A Wondrous Day

Today was a wonderful day. It started at 2:30 am with a look at the lunar eclipse. I then welcomed the winter solstice. This afternoon I went to see my plastic surgeon and my post op drains were removed. For those who have been there, you know how good it feels to have them gone.

Recovery is going well with only a little discomfort. It will take 3-4 months for the entire reconstruction process to be completed.

I've been enjoying many of the Christmas movies that are on t.v. this week and I'm actually getting into the holiday spirit.

Last Saturday, I got to Skype with my family in Washington at the annual family Christmas party. It was great to see and chat with so many family members. Next year I plan to be there. My NC family will gather here on Christmas Eve. The tree is up and decorated and my Santa Claus collection is displayed on the mantle.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Home again, Home again, jiggity jig....

Thursday Dec. 16, 2010
I was discharged home yesterday. We had no trouble with icy roads, thank goodness. I continue to do quite well especially with a little help from my pain pills. The entire process of re-contsruction should be completed in 6-8 weeks. Then I plan to go camping somewhere south and warm. Chris has been great and is helping with my "health care". No easy task when your wife is a nurse.

Surgery

10:45 pm:
I'm in my room at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Surgery took about 3 hours and I was in recovery room by a little after 6 pm. The surgery didn't get started until after 3.
I had a little bit of unexplained but not too worrisome fast heart rate so I stayed in the Recovery Room until 9pm for observation.
By all accounts, the surgery went well. I am feeling quite good. No real discomfort but I feel sure that they did some nerve blocks as well, which haven't worn off.
Chris was a real trooper and hung out here from 11 am until after ten. I sent him back to our hotel, where we have been staying since Sunday. With the snow and freezing temperatures, I didn't want to take any chances about being unable to get to the hospital. It worked out well and we extended so Chris could stay the night and not have to drive home and back.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I love you all! More updates later.

"On The Road Again"

After more than a year, I was finally "on the road again" and we were not unlike gypsies. Last week we went to Edisto Beach SC on a camping trip. Our goal was to head far enough south to actually find weather nice enough to "warm my bones". As luck would have it, the last warm day was the day before we got there. We arrived at the same time as a strong cold front. It was cold, it was windy and one day it was even rainy. That night the winds were strong and the entire island lost power. I did manage to take a walk on the beach every day but as you can see I had to exchange my bikini(sic) for my winter wear. The weather being what it was, we came home a few days earlier than planned. It was fun to be in our camper, AKA "Moby", again. We plan to head out again later this winter but the destination will be somewhere further south.

Yesterday, I had my pre-op visits with my surgical oncologist's NP and at the hospital. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 14th. I will be staying over night and will be doing some serious recoverying over the holidays. I will be glad to get this behind me and have a fresh start in the new year.

I'm also including another picture of Declan. Isn't he cute!!

Wishing Happy Holidays to one and all.

Introducing..

Declan Craig Braswell

Born 11/22/10 at 8:24am

8 pounds 6 ounces, 21 inches.
Proud parents: Patrick and Karen
Big Brother: Liam Joseph

Hairless Halloween

I'm still waiting for hair. Why does it seem like my husband's hair grows an inch a week and mine doesn't seem to grow at all? And now, my eyelashes and eyebrows are gone too. It did make it nice for Halloween. I could go as Uncle Fester from the Adams Family without even having to "dress up". We had a fun time with Harry "Leigh" Potter and the rest of the Gryffindor "Reece" Family.

I've had my consultation with the plastic surgeon but a surgery date is still to be determined. Both the plastic surgeon and the surgical oncologist have to coordinate schedules. Hopefully, it won't be too long.

This past week I have been back in the Washington DC area. Elizabeth had her back surgery on 11/1 and "Mom" came to help. The surgery went well and she is expecting a speedy recovery. Also, she received notification on Friday that she passed the NY Bar!! Great news!!

As luck would have it, on Friday I missed the first snowfall of the season in the NC mountains. I am a snow lover and I seem to always miss the snow. The temperatures will be back in the 60's when I get home on Monday 11/8.

Only 2 weeks until my newest grandson arrives. Pictures will be posted.

Anything but....PINK

October is almost over and I'm spending the end of the month at a lovely place with beautiful fall colors. Nothing pink about them. It's hard not to know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and pink is the chosen representative color. All of that is nice but, as the month ends, I can't help but wonder about a couple of things. Why, after all of these years, is it even necessary to still "find a cure". And, are too many profiting from the "power of pink"? There seem to be so many pink "breast cancer" items for sale. All promising to to donate anywhere from a few cents to few dollars of the purchase price to breast cancer research. I'm thinking that more than a few dollars go toward their "bottom line". Enough said.

