I Get HIGH with a Little Help from My Friends!

LITERALLY :)

On top of Stone Mountain

It has been more than 8 years since I've made the mile-long walk up the side of this quartz monzonite monadnock that featured prominently in my high school years - all 3 of us actually (high school buddies :) ).  In fact, the last time for me was precious daughter's 13th birthday, when we hiked it with 13 of her dear friends who then spent the night with us #joys of raising teenage girls.

It USED to be easy ;)

I'd forgotten all the uPS and Downs and uPS and Downs along the looonnng hike to the top!

It's like this most of the way
Except for the REALLY steep quarter mile or so toward the top!

Yes, I had to stop and rest a couple of times - oddly felt my blood pumping through my port cannula (EWWW!) - and wondered, part way up, WHY I decided THIS was the weekend to make the trek!

Nonetheless, with a firm hand behind my back the last 50 or so steps (thank you dear friend), 

I MADE IT!!!

This one's for YOU, Venecia ;)

Hubby saw the pix when I texted him on our way home and replied, "Put your sweatshirt back on!"

When I asked why, he responded, "So I don't have to put up with you when you're at home sick!" (Seriously!!!)

Guess he's about as tired of this nasty fight as me ;)

Well, this coming Wednesday is my 

LAST CHEMO TREATMENT!!!

AND, while I'll still have to go through the "round" - steroid jitters, Neulasta shot, post-chemo yucks, blood count check...

I WILL NOT have another chemo on the horizon :e

The future brings my two surgeries in December.

THEN, I will count myself a SURVIVOR, a true PINK WARRIOR SISTER, among the "more than 2.8 million women" (2013, BreastCancer.org) who've gone before me and paved the way.

I'm EVER so grateful for the constant prayers and continued well wishes from so many special people in my life.

Heaven gained a STRONG and BEAUTIFUL angel this week

It's with an incredibly sad heart that I write this post.

I received an email today informing me of the passing of a dear pink sister.

SHE is the reason I started this blog.

SHE was an inspiration, an encourager, and a constant supporter and cheerleader to me.

SHE is missed more than she will ever know (I'm telling her now).

Though I didn't know her well - ours began as a professional, office-patient relationship - I grew to admire her more and more and more, and our bond, mostly via emails, meant so much to me.

We met in 2010, when I first consulted the dentist she worked for about some needed reconstruction due to the long term effects of celiac disease on my teeth.  She was the ever-present office manager.  On her desk sat one of those scrolling digital photo frames.  I loved looking at the beautiful pictures of her Great Danes and horses, her passion and family.  She was so helpful and understanding as hubby and I struggled to make a plan, and ultimately the decision to start the long and expensive process of major dental reconstruction.  I looked forward to seeing her after each visit :)

In the spring of 2011, on one of my visits, the dentist (an amazing dental artist whose work is his passion) shared with me that she was not in that day, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I asked for her contact information to send a card.  My heart broke for her, and I could tell how much she meant to him.

I saw her later, I think it was last fall, back in the office, obviously in the midst of treatment because she looked much like I do now with a hat-covered head, sparse eyebrows and lashes, and palish complexion.  I admired her tenacity, and told her so.  She shared that work kept her sane, kept her going, kept her mind off her illness.  Her smile that day was infectious.  I told her she was in my prayers.

Fast forward to June of this year, my own diagnosis front and center.  I found out chemo could cause dental problems and was urged to ensure my dental work was secure before beginning treatment.  Of course I called her, and she fit me into this dentist's busy schedule.

She looked great, having finished her chemo earlier in the year and a partial radical mastectomy like me.  She had been stage 3 with inflammatory breast cancer as opposed to my stage 2B invasive ductal breast cancer.  Nonetheless, our chemo treatment regimens were identical, so she had much experiential advice to offer.  I vividly recall her handing me a notecard with her personal email address before I left, asking me to PLEASE contact her with questions, especially how to manage life without nose hairs - I chuckled at the time, but, as a prior post explained, it can be a real challenge (just ask my students ;) ).

