Yesterday I posted about the serious issues that come up in my support group. I also mentioned I was going to seriously try to have a good time at a party last night.
It was my first time at a party since my final round of surgeries. I knew most of the people who were going to be there, but I didn't know how they would react to my new voice. I was a little worried, too, about how I was going to deal with the fact that I build up excess saliva when I talk and don't have the ability to swallow well enough to get rid of it. I have to carry a cloth or a napkin and spit into it every so often.
I wanted to be light hearted, but I had fears. I told Marc, "I'm sure I'll be able to be sociable for at least a half an hour or so. If you want to stay longer, that's fine with me." He said, "No problem, I'm happy to leave whenever you want to go."
So I got ready. A picture of the products I use to get ready:
A few weeks ago, the people at Marc's office sent me a whole box of skin care products for people who have had radiation and/or chemo. I had read about Lindi Skin, because the company headquarters is nearby in Narberth, PA. I felt so lucky to get the whole set. It makes my skin feel great! Total luxury. I recommend it to anyone with chemo/rad skin who wants to feel uplifted.
Anyway, on to the party... I left with a new dishtowel to spit into (lovely) and a new notebook and pen to write down things people couldn't understand.
I ended up staying two and a half hours. Not bad for a first party! Jim and Joan were great hosts. The only problem was the writing pad. Most of the women at the party were over 50 and didn't have their reading glasses. They couldn't read a thing I wrote. Luckily, I spoke clearly enough that most everything I said was understood, or I could grab Marc to interpret.
I didn't end up drinking through my tube, but my Oxycodone was doing a fine job.
Note to self for the next soirree: Bring an extra dishtowel, a spare pair of reading glasses for the visually-impaired, and above all - don't worry. You'll be able to fit in better than you think.
Thanks so much for the flowers and the magazines, Dina and Iris!
To everyone in the NRC Regional Administrator's Office - Thanks so much for the Lindi Skin box!
Party on, Lisa! So glad you had a good time. Tell those old ladies (that would be me) to remember their hearing aids and glasses. Oh, I forgot...remembering is part of the problem.
Posted by: Connie | 02/14/2011 at 09:01 AM
Sounds like you had a great time! I'm so glad you're feeling like you can get out... that has to feel good. What if you took a small white board and marker? That would be easy to quickly erase with a towel, and then you could write bigger/darker. Mom uses one sometimes with Dad since the poor guy can hardly hear her any more.
Posted by: Ann | 02/14/2011 at 11:28 AM
Good idea, Ann, I saw some small white boards on special at Target where I walk since sidewalks here in Minnesota are still icy!
Lisa, check out the Gauguin exhibit at the National Gallery while in DC!
Love & hugs, Mother
Posted by: Barbara Eldridge | 02/14/2011 at 02:01 PM
Sweeet! Glad to hear you had fun at your first soiree post-surgery. I bet you could find some cute cat's eye shaped reading glasses at Target and then glue some sparkles to them to make it an added icebreaking conversation piece! :)
love, hugs,
Ellen
Posted by: ellen | 02/16/2011 at 02:52 PM
Lisa I sent you a message through Facebook. I hope you enjoy your weekend with the short story crew. Tom S.
Posted by: Tom Scott | 02/19/2011 at 09:23 AM