spread the word

I had treatment Tuesday.  It was a long day for Dad and me.  We arrived at 10:30 a.m. and left at 5:00 p.m.  Gah.  While there I came across an amazing article in Marie Claire about the bone marrow donation process and how to join the registry.  I was so moved by the article that I posted it on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's facebook page.  Within 9 hours 92 people 'liked' the post and there are 24 comments.  I am so glad I shared it.  I also plan to give the article to the staff at Northwestern in case they want to spread the good word too.  At this time I do not need a transplant, and I really really really really hope it stays that way.  But there are lots of people out there that do and that has to be a tough place to be in.  There are always blessings to be counted.
http://www.marieclaire.com/hea​lth-fitness/news/bone-marrow-d​onation

I'm excited for this weekend - Ross will be in town! I also get to see my friend that was in NYC for a long chunk of time. It's amazing the affect certain people have on your mood. Again, count the blessings.

Well, it's time for bed. I am tired and my stomach's doing flip flops. So I figure sleep is a great way to stop this gymnastics show.

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde

the scarlet letter

I'm not stating that I'm committing adultery.  I have a "C" on my forehead conveying that I have cancer.  I write my blog and deal with the health issues, but otherwise I need to start separating myself from the word.  I don't want it to define me.  It's tough because I can see it people's eyes.  I see a mix of care, concern, pity, sadness... you name it.  I know in the first minute if someone knows about the "C" which is why I love events like the one today.  I will be around a bunch of people who have no clue what I'm going through.  When I meet them all their eyes will show is whether they think my skirt's too short.

I am sooo excited for today.  A good friend of mine from high school is getting married :)  So today I don my wig, party dress and big smile to go out and celebrate the happy couple's love.

Time to go dance the night away to love songs like Barry White "You're my first, my last, my everything"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQN1COeI75E

I see a tiny light like a flashbulb sparkle in the night

I had another two days of treatment on Thursday and Friday.  This past weekend I auditioned for the part of sleeping beauty.  I slept.  Oh did I sleep.  

I have blood tests but otherwise treatment isn't until next Tuesday.  

I'm not feeling chatty but updates are to come.

Tiny Light - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma9lzcUe2Zg

Young Love

I'm back!  I went on a weekend getaway in search of a sanctuary.  I found that in the arms of Ross at Lake Geneva.  It was the perfect spot, smack dab in the middle of us.  We wined and dined the weekend away (I snuck a glass of shiraz in over a fancy dinner).  We had a marvelous time being our goofy and mooshy-gushy selves.  

The weekend gave me the boost that I needed.   I'm high maintenance right now and Ross just wants to take care of my every whim, who am I to say no?  He even joined me for my afternoon naps!  If you know Ross then you know his blood is two parts caffeine one part endorphins which does not allow for naps.  He is a ball of energy - one of the many reasons to love him.  

Lake Geneva is a funny mix of weekenders, millionaires and biker groups.  Ross rode his Harley down. We took a ride at twilight that magical.  I wish we could have road off into the horizon... 

Here's a picture of his toy - I am one lucky lady.

I have treatment Wednesday and Thursday.  No new concoctions so we should be in the clear for surprises.  I'm at a point where my feet are dragging BIG time.  I don't have a choice in the matter however I just want to pout and use deadweight like I'm eight years old and Erin's trying to drag me out of bed in the morning.    I simply don't want to go to the clinic.  I think I need to hire a cheerleader to shake her pon poms (or is it pom poms?) and say "A-OK!  It will all be OK!"  At that point, I will go out of motivation or annoyance... until next time!


"We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, [Harry], but battle on."  
J.K. Rowling, "A Sluggish Memory," Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, 2005, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore

second star to the right and straight on till morning

hello hello


It's July.  Holy balls.  Time is eluding me.  If it's the price I must pay then please take, take, take.  But it's a sharp reality that I have to accept every time I check a calendar.  Time and life moves forward even when I'm not on board. 


We are progressing forward with treatment - hooray.  This round is tiring.  I am not sure it's all chemo that's putting me on my tushy or if it's also the fading of the beginners rush.  I've had some try outs to star in the exorcism this round.  It sucks.  I am not graceful when it comes to kneeling at the porcelain idol.  I tried to hide it the first few times, but then I reverted to childhood and called for my mommy.  Dr. Mom has that special touch.  Even at 24, a girl needs her mom.  Dad's specialty is entertaining me at the treatments; he's a chatty cathy so I can lie back and listen.  One of the many things that I love most about my relationship between my dad and I is the unspoken communication that we have.  (Mom - I know it drives you nuts.)  But my dad and I have a series of looks.  True most are at others detriment, but all the same they tend to create laughs for us.  If there is any where on earth that needs laughs it is the doctor's office.  I complain about my parents but I'd be lost without them.


Yesterday I got to meet my virtual pen pal.  He recently went through this "journey" (I hate that metaphor but I went brain dead) with blood cancer and is on the road they deem "survivorship."  He's great for words of wisdom and laughs.  It was a pure delight to put a face to the email chain and to meet my Mr. Miyagi.  He took me to a movie filming and it was a fantastic time.  Truly was.  For those who know celebrities I brushed shoulders with Sienna Miller.  I was more interested in the filming, set and such, but it is as close to Jude Law as I'll get. hehe


P.S.
A quick update on my friend Kim.  She is doing much better.  I smile when I hear updates on her because I think of her so much.  She still has a lot of healing, strengthening and mending to do but the trooper that she is has brought her through these times.  It's not my story to tell but I wanted you all to know that she's moving forward beautifully.  Thanks for the happy thoughts sent to Kim.  


If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.
-Unknown