Snow

It's snowing today. Our first real snow event of the year. I am glad it has held off so long, but hate the fact that it's here. Winter has arrived in Minnesota.

Blech.

I have finally gotten over the bug that has been with me for a couple of weeks. It took a trip to the clinic and a blast of antibiotics. It went into my ear last weekend...that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I knew my own immune system wasn't going to take care of it before it got bad. Fortunately, the antibiotics worked and my eardrum is still intact! I still have some congestion, but I am definitely on the mend. Just in time for another treatment...ugh.

It's frustrating to get sick on a "good week". It makes me feel like I haven't gotten a break from being sick. Fortunately I have a few days to enjoy being able to eat and drink without mouth symptoms, and having more energy than I did last week...which isn't saying much.

Every Christmas for the past few years, my mom and I have been carrying on my Gramma's tradition of making lefse. We learned how to do it on our own, taking from memories of Gramma and Betty making it and a collage of YouTube videos. 

A flour fire, and 3 hours later, we had about 20 pieces of lefse that looked beautiful, but crumbled when you tried to pick it up. We considered it a success, and knew Gramma was looking down on us, laughing so hard. The next year, we tried a different recipe and it was an absolute success. I have found it to be the only food I can eat right after treatment the last few rounds. To me, it's a sign that Gramma is with me, offering comfort. 

Mom also makes caramels every year. Last night, we spent two hours cutting and wrapping 20 pounds of delicious, buttery caramels. It took a lot out of me, but I was glad to participate in the tradition. Hopefully, I can help with the lefse this year.

I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but this year it's hard. Two more treatments will happen between now and the end of the year. It's good to know the end is near, but this is the steepest part of the climb. We will get to the top, and kick cancer right off the cliff. 

Deep breaths. I can do this.