Cancer is a full-time job!

March 1, 2026

I was able to get about SIX hours of sleep – YAY! I did take my standard ¼ of a gummy and let that kick in. It did help that I was up all night working and had expended some physical energy deep cleaning and moving furniture around in my recovery nest. (See February 28, 2026)

My days are no longer filled with Googling everything – I’m just 10-days post diagnosis – but I did A LOT of research in the initial days of the unknown February 2nd through the 18th. Once I had a diagnosis I researched a bit for my specific diagnosis and grade and a little after I was given a stage as well. Writing this blog has helped me keep focused on something else. I have the feeling that after surgery on March 16th, I will be too busy healing to do anything more. Until I get the pathology from whatever tissue is excised, there isn’t much more to research.

My genetic results should be back sometime between March 3rd and at the latest the 9th. The nurse said it would take about a week but the weather has been crazy across the United States, so weather could factor in how quickly they obtain the sample for testing. She did tell me the name of the company, but at the time I didn’t think it mattered. As long as results are back before surgery, it doesn’t matter if they arrive on the 3rd or the 9th. I just want to do this once and if the genetics result changes the plan, I’d rather that be done and the treatment plan altered before I’m in the operating room … or have to come back later. In my mind, this is a one and done proposition!

I did try the Aquaphor and I have tactile issues and felt that it was just too greasy for too long.There are a bunch of oncology/radiation specific options on Amazon (I have one on the Affiliate Links list). Maybe go to a drug store or somewhere that has a “travel size” section and buy things to try before you commit to a large container if you’re going the OTC route.

See this website for ideas: https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/blog/skin-care-products-to-use-during-radiation-therapy

During my research expedition, Aloe Vera gel, like what you’d use on a sunburn, was suggested as a good option. 

Saturday is my typical errand day but February was a bit of a bust and I wasn’t able to do my usual Saturday routines. It’s not like I was hibernating, but I was wishing I was. Not because I didn’t want to but because I was overwhelmed. I’ll try to follow my own advice moving forward, give myself grace, ask for help, and rest as much as possible. Notice I said try. 

My Michael’s voucher expires today so, of course, I made a trip to my local Michaels which is just past the cancer center. I had to wrestle my vehicle from turning there; it seems like that’s the only place I go anymore!

The “good” Aldi is less than a mile from Michaels so I ran in there as well. The Aldi Aisle of Shame calls to me. This week, they had men’s lounge pants that I purchased at the Aldi closer to me and Dylan really liked them. He’s also liking the Prime (coconut water hydration drink) Ice Pop flavor which I can only find at Aldi. Then I ran to Menards because, well, they have everything and sometimes I just want to walk around the whole store!

It snowed last night and Dylan had gone out just as it started so the car was dirty and salty and needed a wash. As I was pulling into the wash tunnel I had asked Dylan via text if he wanted any food on the way home. He responded but I unfortunately only skimmed his response and misread it. I’m really starting to worry about my memory. I’m hoping it’s just stress from the past month, and will resolve as I progress through treatment.

Recovery nest is almost complete, and I’ve accomplished building a blog website and it’s now live with the first seven installments! I’ve placed my snacks and drinks along with tissues, gloves, and other medical things that I think may be necessary in a cabinet close to where I plan for my recliner to be placed. I need to remember to take masks out to the car though. I DO NOT want to get sick before surgery!

One of us still needs to go downstate to pick up the mini-fridge and television my sister has donated and the hospital table she’s loaning me. I don’t know if Dylan wants to just go during the week or if he wants to wait and we can go together Saturday morning. I’m actually secretly hoping that he wants to wait because I really, REALLY want to go to my favorite Mexican restaurant. 

I say favorite but in reality I have several – it just depends on how much driving I want to do and what sounds best.

I’m feeling pretty good about the nest’s progress. The big thing is the chair which could be here as early as Thursday. 

Seriously hoping that this week will bring less anxiety, discomfort, and stress. I need to call gastroenterology to see if they’ll do twilight anesthesia on the 27th after just having general anesthesia on the 16th. 

I followed up with the company that my employer uses to administer disability and track FMLA and discovered that I filed for intermittent leave beginning on my surgery date. I wasn’t aware that I couldn’t combine surgery and recovery with intermittent leave after recovery for treatment. I’ll have to go up to the cancer center to provide them with the correct paperwork. I feel badly that I’m making extra work for the individual who does this paperwork. I know that it’s not *me* making things difficult for them, it’s the insurance company, but I still feel badly. 

Between all the paperwork and what seems like total chaos of uncertainty with the diagnosis, the stress, and preparation for the unknown, it’s another full-time job!