I am at the Kripalu center, resting and rejuvenating. I've taken lovely walks in the woods, eaten healthy food and had several healing arts sessions which include massages and facials. On my walk to the lake yesterday, I passed many maple trees with their fallen leaves along the path. These leaves were from the type of maple that were in my childhood school yard and had a fragrance that I hadn't smelled in years. Instant transport back in time. I gathered a few pretty ones like I used to do as a child and pressed them in my journal. I'm trying hard to live in the moment but memories of the past are wonderful too.

On a sad note, I pay tribute to my cousin Susan Benton Small who died on Friday 10/22/2010. She was a remarkable, strong woman and my inspirational role model through chemotherapy. She will be missed.

Autumn Arrives

Fall arrived quickly this year. It might just seem that way to me because my summer was a blur. The leaves have started turning but are less dramatic than in years past and the last of my fall raspberries are ripening on the vine. I always miss my berries in the winter and look forward to their return in the summer.

Last week, I made an unplanned trip to the Washington DC area. My daughter, Elizabeth, was hospitalized for a couple of days with a ruptured disc and for pain management. I tried to be Momma the "Rescue Ranger" but didn't have the strength to do much more than drive her home from the hospital and to drug stores and grocery stores. She is managing to continue her classes at George Washington University, after an epidural, but still requires quite a bit of pain medication.

While I was in DC, my son Patrick was taken to the ER in Asheville, by ambulance, for a possible broken ankle. ( I say, what are my children trying to do to me?) By some miracle, although at the time it looked like a probable fracture, it is only a severe sprain. It was quite swollen so he had to be on crutches for a few days. He's still uncomfortable and that is limiting what he can and needs to do to get ready for the new baby in Nov. I know that must frustrating.

It's now a little over 3 weeks since I completed chemotherapy. I have to admit that I'm being impatient. I really thought that I'd feel "fantastic" by now. Hasn't happened yet. Any day now, I'm sure. I've been lax on my exercising lately and I know that exercise is important in regaining strength. The cooler temperatures in the morning have sure been an easy excuse to put off my walks.

My consultation with the plastic surgeon has had to rescheduled a couple of times. I will see him on Nov. 2nd and expect surgery to be shortly thereafter. But, it is very important that I'm feeling well by Nov. 22nd when my new grandson is due to arrive.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all the fund raising will hopefully help to find The Cure. I missed the Paint it Pink rally at Pack Square in Asheville while I was in DC, but I did purchase items and have officially participated in "the wearing of the pink".

I am still scheduled for a rest and relaxation trip to the Kripalu Center in MA, Oct 24-27th. I had imagined myself doing lots of hiking, yoga and exercise. Silly me. My goals are now more realistic: rest, read, jacuzzi, massage, facial, healthy food and did I say rest?

Chemo + Ten

It's official, Chemo is over. The last treatment was 10 days ago.
I met with my Surgical Oncologist, Nathan Williams MD, last Thursday for follow up and to plan for the future. Although he would strongly encourage me to continue in the clinical trial, he supports my decision to opt out. We made a plan to schedule and coordinate surgery with a plastic surgeon, Dr. Conway. They will work together on the surgery and reconstruction. We are thinking mid November. Time is needed for all of the chemicals to get out of my system. That will give me time to enjoy my Kripalu retreat, a gift from my daughter Jennie. Kripalu is a yoga center in Lenox, MA. They offer seminars, yoga, tai chi, meditation, nature walks, massage and so much more. A place to really rest and rejuvenate. I will be R & R ing the end of Oct.
After surgery, my newest grandchild will be born (11/22). Joy trumps discomfort!
More good news. I do not need radiation because my tumor was small and the lymph nodes were negative. That's a relief! Other than for surgery, I will be seen at the Hope Center only about every 6 months.
Now, I just go back to being normal? ( Right! Funny!) All I have to do is get my strength back, have my mouth heal, grow hair, grow eyelashes, and hope that food will, someday, taste good. Shouldn't take long........
There is a Paint it Pink Rally at Pack Square in Asheville next Thursday (10/7) from 4:30 to 7:00p. I don't wear pink and have nothing that color in my wardrobe but I just ordered my first pink shirt. I plan to be there and be part of this effort to find a cure. Breast Cancer should be something that we only read about in history books, like the Black Plague or Scurvy.
October is Breast Cancer Month. Please get your mammograms and do your self breast exams. It can save your life!