We began corresponding, at least once a week, our communication frequently initiated by her "Thinking of you" subject line.  She unfailingly ended each message with, "You are strong and beautiful."

I stopped in to see her in mid September, to thank her and hug her neck.  Again, she looked wonderful, her post-chemo hair short and silky-curly :)  We joked about side effects, and spoke of newfound perspectives and the beauty of each day.  She obviously was not telling me something.  Her cancer had returned.  I didn't know it until this morning.

Our last correspondence was on October 1st.  I had to check.  She had been on my mind this past week, and I wanted to drop by and see her on Tuesday after my class.  I didn't though, because I wasn't feeling great and didn't want to be a "Debbie downer" when she was always so positive...

Of course she wouldn't have been there.

Heaven gained a STRONG and BEAUTIFUL angel on October 21st.

I know she's left a huge hole in the lives of her family and friends.

I too miss her.  So much.

These are for you, precious pink sister, because of what you did for me <\3

"A woman of beauty... knows in her quiet center where God dwells that He finds her beautiful and deems her worthy, and in Him, she is enough." 

~John and Staci Eldredge

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

Considering Graduation

Wednesday was #7

One more to go :)

My oncologist told me that the next time we meet will be my "Graduation Day."

In my mind, graduation connotes something accomplished, things completed, an end per se.

While I'm super excited to finish my chemo, putting behind me an experience I hope never to repeat, as we parted company, and Hubby and I made our way - for the next-to-last time - to the infusion suite, something about the idea of graduation bothered me.  Perhaps it's because there ARE no more graduations for me - unless I start over in another field of study ;)

... But that didn't seem to be the reason.

I understand that "graduation" is effectively the completion of a set of requirements, a checking the boxes of sorts.  I will have done that, but I know there's more ahead.

So I got hooked up - thankful my trusty port is still doing its job - settling in for the 4-hour infusion.

I  took this picture several weeks ago, but thought I'd share what Hubby actually DOES during this time:

Of course he puts it down if I need something!

IF I can get his attention :brow

JK

Love him anyway <3

So, back to my pondering about graduation.

It came to me sometime during the second hour.  

He got it wrong.  My oncologist that is.

October 30th will be my COMMENCEMENT!!!

A celebration of accomplishments, a ceremony marking the end of one phase and the beginning of something new!!!  I will step over a threshold, moving away from my travails, the hard work, the dedication to achieve completion... into a life where this part of the fight is a badge of honor, a distinction I will proudly share with many pink sisters.

Yes, my life will have changed.  I already feel it, taste it, smell it.  (At least SOME days - when the pain isn't there, when my taste buds get a brief reprieve from the yucks, and when I can't literally smell the chemicals coming out of my pores.)  My perspective will be - arguably already is - different.  I understand the importance of each day; the value of each hug, thought, and prayer; the power of love.  Oddly, my perspective on death has also changed.  No, I don't plan to leave this Earth any time soon, but I do now realize the temporal nature of my life in the flesh.  And when it IS my time, it will be just that!  

2014 looks to be better than this year - my half century mark that was supposed to be so special - when I will commence life anew, enjoy each day, continue to heal, and attempt to take difficulties in stride.  On October 30th I will have met my graduation requirements, but more importantly, having learned so much, I'll embark on a new journey.

Small Surprises

Done with Round #6!

2 more treatments to go and I feel like The Little Engine That Could!

I think I can!  I think I can!  I think I can!

Regardless, Taxol SUC#$ :(

When I called the Nurse Line after I had such bad aches and pains last round they suggested I take L-Glutamine (an amino acid used to counter some of Taxol's effects - among other things).  I started yesterday morning with abundant hope (fingers crossed and everything!)...

