What do you do when your blood work comes back normal and you can finally drink alcohol again? You celebrate! Salud! My friend Robert asked what I was going to do the day I could finally drink. Have a party, obviously. And that is when he coined Kim-O de Mayo. May 9th was my last … Continue reading Kim-O de Mayo
Month: May 2019
Shots, shots, shots, shots
Fun fact, when chemo is over, hell is not. We have all learned in the process that chemo kills cells, good and bad ones. The bad ones are the kill you kind, but the good ones keep you healthy and defensive. White blood cells are the little fighters of all the crazy germs that end … Continue reading Shots, shots, shots, shots
Silly Socks and Wigs
What do all of the UAS teachers and students do for the English teacher the Monday after she finishes her last chemo? They all take off their shoes, put on some really silly socks, and wear some wigs. Then they come in all day bringing memes about finishing chemo and "take that" cancer cards and … Continue reading Silly Socks and Wigs
Leo’s Water Breaks
My poor baby has gotten to know the mechanic very well. Leo is an old man and one problem with getting old is lots of your parts stop working properly. When I purchased Leo, he was squeaky clean inside and out. His old owner took impeccable care of him. But after a few road trips … Continue reading Leo’s Water Breaks
The Days after Chemo Number 12
The day I was diagnosed and told it would be six months and 12 treatments of chemo, I told myself "you can do anything for six months." And I did. I battled and fought and clenched my teeth for six months. I smiled and put on silly wigs. I answered a million questions about how … Continue reading The Days after Chemo Number 12
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
That's it. We are done. I know there should be this grand celebration, fireworks of emotions. But to be honest, I am just too tired. Just give me a week and the fireworks will come out. I have watched my mother's cut-out paper numbers dwindle down. And despite the fact that 59 followed 60, 29 … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
A Sweet Note from Katie
Katie came over Wednesday to give me a final little note. It touched my heart beyond words. She has been through it all with me. Like my mom, she has kept the smile on her face, the air a positive space, and the ear when I just needed to say how unfair it all was. … Continue reading A Sweet Note from Katie
Nurses: Soul Savers in the Trenches
Nurse don’t JUST save lives. Nurses save souls. Nurses are the ones who make sure the medication is correct and administer it. They are ones who hold hands when you cry. They are the ones who know you are having a bad day even when you say "todo bien." Nurse give symptom advice and kisses … Continue reading Nurses: Soul Savers in the Trenches
Teach Abroad Coyle 