Settling into Seattle

Settling into Seattle

Old pic from Instragram, but still Seattle

I made it to Seattle to begin my proton radiation treatment. The relocation had to happen pretty quickly. I received a call on a Friday for an initial appointment on a Tuesday. I then flew out the following Monday night and spent most of Tuesday in appointments, during which I was told to plan to be here within a week for two months. While I continued to go through procedures, Eric frantically researched for a place for me to live, and single-handedly found a place later that evening that we were able to see before flying home that night. Needless to say, it was a grueling day. 

Going through this process I’m reminded that I have no control of timelines or sequencing of my care, but I feel really fortunate to have had all of this line up for me. I’m also super fortunate and grateful that my sister Rosy was able to secure the time off to be by my side during my radiation treatment. I’m speechless and humbled to have such a selfless shero on my side.

What brings you comfort?

As I was thinking about what to bring to Seattle, there are the material things I have bring, like my computers so I can work on my consulting projects and of course my long line of medications. While I was still not sleeping more than a few hours a night, I was tracking a list of things that bring me comfort that I wanted to make sure made it Seattle.

As a patient and as people, how often do we think about our own self care? Do you ever stop to think about what brings you comfort? Maybe you should. As I was preparing my packing list, I tried to be intentional about prioritizing some small material things that give me a smile when I use them, for example:

• My favorite Pajamas that Eric got me
• A Blanket that reminds me of Coco that Agi got me
• A bowl-sized “cup” from Dollywood that I love to eat soup or ice cream out of 

While it’s never going to be to be the same as being home, having my sister and small things that bring a kaleidoscope of home here will help provide me strength over the next few weeks.

The drive up

HUGEST Shout out to Eric & Kimothy (aka Ms Williams) for making the 800 mile trek to the Fremont area of Seattle. Starting Monday they made the trek with a stop at the Brasada Ranch in Bend, OR. This is one of Eric’s favorite spots, so luckily they were able to build in a relaxing pit stop before finalizing the haul to Seattle.

Brasada Ranch in OR

Settling in & Visits

Given that we just arrived, obviously we need time to settle into Seattle. Rosy and I will focus on making it a space of recovery, love, support, and work (lol). I’ve already nicknamed our place Villa Esperanza. Villa as a call out to our recent trip to Italy, where Rosy, Eric & I bonded while we celebrated my 40th birthday. Esperanza is hope in Spanish, but more importantly, it is the name of one of the most influential people in my life, my aunt. She battled cancer like a warrior. I miss here her on Earth, but call on her spiritually. When I’ve needed strength and focus throughout this ordeal, like after surgery or fighting spasms in MRI machines, I often talked to her, and she has never failed me.

I know some folks have asked about the possibility of visiting, and truthfully, I have no idea how I will react to treatment. I’m wanting to get a week or two under my belt to understand how my body responds. I can then provide more details.

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Hugs,

CD