Hello friends! I hope you've all had a good week so far. I think we have finally hit the end of our winter weather-- spring and warmer temperatures appear to be here to stay! We spent yesterday afternoon playing in the creek and the kids were on cloud 9 (me too!).
Here's a nice little roundup of some recent favorites:
Long, Luxurious Baths
One of the things that has been recommended to me several times has been taking epsom salt baths. Apparently epsom salt baths help alleviate some of the symptoms of chemotherapy, who knew? Anyway, I was never a big bath person before, but I have QUICKLY become one! I set up my little space heater in the bathroom about 10 minutes before, get it nice and warm in the bathroom, and then soak in that warm water for a solid 20-30 minutes.
I got the Bath Tray above at Target, make myself a warm cup of coffee or tea, and then happily read my book and soak. I have been missing out by only taking showers all these years! I use these Epsom salts, and I also bought this Bath Cushion to lean back on so my back doesn't get cold.
I am very happy to get into this aspect of self-care!
A Good Wig!
The journey to find a good wig was a much longer one than I expected. I have a whole post to share about it next week, but let me tell you... this was the 5th wig I ordered before I "got it right". It's nice to look in the mirror and not look sick anymore. 😊
Acupuncture
I had my first-ever acupuncture this week and LOVED it! The verdict is still out about whether or not it will actually help with easing some chemo symptoms, but for right now, I am fascinated by the whole idea of acupuncture. Like so many things, I wonder "who on earth was the first person to try that and think it was a good idea?" Like, "oh, you're having a medical problem? I have an idea... I'll prick you with a bunch of tiny needles and see if it helps."
It could be placebo, it could be coincidental, but I do know that my chemo-related insomnia has gotten better since I gave acupuncture a shot. I'll report back after a few more sessions and give you more details.
My Newest House Plant
I went to Trader Joe's this week to pick up some food and flowers and this little guy just found his way into my cart. 😊 Funny how that happens, huh?
Planning Our Big "I Beat Cancer" Trip
Our spring break trip to Italy had to be postponed/canceled, so now I am focusing my energy on our first big "I Beat Cancer" trip for when this is all over. Where do you think we're going?? The Happiest Place on Earth of course. 😁
On the days I am feeling crummy, it helps to have something to look forward to and plan. So I am planning away! We want to give it a bit of time between my last treatment and when we actually go so I will hopefully feel recovered enough to enjoy it to the fullest. I can't wait!
Today I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites. Have a great weekend!
Yes for the baths and the acupuncture and I agree - what a weird idea to come up with. I do believe in a lot of stuff like this, though. It makes sense. That wig is gorgeous! Does it get hot with it on? I want to read your post about your search.
ReplyDeleteYou are just the best and I have been praying for you.
You look beautiful in the wig and if you hadn't said anything I would honestly have never guessed you were wearing a wig! Hooray for a trip to the happiest place on earth.
ReplyDeleteRuth@playworkeatrepeat
So many wonderful favorites!! Baths are wonderful for self care and I hope the acupuncture does help; though I do agree and often wonder who was the first to think of some of these things. That wig looks fabulous on you. I'm so sorry you had to postpone your Italy trip but Disney is a lovely thing to think about and plan and will be so much fun for the whole family.
ReplyDeleteThe space heater in the bathroom is such a great idea, that is why I don't like baths, I don't like getting out of the warm water and being cold. Maybe I should try it! Your wig is very nice, looks so natural and I'm glad it makes you feel better. I think Disney is a great plan, we are going there in October.
ReplyDeleteThat wig looks amazing on you. Looks like your hair before chemo! So glad your family is planning a trip to Disney!! What a great way to celebrate the end of your treatments!
ReplyDeleteYou're looking great, Lauren! Happy to see a post from you today! Also, I hope you're working with Erica on the trip planning! lol!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous post of favorites. I'm so glad you are taking time for yourself. We've thought about looking into acupuncture for Hayden. I love the wig...it looks amazing on you. Yay for Disney! That will be a wonderful adventure for your family.
ReplyDeleteI love baths and need to get into them again. Our new house only has a tub in the kids bathroom so it is filled with toys. You look great, i would have guessed that was an old photo. Yes to Disney for any excuse to go to Disney
ReplyDeleteWow, I am so sorry to hear you're going through all this. I know I'm not a regular reader, but I didn't think it had been *that* long since I'd read your blog! What a crazy few months it has been for you. I never would have guessed based on your wig picture. I went back and read your initial cancer post and could relate to so much. (Who hasn't had family or friends with cancer at this point? The weirdo symptoms and the port and all that were like YEP.) I love your assessment of acupuncture, it's so true. Who was the first one to start poking people and be like, "Hmm, this seems to be helping!" 😂🤷🏼♀️ Hang in there! I love that you already have your Disney trip picked out! xo
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