I felt pretty good on chemo day - just a tad tired - and took a refreshing walk in the park yesterday morning (day #2).  Also taught class last night :tup and opened my office to a beautiful surprise from a very special person:

In fact, I've been blessed this week with emails, cards, and two very lovely gifts :)

God must be communicating with my :angel  s

 

So, perhaps I'm not patient enough, but last night was not a good one.  I tried to sleep through it, but ended up taking some pain meds around 2 am.  

I know I've mentioned before that I DON'T like to take medications!!!  But I am grateful for those that will make me well - and that will let me sleep.

I'll take this in stride, because the end is in sight!!!

Some of you have seen the picture already, but my wonderful mother came with me for treatment this week:

So, she can attest to the SMALL Surprise I got from my oncologist :tup

While the Taxol may be worse in terms of aches and pains, it DOESN'T knock out my immune system the way the A/C did...

You have NO idea!!!

I've not had fresh fruit (OR uncooked vegetables OR food from a restaurant) 

since July 17th!!!

He gave me the a-okay \m/

This ALSO means that I will be able to visit my father-in-law who is not well.  

He has end-stage Parkinson's and I've not seen him since I started my treatments...

Really not such a "small" thing in my life right now ;)

 

Book cover from: http://www.betterlivingthroughbeowulf.com/
Seaside picture from: http://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Light-at-the-End-of-the-Tunnel

Learning to Expect the Unexpected

Three things have me thinking of late about the state of being "expectant" -

1. Standards, norms, and generalizations related to cancer and treatment

2. Human behavior, friendship, and true "gifts"

3. Mathematical odds

From the beginning of my treatment, once I knew what the regimen would be, I sought answers.  From the Internet, the pile of books beside my bed (I should have stock in Amazon), my virtual pink sisters, several real life pink sisters, and, of course, my oncology team.  

• What are the possible side effects?
• When will they start/how long will they last?
• What are the chances I'll experience them?

I have my lists.

Adriamycin and Cytoxan were the beasts (recall the "red devil" :v ?)

Nonetheless, my go with A/C was relatively mild, at least compared to others - of course it's all relative when you're in the hot seat! 

And, despite being told otherwise, my online PSs were having a rough go with Taxol!!!???

I sympathized, but knew it would be different for me.  Afterall, I'm staying active, following protocol, handling things in stride (mostly)...

Plus, my oncologist said 2/3 of folks do better on T than A/C :tup

The Pacific yew tree

Click HERE to see what makes this tree so special.

Crazy, huh???

Round #1 of T was a week ago...

I'm obviously the 1/3 :P

Pain meds have again become my friend, not so much the Pacific yew tree!

I do have a strategy for next round, and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

But I'm learning to expect the unexpected.

Human behavior isn't always predictable, but there are patterns.

In this fast-paced world we sometimes forget about others and become singly focused on our own lives and issues.  I had a couple of pity parties last week, and even my last blog post exuded a "woe is me" message.  I'd forgotten who was in charge and that He knows what's up, how I feel, and... well, everything!

My mom reminded me that we often miss His answers when we're too stubborn or self-absorbed:

So I was, once again, reminded of His love, and the presence of special people in my life this week.  I've REALLY been wanting a massage but have been scared since my breast surgery and while going through chemo (lymphedema, port issues, etc.).  I finally asked my doctor, and he said, "Sure!"  Of course I was told to go to someone I knew who would listen to my needs.  So, after my shot last Thursday, I headed toward Lawrenceville to speak in person with a therapist I've gone to several times. On the way I passed a new spa I'd seen advertised alongside my chiropractor's office in a local publication.  It was closer, so I thought I'd stop by.  As I walked toward the entrance of the spa I was spotted by the wife of my chiro in the office next door who waved, so I went in to say "hi."
Long-story-short, the spa is affiliated with their office, and a girl on staff is trained in oncological massage!!!  Hallelujah :e

Had my wonderfully relaxing massage on Monday, went to pay, and this angel friend :angel comped my visit.  What a gift.  Blessed I am! 

