Preparing

Since our meeting with my team last Friday I have been preparing myself for the challenge ahead. First on my list after finding out it would be gone in 2-4 weeks after my first chemo was my hair. I wanted to donate as much of it as I could. Saturday morning our first stop was a hair cut.  I am not going to lie, there were tears. I hadn't had a serious hair cut in almost eight years.

Before

After 

My fourteen inch braid is tucked away in a zip lock bag waiting to be mailed to Locks of Love. 

Saturday afternoon I spent time eating junk food and drinking sangria with friends while floating in the pool.  Alcohol and pools are not really on the chemo approved list so I relished every moment. 

Monday evening Patrick and I drove to Bacliff, Texas to Dockside Tattoo and got matching tattoos from Brittany Moates. I spent a great deal of time thinking and researching after my diagnosis. I knew almost immediately after hearing those words that my next tattoo would be something to see me through this, something I could look at and feel powerful. I started with words, strength, courage, brave, then saw a few of those words with arrows under them on Pinterest. That lead to research as to the meaning of arrows.   I found this on a website about the meaning of Native American drawings with arrows and their use in tattoos. 

"One of the biggest factors in altering the meaning, is the way the arrow is depicted or placed in the tattoo design. For example:

A solitary arrow represents defense and protection from harm. It can also be used as a symbol of movement or direction.

Two arrows pointing away from each other commonly stand for war.

A broken arrow image is one that depicts peace or the burying of the hatchet.

Two arrows crossed is a symbol of friendship

A bundle of five arrows typically designates strength, as a single arrow can be easily broken, but a bundle of arrows is tougher to break.

An arrow through a diamond symbol can represent courage as one moves forward.

For anyone searching to depict a positive outlook on life, an arrow tattoo can be a great place to start. An arrow being pulled back on the bow can depict life dragging someone down, whereas the arrow being released propels them straight ahead into something new and positive. With that being said, an arrow can only shoot forward by being pulled back, so only by going through dark times can you push yourself to better ones."

After reading this I knew arrows were what I was looking for. A grouping of arrows for strength. An arrow going through a diamond for courage.  Patrick loved the idea and when he suggested getting the same tattoo I suggested the opposite arm so that when we held hands we would have twice the strength and courage. That sealed the deal. I absolutely love our new tattoos. 

The next morning found us up at 4:00am ready for a day of testing, bone scans, labs, CTs, and a baseline appointment for a lymphodema study my surgeon is conducting. 

We are almost ready, just an echocardiogram and an appointment with our medical oncologist before cycle 1 of chemo on Friday.