Gearing up...

So, tomorrow is the start of my interferon treatment. I'm feeling as ready as I'll ever be. I'm surprisingly not nervous and feeling positive and calm about things. In fact, I seem to be more focused on how I'm going to make the most of my time at UW for the next month! lol! I'm going to pack my "treatment goody bag" with a good book (I'm conflicted about bringing my inspiring, spirtual, healing books or a trashy romance novel!! I'm leaning towards the latter), a big bottle of water (I'm supposed to drink 10-16 glasses of water a day while undergoing treatment!), the Ipod (what do your think... Dar Williams or an 80's mix? I heard 'Take on Me' yesterday.), some tylenol (to take while I'm there to help with side effects) and some healthy snacks... or even just pack breakfast to eat while I'm there! :) I'll probably run out of time to do all the fun things I want to do!

I'm also being realistic about the side effects. The nurse gave me a book about interferon... they certainly don't make it sound like a vacation! But, I'm just going into it expecting to not feel too bad. If I expect to feel horrible, I probably will! So, I'll just deal with the side effects as they come. I'm going to hopefully meet with an acupuncturist this week. I wanted to start the treatment first so I knew what I was dealing with.

My skin is slowly starting to heal from radiation. If it wasn't for this darn rash I have developed all over my back, I would be quite comfortable! My chest is already starting to look much better.

This weekend was really nice to relax and just spend time with the family. We had Drew's 4th birthday party on Sat. at the Little Gym and he had a great time (was I glad we paid someone else to manage seven 4-year olds!). And, his face was priceless when he got his new bike from mommy and daddy. Other than that, we just had a relaxing, laid back weekend, which was exactly what I wanted!! My mom also came up and is spending the week with us to help out with the kids during my first week of treatment. Todd is planning on coming to my appts. with me this week and my mom will watch Drew. Depending on how I feel in future weeks, I may take some of you up on your offers to come with me to my appts.

O.K., so I will keep you updated this week on how I'm feeling! Please send lots of strength, prayers and good vibes to help me get through this!

love,
Kim