December 9th

I am beginning to enter the productive stage of this treatment cycle.  That is, I can now get up in the morning and help care for my kids, get a few chores done around the house and think about work.

This cycle proved to be more difficult than the last as I got a cold (bronchitis) as I was coming out of my drug fog on Day 4.  We had a trip to the hospital over the weekend as I begin to weaken instead of get stronger and am now on pretty heavy antibiotics.  It is a slow climb out of sickness/weakness again.

I was OK with cutting my hair super short, but now that it is patchy and I am balding it pretty much sucks.  I am wearing scarves, hats and a wig.  I told my kids that I was their pirate mom as I look like a Survivor contestant with my "buff" on my head most of the day.  They are not really concerned about these details and could care less about what is or isn't on my head.  (Note the cute family pictures as I am not going to share numerous pictures of myself at this time!)

School Christmas concerts have been this week, so we have tired grumpy kids worn out from the extra activity.  Tonight we head to Van Dusen Gardens to see the lights with the Canucks Autism Network.  The Gardens are open just for our group (usually packed wall to wall with people), so last year the kids ran wild and we had an amazing time.   Nana and Grandad will be joining us this year.