My Breast Cancer Update: 25 Random Questions

I have been busy lately... well, busy for me. Ross hosted a movie night at the park; I met up with friends who are in town; we went to a concert; and we drove the boys to camp on Father's Day. I get tired out easily, but I'm hanging in there and trying to enjoy myself. 

Trying to stay positive can be tough with all of the doom and gloom in the world these days. For a break from the grind, I decided to take a moment to answer 25 random questions.

25 Random Questions

1. Do you have any pets?

Yes. We have a Jindo-mix dog named Karma. She is frequently on Instagram. #karmadog

2. Name three things that are physically close to you.

My laptop, a glass of iced tea, and my cell phone.

3. What’s the weather like right now?

A bit overcast and about 80°F

4. Do you drive? If so, have you crashed?

Yes I drive. No I have never been the cause of an accident or crash.

5. What time did you wake up this morning?

This is a bit embarrassing... around 10am. 

6. When was the last time you showered?

This morning. 

7. What was the last movie that you saw?

Last week I watched Deadpool.

8. What does you last text message say?

"OK, I'll keep in touch."

9. What is your ringtone?

It depends on who is calling me, but my default is "Opening."

10. Have you ever been to a different country?

Yes. I have been to Iceland, Costa Rica, Greece, Aruba, Jamaica, and Canada. 

11. Do you like sushi?

Yes, I love sushi, but haven't been allowed to eat it since February. I look forward to a visit to Sushi Taro in August. 

12. Where do you buy your groceries?

From several grocery stores including MOM's Organic Market, Whole Foods, and Harris Teeter. 

13. Have you ever taken any medication to help you fall asleep faster?

Recently, yes. 

14. How many siblings do you have?

I have one brother, Jamie.

15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?

Both. 

16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?

40, ugh...

17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?

Both.

18. Do you color your hair?

Ha! This is a rude question right now. When I have hair, I seldom color it. 

19. Tell me something you are planning to do today.

I am planning on cooking a healthy dinner for Ross and I.

20. When was the last time you cried?

Today. It wasn't a full blown cry-fest. My eyes welled up a bit. 

21. What is your perfect pizza topping?

Fresh arugula.

22. Which do you prefer, hamburger or cheeseburger?

I haven't had either in a while, but cheeseburger.  (Now I want a burger!)

23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?

Of course.

24. What is your eye colour?

Brown.

25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?

YES! Pepsi is gross. It tastes flat and too sweet. I love the harsh burn of a Coca-Cola!  (Great, now I want a Coke with that burger!)

My Breast Cancer Update: Being Positive.

I am slowly learning that being positive is not only about projecting a positive attitude. Being positive is also about choosing to see the good in life. Through my family and friends and the power of encouragement I know that things are getting better.

Weekends are for fun and time well spent with family and friends. I try to enjoy myself, but it can be difficult when I know that Monday I have another infusion. This past weekend I met my new nephew who was born just a couple of weeks ago. Although I wish I had more energy now so I could be more helpful, I am super excited that this chemo nonsense will be an old memory by the time I am able to have some real fun with him. I am already imagining Auntie outings with him.

So as I type this from my 10th of 16 infusions, I am doing my best to stay positive. I am well over the half-way point, and I will continue to push towards the finish line.

Much love to you all.

My Breast Cancer Update: 8 infusions down. 8 more to go.

Someone in the infusion suite is celebrating her last treatment today. She brought Georgetown Cupcakes for the nurses, balloons are tied to her chair, and she has a big beautiful smile on her face. So why do I want to cry? I'm so incredibly happy for her, but I can't help but feel jealous. I have planning my last treatment celebration since I began.

Today's infusion marks my half way point. In eight short weeks I will be the one celebrating.

My Breast Cancer Update: Part B of treatment - 3 of 12 cycles done!

This past Monday I had my 3rd infusion of Taxol, and so far so good. Other than feeling tired, I have not experienced any significant side effects. I have been warned that as I continue I may still develop neuropathy, but I'm staying positive that this portion of treatment will be easier. I have had a little bit of swelling in my left arm and I have been keeping up with my massage and exercise to keep it in check.

I have had more energy these past three weeks than when I started chemo. I have been getting out more and able to be a bit more productive. Let me just say that going out to dinner with my husband is great! I've missed it so very much and I'm glad to be able to handle short outings. My oncologist is pleased with my progress, and wants me to push myself a little more through these last weeks.

I am pleased with my progress too. Although I have my ups and downs, I finally feel like I will be on the other side of "this" soon.

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