D minus 6: Check In, Kick Off
Today started like any other day, really. Coffee ritual: His mug on the left, mine on the right. His gets first pour with the powdered stuff. Mine’s more snobbish with half and half. Whomever is up first gets the coffee ready and brings the mugs to the bedroom. But his is always first pour. He’s a one big cup and done. I tend to refill… and then lose my mug somewhere in the house during the morning hustle. Ah, the serenity of automatic reflex. It wakes you up and gets you through.
As for the rest of the day, it went well. The team is incredible and Dave feels confident, supported and loved. Sure there is some anxiety regarding the new chemo cocktails, the long hike back to restored health and the inevitable loneliness that comes with a long stay such as this. But he is starting out in a good place. This thing is a mental game as much as anything else. The fog is the danger zone.
It took a bit of time to get up to the room then there were rounds, a smattering of check-in tests and introductions. We had lunch together and I had a chance to drop into a caregiver’s support session. It was the first time I sat in a group with people who carried the same expression I sometimes catch in the mirror. Waiting for chemo, we played cards. I stayed as late as I could until it was time to get home and start dinner for the kids. They checked in via Skype and we’re just keeping each other in check as we test out these waters.
In a few hours, it will be time to start the coffee but the routine will be a little different. Dave will only be able to have coffee from a styrofoam cup. and it won’t be his beloved, salt of the earth Chock Full o’Nuts blend. I can have first pour if I want it, I can even brew some of my fancy stuff, but that will feel a bit strange. When I inevitably misplace my mug in a random spot, the kids will share in the laugh. We’ll muddle through. ~ Jacqui
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