I might be late, but I’m here.
January: Started the year solo, but DMing a guy in the UK all evening and brunching outdoors on New Year’s Day under the heat lamps. I knew something was wrong in my body and I knew it had to do with my intestines/gut/digestive system, but just didn’t know what was going on. There was an insurrection on the US Capitol. Everyone was excited about the Covid vaccine (or so I thought at the time).
February: Had the colonoscopy to end all colonoscopies where my surgeon told me that I had colon cancer before I even fully woke from the propofol. From there it was a mad scramble to get CT scans, schedule surgery, fight through the blizzard to end all blizzards (which flooded the operating room, causing my surgery to be postponed), three colon preps in three weeks (fun!), and a battle to the finish line with my insurance company. I named the cancer my “Mass in the Ass” but then it was removed pretty swiftly. Still, the pathology showed that cancer cells had gotten their way into my lymph nodes, so chemo was to follow. My dad stayed with me for several days (love him so much) and then a faraway friend flew in to take care of me for a few more days (love her so much).
March: Covid shots #1 and #2 - got the second shot the day before chemotherapy started. Back at the office after surgery. Started chemo. What a strange new world - the infusion center and cancer patients and making cancer friends and meeting nurses and hopes and dreams and sadness and sorrow. The ups and downs both physically and mentally. It was scary and yet, it was my life. And I had so much support and love and flowers brightening my apartment.
April: Chemo infusions continued every two weeks. Blood draws. The Icing Protocol. Foxy the Chemo Ball. Bad hangovers. The Bluhs. Side effects. That was about 99% of my existence. The last 1% of me was concerned about Covid.
May: I have to say it because 2021 - supply chain issues started having major play at my job. Everyone was stressed out, and I was too. Also, got a new boss. To take my mind off work and cancer, two of the yuckiest things in the world, I decided to move to a new apartment. The move wouldn’t happen until July, but decisions were made this month. I also decided to start dating again and I met and went out with The Cyclist.
June: More chemo. My appetite became voracious with all of the drugs that are supposed to help the chemo side effects. Chemo brain set in hard. More dates with The Cyclist. He seemed great! People stopped wearing masks. Lots of packing for my move. The Cyclist started getting weird.
July: Moved into The Treehouse! Lots of help (thankfully!) from friends, family and even some from The Cyclist, though the Cyclist was soon OUT for being a passive-aggressive dick (and calling me a pain in the ass). Spent this month mainly just unpacking and shopping for new furniture. Fun! And through it all, chemo continued. It was getting harder and harder. Also, had to have my brain scanned because of pulsatile tinnitus. Needed to make sure it wasn’t another issue popping up. Luckily, it wasn’t.
August: Chemo was moved to every three weeks due to the low blood counts. I was relieved. Even though it made treatment longer, I got an extra bonus week to feel good between poisonings. Got the Covid Booster. So sick of Covid. Missed my friends desperately. Work started sucking harder.
September: Started therapy. Met a sweet guy on my walks and walked with him for several weekends. He was flirty and awesome - until I found out he was married. LAST CHEMO!! I rang the bell! SURPRISE PARTY! It was better than ANY birthday party I’ve ever had! Immediately after I had a sucky review at work.
October: My actual birthday. My 54th year was truly wild and definitely insane. Went on a short, solo trip to celebrate. It was soooooo nice to be away, but sooooo sad that Covid has kept me from really traveling in the last couple of years. First scan post-cancer treatment: Cancer FREE!
November: NJM. Wrote every day yet didn’t do much of anything. Hosted Thanksgiving at The Treehouse! The comfort eating continued and didn’t stop for the rest of the year. Went to a small party and felt freaked out about it. Decorated The Treehouse and the neighborhood lit up in lights - so festive!
December: Some interesting job prospects opened up - had some interviews. Ready for some changes after the first of the year. It’s definitely time. Nothing perfect yet…but I am still working on it! Christmas came and went with some agitation on my part. New Year’s Eve with my brother, SIL and niece was fun, but I was anxious about it and probably not the best host (long story, mom and dad were supposed to come…). Anyway, rang in the New Year at The Treehouse, which is the best place to be. Home is where the heart is right now.
So there you have it. 2021 in a nutshell. I had to recap so that I can take this figurative piece of paper, ball it up and throw it in the fire.
Goodbye, 2021! We will NOT miss you!
GS
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