"Sleep...an important commodity market...and KU..."

“Sleep…My most important Commodity Market…”

I’ve talked about having lung cancer in two “Parts or Acts” so far. Act I is the actual diagnoses, and the fear and ever-present loathing of finding out information about it, and how severe it is. “Act II” is dealing with it in the primary stages of treatment.
Right now, I’d say I’m a little over a week into treatment, had some rough days of chemo, and am on the radiation swing right now. But, my most important commodity I’m concerned about has nothing to do with our current economy. IT’S SLEEP. Being on a plethora of meds, steroids, chemo, and all the other nausea meds make sleep a tough commodity to barter with. I’m constantly fatigued. It’s weird, because I’ve always thought I might have a slice of ADD or ADHD in me. I’ve had boundless energy as long as I can remember. Now, it’s like it’s a chore to complete tasks without “resting.” I’m constantly tired. I’m also trying to keep the house up as best as possible, keep up on some KU coursework, and stay tracked at school. It’s fatiguing, but t it’s also a huge diversion for a mind that’s a flutter and a twitter!

I’m blessed that I’m being treated at the KU Cancer Center. They’ve some top-notch researchers, doctors, nurses and employees there. I just wish I had Donald Trump and a helicopter to fly me down there instead of the hour-long commute and the hour trip home. I’m blessed I also have drivers that are willing to accommodate my late afternoon appointments and me. It’s such a disastrous feeling to “burden” anyone, but I’ve found out that friends will go to the ends of the earth for you. I’d do the same for any of my friends. Again, crisis brings out the good in humanity.

I had the best surprises today. First, my good friend Teri showed up to take me to my appointment with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a pan of brownies!! That perked me up. Then, Carrie, my dear friend who’s also our school secretary and coordinating my drivers, shows up to my house with a KU box addressed to me at school. It’s a funny story regarding a sweet little career counselor that showed up at AHS for a career fair. I informed her I was a mega KU fan, and had my room decorated with the crimson and blue fare, and that I liked to give out KU mementos to students. A week later, she had mailed me supplies to give my students. In thanking her, I also carbon-copied my gratitude and appreciation for what an advocate she was for KU to her superiors, and how wonderful an advocate she was to be promoting their college. We’ll, long story short, she happens to be married to one of my former students when I taught in a Centralia, Kansas! She had mailed me today some KU shirts to add to my daily apparel that I wear to each treatment, and a warm blanket. I only hope KU knows what true advocates they have promoting their entire existence…from medical for my current health standpoints, to academic, to athletic. It’s a top-notch university, and I’m blessed to be taking classes there right now as well.
Tomorrow is Friday, and I’m ready for the weekend. I realized I have not listened to the radio or watched television since the night the Oscars were on. I’m hoping to be able to stay awake during the KU game tomorrow. I still have not seen an entire KU game from start to finish since this journey started. I need to pull my inner Hawk strength up, fight the fatigue, and yell ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK and tap my toes three times. There’s no place like home!

Much Love,
Julie