On Wednesday, Feb. 7, I got a call asking if I could be in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 13 for an appointment with the radiation oncologist. Yes, I could, even though such last minute plane tickets cost a fortune. Why do airlines need to gouge people like that?
We were seated in the very back of the plane next to a family with two beautiful and extremely loud little girls, maybe around 2 and 3 years old. They shrieked, cried, fought with each other, and whined during the entire flight. It truly tried my patience. But as we deplaned, one of the girls turned to me and said, “I’m gonna see my Gamma!” Awwww. Loud girls forgiven.
It was actually fun going back to San Francisco! We arrived Monday night and stayed at the same hotel as before, so it felt familiar, and even comfortable.
My appointment on Tuesday was great. The doctor and her team explained everything thoroughly, making me feel comfortable and confident that I was in good hands. They made a special mask to hold my face still when I receive the treatment in March. There was nothing painful or scary, and I left feeling good about the upcoming Proton Beam Radiation procedure.
After the 2-hour appointment, my husband and I went for a walk. San Francisco is very hilly! My legs were burning as we walked up a steep incline. I thought walking downhill would be better, but holy cow, what if I tripped and fell? I’d roll down the street forever!
The next morning, we flew home. Oh, It’s so good to be home. Thanks for stopping by and reading about my journey! I hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day!
You are such a good human. I hope to have the opportunity to sit next to a Michelle on a plane someday. 😘❤️
I LOVE THE SELFIE. I haven’t been in the mood for selfies lately, so it was wonderful to see yours.
I’m so glad you had a positive experience in San Francisco. Thank goodness for healing hands. My friend, I’m sending you so much love and good vibes for healing.
Thank you so much, Kari, for all your kind words! You are a good human too! Selfies are hard for me to post, so I appreciate your encouragement! 😊❤️
I’m so glad you had a good medical appointment; I think feeling comfortable and safe with your team is one of the most important parts of any medical relationship. What a blessing you know you’re in good hands and I wish you all the best on the rest of this journey (which hopefully will be over soon).
What adorable Valentine’s.
And…awww. Going to see their Grandma. How fun!
P.S. Flying is overrated. Ugh. Paying huge money to be uncomfortable.
Thank you so much for all your kindness and good wishes, Elisabeth! You’re so right – flying is such a stressful, unpleasant experience these days, even when it goes well! I wish it could be better. Making the seats less crowded would be a great start! Or maybe someone could invent instant teleportation! 🤣
It’s truly great to hear that you are in good hands with your medical team. Plus, it sounds that your husband is very supportive (as he should be) – it’s a journey and he is there for it.
The plane story… I always tell my husband (who travels a lot for work) “have a safe flight, honey. May there be no children sitting next to you, in front of you or behind you on the plane.” LOL
Thank you so much, Daria! My husband is so supportive, which makes all the difference in the world in my attitude about this journey. That’s a good wish for your husband! I suppose a person would get used to traveling for work, but I think it would be so frustrating! He must come home with stories to tell!
Oh, how wonderful to see this update! I’m so happy, Michelle. I hope it all continues to go well. Also, I loved seeing your beautiful face, it made me so very happy.
Travel with kids…hoo boy. It is NOT relaxing and being beside unhappy kids is also unrelaxing! But going to see her Gamma, awww.
Regarding hills…I always think it’s easier to go up than down. The stabilizers have to work overtime going downhill and I’m always slow and cautious when hiking down steep inclines. I feel you!
The Valentines are just the cutest things ever. I have been loving them on IG!
Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement, Nicole! I love to see people’s selfies, but I have a hard time posting my own! 😂
I guess it makes sense that going uphill is easier than going downhill, and I’m not used to it because where I live is quite flat. I don’t have the appropriate muscles for hills!
This is wonderful, Michelle! One more step closer to this all being behind you! And soon it will be!
I have had my share of infuriating airfare in recent months, too, and it helps a lot to reframe my thinking about it. Gratitude is the kryptonite to everything. Judging by the wonderfully light and happy vibe of all your magnificent artwork, you have already discovered this for yourself. Sending good thoughts, well wishes and plentiful prayers that all the rest of this unwelcomed interruption into your life goes easy peasy. Hugs!
Thank you so much, Jodi! Yes, you are right about gratitude. And even though last-minute flights are too expensive, I’m grateful that I was able to go! I appreciate all your kind thoughts and good wishes!
Good to hear your appointment went so smooth-less.
Hope all is going well in the healing department.
Thank you, Tobia! I appreciate your good wishes!
I’m glad you had a successful experience with your medical procedure and that you managed to walk up and down the steep hills. I know that flying can be stressful but you have to admit that in the end those rambunctious girls charmed you. I’m smiling about that.
Thank you, Ally! Yes, the girls did charm me after all! I’ll bet they’re charming their Gamma too!
Yay! I’m glad you’re feeling comfortable with your medical team and that you didn’t roll down a hill!
Thank you, NGS! I had visions of rolling down the hill like a bowling ball, knocking people over like pins! 🤣
So happy to hear your medical plan is going well. Applause to the medical team, and prayers for the next step going great. As for airline costs, you got me. They are outrageous when you don’t have an opportunity to plan for them. Children on a plane do try anyone’s nerves because it is such a confined space, and no one is relaxed and able to take the noise. I do hope they had a good grandma visit.
Thank you, Judy! You’re so right – it’s nearly impossible for anyone to be relaxed on a plane! Being crammed shoulder to shoulder with people is stressful! I do have to say that the parents did a great job of keeping calm. Wouldn’t it be nice if plane travel could be more pleasant for everyone, including children?