My last Chemo... Where's the Bubble(s)?

Today was my last Taxol treatment and I've looked forward to it for so long. I have seen many women end their chemo and the staff make a nice announcement and anoint them with bubbles. I was so "psyched" for that today. The infusion went well and I had nice conversations with the nurses. They are great. One did confess that, at first, she was not looking forward to taking care of me because I'm a nurse. Nurses can be difficult patients. (Still way better than Doctors, I'm sure). Apparently, I passed the "nurse acid test" and was told that I was a good patient and a pleasure to care for. A very nice compliment.

The infusion finally ended and NO bubbles. What? Why? Did I count wrong? Do something wrong?

None of the above. It has to do with a clinical trial that I enrolled in voluntarily. After all, I am a nurse. We are altruistic and want to help the greater cause yada, yada...

The trial was unblinded a few weeks ago and I found out that I did not receive a placebo. I did in fact receive Bevacizumab at intervals during my chemo treatment. Good, right? Every little thing helps that might prevent metastasis. Here's the irony of it all. The group to which I was randomly assigned is scheduled to continue in 2 months with 10 more Bevacizumab infusions every 3 weeks. That's over 30 more weeks of "chemo". I truly thought that I'd get placebo or the 8 doses along with my regular chemo. It never crossed my mind that I'd be in the group to receive more. When I win, I lose.

Definitely, not in my plans for the next 7+ months or my life for that matter. I have places to go, people to see and things to do. I am planning on surgery (mastectomies) which can't be done while on this medication because it hinders wound healing and with that had planned to avoid radiation which is a requirement of the study. Both Bevacizumab and radiation can cause significant problems with your heart and I'm not prepared for that.

I've been scouring the internet for any clear evidence of the benefits of Bevacizumab and there isn't much so this study is about discovering if there are any long term benefits. I'm trying to weigh the risks versus the benefits. Risks keep winning but what if it turns out to be the "big cure" and I missed the boat?

I think that I see a consultation and maybe a second opinion in the near future.

So no Bubbles today and my own Bubble has definitely burst!!!

Happy, Happy and Happy!

Today is my birthday, my husband's birthday and our anniversary. It can't get much better than that!!! We had a great day. Went out to lunch and then to Asheville to see a cute movie: Flipped. A coming of age movie resembling the television series, The Wonder Years. Lots of music from the late 50's and early 60's which brought back so many memories. We were treated to lunch by Ashley and invited a neighbor, Judy. to join our table. Lovely company.
I'm getting my "chemo" bag ready for the last time. My pillow and blanket are packed. Next will be my computer, then book and then my snack. It is still hard to comprehend that tomorrow is my last Taxol treatment. Does that mean that I might actually start growing hair again?

The "Finish Line"

One finish line:
It is almost hard to believe, but I am rapidly approaching the chemotherapy finish line. My last chemo is Thursday Sept. 23rd. It has been a long haul, but I've made it.
Another Finish Line:
I was so surprised and left speechless when I found out that this weekend a friend and classmate, Diane Long (AKA Kader) from St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Yakima, Wa (class of '68) ran and crossed the finish line in the Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure in Portland, OR. She made the decision to run just recently and trained for only 5 weeks. Way to go Kader! Diane ran for her cousin Pat who is a breast cancer survivor and for her classmate, me. This generous gift continues to bring tears to my eyes. There are no words to express my gratitude. It does prove that true friendships are not weakened by time or distance. Thank you Diane for being my friend.
Although, it has been over a decade since I've run, I plan to be ready to run beside Diane next year. Please join me.

9/2/10 Chemo Companion

While in town, my daughter Jennie accompanied me to chemo. Even though I was a bit "goofy" from the pre-chemo medications, we had a a great visit and the time passed so quickly.

MY "CHEMO" Sabes" and "CHEMO" Kazis

My "Chemo" Sabes and 'Chemo" Kazis

Today is "Chemo Thursday" and I am sitting in my chair receiving Taxol number 11/12. The second to last treatment. These weekly and the prior every 2 week visits to the Hope Cancer Care Center for Women was made so much easier thanks to my wonderful nurses that I now call my 'Chemo-sabes' and 'Chemo- kazis'. Because they made sure that I never felt like a Lone(ly) Ranger when I was under their care (Chemo-sabe's) and always used their best knowledge and skills to promote cancer cellular suicide (Chemo -kazi's).

