Merry Christmas Eve

What a difference a year makes. This year actually flew by. I am so excited about Christmas this year, I couldn't sleep. I need to go to work today, but who cares, it is better than last year.

I am having lots of fun volunteering with the cats. I really want to take another one home. But I keep stopping myself.

The boys are good, just being teenage boys. I haven't made plans yet to got to Disney. Something I promised myself while I was sick. Maybe in the Spring.

Well, I don't have much to write, I guess that is good. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

What a Nice Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was yesterday. It was so nice. The boys and I went to Anthony and Jeanmarie's house. We ate so much! It's funny because none of us seem to remember last year. We think we were at my parents house because we found a picture of Daniel with the turkey appetizer we made, but not really sure. I was in the middle of chemo, so that is probably why we don't remember. Oh well! I took lots of pictures yesterday, so I won't forget.

When we got home Joe was reading all the ads he wanted to get up at 5 to go shopping. I said sure because I knew he wouldn't make it. I got up at 6 to feed the cat and he asked if we could go at 10. I said sure, we went out by 11 and went to a few places but it was crazy out there. I am back now and need to nap!

I am so thankful for my family and great friends!

Nothing is New

Life is just so normal these days there is nothing to write. Work has been crazy. I haven't even had a chance to think. I finally think I reached a good point, where I can take few days off (Which I have six of to take before the end of the year). I was going to take the boys to Philadelphia on Veterans day but not sure now. The Mint won't be open and the hotel is a lot to spend to just to go see the Liberty Bell and have a cheese steak. I really want to go to Florida in the February, so I really need to rethink this.

I love hanging out with the cats on Tuesdays and I want to bring them all home. How many cats is too many?

I am still going to my cancer support group. They are such a nice group of people. It's nice to talk with people who have been there already.

Oh, and my hair, it's great! It looks like a real haircut these days. Yeah!

Well same old..... Which is so good compared to last year!

More Ordinary Updates

Just heard from by friend Barbara who said she likes my life is so good and ordinary.Then I realized I am so busy being ordinary I have forgotten to write.

Anyway, Life is just great. Had a wonderful time in PA visiting with the Sidoti's. We had so much fun sleeping in the caboose with our little buddy David. Played mini golf, went shopping and just relaxed!

Work has been work. Not sure if I love it, but it is better than last October. I joined a cancer support group. I met so many nice people, including my favorite professor from college, who is going through chemo now. It really sucks!

Had a scare a few weeks ago with Joe. He flipped his ATV and wound up with sixteen staples and huge bruises. Made me cry when I saw it. He missed a week of school and think he finally realizes how dangerous that stupid thing is.

I am still volunteering with the cats at PetSmart. I go every Tuesday and love them all. I get so sad when I see the same older cats there every week. I want to take them all home. But I get really excited when I see that they eventually get adopted.

I have been doing lots of great things with Joe and Dan. Last week we went to the circus, the movies, Dave and Busters and apple picking. Now I am just yelling like a crazy lady because no one ever want to go to bed. I must go get them motivated.

Going Away Tomorrow!

Taking another mini vacation. I think I will just do this every three months. We are going to Lancaster to see the Sidoti's. Last time I was in PA is when I called for my results and found out that it was cancer. I knew it was bad when I called and they had to have the doctor call me back.

Anyway, that felt like it was a hundred years ago. We love PA and our friends so we are making our annual trip. Joe is good to travel. Got the word from the surgeon that he was good to go. He can even go back to school on Tuesday!

We are not going to do too much on our vacation. Just visit a farm for a potato festival and go eat some Amish food and go to the outlets! We are staying at The Red Caboose Inn. This has to be the 5th or 6th time that I have been there. I remember getting up to get Daniel a bottle in the middle of the night and there was no room to walk because we had the pull out bed open!

We are only staying there one night and then at a nice hotel the next. David is even going to stay with us in the Caboose. He is six and very excited about it!

Well, I really need to go to bed! I have to get up early to pack and I told the boys we were leaving by 10am. I am sure that means noon!

Today is my Joe's 16th Birthday

It has been such a long year, I can't even remember what we did for his birthday last year! This year we had a party yesterday. We all went to dinner and then back to my parents house. I thought about having it here, but it is always so clean and organized there, I took the easy way out. Joe slept here last night and then we went to his favorite place for lunch. McDonalds drive thru. Tonight he is having a party with his friends and his dad's side of the family.

I am sitting here enjoying the quiet, doing laundry and having a glass of wine. My furry babies are all here and I am wondering if the older cats at petsmart got adopted this weekend. The more I see them the more I wonder if I should take them all home. It breaks my heart to see them there each week. But then I think about these guys. They get along so well I wouldn't want to rock the boat. I have Chip my 80lb lap dog, Alex my black cat who thinks he is a dog and Dotty who is white with black spots who is just so sweet, but usually hides when people come over. She was at Petsmart for a long time. Then Sherry, the dog comes over lots of times when Joe sleeps over. I would take her but Joe likes having her there.

Anyway, sometime this week I have to make an appointment for my mammogram. I keep forgetting to do so. I have the Rx for the longest time but I can not remember to call. It is a great big mental block. I hate to admit it but I am scared. Not of the test, just the waiting and the outcome. I guess this is the week I better go to the cancer support group. I keep getting things in the mail about the breast cancer walk. Not sure why, but I do not want to go. I think they want to recruit me because I raised so much for the relay for life. My last count was $925. Anyway that was emotionally draining and I can't do anything like that for another year.

Well my laundry needs to get done, so I will stop writing now. Thanks for reading. If you are send me an email and let me know, so I will continue posting. My email address is dmh180@gmail.com. If not, I think I will just continue to write to myself (and my mom, who I know still reads this). Hi Mom! Love you!

