Fantabulous Weekend in Virginia

The kids and I headed out to Virginia after my failed Muga Scan. Failed, you ask? Yes, failed. The Muga tech could not get a vein and after five, yes, FIVE, attempts, I simply said through teary eyes, "I don't want to do this anymore", and he said "ok". This poor guy was almost as upset as I was. He really tried not to hurt me but that rooting and digging around in my veins DOES hurt and I just had to have him stop.

I had gone to have my labs drawn before my chemo. Apparently the one vein I have that works well was tapped by Linda the Phlebotomist at 8am. Steve, the Muga tech, was trying to tap other veins and it just was not working. Not only do I have small veins, but chemo contributes to veins "blowing" once tapped, as well. I am no more than a big baby when it comes to needles, so this is, in a word, sucking for me to not get my vein on the first try. After five? Nope. I'm outta there.

My chemo went well on Friday and only took an hour as opposed to the 3-4 hour chemo I have been having. Now I am down to only having Herceptin (breast cancer specific chemo), so not only is the infusion time a lot shorter, but there are much fewer side effects associated with Herceptin than with the other two drugs. YAY!!! Here it is Monday morning and I am not in the bed, I am not fighting death, and I am not desperate to crawl out of my skin. I love Herceptin so far!!

Chemo went well and Big Daddy and I picked up the kids from school and we were on our way. Saying goodbye to Big Daddy was hard because he didn't want us to go... He hugged and kissed me goodbye several times and kept telling me how he would miss me. I knew exactly how he felt because before I ever walked through the door to leave, I was missing him already. You see, we have become incredibly accustomed to spending our days together these past few months and it is very difficult to not be together. It has been one of the nicest things about having cancer.

The kids and I hit the road and sang along with the Christmas carols cd's we had purchased. We had a very nice trip, stopping here and there to load up on all the necessities...sour gummi worms, pizza flavored Combos, candy, and supersized drinks... That last "necessity" is why we had to keep stopping. hahaha

We arrived safe and sound and had a lovely dinner with everyone. It didn't take long before the antics began and we were learning the "Cupid Shuffle" and cheerleading moves from Upward Bound. We had such a great time. I cannot recall my niece Kathren being so relaxed and enjoying herself anymore than she did Friday night. We laughed so hard and simply enjoyed each other. The house was full with 6 kids a lot of adults and the entertainment was worth paying for. We just had a blast and I was so glad to be there with them...my family.

Saturday took us shopping and then to see the matriarch of the Harrison family, Thelma. This woman has not changed since I met her when I was 5. The house is still the same as when I would visit as a kid, through my teenage years, and then into adulthood. The only thing missing with Thelma is her husband, "Papaw", as he passed away a few years ago. It is almost as if Thelma cannot bring herself to change anything now that Papaw is gone. You know? I get that.

After we visited with Thelma, we went on to a Christmas party at a friend's house with whom I grew up. It was wonderful and the food was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! I am telling you what...when you mix cream cheese with anything, it's good, but when you make a Key Lime Cheeseball with graham crackers for dipping? Oh my. A wee taste of heaven on earth. I will be making that soon! Precious Son found something he adored, as well. Chocolate chip cream cheese spread on graham crackers. That boy ate about 1/4 pound of that stuff. He wanted more, but then realized he had eaten it all. LOL

We visited, reminisced, and enjoyed new friends. It was the very essence of Christmas to be together, love each other, and enjoy one another. Sharing this time with my niece was extra special as she and her sweet family bring me such joy.

Sunday came and it was time to head home. Before we left, we were able to visit with my nephew, Kyle, as he was cooking rumaki for the annual VFW Christmas luncheon. Kyle warms my heart. He is one of those people you just love because he lets you. I love talking with Kyle and listening to his ideas. He is a great guy with the most incredible sense of humor. Kyle makes me laugh...and that is a wonderful thing.

We also were able to spend some time with David, Robin's husband, and play with their new kitten, Thomas. Rudy, their boxer, loved Thomas from the moment he came home to live with them. And so it should be...with all of us.

As the kids and I drove home, we replayed some of the highlights from the weekend that went by too fast and we laughed at silly, funny things all over again. Of course, the saddest part as we said goodbye was Kathren crying as we left. This sweet, young woman...she just hates it when we have to go. And just like when I had left Big Daddy a few days before, I knew exactly how she felt because I was missing her already, too...

Enjoy each other... Love one another... Be happy to spend time together...for these are gifts.