Each week following treatment I have 2-3 days of fatigue about mid week but feel quite well just before and just after Chemo Thursday. Yesterday I even walked up our mountain, almost to the top. I was out over 2 hours but had to factor in 2 or 3 visits with neighbors along the way. Still a pretty good amount of exercise.

Thanks again to everyone for your calls, cards, prayers and best wishes. they are very important to me. I'm doing great and am getting ready to rejoin the healthy. Hope to even have hair one of these days.

And then there was 1!

Remember to exercise and eat a healthy, plant based (preferably organic) diet. Keep cancer out of your life.

11 down down, now there is one!

Fabulous Family 8/29 - 9/5/2010

Fathers and Sons

Colin McNicholas, Patrick Braswell, Quinn McNicholas, Jim McNicholas and Liam Braswell reading "Hands are not for Hitting" Ummm..

Colin, Patrick, Quinn, Jim and Liam.

Colin, Elizabeth, Jen, Aunt Betty , Liam, Patrick, Helen, Chris, Uncle John , Quinn and Jim

Liam

Elizabeth Chuck Karen Patrick Jim Jen

Colin Leigh Quinn

Ashley Chris Helen

Last week was very special with visits from my family who live around the country and around the world. Early in the week, my daughter Elizabeth stopped by for a few days on her way to Washington DC to start grad school. Daughter Jennie and son-in-law Jim visited from Tbilisi, Georgia (the country) with my wonderful but busy little grandsons, Quinn (3) and Colin (9mo). My son Patrick and daughter-in-law Karen came over from Asheville with my sweet and also busy grandson, Liam (3) and my step (but just like a real one) daughter Ashley, husband Chuck and beautiful granddaughter Leigh, who live in town, were here, too. Their paths crossed on Sunday the 29th for only about one hour but we managed to be here all together. It has been several years since we've accomplished that feat. Of course a family photo was mandatory.

We had very special visitors on Tuesday. The children's Great Aunt and Uncle drove from Lexington Kentucky to get a chance to see the children and the grandchildren. Aunt Betty and Uncle John Hembree were one of Kelley's (the children's father) favorites and that special feeling lives on in all of us. We love to visit and never have enough time to get "talked" out. Another group photo and we almost got everyone looking forward.

The cousins were able to get together several times during the week and they really enjoyed playing together. Notice the title of the book that the fathers are reading. Quite timely. Also notice the fancy black and blue splint on Quinn's left arm. His fingered got smashed between two bowling balls in Italy and he has a fractured middle finger. He has been very brave.

Elizabeth is now in DC staying with friends while she looks or housing. Classes have started. Jim and the boys flew to NY to visit Jim's brother Ed and his wife Nancy before flying back to Georgia on Saturday night. They are home and dealing with jet lag, trying to keep the boys from sleeping all day and staying up all night.

Jennie stayed over the weekend and then flew to DC for a business meeting. I enjoyed visiting with her and helping her shop for many of the staples she likes to take back to Georgia. She flew to DC on Monday and arrived back in Georgia this morning.

The house seems so quiet now. Of course that may also have something to do with the fact that it is 5 am. I can thank the steroids that I got today at chemo. Chemo updates to follow.

The Countdown 8, 7, 6, 5......

Only 5 weekly Chemo treatments to go. I think that I can finally see an end in sight.

The side effects from Taxol continued to be mild to moderate. Each week they intensify slightly. The most noticeable are joint/bone pain and fatigue. I have to really push myself to exercise, but I'm still walking up the hill. (Most days)

Weekly chemo meant that I had to miss a couple of events this summer. My 45th High School reunion was this month. Although, I wasn't able to attend, I did reconnect with many friends via Facebook. They kept be updated on the lives of my classmates and promise to share pictures. Thanks everyone!

I missed a family reunion in Leavenworth, also. So cousins, we must find a way to gather again. Either, "at the river" (Icicle) or on the west side. Around the holidays?

This past weekend, we went to Salisbury, NC to join my husband's family in honoring his nephew. Will is in the Marine Corps and his unit will be shipping out this week for the northwestern part of Pakistan. They will be helping with the humanitarian efforts there. Oorah!

