it easier.
Last night
This morning
Monday, October 10, 2016
First Day Back To Work
Not what I am used to wearing to work
Today was the day. My first day back to work after 14 months off. I can't believe how fast it came after so long, but it came. Last night I must have checked my alarm 15 times before going to bed to make sure it was set for the right time and was turned on. I only got about 5 1/2 hours of sleep because I couldn't get to sleep. Not to mention, Brandon was wide awake also. So, he and I went to his room so he could play and get some energy out. I was able to get some energy out by organizing all of his clothes. I took ALL of his shorts (he must have about 50 pairs of them) and packed them away except about 6 pair since we are getting into the colder months. I mean, we are supposed to get a few days of rain later this week. Then, I got rid of some of the shirts and onesies that were too small which freed up some hangers to hang the "new" to us shirts from my amazing friend Julie. This boy is set on clothes for a while. The shorts I mentioned before, they were packed away in a plastic container in his closet for now. I am sure he will be able to wear them again come warmer weather. Once I was done with that and satisfied, I played with Brandon to help myself get even more tired. By that time, he was ready for bed, and off to bed we went, at 11:30pm.
Pretty cool to see this for those working mamas out there
My alarm went off way too early. I haven't seen 5:30am in about a year or so. I was not ready to get up, but knew if I didn't I would fall right back to sleep. So, up I went to shower and get ready for my first day back to working. While in the shower I heard Brandon start to whine and wake up, but I knew Eric would get him. Eric did, but Brandon was wide awake laying on our bed when I got out of the shower. Once he saw me, he was excited. Then, he saw me getting dressed and ready for work. Which turned into more whining. When I was done, I gave him hugs and kisses and went downstairs for breakfast and pack my lunch. That didn't take long. I sat in my chair watching some Netflix for about 30 minutes before coming back upstairs to get a coat and brush my teeth. That whole 30 minutes while I was watching Netflix, I could hear Brandon whining and crying. He wanted mama. I gave him more hugs and kisses when I got back upstairs and he wrapped his legs as far around me he could. I'm sure he was trying to lock his ankles together behind me, but his little legs are not long enough yet.
Munchkin while I was at work
I finally got him to calm down some and gave him back to Eric so I could leave, and the whining started again. Broke my heart, but I knew he'd be ok after a while. I grabbed my stuff and off to work I went. So weird to be on my way somewhere at 7am. The sky was beautiful to the east where the sun was coming up for the Sierras. The sky was still a little dark to the west but lightening up from the rising sun. There were a few clouds over towards the Sierras which the sun made look a kind of grey purple color. The drive wasn't too bad going in. It only took me about 30-40 minutes to get there. A lot faster than going to the dispatch center. Once there, I waited a few minutes for my co-worker Dan to arrive. When he did we said our hellos and were anxious to catch up. Did I mention I already knew at least one person I would be working with? After a little catching up, he gave me a tour of the warehouse, introducing me to so many people (whom I am sure I will have to ask their names again) and getting me my key card to get in the building. The lady to got me my key card then gave us a tour of the archives. All the furniture and other old items used in museums throughout the state at different parks.
Sunset on our walk
After the tour it was back to the office we went. We tried to get me into the computer system under my own log on but the computer I was going to be using didn't like me. That part took up a good chunk of our day. Because we needed to go to a few other locations, off to HQ it was to drop off that computer that didn't like me and another. Then off to another two warehouses where I met more people I would be working with. By the time we got back to our office it was almost time to go. The day seemed to go by really fast.
Rolling with his bunny
The drive home wasn't bad at all. It took me about as long to get home as it did to get there. All I could think of on the drive was walking in and having Brandon see me and give me the huge smile with a fast walk towards me like he does for Eric when he gets home from work. But, when I got home he was taking a nap. Not very climatic at all. There is always tomorrow. My mother in law was cook dinner though and father in law and Eric were taking naps. So, I changed into more comfortable clothes and went back downstairs to relax. Everybody woke up and I was right there for Brandon to love on him. I got that huge smile I was waiting for. We all had dinner and then went on a family walk with Brandon in his truck. He brought his bunny for a ride in the truck. More relaxing entailed when we got back home along with dessert and then it was off to bed, or almost bed, for Eric, Brandon and myself.