Finally, the math and genetics of it all.  

A roll of the dice would predict that if I have the BRCA gene, and precious daughter and dear brother do NOT, then awesome son's chances are tenuous at best.

Well, chances be damned!!!  

The passing of the vicious mutation stops with ME :mj

Awesome son does NOT have the BRCA mutation!!!

We batted 750 with this one!

I could actually learn to LIKE the unexpected!

Expect picture from: http://bugsinheaven.com/images/articlepics/expect.jpg
Dice picture from: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Music/Pix/pictures/2010/10/21/1287678943374/Rolling-dice-006.jpg
Ball and bat picture from: http://www.math.louisville.edu/newsletters/newsletterMar00/Image8.gif

"Celebrating" the Halfway Point

Actually I'm not celebrating, at least not in any truly EXCITING way ;-)

Hubby and I had planned to attend the Braves game last night - Breast Cancer Awareness/Celebration of Survivorship - free ticket for me, cheap one for him, lower level seats, meet and greet on the patio, pre-game walk out/recognition on the field...
and a t-shirt to boot!

Alas, my counts are in the pits - again - and, after warnings about contamination from my adoring mother, and questions/comments from hubby such as:
"Who will walk Cooper?"
"You know that's Cooper's 'time'."
... I made the decision NOT to go :(

He's mastered the pitiful look

To top it off, precious daughter AND awesome son were there!!!

• GCSU Kappa Delta "Braves Date Night" 
• Last-minute ticket from a friend with connections (awesome son called hubby from the "Club" \m/ )

I had big plans to take a picture in my CRAP shirt at the stadium - so it will have to be a Stone Mountain hike after all ;)

So...
I've been reflecting on what it means to be "halfway".
I tend to fluctuate between being an optimistic "glass half full" sort of person and a questioning, doubting, depressingly pessimistic "why me?" sort.

Some days I feel truly victorious, like I've really accomplished something.  Those days I'm full of boundless energy (yes, that's when you SEE me dear colleague ;) ), I busy around, accomplish tons, and hardly notice the "C".

Other days... not so much.  Some have asked about the "Hs" - they're back :@  Not with a vengeance like before, but bothersome nonetheless.  And I've got mouth sores - AGAIN!  Makes it hard to talk - hubby's certainly glad of THAT - and eat, thought I've somehow managed to keep my weight on ;)

H-A-L-F-W-A-Y

WOW!!!  Look what I've accomplished :e 

Yet it's still hard to read some of my earlier posts.

Then someone will ask, "Are you done with your treatments?"  No, 4 to go, 8 more weeks.
EIGHT MORE WEEKS!!!???  REALLY???
So then I feel the weight of this fight.
Wednesday is my first round of Taxol.

No, I'm not complaining - not much anyway.

Just trying to get motivated for the push to the finish line :tup

And I have a new project once my treatment is over!!!

Beautiful sister-in-law shared it with me:

http://karinstack.com/hs/hair.html

Hugs to all - Happy Sunday!

The Other Side... of a Bump in the Road

Front of card from a dear friend :h

A few other things that really made me SMILE last week

Balloons from my Bestie :)

Time with my Precious Daughter <3

Cooper literally STANDING on top of Awesome Son xD

AND...

'nuff said :tup

Of course Precious Daughter and I think THIS vintage mojo contributed to the victory! 

(Sorry dawgie fans - but I REALLY hope you beat the game chickens ;) )

So,

• Surgery was a success :)
• Counts were UP today :)
• Round #4 is in the books :)
• NO MORE :v !!!

Next Wednesday will mark the halfway point in my treatment!

    :e     :party     :e     :party     :e     :party     :e

I saw the COOLEST thing in the chemo suite this morning.  The nurses all surrounded a patient who was DONE with her chemo regimen and sang :tone :tone :tone to her!!!  Is was so AWESOME - they even harmonized!  I can't wait for my turn (I'll record it and share :tup).