I got some "new hair" a couple of weeks ago. Bald is still more comfortable for me but, hair seems to be more "comfortable" for others.

My tomatoes are almost finished producing for the season. I had a good crop and enjoyed them with basil and goat cheese. The living calendar should end about the same time as chemo. Good timing!

Last, but by far, not least: My children and grandchildren will all be here next week. Elizabeth arrives on Thursday and will be here for about a week before she moves to DC. Jennie, Jim, Quinn and Colin arrive on Sunday and will be here for almost a week. Patrick, Karen and Liam live in Asheville and will be dropping by to join us as will Ashley, Chuck are Leigh. As a bonus, Aunt Betty and Uncle John Hembree are planning to drive from Lexington KY to see everyone. It will be a great week and I'm a lucky Mom/Grandma!!

Two days until Chemo Thursday. And then there will be 4....

A Great 2 Weeks

The past couple of weeks have been busy ones. I had a great visit with my sister Judi and did my best to show her our bit of Appalachia. We visited Cataloochee Valley, walked through the old schoolhouse and the Caldwell House, visited the Palmer House museum and of course, enjoyed watching the elk. We drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped at the Folk Art Center and shopped along Mainstreet Waynesville. Judi went with me to three of my chemo treatments and was pleased to see that Discount Shoes was nearby. Neither of us could believe how quickly time went by. She returned home this past Monday.
Four Taxol treatments down and only eight to go. Number five is tomorrow. So far, the side effects continue to be minimal and managable.
Living Calendar is going strong. I have harvested my first tomatoes and have been enjoying basil for several weeks.
Thanks to all of you who continue to visit (Libby from Raleigh, see above), call, send e-mails, cards and good wishes. Each and everyone of you are very important to me and my continued recovery.
Elizabeth, who is currently visiting Jennie in Tbilisi Georgia, was accepted to George Washington Law School's Master's in Intellectual Property program. Classes start on August 30th.
Jennie, Jim and the the boys (Quinn and Colin) are coming to the States for a visit. They will be be in NC the last weeK of August. Both boys have grown so much. Grandma (AKA Grandmom) is looking forward to having all of her "boys"(Liam, Quinn and Colin) here to play.
Patrick and Karen are busy getting the house ready for "Pumpkin's" arrival. November will be here before we know it.
when it cools down a bit, Chris and I hope to get a couple of camping trips in. Summer with out camping trips just doesn't seem right. We can camp in the area so I will be back for chemo and office visits.
Getting ready for "Chemo Thursday"!

Chemical Warfare, Sisters and ...to infinity and beyond!

My eyes are "shadowed" in light blue and lined with a brown liner. Mascara is on and blush has been placed on my "apples". They are the little round places on your cheeks that appear when you smile. I've dusted my face with bronzing powder and have lipstick on my lips. All this in an attempt not to look like Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird". So this all means that it must me "chemo" day. Indeed. Taxol # 3.

It has been a good two weeks engaging in Chemical Warfare. Taxol seems to have less severe side effects than the previous meds. I have had no sudden dips in energy levels and no fever or acute illness. A little more overall tiredness but quick naps are all I need.

It has been a great 2 weeks!

My eldest grandson, Liam, turned 3 on July 12th. I met his baby brother via utrasound on that day. So sweet. On Saturday, we had a birthday party for Liam at our house. The theme: Toy Story AKA..."To infinity and beyond." A phrase that was heard frequently that day. His cousin Leigh was here and they had a grand time running through the sprinker and later slidinig down a daddy/grandfather created silp-n-slide. The slides were apparent attempts to make it to infinity....

My sister Judi came for a 2 and 1/2 week visit. She is here to help her big sister. Since I don't need much help at this point, we are spending time just having fun. We sisters are three so we don't feel complete without our middle sister Patti here. We will have to plan trip with the 3 of us. We have shopped along mainstreet Waynesville, gone to Earthfare to buy healthy, organic food, watched movies, had spa treatments, have taken walks and even babysat Liam for a few hours on Wednesday. He can sure keep his "Grandmom" busy. We still have the Folkmoot parade and a visit to Cataloochee valley to see the elk, on our schedule. It has been over 20 years since her last visit. So much to see and do.

Will keep you informed of our adventures! Stay cool!

