Jesus, Brenda, it really does

This timeline fucking sucks.

It both sucks and blows.

Week 2 of Tim's cancer treatment is done; 5 weeks to go! Earlier this week he noticed that food is starting to taste weird, so side effects are starting to creep in. He can still eat normally, which is great, so he's eating as healthy as he can and also still trying to add some pounds. He does have really minor nausea from the chemo that is easily controlled with ginger candy and/or ginger chews. The radiation oncologist said that the radiation would make Tim's neck look sunburned, and that happened this week. It's not painful, and Tim has topical stuff to use for that, so it's under control.

We're hoping Tim gets at least one more good week of being able to eat normally — the radiation oncologist said week 2 or 3 is when different side effects (sores in his mouth and/or throat, difficulty swallowing) might make it harder to eat normally. That said, since day 1 he's been doing the PT exercises for his swallowing muscles/throat/mouth in general; that doesn't mean he'll avoid all side effects, but it should definitely help. He also uses 2 different products that are meant to prevent/delay/minimize mouth sores — one is a supplemental drink that he takes 2 times a day, and the other is a mixture of baking soda, salt, and water that he rinses his mouth with after meals and at bedtime.

Things still feel surreally normal most days, because he goes to work after radiation in the morning, and because he's still eating normally and exercising and puttering around the house like always. I'm trying to appreciate these days, because the side effects are definitely coming. But still: cancer-free by Halloween! And, as always, fuck cancer.

May the coming weeks continue with minimal discomfort. Cancer-free by Halloween is indeed an excellent destination.

My sister and I went to the gym as usual this morning. We pulled up to the front door. Powered off the car and sat there and sighed. She then asked if maybe we should go out to breakfast instead. So we did. I have no regrets.

Had lunch with my parents and didn't make the news-- that's something.

We'll take it! Though, honestly, if you go the other route... we'll take that too!

This timeline fucking sucks.

Can confirm.

However, the berries in my cereal this morning were especially delectable and I'm all about the the low-stakes win.

Pilates at noon, and another appointment at 2, and then I'm into my weekend.

Wishing Tim all the pain-ease and smooth sailing.

I could see my rampage getting derailed because my manifesto runs long and I'm debating whether to cut from the bottom, journalism style, Trudy.

Ha!

(And the Random Quote Generator gave me "Now, this would be the perfect time for a swear word.")

I feel like I am the only person who ever goes there. The BRQG is how I found us. It's comforting.

Trudy, that is a lot. I'm glad your mommy is safe. I'm sorry about your stepmom. She was around for a lot.

She’s never met ltc in person

Such a fun thing. I remember T well from meeting her once. Good person

The community is pulling together

LA is a decent model for how to cause good trouble without getting disappeared.

The grocery list for this week has a lot of soft foods on it, so Tim's side effects from the radiation are starting to ramp up. It feels weird. Welcome to Smoothieton Manor.

I am going to be part of a research team to help phone banks be more effective. So I had to hit the ground running today, as it were. (maybe I will pretend all my calling is placebo from now on...it makes it more chill. Also, weekends are slower, which some folks hate, but suits my needs just fine.) Placebo doesn't mean completely fake, though--we signed up some folks to a local helpline, so that's probably good.