One thing I really wanted to do before chemo began was to get away with my husband. Kind of like a "Baby Moon" - where the soon to be parents have a romantic get away before chaos ensues. I wanted to go on a "Chemo Moon". I had no idea what I was in for with the chemo and it's side effects. When would be the next time I would feel great? I wanted a weekend of fun.
On Friday morning, I have an 8:30 appointment with my breast surgeon to check on my mastectomy scar to make sure it's healing properly. I'm see Theresa the PA who is concerned about two pinpoints. She tells me they may not let me begin my chemo if there not closed. The area where she has concerns is where my bra has been rubbing. Say what?!? Dr. Ruark comes in to take a look. Yep she's concerned too. Come on, I don't want to delay this! She wants me to inform my oncologist and see me on Tuesday to take a look to give me the go ahead before I'm to begin on Wedesday. She suggests wearing gauze to cover the area or not wear a bra. Not wear a bra? Yikes! I leave concerned that I'm not going to be able to start my chemo on time. I don't want to jeopardize my chemo schedule.
I call the oncologist office and let them know what my surgeon has said. I leave a message and don't hear back. I take that as good news.
Off to the great up north. The Kazanowski's have graciously offered us to come stay with them on Crooked Lake and we readily accept the offer. I want to be in Harbor Springs/Petoskey. It's my happy place. Bob and I leave around noon and head on up. Guess what? I don't wear a bra all weekend - gross right? But I don't want anything to jeopardize my chemo schedule. I want to make sure I heal! I wear a bulky jacket all weekend. No one can tell - whoo hoo! Winning! We arrive in pure sunshine - pure Michigan. John and Cindy take us on a boat ride and all is right with the world.
We get to see all their latest endeavors, new rental home, tasting room and distillery. Go Gypsy Vodka!!! The next morning we head into Harbor Springs to walk around town. I see my favorite spots and all is right with the world. Rejuvenized! On to Mackinaw Island.
The weather is perfect, the scenery beautiful . Getting away was the best idea. We stay at the Island House, a beautiful hotel with a fantastic view. We walk and explore - okay in all honesty we pub crawl our way through Mackinaw. We need a nap before we go to dinner - lol! Bottom line we had fun and got to forget about life for a while. Perfection!
There's no rush for either of us to get home, we seem to want to delay getting there. You see, when we get home, reality hits. We decide to go to Indian River. I want to go to the Cross in the Woods. I need to go to the Cross in the Woods. I've never been there before, I want to pray and meditate. It is everything I wanted. I walk a meditation trail, I go into the St. Peregrine (patron saint of cancer) room and pray, I sit next to my husband and take in the large cross and all it represents to me. Peace, faith, calm, HOPE. Bob tells me after he went into the St. Peregrine room to pray and lit a candle for me. I am beyond blessed! How did I get so lucky?
We get home around 6:00 feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next phase.
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