It is the start of a new semester and the second half of the year. I was desperate to get back to school. I was desperate for routine and constant community. I was desperate for hallway hugs and gossip. For the smell of coffee and copy paper. I was desperate for the self-centered world of … Continue reading Back to School
Cancer
The Days After Chemo Number 6
These have been some of the easiest days after chemo since the first one. I don't know if it is the port or if my body is getting used to everything. Even the fatigue was less. I still went to bed at 9:30, or as the Uruguayans like to call it "dinner time." And I … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 6
First a Port then Chemo Number six
Yesterday was a big and long day. Mom and I woke up at 5:00am to get to the hospital by 6. My surgery was at 7. It was so early that even the main reception wasn't open and we had to go to the emergency reception. I was very apprehensive about the surgery. Anesthesia already gives … Continue reading First a Port then Chemo Number six
Another Manic Monday
We are back to school! And I have never been more excited. I need routine and structure more than ever right now. Plus, I needed to get out of the freaking apartment. So, while everyone else dreaded coming back to school, I was bouncing with pleasure. Getting up at 6:00 was a bit of a … Continue reading Another Manic Monday
Happy Groundhog Day
Many of the Uruguayans have asked why I call this the Punxsutawney Phil period of my life. They don't have this time-honored tradition. First I have to explain groundhog day. Groundhog day is a special day of superstition on February 2nd. A groundhog, named Phil, from Punxsutawney Pennsylvanian emerges from his burrow on the morning … Continue reading Happy Groundhog Day
Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
It's official. My veins are shot and I am going to need a port for my next chemo. I have had aching pain in my left hand IV site since my last session of chemo. When I went in for blood, the head nurse said it was time for a port. My veins are starting … Continue reading Gotta HAND it to the Chemo
The Days After Chemo Number Five
Kim Coyle is down for the count. Man, whoever said that chemo gets easier because the body gets used to it is a big fat dirty liar. My body is about as shut down as the American government. Fatigue: Holy Moses I am tired. Yesterday I just felt slow. I could barely pick myself off … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number Five
The Results Are In…Chemo Works
Waiting for PET scan results is like waiting for the college board to post SAT scores. I don't think I refreshed a webpage this much since high school. The director of Cudim told my doctor that the results would be up by noon. At 12:32, the results posted. And then we discovered that we could … Continue reading The Results Are In…Chemo Works
Results Come Tomorrow so I am Planting Flowers
There are some things that are so uniquely Uruguay. It gets windy so people break out the winter coats. It is summer so people take random vacations and forget that there are patients waiting for lab results. I went to my doctor today to check my blood before chemo (platelets are a little low but … Continue reading Results Come Tomorrow so I am Planting Flowers
PET Scan Number Two
Friday was the PET scan. I was going to write about it on that day, but to be completely honest, I was still in the freaked out stage and needed a little distraction from it all. So instead, I took a nap, watched a movie, and enjoyed time with my boy friend. As my friend … Continue reading PET Scan Number Two
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 