Life is so ordinary I keep forgetting to write

Ordinary is good. Wait, ordinary is great! I keep thinking back about all that time I sat here doing nothing and had no energy to do anything. Boy was that a long winter and spring. Well I have finally reached my one year survivor anniversary. It was just the other day on my mom's birthday. I still feel terrible that I got my diagnosis on her birthday. I am just glad that we were both here to celebrate her 77th birthday yesterday. We all went to dinner then back to mom and dads house for cake. I thank God for every day I have with them. I think I have needed them more the last few years than I ever have!

Life is really good! In a few weeks, Joe will be sixteen, I am happy but sad cause I don't want him to be all grown up! I am afraid he won't want to hang out with me anymore. I am also nervous about him driving. On Friday we went to Rye Playland and we all had a great time. I kicked butt on the go carts, but they got even on the bumper cars. Daniel kept hitting me just right so I would wind up backwards on the track. Joe kept trying to give me whiplash! Today we went to the movies. Tomorrow I must work, because they make me spend way too much money.

I can't write any more it is way too emotional for me. It is like I open up my brain and all my bottled up feelings pour out. I think that is one reason I am still writing, it's like a journey to my mind.

Want to adopt a Cat

This was my second week of volunteering at the cat room at Pet Smart. I go on Tuesday nights and I have to clean out their little cells and feed and play with them. It is very rewarding. I love them all and want to take them all home. Even the one who tried to attack me last week. She is just a little crazy, just like me! The kittens are adorable and go crazy once they are free! I just have to make sure that I count them all and leave them water. Last week I almost forgot to put water back in one of the kittens cells. There were four of them in there!

Tonight I went to my first cancer survivor support group. It was so good. There was about 12 people there and they are like one big happy family. They had sandwiches and cookies and after it was over it carried on for another hour in the parking lot. It was nice taking to people who have been through the same thing I have.

So as you can see life is good! Working, hanging out with my boys and family and just loving life.

Life is soooo back to normal

No vacation to look forward to. Well I still want to go to Disney in the winter, but that is just to far away to plan. Last week, work was so much work... I was not happy. Tomorrow I have to go to Blue Bell PA to meet a new client. I think I am okay with this, but it is 2 and a half hours away and I have to leave the house at 6:30! My last complaint of the day is that I only need $3000. to pay off my co-pays from radiation and chemo. Now that I think about it I think I have a few other things to bitch at, but I really have to stop. All this anger can't be good for me.

Okay now a happy thing. Tomorrow after my road trip, I get to go to my new volunteer job. I'm going to be a cat lady. I am going to take care of the cats in Petsmart every Tuesday night. Joe and Dan think it is the funniest thing. They say I am going to wind up with a house full of cats. They say I really shouldn't do this now cause I have to be old and retired in order to do this right. Dan said he is going to be afraid to come home. I think it will be fun. Just me and the cats staring at people on the other side of the glass!

The boys are good they are enjoying their summer. Dan is in camp and Joe sleeps all day. Dan is so funny today he tells me he can't find his baseball glove, so he is going to bring an oven mitt to camp tomorrow! I really need to adopt Dan's attitude on life!

Life is just Great

Just celebrated my 44th birthday. Last weekend I had a party at my parents. It was just me, the boys, Ant and the kids, my parents and my buddy Denise. It was very nice. Then on Sunday the boys and I went to Villa Roma for a few days. It was great!

I figured the boys have been to Ireland so many times, they needed to see their Italian heritage. I couldn't afford Italy so the Catskills were close enough. They loved it and have become Bocci Ball experts. They are really good at shuffleboard too.

I enjoyed a few happy hours and a massage on my birthday. The food was great, and we played bingo and joined in the duck races. I even went in the jacuzzi and the pool for a few minutes.

Now I am home recovering from all my relaxing. Watching my new TV, which I just brought for my living room. The other was too small to go with my new couches. Those I got a few months ago. Now I just need to pay for all this stuff!

Relay for Life was Amazing

Thanks to all my wonderful family and friends, I raised over $900. for the American Cancer Society. I woke up last Saturday and was not even sure I was in the mood to go to the relay. I am not sure if anyone else really wanted to go with me either. Well we did and there was a bunch of us, Mom, Dad, Denise, Anthony, Dominick, Kayla and Joe and Dan.

It was raining so they had it inside, after registering I got a sash, like the Miss America kind and it says "Survivor", I also got a pin with the year on it and then I had to wear this purple paper pinned to my back which said I am a 10 month survior. I did not notice many other people who were in the months, most survivors were years. Good thing to see. There were a lot of tables set up and there were games and raffles and lots of good stuff.

At 5pm they had all the caregivers take a lap around the track and then the survivors. I was walking and it was very touching and then my caregivers, and boys caught up to me. I could not hold back the tears. It is really emotional. I am tearing up just thinking about it. Joe and Dan hugged me and helped me get through it. Everyone else who was there was lined up around the track and they were cheering us on. I remember hearing someone yell out "yeah 10 months".

After the lap they had a dinner for us, it was sandwiches and we sat on the gym floor, but it was the most wonderful dinner. I think it had something to do with all my supporters being there with me.

We left after that and went back to Mom and Dad's house. We were there for a little while and I got a phone call saying I won a liquor basket. It is huge. I went back there with the boys to pick it up and we got there just in time for the silent lap. All the lights were out and the luminaries were lit and there were bag pipes leading the lap. It was a sight to see. They even gave me a glow stick bracelet to wear, probably cause I left my sash home.

I can not wait to get involved next year!

Relay for Life is Tomorrow!

Thanks to my good friends I have raised $885. for the American Cancer Societies Relay for life. I am going tomorrow to walk the survivor lap and my parents and Joe and Daniel are coming with me. They will be doing the caregiver walk. There are lots of activities and fun things to do. I am very excited about it.

Today I worked a half a day and then went for a bone density test. Fun! They want to see what damage that dam chemo did to my bones. After that I went to get my hair stubble dyed again. I went more red than blond this time. I think it looks really good. I think I am ditching the wig. I am so tired of it. My hair is long enough where the wig pulls my hair all day long. My scalp actually hurts by the end of the day.

