Yes! I Need Help!

Next week, I will have my port put in on Tuesday.  I will also have a PET scan, to see if the cancer cells have used my circulatory system to hitch a ride to other places in my body.  And potentially, I will start Chemo, Friday.

I also have to get Reagan to the Children's Center, for an appointment.  And I have to go to the school for an IEP meeting for Reagan.
Real life doesn't stop, when you have cancer.

I need to squeeze in a haircut.  Dr. Buys commented, that she nearly cried when she met me, because she knew I was going to lose my long, beautiful hair.
I want to cut my hair really short.  I'm thinking I'll rock a faux-hawk!
That way (maybe?) I can reduce the traumatization of going bald.  If I do it in "stages".
I'm going to donate the bulk of my hair to Pantene Great lengths.

So, that means I also need to fit in a haircut.  AND, wig shopping.  AND, shopping for silk scarves (I've heard wearing silk scarves is more comfortable, than wearing wigs).
Because, once I start Chemo, I've been told that my hair will fall out within 14 days.


I am putting together a calendar (in e-form) for people to sign up, to help me get my kids where they need to be (ie- swimming lessons, art class, lego class, etc...).
My next-door-neighbor has offered to take care of mowing my lawn this summer.

My sister, has agreed to be my "point person", in charge of keeping family & friends informed about how I am doing.
I have been barraged with telephone calls, and texts.  Thank you!  It' is so nice to know that I am well-loved!
But it's also been overwhelming.

That being said...  Everyone that's contacted me has offered to help.  Everyone.  It is amazing.
I have been having to turn down offers for people to bring me dinner, left and right!  I feel so bad doing it.  I know people want to help.
One of the (many) reasons that Nick is such an amazing husband, is that he cooks.  On a regular basis.  I am sure that I will need meals, in the future.  But right now, Nick has that aspect of our life under control.

I am putting together a list, so that I can give people concrete direction, of needs that I have.  Think: pulling a few weeds in my flower bed, getting my garbage to the curb on trash-day-Tuesday.
On the weeks that Nick works nights, I KNOW I am going to need help in the evenings.  Getting my kids in PJ's, and getting them to bed.

Child care is going to be my biggest need, bar none.
I will never turn away a play-date invitation for my kids.  Please, please!  Even if it is last-minute, don't hesitate to ask if you can take my kids out to do something.  They (and I will be grateful) for even a 10 minute trip to the park.

I know that Reagan's "special needs" are intimidating.
That has been the one aspect of this, that makes me cry, every time I think about it.
I am praying that this new medication, we have her on, will be the answer! But, generally speaking; Reagan really only misbehaves for Nick and me.
She loves meeting new people.  And she is, innately, such a loving, little girl.  Giving her short, to-the-point directions, is a very effective way to communicate with her.
Don't expect her to engage with other kids (if she does, it's a bonus!).  But do expect her to be tickled-pink to be included in any invitation to get out of the house.

Now, if I could just hire someone to potty-train Cohen???  Just the thought of changing poopy diapers, while I'm doing chemo makes me sick!
Any takers???
Yeah. Didn't think so.  LOL