Oh, I nearly forgot!!! (not really) ANOTHER :) for the week:

Dear Brother's BRCA test was NEGATIVE!!!    

  :tup     :e     :tup 

Awesome Son came in with us this morning and had his blood drawn.  I'm counting on a 75% negative return on my genetic investment ;)

Now it's off to fight the side effects of another round...

I've been TOLD that the SEs from Taxol (my next set of 4 treatments) are not quite as bad (except for the rigged, black, falling off nails! - but that's just SOME people :i  )

The thought I'll close with was shared by an :angel supporter and encourager:

Hugs to all of you who've been following my journey :h

Just another bUMp in the road!

When it Rains, it POURS!!!

Especially in Georgia, during the summer of 2013!

Awesome son's yard last week!!!

As if this hasn't been such an exciting adventure in the Land of the Unknown already, Round #3 really did a number on my gastrointestinal tract!!!  When chemo kills off all new cell growth, that includes the mucosal cells that line your digestive tract - hence the increased risk for mouth sores, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea; among other things!

When I couldn't:

• Sit
• Walk
• Climb up or downstairs
• Lower myself onto or raise myself off of the potty
• Shift my weight from one leg to the other
• Get in or out of bed
• OR sleep (even with help from a usually-friendly Lortab) without screaming in pain...

it was time to seek some assistance!!!

Had already consulted the on-call onco on Saturday.  He recommended sitz baths and continued treatment with the topical prescription - did both - what a joke!

Hubby called again on Sunday - tired of my screaming - and was told to bring me in first thing Monday a.m.

MONDAY

Drs. #1 and #2 (10:00 am)

Oncologist (not mine, since he practices out of another office on Mondays):

Climb up on the table and let's take a look (or something of that nature). 

Me: Give me a minute (or an hour), but PLEASE don't touch me! (He didn't.)

Oncologist: It might be shingles... (since I had an odd blister off to the side - I think it was from sitting on the heating pad too long!) Let's check your white count too..." (enter another oncologist)

Other oncologist (the on-call guy): Let me look at what's going on... (Since it got WORSE under my watch)

Me: (stifled scream!!!!!)

Other onco: Looks like you need to be examined by a gastroenterologist; they have better equipment to see what's REALLY going on.

Then the conversation turned to WHEN - can it be today???  Probably not.  But I have to TEACH in the morning!!!  I don't think so - look at you! You can't even walk!

Well, hero nurse Patty (MY onco's scheduling guru) DID get me an appointment that day!

Good news from that visit - white counts are UP!!!

Home with some Percocet (a step up from the Lortab), pass out for an hour, then up for more...

Dr. #3 (1:30 p.m.) Well, really 2:20, after 30 minutes of life history paperwork and a 10 minute wait without the clipboard

Gastro girl: So what's going on here?

Me: Can't you see? I'm dying! (No, I really didn't say that, just gave her, once again, my life history - can't she just look at the book I wrote???)

Gastro girl: Climb up on the table and let's take a look.

Me: (deep sigh, glance at hubby - she actually asked if I approved his staying in there!  Really? After all he's seen so far, on top of 26 years of marriage???) 

Gastro girl: Now you know I'm going to have to touch you, but I'll be as gentle as possible...  (gloves on, here it comes)

Me: OH, SH#%!!!!! (at least 2 times)

Gastro girl: (after using no "special equipment") They're obviously thrombosed ("Engorgement of a hemorrhoidal vessel with acute swelling may allow blood to pool and, subsequently, clot; this leads to the acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoid, a bluish-purplish discoloration often accompanied by severe incapacitating pain" [http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/81039-overview, para.1].), and really need to be removed. Who's your surgeon?

So she gives him a call, and he wants to see me... today!  In fact, right now!!!  

