Woke up early this Friday, February 19, 2016. Feeling Excited rather than Dread. Excited for my last chemotherapy. All the more closer to getting my Port out on Monday. Then my body belongs to me again. Not some awful science experiment. I get to use my body doing things I like. Like snorkeling, yoga, walking, swimming.... I am so glad I have been able to continue to do lots of research and problem solving while in this treatment process.
Planning for my trip has been a very good thing. I have been enjoying researching best tours, best beaches, places to shop and eat. When to rent scooters, when to use a taxi. I really feel like I am having a trip of a lifetime, visiting 8 different Caribbean islands. Some with mountains. some flat, most with rich and diverse cultural history. All surrounded by turquoise seas and oceans. I decided to go to AAA and get maps and tour books on each country that I am going to visit. I am having trouble with Martinique, finding English speaking tour operators on line. I hope Madison's French will get us something at the Cruise Center when we get off the ship. Would love a little sail boat ride around the island. Planning on bringing binoculars to see Humpback Whales migrating off GrandTurk. They are there from January to mid March and we arrive March 16. I will go up on deck early that morning and watch us come into port to see if I see them as we approach the island. A beach blanket, 3 thin beach towels, sunscreen, hats...... discovered that Grand Turk has colorful stamps so I will make sure I buy a sheet or two while there in honor of my Dad who collected all kinds of stamps. Maybe my great nephews would like to have them and I will bring home some foreign money too.
I am expecting to be sick for about 10 days. The first few immediately following this treatment won't be too bad as I have medication for then. By Wednesday and Thursday of next week, I will start to feel weak and sick and a week later, I should be okay again and can start cleaning up and laying out stuff I need for the trip. You know, I like the planning as much as I like the doing. And I am not so sure how come except maybe it is the learning about what is there than increases my excitement. I do remember that I need to still stay flexible as things happen and not everything will fall into place all the time.
I intend to still blog while I am away about any relevant or interesting experience I have while I am away. When I get back, I will start again with a new doctor for radiation therapy. So the blog will go on. Thanks everyone for all your listening. Lots of love, Nancy
