My Breast Cancer Update: NO MORE RED DEVIL!

April 11th was my 4th cycle and final infusion of Adriamycin (AKA The Red Devil), and Cytoxan. Part A of treatment is complete! No chemo treatment this week, so I'm enjoying my last days of freedom. 

Part B of treatment begins May 2nd, and will be 12 weeks straight of Taxol. I have been told by doctors, nurses, and friends that the Taxol will be easier. I'm staying positive that it will be, and will hopefully feel more like myself throughout. 

I'm still not used to being bald. I haven't been able to go out in public with my naked head. I usually cover up with a hat, or a scarf wrapped turban style although I'm not very good at it. I was just telling friends how being bald is harder than I thought it would be. Before, I hardly styled my hair. I actually hid behind my hair, and hardly wore makeup. Now I'm wearing more makeup, trying to figure out my eyebrows, and spending way more time on scarf wrapping than I ever did on styling my hair. I'm sure I'll figure it out once my hair starts to grow back. LOL.

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of music. All genres. With the recent passings of some of my lifelong favorite musicians including David Bowie, Merle Haggard, and Prince, this process has been made extra emotional for me. So far, I have worn my David Bowie Blackstar tank under my shirt to every infusion. Seems silly, but it gives me courage.

I end this post with my favorite Bowie song, that I  listen to everyday. It may seem a bit heavy at first, but I find it empowering and encouraging. If you are feeling down, the message is clear... You're not alone.

David Bowie - Rock 'n' Roll Suicide,

taken from ‘Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)'

Cuff Smart Jewelry Closes Business. No Refunds.

I do not like to complain, BUT I pre-ordered my Cuff bracelet from cuff.io in February 2015. Multiple emails from the company, claiming delays, said they would ship April 2016. I visited the website and found that they closed up shop. Googled them, and found on Fortune.com that Cuff "quietly closed in March 2016."

No refunds!?! Seriously? After the company raised $5 Million? I think Cuff founder Deepa Sood owes customers an apology at the very least.

Current mood = Aggravated!

My Breast Cancer Update: I am a Lucky Girl

This past Monday was Cycle #3. Infusion went well, although I suffered some mild nausea that evening. Tuesday was greeted with more nausea; I spent half of Wednesday asleep and very achy; and Thursday was still achy, but could at least stay awake.

Today, the Friday after infusion, I started my day positive and thought I would be productive, well - productive for me. I got the boys out the door for school, showered, and dressed; I even managed a light dusting of make-up and real pants. I quickly realized that I had used all of my energy, and changed into sweatpants. I even got a couple loads of laundry done.

Those days in-between Monday and today were tough. Really tough. I'm an emotional rollercoaster. I feel like crap, look like crap, and don't want to do crap. I feel terrible, like I'm neglecting my family, my dog, myself. No matter how bad I feel, I'm constantly reminded of how lucky I am. Every single day we have family, friends, and neighbors reaching out and showing support. I receive emails, texts and cards of encouragement, flowers, uplifting gifts, meals for our family... the list goes on and on. The love is truly appreciated and keeps me smiling, even when it's difficult. I am so lucky to have strong women in my life who are fellow warriors of breast cancer and offer support, advice, or just an ear. I am lucky to have angels in my life who have been caretakers of someone with cancer, who understand how difficult this bump in the road is for myself and my family. It's just a bump for me, and I will get on the other side. I am lucky to have friends who have arranged for dinners to be delivered to my family on weeks that I have treatment. I am lucky to have friends who want to go with me to infusion and help me remember that I'm not alone. I am lucky to have friends who want to come by the house for a short visit, or to get me out of the house for a couple hours, and help me feel more like myself.

I am lucky that I am one infusion away from being finished with Part A of treatment! I have a week off before infusion #4, and I am lucky to be able to savor it.

I am lucky to have a nice shaped head like my Pops.

I am lucky to have a wonderful Mother.

I am lucky to be friends with this fellow Warrior, since 1st grade. 

I am lucky to be friends with this Angel, since high school.

I am lucky that a lovely neighbor dropped off a delicious cake.

I am lucky to have shared unfortunate haircuts with my brother.

I am lucky to have friends such as these lovely ladies...

and this beautiful friend...

and these great friends...

and this brother-from-another-mother...

and the greatest most supportive husband a girl could have...

and the many, many more of you out there who are helping me get through.

I love you all.

xo