Wow, the benefits of being a cancer patient 8)

I really liked her.  But she shared that she's leaving the practice in 2 weeks :(

Dr. #4 (3:something p.m.)

My surgeon: (after the same routine, and a similar reaction from me) Yep, we need to do something about this.  I'd do it here in the office, but I don't think a local numbing will do the trick for the pain.

Me: (head rapidly shaking side to side)

My surgeon (I call him this b/c he's done "my" surgical biopsy, mastectomy, and port placement - so far!): We'll schedule it for tomorrow morning.  You shouldn't have to go through pre-op again since you were in not long ago. (MORE benefits of being a "frequent flyer")

Me: Okay. How long for recovery, because I have a chemo treatment scheduled for Wednesday?

My surgeon: Well, I'm afraid that's not going to happen.  It'll take at least a week, maybe more... lada lada lada... (I didn't hear the rest.  This CRAP was going to push off my scheduled treatment for the bigger CRAP!!!)
I was face-to-face with one of my biggest fears: reducing the efficacy of the chemo regimen by messing up the schedule.

I cried then.  Well not THEN, but while waiting for his assistant to schedule my surgery and post-op visit.  Especially after she told me, after consulting with him, again, that it would be 9 days before my post-op visit, and NO chemo until then.  So not a week off schedule, but 2 weeks...

Home, with more Percocet, potato and leek soup, another sitz bath, a ruptured one (the most painful one), hunting a pad in precious daughter's room for the bleeding (no, I don't need them anymore), anger, confusion, and sleep - almost!

As I was drifting off into my drug-induced slumber, my phone sounded a bling, indicating a message had come through.  I stretched over to take a peek, and since it was from precious daughter, checked the message.  She asked if I was okay, and if I'd seen the Facebook message she'd posted earlier.  I hadn't, so I checked.  Here's what it said (I'm sure she won't mind me sharing):

PERFECT <3

TUESDAY

• Surgery went well. My forever helper, sweet hubby, has been amazing AGAIN :)
• No pain today :tup for the drugs 
• Mama's coming over to help tomorrow, and I hope I'll be on the mend after that!
• Looking forward to catching up with work and my classes - SO grateful for the support and the "sub" - and REALLY anxious to get the show FIGHT back on the road!!!

I'll end with this, a verse one of precious daughter's besties shared with her today:

Romans 8:18 (KJV)
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Guess what came in the mail yesterday???

I've been waiting for it - not long though, this girl's QUICK!!!

And she refused to let me pay her for it, though I WILL make a donation to her foundation :)

SO...  I have a decision to make:

People who've bought or been given these have made it their business to send her "on location" pictures, some from placed around the world - well I'm NOT going anywhere any time soon!

My List of Options:

1. Stone Mountain? - I'd LOVE to send her a picture from the top of the ROCK, but I'm not sure I'll have any takers this weekend for a hike up the slope ;-)
2. The ATL? - another fair idea, perhaps at Centennial Park or looking at the skyline from the 17th street bridge...  but I don't feel like making the trip JUST to take a picture!
3. Dacula? - Hmmmm...  Nothing REALLY cool to shoot in the background around here, except perhaps our H-Mill entrance - but that dang water wheel is broken again, so that's a no-go.
4. Auburn? - (GA that is) there's a pretty cool old train engine in front of the quaint town center, but we don't live there anymore.
5. Clemson? - Best idea yet!!!  But, unfortunately, I DON'T have tickets to the BIG GAME next week!!!  Go Tigers, FIGHT! (Curb the Dawg ;-) )

Well...  still thinking...

I've GOT IT!

The good ole Mall of GA :)  

Nothing terribly exciting, but it DOES at least indicate where I live!
6.5 short miles away

(Too close for comfort if you ask me!)