Boot Camp

A story: I feel a little like I've been going through "Boot Camp" since being "drafted" into the Pink Ribbon Club (This is definitely not something you volunteer for). Basic training has drilled into me the importance of exercise and good nutrition, preferable organic food ( have you seen the movie Food, Inc. lately?) and I have learned that bald is beautiful even if you're not Demi Moore. I was given my own "C" port (sic) (AKA Chemo) and I've even begun Special Ops training in Chemical Warfare. I've completed and passed part one: Adriamycin and Cytoxin and begin a new special 12 week assignment with Taxol tomorrow. I expect to wear fatigue almost daily. This tour of duty should be over around the end of September. Then, I plan to be discharged, honorably, and having earned "my stripes". The end.

It's been a good 2nd week after A/C. Some fatigue but no fever. Yesterday, I had my pre-Taxol labs, exam, an ECHO Cardiogram and an EKG. I should be good to go! I'm not sure what to expect as far as side effects. Sometimes, I think that the practitioners are intentionally vague about that. I feel quite certain that I will have some bone pain since I've already been given a prescription for pain medication.
We had a nice 4th. Celebrated with a cookout and safe fireworks at Ashley and Chuck's. Leigh entertained us with her badminton skills and story telling. She had quite an audience with all grandparents being present.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Keep cool and wear your sunscreen!

"A few of my favorite things..."

Leigh age 4 1/2

Liam age 3

Quinn age 3

Colin age 6 mos

The grandchildren. They are definitely "my favorite things"!!!!

I had my 4th and last A/C treatment on Thursday June 24th. The "slump" is still a couple of days away but we hope to preempt it this time by starting antibiotics before I run a fever.

I will start Taxol, weekly, on July 8th. I learned that the side effects from Taxol will be less bothersome, at least in the beginning, and my hair will start regrowing. That should be fun to watch. Curls? Gray?

July promises to be a busy, fun month. Liam turns 3 on July 12th. We will celebrate on the 10th or 11th. Karen has an ultrasound on July 12th and we hope to find out if Liam will have a baby brother or sister. Of course "Grandmom" plans to be there. My sister Judi is coming for a 3 week visit on July 14th. It has been over 20 years since she has been to NC so we have a lot to see and do. I can't wait!

The "living calendar" continues to thrive. My raspberries and blueberries are about finished for the year. I had a pretty good, tasty crop. Of course my most successful crops this year are the weeds. They have taken over every flowerbed and so they may.

"De-Slumping"

A quick update:

The "slump" is resolving. Not quite batting .500 but .250 is good enough. Thanks again everyone! Chris and "Moby" got home safe and sound on Sunday. A good time was had.

It has been a bit too hot with poor air quality so I haven't started back walking. Even working in the yard has been impossible. My next chemo is this Thursday 6/24. This is the last A/C (Adriamycin/Cytoxin) treatment. A milestone. I will start 12 weekly Taxol treatments in a few weeks. It will be interesting to see if the side effects are the same. Stay cool everyone!

From Spunky to Punky

What a difference a day makes...

After a great day on Wednesday, I awoke Thursday feeling like I was in someone else's body. I was extremely fatigued, had a headache and my cough seemed to have gotten worse. While lounging around, I heard a noise on the front porch. It was a neighbor, Lorraine, who had brought me many wonderful prepared organic foods. What a lifesaver! Fixing a meal was one of the last things I felt like doing. Everything was delicious. I figured I would delay my walk a bit until I felt a more energetic. Didn't happen. By 4 pm I had a fever and decided to call the Hope Center for advice. Another round of antibiotics was called to the pharmacy and I was scheduled to be at the Hope Center by 8 am on Friday for lab work and an exam. I managed to drive myself to pick up my antibiotics but knew that I quite likely wouldn't be able to drive myself to Asheville in the morning. Irene, another neighbor, gladly volunteered. She was there bright and early Friday morning and drove me to my appointment. She even went with me for my labs etc. I had awakened with nausea that morning and was full of plenty of anti nausea medicine. In other words, I was a bit "loopy". She was actually there to help me remember lab results and recommendations. Thanks Irene. You'll have to tell me, again though, what was said. I still can't remember anything except that I need to be careful and stay away from germs.

I got through Friday without a fever and felt some energy returning by that evening. I still had plenty of nourishing food from Lorraine to sustain me. Thank you so much!

Today, Saturday, is a new day. I have some energy but, maybe not enough to walk. I'm sure I'm on an upswing and will be feeling more like old self soon. Happy Father's Day Weekend everyone!

