Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Chapter 49: Do you remember dancing in September?

Countdown:  14 days until the end of the BIG stuff


Familiar Taste of Poison
On this detour of life, we have reached another four days of bumpy and squiggly road signs.  Today's menu included a spinal tap, blood transfusion and a mini chemo cocktail (shout out to you blood donors out there!  A million thanks!).  I'm also taking a nightly oral chemo which is a powerful little pill.  That's the update on the chemofront folks.  No big news (which is good news).


Vampire Blog
Getting blood creeps. me. out.  yuck.  It looks gross and I feel funky knowing it's someone else's blood.  I think back to the blood drives (I successfully donated once and got shot down twice) and think about the people donating.  Technically I am receiving their past meals, cigarettes, beers, snacks and air.   His or her past.  Weird.  It'd be fun if I also received his/her skills.  After I sit two hours hooked up to the bag o' blood - Hey look!  I can salsa!  Ole!   No, just the Taco Bell for dinner two nights ago.


New Glasses
I see life differently and I'm making choices with new measuring tools.  For example, I am following my heart to Madison.  I meditate.  Bought a juicer.  Babble to a therapist.  See the beauty in everyday things.  All things that I got a push to do a la the big C.  When you have one hand in heaven, you tend to get busy on earth.  More than one person has told me that my experience has inspired them to finally do those dream items.  Let's all hop on the Dead Poet's Society bandwagon and 'carpe diem' it up!  

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Unplugged

Hey everyone!

I made the cut!  I was able to begin chemo again on Tuesday.  Happy day!  I have day 2 of 4 completed this week.  Next week is a four day week for treatment.  It has me dragging already.  I was so tired on my way home that my eyes were going in different directions and my eye lids were at different levels.  I felt and looked drunk.  I fell asleep passed out right when I got home.

Since I started chemo I now have a date for the last session before maintenance begins.  The BIG stuff will be over!  October 11 I will be finished!  Hallelujah.

This past weekend I went to Madison to help Ross paint our home.  We completed the painting!  The delay in treatment left me feeling good.  We painted hours upon hours.  The rooms turned out perfect (minus the grayish purple paint looking only purple - you'll see haha).  Our house is becoming a home.  It turned out great timing because I was able to spend the first night there.   I hated to leave but I'll be moving in soon!

Livestrong was in NYC for the UN Summit for uncommunicable disease.  Livestrong does create a community feel for all of us fighting the good fight.
http://livestrongblog.org/2011/09/20/photos-from-the-un-summit/?tr=y&auid=9528497
I submitted my picture - I wonder if I debuted in NYC?

kiss, kiss

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Big Spill

Question - Good news or bad news first?  


We'll go with the bad.  


My treatments had to be delayed due to my blood counts.  Bummer.  I  was right on the cusp and the Doc even tried to break the rules for me in order to move forward.  It's only a week delay at this time.  (Fingers crossed that it will max at a week.)


The reason I am bummed out is because the pause in the treatment schedule delays the good things...


Which brings us to the GOOD news.  The happy news.  The news that makes me smile nonstop.  


I'M MOVING TO MADISON!


Ross and I found a great house for rent.  It is adorable.  We have a backyard and basement so it's prime for hanging out.  I'm so excited to move in with him and finally start up our life together.  It's about dam time we're in the same city!  Ross is busy painting the place right now.   I will post pictures once we're done moving in and decorating!  






Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.

— Roald Dahl

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

That's the way the Cookie Crumbles

I bit off more than I can chew.  I wanted to help out my mom re-do my room by priming and doing the ceiling coats of paint.  I have gotten as far as the prep and trimming.  I was so proud but then I hit a wall without a roller in hand.  I am really disappointed that I may not pull this through for my mom. 


This past weekend was a nice little getaway.  I headed to Osh Kosh (B'Gosh!) with some friends.  The weather didn't go according to plan, but we made due and had a great time.  Some of my favorite times are spent in sweats while BS'ing with friends.  Who needs bars?  Not I (blatant lie).   


My parents are touring Yellowstone this week.  From the sounds of it the trip could not be going any better.  It's amazing how quiet the house can get.  When 5:30 rolls around and Dad does not stroll in then my Mom does not dash in later, I end up twiddling my thumbs.  I think I am suffering from reverse empty nest syndrome.


I have very exciting news that I want to scream at the top of my lungs.  A tease will have to do.  Count this as a heads up though - once I get to share the news you're going to all drown in it.  I will share it soooooon.


Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. 
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.