We started the morning bright and early at 7 am. For the first time since it was placed, my tri-fusion line worked on the first try, allowing for an easy blood draw for labs. For those that are currently keeping track, we are now at ¼ or 25% that it has worked correctly since it was placed a week and a half ago. After labs were drawn, we waited for the oncologist to discuss the results and approve the start of Day -7. As we previously discussed the possibility of happening, my thyroid officially burnt out. Unfortunately, there is only a small likelihood that it will ever start producing correctly again, thus I will be on Levothyroxine for full replacement moving forward. Otherwise, my labs looked great, and I received the green light to begin chemo.

As the nurse walked in with the chemo bag, Terry received a call from our wonderful nanny, Paisley. I could immediately tell from Terry’s facial expressions, that something was wrong- very wrong. Calmly, Paisley told Terry that my mom had fallen on the concrete and hit her head. At that moment, she was being loaded into the ambulance to be transferred to the St Luke’s Trauma Center for evaluation. My heart literally sank, as I tried to hold back tears. I was connected to the IV and the waiting game began- waiting for any updates that we would receive. I honestly felt helpless in the little room and felt trapped for the first time. Luckily Terry was right beside me, remaining cool, calm, and collected. Like, if I can learn anything from this man that would be it.

Almost forty-five minutes later, my dad and sister made it to the plaza to be with my mom. My mom suffered a concussion, a broken nose in at least two spots, and her eyes go through phases of being swollen shut. To put it lightly, it is not a good situation. Luckily, she did not experience a brain bleed and was released this afternoon- although I am not sure to call it released, as she had to stay in a bed in the hallway in the ER due to no available emergency room beds. Well, that did not stop me from Facetiming her as she laid in the hallway. In Lisa fashion, the first thing mom did was apologize for falling and not being able to take care of the kids. I mean, the lady’s face is black and blue, and she is trying to apologize to me?

My mom is currently recovering at home. She has a long road ahead. We are so lucky that we have a support system that has stepped up when Terry and I feel helpless. Tina, Terry’s Mom, immediately jumped in her car without us asking and headed to KC to help care for the kids. Jordan, Kaitlyn’s husband, left work immediately to care for Kaitlyn’s three girls which I couldn’t be more thankful for as it allowed Kaitlyn to help with the kids this afternoon while my Dad cared for my Mom.

The kids are holding up as well as they possibly can in this situation. Tonight, while Facetiming Rowan, he told me the story of what happened to Nana as if he was present. Ironically, he was at preschool at the time of the incident, but he was certain not to leave out details about the ambulance, fire truck and even the police car in his story. And from my understanding, his story was surprisingly accurate from what I heard.

It wasn’t a day I could have imagined, but it was a reminder of how our family comes together when times get hard. As for me, I am doing okay. The main side effect of the drug I received today was supposed to make me feel drunk, unfortunately, I skipped that phase and went straight into the hungover phase. But we are ready for another day tomorrow—hopefully, it will just be a little less exciting than today.