The Early Bird...

My first week of radiation and chemo is over.  I’m pleased to report that it hasn’t been horrible.  The side effects thus far have been minimal.  The only issue I seem to be having is fatigue, although I don’t think I can totally blame the radiation for my lack of energy.  It's partner in crime is the obscenely early time I must wake up, because my appointment is at 6:30 am each day.

Anyone who knows me well will question my decision to willingly schedule something at such ridiculously early hour.  To say that I am not a morning person is understatement raised to the power of ten.  My husband springs forth from our bed each morning like Athena from the head of Zeus, fully armed with energy to face the day (though I don’t think Athena wore boxer-briefs).  I, on the other hand, am usually roused against my will and long for nothing more than a return to the blissful slumber from whence I came.

I’ve been having a love affair with sleep for my entire life.  I yearn for it, crave it, and no matter how much of it I get; I still want more.  I take pleasure in long uninterrupted stretches overnight, but I’m not above a quickie on the couch in the middle of the day. I’ll take it any way I can get it. I guess I’m the Sam I Am of snoozing – I can slumber in a plane; I can slumber on a train; I can slumber here or there; I can slumber anywhere!

So, why did I choose to schedule radiation so early in the day?  I approached the decision practically and made a list of pros and cons.

Pros

·         I can be done and home before Gregg leaves for work and before the kids wake up, which eliminates the need for childcare.

·         It’s the first appointment of the day, so I don’t have to worry about the staff “running behind schedule”

·         It frees up the rest of the day, so I don’t have to plan activities around yet another doctor’s visit

·         All the good parking spots are open

Cons

·         I have to wake up at FIVE freaking FORTY every day.

Therefore, as much as I abhor getting up early, I know it’s the right thing to do for both my family and me.  Fortunately, sleep is a forgiving and patient paramour.  It will wait for my return and welcome me into its embrace no matter how early I abandon it each day.  Sleep will willingly join me in afternoon liaisons whenever I can find the time.

I suppose if my biggest complaint at this point is the early morning wake-up, things must be going pretty darn well.

Though I still believe the early bird doesn't know what he's missing.