December 2015 - Accomodations/Taking It Easy

December 16, 2015 was a crazy day meeting with my oncologist as it was the beginning of a new life. I had a great team, immediately being put in contact with a Breast Health Navigator. She gave me a notebook with so many resources. It was very organized and she made sure to get me cards of people I would be communicating with.

Because of work insurance being switched, I was put in touch with someone at the Cancer Center who put together the cost of my drugs and worked hard to apply for grants to cover mosts of them. Because of her effort, I was able to feel a little better but knew finances would still be a hardship on me.

Because of my original diagnosis date being 12-15-15, my oncologist informed me that I would not be able to return to work for at least six months due to the treatment drug I was being put on. The drug dropped my immunity system making me susceptible to sickness. Talk about a hardship: an office where we have a close working space, nieces and nephews around, getting sick in general, having to take a break from choir, etc....it hit me hard I admit.

Talk about a hard conversation to have with your family. My parents were already aware of my situation, however, I had to break the news to the rest of my family. I was scared I admit, both about my diagnosis but also how to tell them my news. I think there was a lot of silence and tears (I can't remember..chemo brain), but I know there was support immediately given to me. My family prayed for me and reached out asking if I needed anything. I allowed them to share the news with close friends they thought would like to know.

My parents and brother immediately stepped up and helped me look into company benefits & policies, encouraging me to arrange a conference call between my parents, my brother, myself, an HR worker with his company and my work's benefit consultant. It gave us a chance to ask questions regarding how to finish off the current year and what to expect with the new year. I was able to ask about FMLA and how to secure my job while I was gone for the six months. I had to make adjustments big time. I was stressed I admit, shed a lot of tears, had so many questions, but I was able to pull through and get the answers I needed.

The week of Christmas was a whirlwind. I started treatment on the 22nd and was told about the side effects. I swear I think I got more sleep than a bear during hibernation time (laughs). I had to do three drugs on the 22nd and then came back the next day for my immune booster shot. I'm not sure if I did any shopping, but my family was aware of my situation by then. Christmas Eve, I have to admit was interesting to me. I kept my distance: sat in my recliner, ate in my recliner, observed everyone, tried to listen to conversations and engage in them. I do remember talking to my cousin at one point and the next thing waking up and seeing him talking to someone else. I giggled a bit because I realized I had fallen asleep right there and then.

The drug hit me hard because it made me tired and naseuous. I barely had an appetite. I had so many questions running through my mind since it didn't hit me the day we had our initial appointment with the oncologist. I admit I was upset, depressed, and bit angry, but I realized I wasn't alone. I was told my life was not done, yes I would have to limit myself, and I would be living the "New Normal" life.