Planning for recovery

February 23, 2026

I was up and out of bed just after 5:30 this morning. Since I didn’t get any errands done over the weekend, I purposefully scheduled a meet up appointment this morning to get me moving. I am scheduled to meet with a woman who bought one of the items I’d put on Marketplace and knowing that both Meijer and Walmart open at 6am, I got myself moving and was able to go to both stores and cross off my grocery list before meeting with the buyer.

After putting the groceries away, I took a gummy – I take an eighth or quarter of what is considered a serving – and tried to get some sleep. I read for a little while, then played solitaire on my phone for a while and got maybe 3 hours of sleep. Ugh, I have to work all night and then have a 9:30 appointment at the cancer center to meet with the team.

Google says that the appointment with surgical oncology is likely a multidisciplinary meeting that could include the financial department, social work, NPs, the surgeon and in some areas, you may have scans done as well. When my PCP and I finally connected after the first mammogram, they said that they’re likely to do genetic testing as well so a geneticist may also be there. For an introvert this will take a lot of energy to just “people” tomorrow. 

My sister offered to drive up to come to this appointment with me. I’m so grateful for her support! Dylan is going with me since he will also be my caretaker. Not that I don’t want her to come up to be with me but she also has her own responsibilities – and I don’t want to be a burden or the center of anyone’s attention. Come to think of it, that might be the hardest part to handle during treatment/recovery; the attention!

I need to get Big Bertha, which was sold on Marketplace, together for the buyer who will be here Tuesday evening. I guess together is the wrong word – taken apart is the more accurate description. 

Re-reading my journal I’m shocked at how often I’m taking a gummy. (Curious why do you “have food or candy” but “take medicine”?) Before February 2nd, I think I took a gummy or THC/CBD mint MAYBE once a month. Now, it seems like it’s daily.

I love the chair and it’s so comfortable and versatile – unless you have mobility issues. 

In the course of my research, one of the common issues is lymphedema caused by the surgeon removing infiltrated lymph nodes. (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-lymphedema-after-treatment) It doesn’t happen to everyone but as I’m sure you’ve figured out about me, I’d rather be prepared. And honestly, a lift recliner has better versatility as I age.