Joe just showed me our Caesar project that we got an A+ on. Not bad for someone who was soooo sick from chemo. I guess I have to give Joe some credit too. And Denise, I remember her being here one night typing with Joe.

I need to go to sleep now I just realized how super crabby I am!

All is Good

This week I went for checkup's with the radiologist and the oncologist and all is good. My skin is healing well and I don't have to go back to the radiologist until December. The oncologist said they are monitoring me by my blood and I have to go back in two months. I also have to go see a genetic doctor to see if I carry the cancer gene. They say it is good for preventive care if they know. She also wants me to go for a bone density test. I think they just like to see you make appointments! I will get to all that soon.

I am so excited to be doing the survivor lap in the relay for life next Saturday. I learned my doctor's office has a team so I will know people there. They asked me to join their team. As soon as I figure out how to do it I will.

I am sure there is more to say, since it has been so long since I blogged, but it is so late and I a so tired, I can't think of anything. Oh wait....Hair update, I have eyebrows, lashes and my hair just keeps getting curlier. I just wish it would get longer than a half inch in front. Oh well at least it is hair!

Normal Life is so Good

Everything is good. Work is good, feel like I missed a week, not six months. Weird! Mother's Day was nice. Hung out with the boys and then had dinner with them and my Mom, Dad and Chubby. Daniel made me a card and taped money inside of it. He wants me to buy myself something. He is so sweet. And Joe, well he got me a card while we were out. I think I paid for it, then he forgot to write it out, so he gave it to me anyway! Typical Joe! Now he can reuse it for next year!

That seems so long ago. Anyway, this week I went to the dermatologist because my psoriasis just keeps getting worse. She suggested that I do ultra violet light therapy in her office. I made all my appointments, then canceled today, because I just can not commit to going to another doctors office twice a week for six weeks. I figure I will just go take the sun at lunchtime and maybe it will help.

Last week I got my little stubby hair dyed. It is still too short to wear out, but at least I am not all grey and black when I look in a mirror. It is a dark blond color now. I look just like my mom. The good news is that my hair is long enough now so it does not freak out my boys. They do not want me walking around like this, but they can deal with me. I keep taking my wig off and leave it hanging around. Daniel calls it the raccoon. And Alex the cat likes to sleep on it.

I think that is all that is going on. Boring, but good!

Feeling Really Good

Well another week has flown by. I can't believe how fast time is going. It is strange, because even though I feel good, I still am not sleeping well, but I am not
totally exhausted. I really think I slept enough from October through February.

Life's good. Last night I went out to dinner with my boys. We go out once a week, since every other night during the week they eat at their dads house. I also went to pick out a new couch. The new one I have now is not holding up so well. For a ten percent usage fee I can send it back.

I was thinking about booking a trip to Disney in the fall, but it was too much to think about so I booked a few days in Villa Roma (in the Catskill) for my birthday. I haven't been there since I was a kid, so I think it should be a blast. We decided we will do Disney next winter.

Tonight I came home from work and decided it was so nice out I was going to cut the grass. While I was out there the neighbor's landscaper came to cut their grass and I hired them for the season. Just the front yard, Dan has to do something to earn his allowance!

Tomorrow we are going to Mom's to celebrate Mother's day with Anthony and the kids. On Sunday I am going to do something with my boys but we haven't figured out what yet. Sometime this weekend I am going to look at the stack of medical bills I have. They are too depressing I just keep putting them in the pile.

Did I forget to mention how good I feel? I feel so good and so happy it is almost sickening! Have a happy week!

Time Flies.....

When you are having fun, or just leading a normal life! I don't even know where to start. I guess I should by saying thanks for reading. I don't know who you are but I know that there are a bunch of you still looking at this site.

So my last treatment, it was as horrible as the rest that week. I will see if I can explain. For those of you that ever went for a mammogram you know that machine, well picture that with radiation going into it and being squished to death for at least thirty minutes each day. Hurt so much I tried everything to keep my mind off it. I think I said the Rosary one day and counted to 60 a hundred times another. On my last day they gave me a certificate, (it's on the fridge, I am so proud of myself) and an Angel pin.

After that I went to work and was so excited I brought in ice cream for everyone to celebrate with me. Little did I know my co-workers planned a party and surprised me with a cake. They just get nicer by the day! There are even pictures! The ones I like the best are of my friend Ken wearing my wig. I spend half my nights just rubbing my head, I am so happy to have hair.

I think I look fine with no wig, but Joe and Dan say that I need to let it grow longer before they will be seen with me. I also need to dye it is way too dark with too much grey in front!

It is really strange I have become really emotional. I think I cried two or three times during the whole ordeal, and now that I am done, I just keep getting all choked up. I read some of your emails and cried. Got something from the cancer society and cried. Think of my friends wearing their pink cancer bracelets the whole time I went for treatment and cried. Think of all my parents, brother and aunt chubby have done for me and I am crying now. Now that I am typing this I can't even begin to thank everyone for all the presents, cards, emails, visits and calls I received in the last eight months.

Okay let me stop. I will complain instead. I still feel like I got beat up and I get these sharp, stabbing pains every so often. I really can't believe that this shit was good for me! Okay, I will stop complaining now too. You see it was my first full week of work and I am really tired now. But I just have to say, it is really good to be normal again!

LAST TREATMENT TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I am very excited. This has been the longest week. The radiation really sucks! My skin looks as if I spent the week at the beach and it hurts even worse! It is making me kind of tired too. But tomorrow is it! NO more treatments! Yeah! Not sure how I want to celebrate, I am thinking of maybe going to Disney in the fall! Wanna come? Maybe dinner with the boys tomorrow.

I just have to say this since I have been keeping track of the people I have flashed. On Wednesday, I went to radiation and they asked me if I would mind if some other doctors and technicians watched. They were from another facility and wanted to (see how to torture people)check out this new equipment. I said sure why not, I have flashed half the world, why not seven more!!! They thought it was so funny!

