Thursday, April 16, 2020

22. Chemo Week One

It's been an exciting and anxiety fueled week.  The number of cases in Kosovo have quadrupled, and the government that hasn't collapsed is enforcing police state like restrictions that keep people off the streets except for 90 minute staggered windows for essential errands.

Don't misunderstand, it hasn't changed life ON base much in terms of daily routine - but the anxiety has never been higher.

All our dining facility workers who are local nationals have been quarantined and replaced with temporary troops.  The guys at our help desk next door have been exposed to people who have been directly exposed to the virus.  Everyone is sitting around quietly waiting to see who, if anyone, gets sick.  

I spend the day closed up in my office and my evening closed up in my barracks room.  It's just SO MUCH. SO, SO MUCH.

A week after my first dose of chemo I am definitely struggling with fatigue and nausea.  It's worse when I don't eat, so I try to have bland snacks on hand.  Today is the toughest so far, and this is only week ONE. Seventeen to go - if I am lucky.

But there are little bright moments that remind me everything is going to be okay.  Facebook messages from my nieces Aspen and Aubree, my beautiful friend Andrea cutting her hair in support (and rocking it!), Skype with my Mom and Princess Peanut.  There are little tiny acts of kindness every day that keep my hopes up - Shawn picked up lunch for me today, Celia made everyone bacon and eggs for breakfast, Shem picked up a thermometer out on the economy for me.  These little things mean EVERYTHING.  Your kind words on Facebook and all those ridiculous memes - I love them!  Thank you.

Until hugs come back into fashion, I am sending you all heartfelt gratitude.

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