Monday, November 22, 2010

Hardest.Weekend.Ever.

I love weddings.  I especially love weddings with a great band and a big dance floor, as my dad and Barbara had at their wedding this past weekend.  Ordinarily I am the ideal wedding guest, populating the dance floor so that you don't have to.  I was not myself at this wedding, however.  I sat, picked at my food, and turned away hugs.  I know!  But I'm so grateful that I was there, because it really was beautiful, and not many kids get to see their dad get married.  He looked so happy!

Instead of moaning about all of the ways I felt like shit this weekend, let's talk about all of the people who made it possible for me to even attend my dad's wedding.  Like my stoic husband, Ian, who hauled me and the kids to so many events.  And my amazing mother-in-law who swooped up the kids after the ceremony so that Ian and I could get a good night's sleep.  And my sister Hil who loaned me an outfit.  And everyone who was patient with us as we were late to pretty much everything.

A lot of people have been telling me that I look or seem like I'm doing better than I was the first time.  That's super, but I can't say that I agree.  No surgery this time, so that's good.  The fatigue is equal this time, if not greater after a weekend of not enough rest.  The nausea and other digestive tract issues are less so far, but now is when they picked up steam previously so I think it's too early to say.  The brain fog is slightly less.  Sounds like I could be better than the first time, but enter the new issues of wedding stress, holiday stress, and family stress, and the result is a yucky mopey tired Heather.

Let's find a positive note to end this on, shall we?  My sister-in-law and her family are here for the week from Illinois, and her kids are the cutest!  There should be lots of cousin fun going on in our house, which will be happy.  Also, Ian and I shaved our heads, and we're a pretty cute bald couple.  I'll post some pics when I'm feeling more photogenic.              

11 comments:

  1. H-Bomb, next time you are in need, please feel free to call me in as a substitute-dancer. As you well know, I have a long resume when it comes to dancing. And, I am pretty sure my antics would please your relatives and friends. Of course, don't trust this account. I've included a video sample that I feel is representational of my skills.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1c2KzJbcGA

    ReplyDelete
  2. Since you weren't dancing (and I know you know it was hard for me to do this) I joined forces with you and refused to dance also :)

    I thought you looked pretty darned good and enjoyed seeing you smile Saturday night at the reception...

    ReplyDelete
  3. It really was great to see you hon! You are an amazing lady and quite a trooper!
    Love,
    R&S

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats to your dad on the wedding. Congrats to you for getting through chemo + wedding in one piece. And congrats to Ian and your family for making things easier on you in whatever way they can. Hope you are starting to feel better today.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your cute little shakin' booty was missed on the dance floor! You'll be dominating it again soon!! Look out!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. We definately missed you at the reception, but thoroughly enjoyed your company at dinner :) You are such a trooper. I had a great time with you at the brunch as well. I was so happy that you and Ian got some much needed relaxation on Saturday night at the hotel-alone. I hope it was a nice break, albeit small... Thanks Grandma Lori!

    ReplyDelete
  7. We're so happy to be here Heather. We will get in plenty of cousin fun this week and do whatever we can to help out. I hope your symptoms start turning a corner my lovely, tired champion.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Heather,

    My heart goes out to you. I love you and hope that this passes quickly. I talked to Grandma Lori and she and the girls were passing through on the way to Ames with some fries and burgers! They were having fun. That's what family is for...picking up the pieces when they need to be picked up. Stay strong. I'll be in touch soon.

    Love,
    Aunt Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey Heather (and Heather friends, fam, and fans) - when you feel like it, check this out. Another scientist mom with small kids and IBC. Pretty hopeful.

    http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey dear - It was so great to see you this weekend...hugs or not.

    Super glad you're turning the corner on fatigue!!!

    xo - Becky

    ReplyDelete
  11. It was tough holding it together knowing what you & Ian went through to be there. Having you there made my day complete & I will be forever grateful. See you soon.

    ReplyDelete