Anyway, I am not saying this is my last entry. I will continue to update it as things happen. I don't have to go back to the oncologist for six weeks, but I can let you know the progress of my hair growth. By the way my eyebrows are looking good!My hair is about crew cut length and getting thicker and a little longer every day.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!

Two left after today

Radiation treatments that is. I should say I have two left, if they don't kill me first. The others were fine but these last five are horrible. Too painful to even write about. I should be done by Friday! YEAH!!

I did go to see the oncologist on Monday, she said all is good, wants me to go for a test to see if I carry the cancer gene! Now I said, kinda late, but I guess it helps for them to know. Anything they can do to prevent a re-occurrence is fine with me.

Anyway, got to go get tortured now!

Lazy Sunday

Just can't seem to get motivated today. It may be a good nap day. I did clean a little and did some laundry, so I guess it is not a total waste. Dan is just as motivated as me and Joe is still sleeping. We will probably go out later. It is my Aunt Chubby's 75 birthday. We went to dinner last night but I am sure we will go see her again today.

Tomorrow is another one of those two doctor days. I have to go to radiation first. It is my last 5 sessions this week. They say tomorrow's visit will be about an hour! Then in the afternoon I have to go back to the oncologist for a follow up. That will be at least another hour. It is always so slow there! I have to go back every few weeks see the doctor and to get my port flushed. They won't remove it right away in case of a reoccurrence. So optimistic ha? I am hoping to work from home in between visits.

I really want to go see the oncologist tomorrow to find out what is next. I am hoping nothing and I can just go on with my life! I just want to be able to not think about cancer for one day.

More updates tomorrow!

Radiaton is making me tired

The only reason I am still awake is because I thought I had to go pick up Daniel from his friends house. I just found out that he asked his father to go get him and he said yes! Thank God, because I really did not want to go out.

Today I went for some mamogram-like test. It was done by two woman at the radiation place that I had not yet flashed! Funny I thought I got them all! Anyway, today I got squished and zapped and they told me I am good to go for next week. The last five sessions are targeted at the former cancer spot.

I am hoping to be totally done by next Friday, but they said she may sneak in an extra sesion. So I may have to wait celebrate. Either way, it is close! Yeah!!!!!!

Okay, got to go put some cream on my skin and go to sleep. Good thing Dan has a key and I have Chip to wake me up before he comes in. Then I can say I was waiting up! HAHA!

Black Cats....

They have such a bad reputation, but when I adopted mine he seemed so innocent. Boy was I wrong. He is such a brat! He insists on sleeping on my feet at night. At 7:30 this morning he insisted that I get up to feed him. So I did and cleaned out the litter box while I was up. He waited until I was back in bed, watching the news when he decided to use the nice clean litter box and stunk up the entire house!

Anyway, work was good this week. Daniel came with me yesterday and spent hours shredding pappers. He loved it. We had a nice lunch together and left by three. Radiation was cancelled, they said the machine was broken, I think they wanted out early like the rest of us.

I have ten sessions left and they managed to find someone in their office who had not seen my right breast. They other day I am laying on the table, waiting for them to lower me because the session was finished. I don't know why they have to raise me four feet off the ground. Maybe they want people to break a leg so you don't remember that your skin is peeling off from the radiation. Oops I digressed, so.... I am laying there and I hear this new voice, it is Andrew, and he is going to help me off the table. I think he is a therapist. But I thought the other guy was a therapist until I saw him picking up the used gowns in the locker room! I can't wait for this to be over!

Back on Track

All is good I am allowed to go for radiation again. I have completed 21 of 33 so I should be done soon if all goes well. I am sitting here at work eating my salad. It is funny I crave healthy foods these days! Also, it is so weird, I do not feel like I was gone for six months! Time flies when you are home sleeping.

Oh well, got to go...just wanted to send a quick update to my faithful followers. Love ya!

Enjoying the Quiet

It's Sunday morning and both Dan and Joe are asleep. There are no TV's or anything else on. I like it that way. We did not do much this weekend. Dan came home from school early and went to the doctor to discover he has strep throat. He hung out all day yesterday and watched the military channel. I did get to play Taxi driver for Joe. In between driving him I did laundry and slept. I was very tired. I am hoping that it is from the routine of working and not radiation. They say that it can make people extremely fatigued. That is all I need. I think I slept enough this winter.

As for radiation I did not have it since Monday. My skin was very irritated and had blistered in one spot. They gave me some cream, which is staining my clothes, and told me to take off until Thursday. When I went in the doctor said it did not look good and I needed to be off until Monday. So here I am stuck at day 19. I feel much better today, just under my arm hurts.

I just want to wake up one morning and not think about cancer! Which reminds me, last night went I went to pick up Joe, I was wearing my new black F Cancer hat. Of course he comes over to the car with three friends. They loved it! I had to get a new one because I have worn the pink one so much it is wearing out.

My hair is coming in good. It is funny because it is mostly grey and black. All this time I thought I was a natural red head with lots of blond highlights. Mom thinks I should go all blond.

Got to go my quiet time is over! There are helpless boys asking me to make them eggs! Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Time Flies....

It is crazy how the days fly by now that I am working. Radiation is going okay, I had to take two days off because my skin blistered. Yuck! It doesn't hurt too much, it is more just annoying and then every once in a while it kills. But anything is better than chemo. At least I can do this and still function! It is also great not being exhausted all the time. And I am more than half way done!

The doctor who saw me the other day is one I haven't seen before. So that is yet another new person I have flashed my boobs to! I really wish I would have know this I would have started counting from the beginning! I could have called it the people I have flashed log!

Today I worked the whole day, then went to the library and to dinner(Boston Market) with the boys. I am exhausted now. Maybe I will sleep the whole night. I usually get up a few times. No, on second thought, I will be up, I must have drank a gallon of water already. That chicken was really salty.