The bunny
Today was a good day. I missed Brandon so much, but I know he will be there when I get home and he is in good hands. Now, it is off to bed for me as I will be up early again tomorrow.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
My Baby Boy Turns One
1 year ago today
Never in my wildest dreams would I have figured I would get the chance to stay home and raise my child for their first year. My "plan" (as many moms to be have when pregnant) was to have Brandon without surgery, be off for 3 months with him and then go back to work. ALL of my "plans" were derailed with my cancer diagnosis.
My diagnosis changed my birthplace and how long I would be off work with Brandon. Instead of having him vaginally, I had a c-section. Instead of breastfeeding him, he was bottle fed formula. Instead of taking only 3 months off with him, I had a full year. Not many moms get that, and I am grateful I did. Even if it was because of my cancer diagnosis. My boy is my lifesaver. He found my cancer. The way I was able to repay him was to be off work and home, with him, for a full year. Cancer has been a blessing in disguise so to say.
With all of that, today was low key. Brandon had been getting gifts all week from family. Today, Eric had to work, but luckily only until 3:15pm. He had the early shift today. When he got home he rested a little while I ran out to get a balloon and small cake for tonight. Finally, Eric and I had dinner and since we wanted to give Brandon his gift and then go on a walk, we decided it was time since we were all falling asleep. Eric brought Brandon's gift in from the garage and he was so excited. It was like he remembered it from the store. I could hear the dialogue in his head "IT'S THE ONE! THE ONE I WANTED! THEY REALLY DID GET IT FOR ME! IT'S ALL MINE!" He was so happy. Eric put him in it and he had a smile on his face. Looking around and everything. What we got him was the Little Tikes Cozy Truck. A truck he could sit in and for now, we will push it, but eventually he will be able to use it with his own feet. We took it outside and off we went on a family walk. A few times we would look down and catch him with one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting on the door of the truck. At one point we went down a small hill and the picture I got looked like he was turning the steering wheel. He had a blast. When we got back, he decided to climb back in. He didn't want to get out, but we still had cake to get to.
Cake was a whole other animal. He isn't too sure about the cakes. He fingers at them and then starts wiping the frosting all over the place. We had to feed him some of the cake to get the hang of it. So funny. Although, he did try to grab the candle. That was on fire. That was moved back real fast. Because he wiped the frosting all over himself, it was bath time, which Eric is taking care of for me since my back is killing me. Makes it hard at times to bend over the bathtub to wash or play with Brandon.
Monday will be the end of my full year home with Brandon. Monday I start back to work. I will be working with the telecom unit for State Parks Monday thru Friday regular hours. It's even a little bit closer to home. About 30 minutes away instead of an hour away. I will get to be home with Brandon at night and on the weekends. Maybe make some plans to do some indoor swim lessons or something. Just for the few months we have me working this job as it's a temporary position. In the meantime, I will get more experience in office work and will continue to apply to other office type jobs.
I am 122 days post transplant and feeling great. It was well worth all the heartache and tough times in May and June to get here, post transplant, and cancer FREE...for now. I am hoping to stay in complete response for a long time to come. Now, to work on getting my vaccinations again. You know, all the shots our kids get that we got growing up? Yep, I get to get those all over again. My transplant wiped me clean! So, for now, I enjoy life with my family. And slowly get back to a new/old routine.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Multiple Myeloma Support Group & the Weekend
Ever since my diagnosis last year, I have been trying to find a support group. Not just for me, but also for Eric. I figured we could benefit from it. Having people to talk to that were like us. Maybe not so much on the young parents side, but patient/caregiver side for sure. Just last week I commented on a post in a Facebook Multiple Myeloma group. From there, I "met" another local to Sacramento MM patient. She told me about the support group and it just so happens to have a meeting that Saturday (yesterday). She sent me the link to the page so I could look it up. Because I had the day off, I decided it would be perfect to go. Of course, I made sure Brandon could go since I was going to have him, and it was ok as long as he wasn't sick. No problem there. This boy has been lucky so far.
Brandon and I woke up early with Eric so we could get ready to go to the meeting. Unfortunately, Eric couldn't go since he had to work. Maybe next month. But we all got ready for what we had going on and Eric helped me by taking Brandon while I showered. I still have this fear of him getting into something while I am showering and nobody else is home. I guess Brandon ended up with a really messy diaper because Eric asked me to bring a towel down and to hurry. I get downstairs and see Brandon in the sink. He hasn't had a bath in the sink since he was splashing the water all over the kitchen at 4 or 5 months old. This time, he did good. No splashing and making a mess. He just sat there. Like the good boy he is.