A Very Good Week

I don't want to jinx myself, but I have had a good post chemo week! I managed to walk at least 30 minutes most days and some days as much as an hour. I think that the fatigue is less when I exercise.

I actually went out in public yesterday and had lunch with friends at a nice restaurant in town. I had been avoiding crowded places in my attempt to stay well.

I am flying solo for a few days. Chris has "gone camping" and I know he is looking forward to a few days in the woods. He is meeting his brother and they always have a good time.

My raspberries are ripening and today I made 5 jars of jam. Unfortunately, we are having a lot of rain and the berries are at risk of rotting before they can be picked.

I've been reading a blog by Jennifer Griffen, a 40 year old correspondent/journalist who has been interviewed on The Today Show and FOX news describing her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer and the progress of her treatment. The blog covers the past 8 months and in it she cites many research articles about the role of nutrition and exercise in preventing and curing cancer.

I'm trying to heed that advice. No sugar, no dairy, organic, only wild salmon and a very low fat diet. Here is the blog if interested: www.jengriffinblog.blogspot.com

I want to take a minute and thank my family and friends who have been sending prayers and good vibes my way. The cards and offers of help are greatly appreciated. I will call if I need help.

There are still a couple of days left in "the slump" week and then the upswing begins and several days of feeling great. The next chemo is scheduled for June 24th and that will be the last Adriamycin/Cytoxin treatment. I will then start 12 weekly treatment of Taxol. I'm almost 1/4 of the way through this!!!

Round 3 Day 28

Right now I am sitting in my "Chemo Chair" at the Hope Women's Cancer Center receiving Round 3 of my treatments. There are some amazing women here of all ages. There is laughing and banter and many seemed to have formed friendships. Very inspiring!

I've had quite a bit of energy the last several days and managed walks, some garden work and even a bit of housework.

On Tuesday, I had a good visit with my grandson Liam and he told me all about his trip to Disney World last week. He showed me pictures and told me "all about them".

The "Living Calendar" is doing well. The plants have found a home on the deck and are thriving in the sun. Day 28!

My raspberries are also thriving and seem to be ripening a bit early this year. I may have to enlist volunteers to help me pick them and, if there are enough, make jam.

That's all for now folks!!

About Hair

I couldn't get the "Hair" photos to upload in the proper order but to clear up some confusion, all of the photos are of me and my natural hair. I had my hair cut in stages. Maybe to make it easier for the "fall out" or maybe to prepare me psychologically for being bald.

Chemo update: I awoke Thursday about 3 am with a fever, head ache and a sore throat. I was started on antibiotics that afternoon and was seen by a Nurse Practitioner at the Hope Center this morning. The best guess is that I had strep throat or a virus. The antibiotics are working and I hope to feel better for the few days remaining before my next Chemo on 6/10.

My living calendar tomato and basal plants are doing well. I hope to harvest the ingredients for Caprese salad before the summer ends. Yum!!

It's About Hair

Since Chemo stared the big question has been...When will I lose my hair? There were many predictions. Day 14, Day 10, Day 18. Before it happened, I decided to take matters into my own hands and had my hair cut short and then even shorter. "Fallout" started this week on day 20. I must have a thick skull! I'm mostly bald now. This is day 9 of my 2nd treatment. Fatigue is present and I may have gotten a cold. I'm going to start antibiotics today and have an office visit at Hope in the morning just to make sure that I don't have anything serious starting. My White Blood Count should be rising soon and I expect to feel better any day now.

Graduation

The main event was John Marshall Law School Graduation on Sunday, May 23, 2010. I was a very proud mother as I watched Elizabeth graduate with honors. Cheers Eliz! There was a nice reception following the ceremony which was held at the Sheridan, alongside the Chicago River.

Chicago (sans Richard and Rene) 5/20-5/25/10

What a wonderful trip we had! My energy returned just in time to enjoy friends, family and graduation. First stop: Louisville Kentucky and an inspirational visit with my friend Teresa. She gave both Chris and I great advice and shared funny stories about chemo, spouses and synthetic hair. So good to see her! Arrived in Chicago on Friday, at rush hour, in the pouring rain and were met at the hotel by Elizabeth and Jennie. We enjoyed great dining, shopping and a White Sox-Marlins game. The highlight of the game was watching Cameron Maybin, who is from Asheville, play in the outfield for the Marlins.

Chemo "Therapy"

What does a wise man do when his wife starts chemo? Projects, projects, projects! The deck is almost complete and looks great.