This was a long week

All I want to do this weekend is nothing! I am really tired and I keep waking up at night. If I am not waking up, my pain in the ass little black cat is. I think he is hungry because when I was home I fed him a lot. I didn't realize I was doing it, but I spoiled him! Now he wants fresh food all the time.

Not that I want to complain, but this radiation is beginning to be a royal pain too. Every day is such a drag. There I am at work just about feeling normal and I have to stop what I am doing and go to get zapped. My shoulder hurts from being stretched everyday and my skin is starting to feel like someone ran sandpaper over it.

Did I mention that my insurance company has paid over $42,000. for my cancer treatments and now they won't approve my psoriasis cream! I have more drugs than I know what to do with and they won't pay for my cream....Things that make you go ha???

Okay now for the good news, I haven't had to flash my boobs to anyone new in about two weeks! The better news is my eyebrows are back. Not all the way, but the are there. And, my head reminds me of Daniel when he gets a crew cut.

So enough of crabby me I am going to sleep. Have a Happy Friday!

Still doing okay!

I am really tired now, can't stay up late anymore. I am in bed ready to sleep when I decided to write. Today I found out that my cousin Jennifer had a baby boy yesterday. His name is Kyle and he has two older sisters. Actually Jenn is my cousin's daughter. I tried to search it and I think that makes Jenn's kids my first cousins twice removed. I can't even begin to figure what they are to my kids! It is just so nice to hear good news.

Work is still good. Radiation still sucks, no not that bad, just hurts my shoulder and burns a little. I am just tired of going. Today was day 15, eighteen more to go.

Night, Night!

I haven't blogged in a week!

Sorry, I haven't been writing, so busy now that I am working! Which I have done everyday from 9'ish (I am a little slow in the mornings) until 3:30. After that I go to radiation. I just finished day 13. That means only twenty to go. The side effects are really not bad so far. I get this burning sensation at times, but it goes away.I do have this weird soar throat, and a feeling that things get stuck there, but the techs say it is not from the radiation. My Internet research says it is, so I will mention it to the doctor on Monday. Also, I can't sleep. I'm tired but just keep waking up. Like today, what was I doing up at 6:45 on a Saturday morning?

This week I even went back to the dentist, (my crown is finally on) and to the dermatologist. My psoriasis came back really bad! Now I am the bald lady with no eyebrows and red patches of skin. Looking good! Good thing I have no desire to date!
On a better note, my hair is coming in good and I do have a few brows!

My new couch was also delivered. Now that I am off of disability I can pay for it. The dog thinks it is his and the cats think it is a scratching post. I stopped at the pet store last night and got some spray that is supposed to stop them.

The boys are mine for the weekend. Last night I got to play taxi driver between 9 and 10 pm. I had to get Daniel at his friends house, go to the mall to pick up Joe, then drive back across the county to go Kevin's house to pick up Joe's stuff and Sherry the dog (I get her too every other weekend). Then my Joe has the nerve to ask me why I was so crabby! Did I mention that he made me wait 13 minutes before he got out of the mall and to my car!

I think I am going to take a nap now. It is a good hour before Daniel wakes up and Joe won't be up for hours. He is on the Internet and texting on the phone all night long! Teenagers!!!

I miss my TV shows

I went to work from Tuesday through Friday and it was good to be back. I am leaving early to go to radiation so it is not too bad. I do miss my TV. I got used to watching talk shows. Regis, Kelly, Rachel, Martha, Bonnie and Ellen are my good friends. I miss seeing them. Next week Ellen is going to have her wife on and I am going to miss it! If I wasn't so cheap, I would still have my DVR through cable.

Radiation is not too bad, they made it sound like it would be comfortable laying on the table but they lied. They make me stretch and twist so much I feel like a pretzel. My skin is not burnt yet, I get an occasional twinge of pain, but it is nothing. I also have this lump in my throat every time I eat something, but my Internet research says it is a side effect. Maybe I will be thin when this cancer thing is over. But... I do not want to be so thin look like the other cancer patients I see in the doctors offices. They really look sickly.

Today we are going to Mom and Dad's with Anthony and the kids. We are going to have corn beef to celebrate the Irish in our children.

Made it through my first day back to work

I remembered how to get there! I even got dressed and put my wig on and kept it on all day. I got to work and there were flowers and a balloon waiting for me on my desk and my boss brought in bagels to celebrate my return. It was really nice, I work with a great group of people.

I had to leave at 3:30 to make it to radiation, but that was good because I was really tired after lunch. Now I am just going through my emails and then I will be going to bed. I think before Daniel again!

Going to Work Tomorrow!

I am really excited to go to work again. I have not been there in six months! Not sure what I do anymore! Account Manager, something to do with insurance software?(Just kidding.... if you are an RSG manager who is reading this!) I just must remember that when I get dressed I should not wear sweats and my pink crocks.

I am nervous about not remembering what I do. When I get nervous I shop. Yesterday I went out for lunch with Joseph and came home after ordering a sofa! It will be delivered on Thursday. Thank God for that my parents will be around to wait for it! Sometime in the past few weeks my brother mentioned something about me getting a refund on my taxes. It should be a refund, my very little disability checks were taxed!

Today I went for radiation and there was a new guy there. All I could think was "oh great, a new person to flash". After that I went back to the oncologist, I told her I needed a note to return to work and she asked if I was sure about going back. Am I sure? No I want to stay home another six months and do nothing! She said I could possible get fatigued from the radiation. I decided I would rather be working than sit home and wait to get tired. I really hope it does not happen, I just slept for six months straight!

Well I need to go dig out some work clothes, and call my Dad to ask him to come and check on my furry babies tomorrow. I don't know how they are going to sleep without me!

Three down, thirty to go

Radiation treatments that is. Why do they call stuff like that treatments? It is definitely no treat. Every day I get to flash two or three people, depending who is in the room, and they make me lay on this table and stretch my body in ways I did not know it could go. Anyway... I must not complain, because it is really not bad at all.

