A Disabled Car Trip

In a little over a week my mom, myself, Max and Margo will all pile into my mom's Jeep and embark on an eight hour trip to the small beach town my grandpa lives in. I'm very much looking forward to taking both dogs to the ocean and showing them new things. They are great travelers, so I don't think we'll have issues. In fact Max has done this exact trip before.

Max and I the last time we were there. 
This time NO CHAIR!!!

But the big question you might be wondering is what am I packing? And how is that different than what a typical person would bring on a road trip?

I'm so glad you asked.

• Food. This is one of the big differences. I have to bring lots of protein with me and things I can eat. It's hard to eat while on the road and find healthy options. I'll bring the protein balls I like to make (almond or walnut butter - chocolate chips - rolled oats YUM!) Some gluten free crackers, dried fruit, sandwiches and chips. I have powdered vitamin and caffeine drinks that I can just pour into water bottles (to save on space.) I might bring a jar of almond butter with me just to keep in our hotel room. My mom already secured my favorite oat milk creamer for my coffee. 
  
  
•  Drugs. Lots and lots of drugs. I'll need my two different inhalers, my filled pill box's, migraine medications, migraine ear plug (for altitude changes), anti nausea wrist bands and patch, tummy medication in case I eat late... I will have a big bag of drugs with me.
  
  
• Braces. Many of my joins and muscles are still weak. Since I'm not sure exactly how we'll be helping out my papa I'll bring some braces just in case. Ankle, elbow, hands, knee, back. That should do it.
  
  
  Max loves the beach
  
  

These are all things that a typical person doesn't need to even consider when traveling. They can stop and eat anywhere without much of an ill affect. Maybe they'll bring some aspirin or Tums, but that's about it. Not a giant bag of drugs. They'll toss a pair of flip flops in their bag and not think about their joints or muscles much (if at all.) 

We're also going to make frequent stops to stretch, walk the dogs and take turns driving. That will keep all of us healthy on such a long drive. 

Wish us a Bon Voyage!

Don't forget Margo!

What to Bring to The Hospital

In case you haven't picked up on this... I'm a HUGE planner. I like having a plan, I like knowing the plan, I like making a plan. It helps me to feel more in control. The less I actually have control of a situation, the more important it is for me to have a plan. Ergo, having a plan for when my brain tumor is removed is enormously important to me. 

Although I'll only be in the hospital for a night or two, what to bring for that time required some deep thought (and heavy shopping.) I found this heavy canvass bag on clearance yesterday. The color is bright, so it will be hard to forget and leave somewhere. It's also machine washable, which we'll want to do to anything that was at the hospital. The straps are thick and it's easy to carry. Well, easy for my husband to carry. It also zips shut, which is super important for the hospital.

Inside my bag are some essentials. Rubber bottom super soft slippers, body lotion (that I bought at Disneyland, so it reminds me of that fun trip we took), face wipes, baby wipes (in case I can't take an actual shower), deodorant, lip balm, sore throat drops (being intubated always leaves you with a very sore throat) and mints. I also scored some slip on shoes for under $3. Easy on and easy out the door. I'll wear them to the hospital.

Not in the picture is a super soft white blanket that I treated myself to. The blankets at the hospital are very utilitarian. It's hard for me to sleep without my "blankie" so I cleverly bought one we can bleach and wash when we get back home. Last thing I want is hospital cooties!

This is my favorite "room mister" that I spray on my pillows at night. I'm tempted to bring it to the hospital with me, but common sense dictates I'll be drugged out of my mind (literally!) and couldn't care less about such things. As important as knowing what to bring is knowing what to leave. I'll hold off on the spray and save it for when I'm back home.