Today is number 8, the final infusion in my chemo treatment process. Very exciting! I am here at Fred Hutch; just got my blood drawn and am waiting to do the pre-infusion consult session.
No smoothie this morning (made one yesterday), but I had plenty of fresh fruit and berries. When I have a chance, I like to make the fruit look nice and pretty, to entice my 9-year old into eating some in the mornings.
Just like last time (in the days before infusion 7), I had a flurry of activity at work over the last three days. It’s like an island of lucidity that sits wedged between a big lake of fatigue on either side. Got to take advantage of it while it lasts!
It was honestly a positive thing for me being back at work, albeit briefly, this week. In the week prior, I was dogged by feelings of guilt and inadequacy — feelings that I am failing both at my role as a parent, and my role at work. I suppose all of that is normal for folks dealing with a chronic health situation.
But this week — this island of lucidity — I’ve had some wonderful quality time with my kiddo, and at work I feel like I was on my game and contributing in meaningful ways. All of which is very validating.
foiblish 
Congrats, Jonathan! Milestone reached… As nurses in the oncology unit supporting Gretchen said, “Its a marathon, not a sprint.” Keep at it. Love seeing Kiwi’s in your fruit mis–I keep telling Gretchen it is a “grand-slam” food (see this: https://newsletter.thrive25.com/newsletter/2-what-to-eat). But I’m sure you already know that. I try to have kiwis for lunch each day….
thank you for sharing that newsletter, Matt — good stuff. Yes I actually recently (last few months) got turned on to kiwis; a nurse at Fred Hutch actually recommended them to me, specifically for their GI benefits. I have been eating them regularly since then; usually put them in my smoothies. Cheers!
Rock star! So happy that you’ve reached this momentous day riding a wave of positivity, fantastic to hear that. Nice job on the fruit plate, no doubt it proved irresistible!
thank you James! I guess like most parents, I would like to see my kiddo eat a lot more fruits and veggies. A simple step we can take is just consistently put the fruits and veggies out there, within arms reach!
Truly the wisdom of the ancients
😀😀
Congratulations!! You are an inspiration!
thank you Kurt!