The other night I had a great dinner with my old Lipton friends, and on Thursday my friend Rich, whom I know since I was 12, took me to lunch. On Friday I spent the day with Mom, Chubby and Dad. So you see I am definitely having too much fun, so I must go back to work. I do still get really tired at night, and just tell Dan to shut off all the lights when he goes to sleep. The other night he actually waited up for Joe to come home and I went to sleep!

I have to go now and see if we can make it to church, I have a half an hour to shower, get dressed and draw in my face. Wish me luck!

What a Busy Day!

When I went to get mapped again yesterday for radiation, they said that I could start today. So first I drove Daniel to school and they went to radiation. It was okay. It takes longer to get set up on the table then it does for the radiation. I almost forgot to mention, yesterday I also got my tattoos. They are five permanent dots that show them where to aim the radiation.

I came home for a little while and then went to the dentist so he could make an impression for my crown.

Then I went to get Joe and went to the library so we could finalize his report on Caesar! Finally! I have been doing that report forever. Oops I mean he has....

On the way home, I stopped by my parents to say hello and then came home to get ready for dinner. I went to dinner to celebrate three of my good friends birthdays. Our lunch bunch group (we all used to eat together at Lipton) has about eight friends, and within three days it is four of their birthdays. Weird ha?

Now I am so tired and need to go to sleep so I can start all over again tomorrow. Goodnight and Happy Birthday to Denise, Bev, Judy and Michell.

Another Snowy Day!

I am really tired of this snow and I really did not have to go out in it at all this whole winter! I was supposed to go to the dentist, but thank God he cancelled.

It was a very lazy weekend. I don't think I did anything. I remember yesterday, Daniel was at his friend's house for most the day and last night Joe and his friend came over and we got Chinese food.

I did try to do my eyebrows with henna. It did not turn out as good as I had hoped. I made one thicker than the other, and they are more orange than brown. Since there are only about five hairs left on both sides combined, this at least gives me a line to follow.

Today I was researching to see if the drug I took last year for my psoriatic arthritis caused my cancer. There are some studies and lawyers web sites that say yes. But really who know? Maybe it was from 10 plus years of smoking? Being on the pill? The hormones they gave me when I wanted to get pregnant? My bad food choices?? The only reason I was researching is because my arthritis is good, but my psoriasis is really bad, everyday I have a new spot somewhere on my body! I now have two spots on my hand which drives me nuts! I have an appointment with my dermatologist but not for a few weeks. Another doctor to visit! Yeah... I don't even remember all their names anymore.

Not sure if I ever mentioned, my cough is finally gone! I am still doing the inhaler, but it seems to working. One thing not to worry about! Yeah!!!!!

I just remembered on Friday I went back to the radiologist so they could draw on me again with sharpies! I go back tomorrow and I should get my tattoos. After that I went shopping and brought two pairs of dress pants with elastic waists (old lady pants) so I could have something to wear to work. I think all my work clothes are still in the basement from last year. Also I figure I have been wearing sweatpants for six months now so nothing is going to be comfortable.

Well I need to stop writing now, not sure if I am going to go shower and get dressed or make dinner. Boy am I really getting lazy!!!

Been Busy But...

Been very busy this week but can't remember what I have done since Monday. Okay I pulled out my calendar and now I know. On Tuesday I had another CAT scan, in order for them to map out my radiation. The guy doing it was very young. Boy was that uncomfortable! Especially when when he was drawing on my back (and other places) with a sharpie! That whole process was a pain! It took a really long time. I have to go back tomorrow so they can re-sharpie me. Then Tuesday I go for a test run and then they will put little tattoos on me in place of the sharpie. I should start radiation on March 9th and I am going back to work on the 10th! I need to go back before my brain is total mush! I have to go for radiation for 33 days, everyday Monday - Friday. They say one of the side effects is fatigue, but that usually doesn't happen until you are half way through. Nothing can compare with the fatigue I felt from chemo. I think I slept for four months straight!

Yesterday I had a great time at lunch meeting up with a new friend and my old Unilever friends. My new friend is Sophia. She was introduced to me through my friend Bev. Sophia also has breast cancer and was diagnosed right after I was. Our treatments have been very similar and we have been pen pals throughout this long winter. We decided now was a good time for us to finally meet. It was also great seeing and catching up with my former co-workers!

Today I went to the dentist to start working on the crown that will go over the root canal tooth. Tonight I had dinner with Mom and Dad. I actually cooked and took it to their house. There are too many begging animals here to eat peacefully.

So that is what is up with me, email me and tell me what's new in your life!

Another Cold Monday!

I really don't like this weather. Today, I finally got to the dentist for my cleaning. Going again on Thursday to begin work on the crown I need. After what I have been through the last few months, the dentist is nothing. I used to get really nervous when going to the dentist, then a few years ago, I was on my way there after work, I was in a rush and was really nervous and I drove into the back of a plumbing van. I thought my light had changed but it was the turning lane one that changed. Both the van and my car had some damage, but they never filed a claim, and ever since then I do not get nervous anymore!

Anyway I hate this wind, I get so nervous that my wig is going to fly off! I can just picture it, a fat bald lady running after Little Orphan Annie hair! Oh Yeah, my own hair is still growing! It is really light and feels soft. It may be a half a centimeter already. I can actually grab it, so it is exciting. Maybe I will have eyebrows soon again! I still have a few eyelashes left!

The weekend was nice. We had dinner at mom's with Anthony and the kids on Saturday. Yesterday I met my friends for Lunch my friend Bev's pizza place. It is wonderful, great food and great pizza too. If you are anywhere by Wood-Ridge NJ, go check it out. It is called Basile's! They were laughing at me because I drove and went right through a Stop sign. I never saw it! I still have a touch of Chemo brain.

