Learning to Expect the Unexpected

Three things have me thinking of late about the state of being "expectant" -

1. Standards, norms, and generalizations related to cancer and treatment

2. Human behavior, friendship, and true "gifts"

3. Mathematical odds

From the beginning of my treatment, once I knew what the regimen would be, I sought answers.  From the Internet, the pile of books beside my bed (I should have stock in Amazon), my virtual pink sisters, several real life pink sisters, and, of course, my oncology team.  

• What are the possible side effects?
• When will they start/how long will they last?
• What are the chances I'll experience them?

I have my lists.

Adriamycin and Cytoxan were the beasts (recall the "red devil" :v ?)

Nonetheless, my go with A/C was relatively mild, at least compared to others - of course it's all relative when you're in the hot seat! 

And, despite being told otherwise, my online PSs were having a rough go with Taxol!!!???

I sympathized, but knew it would be different for me.  Afterall, I'm staying active, following protocol, handling things in stride (mostly)...

Plus, my oncologist said 2/3 of folks do better on T than A/C :tup

The Pacific yew tree

Click HERE to see what makes this tree so special.

Crazy, huh???

Round #1 of T was a week ago...

I'm obviously the 1/3 :P

Pain meds have again become my friend, not so much the Pacific yew tree!

I do have a strategy for next round, and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

But I'm learning to expect the unexpected.

Human behavior isn't always predictable, but there are patterns.

In this fast-paced world we sometimes forget about others and become singly focused on our own lives and issues.  I had a couple of pity parties last week, and even my last blog post exuded a "woe is me" message.  I'd forgotten who was in charge and that He knows what's up, how I feel, and... well, everything!

My mom reminded me that we often miss His answers when we're too stubborn or self-absorbed:

So I was, once again, reminded of His love, and the presence of special people in my life this week.  I've REALLY been wanting a massage but have been scared since my breast surgery and while going through chemo (lymphedema, port issues, etc.).  I finally asked my doctor, and he said, "Sure!"  Of course I was told to go to someone I knew who would listen to my needs.  So, after my shot last Thursday, I headed toward Lawrenceville to speak in person with a therapist I've gone to several times. On the way I passed a new spa I'd seen advertised alongside my chiropractor's office in a local publication.  It was closer, so I thought I'd stop by.  As I walked toward the entrance of the spa I was spotted by the wife of my chiro in the office next door who waved, so I went in to say "hi."
Long-story-short, the spa is affiliated with their office, and a girl on staff is trained in oncological massage!!!  Hallelujah :e

Had my wonderfully relaxing massage on Monday, went to pay, and this angel friend :angel comped my visit.  What a gift.  Blessed I am! 

Finally, the math and genetics of it all.  

A roll of the dice would predict that if I have the BRCA gene, and precious daughter and dear brother do NOT, then awesome son's chances are tenuous at best.

Well, chances be damned!!!  

The passing of the vicious mutation stops with ME :mj

Awesome son does NOT have the BRCA mutation!!!

We batted 750 with this one!

I could actually learn to LIKE the unexpected!

Expect picture from: http://bugsinheaven.com/images/articlepics/expect.jpg
Dice picture from: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Music/Pix/pictures/2010/10/21/1287678943374/Rolling-dice-006.jpg
Ball and bat picture from: http://www.math.louisville.edu/newsletters/newsletterMar00/Image8.gif