Since it was cold, I bundled both Brandon an myself in jeans and sweatshirts (Brandon actually helped me put the sweatshirt on him) and off we went to the meeting. Once there, everybody was welcoming. I was helped and showed where to sign in since I was new and where to get some literature to read and of course, snacks and coffee and juice. A few minutes later I met Liz. She was the one who told me about the group. It was really nice to meet somebody in person who has the same cancer as myself. I've "met" others on Facebook and Instagram but nobody in person. This was nice. Not just to meet Liz, but the rest of the group of patients and caregivers. I also met Brooke, who was in the hospital with Liz for their SCT's at the same time. Somebody else about my age.
Through the meeting, Brandon wandered around with one of the other lady's that was there. She offered to take him for a walk and watch him for a while. He was going up to everybody basically and saying hello. Everybody seemed to love him, but what's not to love? Right? The end of the meeting I took over. I felt bad that she wasn't able to be a part of the meeting and really listen to anything. Even if she said it was no problem. The meeting lasted 2 hours and had a doctor that spoke about the maintenance drug Revlimid. Nothing else.
The end of the meeting I had some of the other attendees come up and introduce themselves to me. Everybody commented on how good Brandon was through the meeting also. That means a lot since I personally thought he was a bit much. We shall see about next time. Especially if Eric comes, which I think it would be good for him. As long as he doesn't have to work.
After the meeting I bet up with Eric's parents to get a few things for Brandon's birthday party. Then we got lunch and came back to the house so they could drop off a few things for when they are helping us this month when I go back to work. I can't thank them enough for helping us out this month. I know they are happy to spend time with Brandon, but it really helps us with everything they will be doing.
Now, today Brandon and I are having a lazy day. It rained a little this morning and now it's partly cloudy, windy and nice and cool out. Ready to continue the lazy day with Brandon.
Brandon and I woke up early with Eric so we could get ready to go to the meeting. Unfortunately, Eric couldn't go since he had to work. Maybe next month. But we all got ready for what we had going on and Eric helped me by taking Brandon while I showered. I still have this fear of him getting into something while I am showering and nobody else is home. I guess Brandon ended up with a really messy diaper because Eric asked me to bring a towel down and to hurry. I get downstairs and see Brandon in the sink. He hasn't had a bath in the sink since he was splashing the water all over the kitchen at 4 or 5 months old. This time, he did good. No splashing and making a mess. He just sat there. Like the good boy he is.
Since it was cold, I bundled both Brandon an myself in jeans and sweatshirts (Brandon actually helped me put the sweatshirt on him) and off we went to the meeting. Once there, everybody was welcoming. I was helped and showed where to sign in since I was new and where to get some literature to read and of course, snacks and coffee and juice. A few minutes later I met Liz. She was the one who told me about the group. It was really nice to meet somebody in person who has the same cancer as myself. I've "met" others on Facebook and Instagram but nobody in person. This was nice. Not just to meet Liz, but the rest of the group of patients and caregivers. I also met Brooke, who was in the hospital with Liz for their SCT's at the same time. Somebody else about my age.
Through the meeting, Brandon wandered around with one of the other lady's that was there. She offered to take him for a walk and watch him for a while. He was going up to everybody basically and saying hello. Everybody seemed to love him, but what's not to love? Right? The end of the meeting I took over. I felt bad that she wasn't able to be a part of the meeting and really listen to anything. Even if she said it was no problem. The meeting lasted 2 hours and had a doctor that spoke about the maintenance drug Revlimid. Nothing else.
The end of the meeting I had some of the other attendees come up and introduce themselves to me. Everybody commented on how good Brandon was through the meeting also. That means a lot since I personally thought he was a bit much. We shall see about next time. Especially if Eric comes, which I think it would be good for him. As long as he doesn't have to work.
After the meeting I bet up with Eric's parents to get a few things for Brandon's birthday party. Then we got lunch and came back to the house so they could drop off a few things for when they are helping us this month when I go back to work. I can't thank them enough for helping us out this month. I know they are happy to spend time with Brandon, but it really helps us with everything they will be doing.
Now, today Brandon and I are having a lazy day. It rained a little this morning and now it's partly cloudy, windy and nice and cool out. Ready to continue the lazy day with Brandon.
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