Tomorrow I am going to the Radiologist, to be mapped for radiation. Sounds like fun ha? Hopefully I will start soon, not be so tired anymore and find my brain!

Doing Really Good

Yesterday I went to my surgeon and he explained that my biopsy results and surgery showed that I must have gotten that weird thing as a result of a reaction that I had to an internal stitch from the original surgery. I didn't even know I had internal stitches! He said the new surgery site looks good and he is leaving those stitches in and they should dissolve. I hope they do because I don't need another reaction! He also said he thinks I should be able to start radiation in two weeks. I now have an appointment on Tuesday to go and get mapped.


After the surgeon's I went to have my root canal done. That went very well. It was done in about an hour. It didn't hurt too except for that freaking needle she jabbed into the roof of my mouth. In ten days I need to go back to my dentist to have the crown made. Last night Daniel was at Kevin's so I had the house to myself. I watched a movie and just relaxed.


Today Dan and I went to the mall to get his glasses. It took us a while to pick out a frame he could live with. They were ready in an hour, but Daniel insists that he does not need them and will not be wearing them! I told him it was my obligation as a mother to get them for him and hoped he would give them a chance.

Can't Expect Good New Three Days in a Row

Well it is not so bad, it is just that I have to have a root canal done. I thought I was just going for a cleaning, but I mentioned the pain that I had. Silly me! He said I could wait, but then it might be more painful if I do wait. I figured with my luck, I would wait and it would bother me as soon as I go back to work. So I am going to have it done tomorrow after I go see the surgeon to get my stitches out. Might as well get it out of the way!

Even More Good News

Hooray for good news! I spoke to the woman from my surgeon's office and she said my biopsy results are back and it shows nothing! No cancer! Yeah!! I have to go Thursday to have the stitches taken out so I will know more then. Like when I can start radiation and then figure out when I can go back to work!

I actually went out today. I went to Liberty Science Center with Daniel and his friend. We had a really good time. We only went for a couple of hours then stopped by Denise's house for dinner. I made it through the whole day without a nap! I sat a lot while they played with the exhibits. The only reason I am still awake is because of the coffee I had after dinner. I am so not used to the caffeine anymore, I will probably be awake until tomorrow!

More Good News!

Horray for good news! I went to the pulmonary doctor today and after they almost killed me with their pulmonary tests, I found out that my lungs are good! Nothing seriously wrong. He thinks the cough is from an infection that I must have gotten and it just did not go away because of the chemo. He gave me a steroid inhaler and told me to use it for a month. After that I should be fine.

All I need to do now is get my biopsy results, start radiation and get my life back on track!

Going to Another Doctor Today

This is really getting played. I am so tired of going to doctors. Today I am going to the pulmonary doctor. Just hope I don't have to show him my right boob too! Speaking of... my new surgery site looks good. I have to go Thursday to get the stitches out. I tried to call for the biopsy results, but he is off today. Nice to know that my little Egyptian doctor celebrates President's Day.

The boys are off from school all week. Today they are with their dad. On Valentine's Day we went to the movies again. We saw the Pink Panther. I think it is still as stupid as it was when I was a kid! After that, they hug out, wait, I was told the word is now "chilled" with their friends and I went to have a pedicure. I learned my lesson from last weekend and did not eat at the mall. We came home and had dinner here. It was a very nice day!

Well I must go get ready to go and I also must make a dentist appointment. I figured I better go before I go back to work. Which my mother said I should do soon because I am quickly becoming my old bitchy self! I think I would be insulted if anyone else said that but her!

Is it Friday Again?

Boy does time fly when you are having fun, or doing nothing! One day just runs into the next! Anyway, I am crabby today. Not sure why, just crabby. Well I am sore, and my baby Daniel has not been around here much. He has been hanging out with his father every day after school. Not that I just had surgery and would want him around! Anyway, I know I will see him and Joe on the weekend because it is Valentine's Day and their father has plans.

Also they are off from school next week, so I am hoping to do something with them between naps and and doctors appointments. I am finally going to the pulmonary doctor, I have a follow up with the surgeon and I am going to try to go to the dentist too.

Well I think I will go nap now so I can get rid of the crabbies!

Doing Good!

I have napped and eaten all afternoon long. Not sure if it was the fasting from yesterday or the drugs, but I have snacked more today than in the last 5 months that I have been home.

Anyway, as Denise said the surgery went well. They had me in and out very quickly. I am not sure what he did because I can't look until tomorrow. I need to go see him next week so I will find out then exactly what it was. I am still going for a funny looking scar and a doctor who needs to protect himself.

There is good news today. The hospital called for my chest x-ray results and they came out clear. Yeah! I am still going to the pulmonary doctor on Monday, it would be nice if I could get rid of this cough.

Daniel is here taking care of me and my parents will be here tomorrow. I will hopefully stop eating and just sleep. Or maybe do a puzzle I still have ten to do!

Surgery over

Hi again, it's Denise. I was hoping that I would never ever have to blog for Donna again since she would be done with all that nasty stuff but today it is my pleasure to report that she called me herself with her FIRST morning coffee in hand. Her surgery when very well and the docs were even ahead of schedule this time. (Woohoo, score one for Donna!) Donna should have the results of the biopsy in a week. And she will not have any drains to worry about. I was so amazed at Donna being coherent this was probably a walk in the park for her compared with what she has endured over the last five months and one day from her other surgery on Sept 10. Either that or she somehow rigged the coffee into her IV bag and was feeling fine! She is anxiously awaiting to be discharged to go home a take a nap. Any more news and I will keep you updated.

All Ready for Tomorrow

I had a very busy day today. Watched morning TV and then took a nap. After that I went to the hospital for my pre-admission testing. Then I came home had dinner and then went with my boys to see the Harlem Globetrotters. I had gotten the tickets a while ago, not sure if I would have planned this if I would have known about the surgery back then. Because now I am exhausted but wide awake at the same time.