And it's SO appropriate right now:

• Mouth sores HURT!!!  - got a solution called "Magic Mouth" prescribed, and it does allow for eating - IF you can enjoy food with a totally numb mouth ;-)  (Oh, and not bite the insides of your swollen cheeks!)
• Hemorrhoids are CRAP!!! - (sorry if that's TMI)  Apparently these are related to the chemo-induced mouth sores :(  Who knew???
• Y_ _ _ _ infections are even WORSE!!! - thought these were gone with menopause!  I haven't had one in YEARS :@
• Bone pain is back and NOT FUN!!! - But, if my online pink sister's theory is correct, the nasty Neulasta is doing its job with my neutropenic state and getting me ready for round #4, the last one with the Red :v

 I'm NOT complaining, though - just using this cool shirt to "speak" my mind :tup

Good and productive week overall :)

2 great classes

Office got a new coat of paint

Dear Brother got his blood drawn for BRCA test

Precious daughter started her SENIOR YEAR!!!

Awesome son is being proactive on the job front ;-)

Hubby FINALLY got his new laptop mount installed in his car!

And COOPER...

Well, he's doing just fine :)

How important is the hair in your nose?

The conversation went something like this...

     Sweet Hubby:  "Do you need a tissue?"

     Me:  "No. (sniff)"

     Sweet Hubby: (about five minutes later) "Do you want me to get you a tissue?"

     Me:  "No, (sniff) why are you asking?"

     Sweet Hubby:  "Well, you sound like you need a tissue!"

It was then I realized the advice of a pink sister to, "ALWAYS carry extra tissues," was NOT in jest ;-)

Yes, I'm losing my NOSE HAIR TOO!!!

Maybe I need one of THESE! 

Or not

So... does it matter???

Apparently so, see:  What is the purpose of nose hair?

I'm not one of those who usually suffers from allergies or sinus issues, so this is VERY frustrating - although a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.

I did lose a chunk of my left eyebrow last week.
Yes, a chunk!
Thank goodness for eyebrow pencils ;)

My eyelashes are also thinning, and a few fell out (same left eye) a few days ago - THAT will be the most difficult thing to camouflage!  I've been told you can just line your eyes and put some mascara on your lids, but I'm not convinced :brow

I've been combing YouTube for ideas...


There ARE some folks who believe you can actually avert hair loss during chemo using a strange process called "Cold Caps"  It's being tested, but my chemo nurse said she's NEVER seen it actually work in the end.  I can't imagine the prep... watch if you dare:  How it Works (I couldn't listen to this guy for long - but several online pink sisters actually purchased these things... then decided they were far too much trouble).

Oh well, bald it is \m/

I probably WON'T order one of those ;)

But, I've already ordered one of THESE :tup

http://www.veneciasfoundation.org/

My bestie gave me an amazing book by this pink sister (see link below shirt) - her story is inspiring, filled with humor and grit.  That the "crap" part came from her friend's student makes it even better from my teacher perspective ;) 

For those who are interested in a Round #3 Update:

• Days 1 & 2 were as expected - felt okay, just a bit "off" again
• Days 3 & 4 were pretty rotten - I WAS able to meet Mama and darling nephew (I know he'd hate I referred to him as "darling" - he's about to start high school ;) ) on Day 3 for a quick outing in the morning, then got too tired and had to go home; Day 4 found me mostly in the bed.
• Day 5 - TODAY!!!  Was a good one :)  Did some work this morning, folded some laundry, then met Mama for an event at her church called "Sweet Tea" - a survivor and caregiver support event.  We were served hot tea (interestingly tolerable given that everything now tastes pretty nasty) around beautifully decorated tables in varied sets of teacups and saucers - wish I'd taken a pic, visited for a bit, and listened to an inspirational speaker.  I even won the door prize for having been born the farthest away :tup  Any guesses where???

I'm thrilled to start teaching this week - can't wait to get going with the semester, and continue to rock the BC battle!

Picture from: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-10-most-idiotic-inventions-weve-ever-encountered-2010-10?op=1