PAMELA FIGHTS IN PINK!: One Month Post Chemo Anniversary

Yesterday was my ONE MONTH post chemo anniversary! I did my best to pack as much as I could into the "feel good" weeks between chemo and surgery. The first thing I did was have a blast at the Miles for Moffitt 5K run just 12 days after my last infusion. On race day, I was in better shape than I anticipated and walked 2 out of the 3 miles. My bestie and niece decorated a wheel chair so I got to sit and roll for a mile when my feet started tingling. I felt fine the next day after the race but then the tingling, numbness, and pain kicked in the second day and that sucked. I found that Epsom Salt Baths (super hot) seemed to help with the foot pains. I also found that pampering myself to a parafilm wax pedicure is even better! I had a lot of neuropathy pain after chemo but it's starting to be manageable. It basically feels like my feet are asleep at times, especially in the evening. I also get a feeling as if I'm walking directly on my heel bones along with aches throughout my legs. It was to the point that I dreaded having to get up to just go to the bathroom. It's a horrible feeling and I'm glad that it seems to be getting better. I don't think the tingling ever stops but that is tolerable and you kind of get used to it.

I see that my chemo brain just sent me off on a tangent about neuropathy when I wanted to talk more about the 5K! The Pamela Fights in Pink team raised $5,585.00 for cancer research and we had 44 runners/walkers. It was a great way to give back and celebrate all at the same time and I can't thank everyone enough for all the support. My team was so busy socializing that we almost missed our opportunity to start the race! I just hope everyone had as much fun as I did......and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Last year I started turkey hunting and was bummed that I wouldn't be able to go this year. Well, I decided last minute that it would be a good idea to head up to my cabin in the woods and turkey hunt! I got to share the trip with one of my best friends and even got her to put on camo! I needed the time up there to relax and clear my mind......and turkey hunt. I enjoy sitting in the woods and just taking it all in. I'd really enjoy harvesting a turkey too, but that didn't happen this year so now I'm looking forward to next year already. Although I didn't get a turkey I did get poison ivy which is always pleasant to deal with as if I don't have enough problems! On the upside, I didn't catch any of the funky germs floating around on the airplane. I did wear a mask while traveling even though it draws more attention to my bald self. It was weird at first but after about a minute I really didn't care what people were thinking.

Selma and I in front of what used to be a chimney many years ago

Knowing that I will be in recovery soon for 2-4 weeks, I've really tried to put in more hours at the office. I've been away from work a lot since all this started and it's really hard to keep up. Between all my shenanigans and work I've slacked off on blogging and I kinda feel bad about that! Speaking of shenanigans, my hubby and I will be heading off to Key West for a few days to do absolutely NOTHING and we cannot wait. This is my last Ooh-rah before the big surgery coming up!

I forgot to mention that my hair has started to grow back. But it looks ridiculous! The day I returned home from my hunting trip I immediately shaved it with clippers because my head looked like a fuzzy tennis ball. The hair was different lengths and colors so it wigged me out. I got some hair soap and root treatment from a store called Lush at the mall so hopefully it does the trick to bring back normal hair. Right now it's a mixture of dark and blonde hair and basically looks like I have pepper on my head.

Much needed Dogo love the days following the 5K.

On a final note, remember that nasty toenail I posted about 2 months ago? Well, it healed from the infection but then last weekend the nail started turning green! My doctor put me on an anti-fungal for it along with some topical treatment. I was worried this may delay my surgery so last night I soaked my feet and removed the toenail. Nothing like having a big toe with no toenail while in Key West! If cancer has taught me anything, it's taught me to not be so vain and I'm good with that.