I have to be at the hospital at 11:30 and surgery is scheduled for 1. They better not make me wait all day. I need to fast from now on, and I am liable to kill someone if I am hungry or if I am missing my coffee for too long. I don't understand the whole fasting thing. What do they do when they have to do emergency surgery?

My bestest buddy Denise will update this sometime tomorrow. Thanks for all the well wishes.

Surgery on Wednesday

I just called my doctor's office and they said something about having surgery on the 18th. I said no way, it has to be this week. So she checked with the hospital and I am now scheduled for the 11th. No way was I going to wait another week!

I have to keep this short because I have to go have my chest x-ray and sonogram done soon. Although surgery is now on the day I was supposed to go to the pulmonary doctor, I felt it was more important to have the surgery. I have an inhaler and my cough is not as bad as it was, so I figured it was best to put it off.

Got to go put myself together, I will write again later.

Getting over being mad

I guess I was just so mad the other day because I am looking toward the end of this and surgery seems to push things back. I would really like to go back to work before I forget what exactly it was I do there. My plan was to start radiation and then go back to work.

I am still waiting to hear from the doctors office to find out when it will be. I will call Monday just to make sure that I did not forget to give them one of my phone number changes.

I am feeling good. I think the chemo is finally leaving me. I still nap everyday, but I actually went to the movies with my boys yesterday. We saw Paul Blart Mall Cop. It was not as bad as I expected it would be. After the movie I had to take them to dinner. They are trying to make me broke!

Now I have to go play taxi driver. Dan is at a friends and Joe is at the mall. I hope I remember how to drive at night. It has been so long since I have done so. With me luck! I guess I better take off my "Fuck Cancer" hat and find my wig.

Boy am I Pissed

There is no other way to say it, just pissed! I need to have surgery again! Some time next week. I guess I should have realized this when my doctors both said that I need to go back and see the surgeon. Silly me, I thought that I was just going to go there and he would say it was nothing. But no... he did not know what the weird thing growing from my lumpectomy scar is. Could just be scar tissue, or worst is it could be a cancer cell that got lost during surgery??? With all the friggen Chemo they gave me it better be a dead cancer cell if it is one.

Anyway, it should be next Wednesday or Friday, they will let me know once they check with the hospital. He said it is done under local anesthesia and it is quick. But that is what they said when I had the medi-port put in and I in the hospital forever and was wiped out for days. Did I ever say that they told me that they leave the port in for between a year to two, just in case of a reassurance! Such optimism. No really, the hard plastic thing by my collar bone, that feels like a leggo does not bother me at all!

I also went to the radiloogist today. She said that I now can't start radiation or even have the maping done, until after the surgery. Did I mention that I am pissed! I am going to stop writing now cause there is nothing else to say today!

Appointments Made

I think I got everything straight from my doctors visits. I am going Thursday for a CAT scan so they can map my body for radiation. Monday I am going for my chest x-ray and for the sonogram. I, along with my mom and convinced they keep sending me for these tests so they can protect themselves if anything ever goes wrong. Next Wednesday I finally go to see about this cough. It's only bothering me since Christmas.

Okay enough of that. I am feeling good. Still napping, but better. I have been very busy with my puzzles. I actually finished two more since Saturday. I have been trying work on my bills/forms. I really need to win the lottery now. I really should play if I want to win?

I also ordered a henna tattoo ink kit for my eyebrows. I really have about 4 hairs above my right eye and 12 on my left. It looks really funny. I got some makeup stuff, but I tend to rub that off when I am scratching from my itchy wig. The henna lasts for at least 5 days. I thought this was a great idea when I was ordering, but now I am thinking, what if I mess up. I will have to have funky weird brows for 5 days! I know I just wont leave the house if I mess up. Mom was also interested, so I will practice on her first.

Today I am sitting her watching the snow. I was like the seniors and ate lunch at 11:15. Speaking of the seniors, they wanted me to go to he movies with them. I said no, last time I did that I crashed Dads car. By the way, the insurance company did say I was not at fault! No really, I did not go because I just was not into going out.

Well I must go, I have two phone calls to make and an email to send before I nap. Wait! I almost forgot to say they most important thing; I am growing hair on my head. It is very light, blond/grey and like peach fuzz, but it is GROWING! Yeah!

Two doctor visits, head still spinning

Yesterday was supposed to be easy, a follow up with my oncologist and a consolation with the radiologist. The problem is I am having information overload. Mom came with me so I think if we put out heads together we can remember what they said. Dad came also, but he hung out in the waiting rooms. I think he usually sleeps, but he met one of his friends there so he was busy.

I do know that both doctors said it is too soon to go back to work. They say my fatigue and chemo brain will get better over time, and I need to see how my body deals with radiation.

I went to the radiologist appointment first. I was almost in tears laughing at the medical history questionnaire. It was four pages long and the questions were ridiculous. The doctor was very nice and explained things to me for about an hour.

From what I remember I first need to go back to the surgeon to look at my scar that does not look like it should. There is a growth/scar tissue/something there that shouldn't be. They need to make sure I am healed correctly before they zap me.

Next week I have to go for a CAT scan so they can map out my radiation. After that they will do a trial run and tattoos. Radiation itself should start in mid February. It is ONLY everyday (mon-fri) for 33 days! The tattoos are little black dots so they know exactly where to radiate me. I will let you know if I look like a dot to dot game. I wonder what picture I will get if I connect them?

When I met with the oncologist, she said things are good and I will be starting my hormone therapy soon. This is just a pill that I take for the next five years. Before I start this I need to go for a sonogram of my uterus because the drug, tamoxifen, can sometimes cause problems so they need a baseline test.

I do have an appointment on the 11th with the pulmonary doctor. This is because I am still have the cough that started in December. Before I go there I need to go for a chest x-ray. I am hoping that I can get my uterus and chest done at the same time. Sounds like fun ha? (Boy have I been single too long!)

Anyway, I think that this is it. Still much better then even thinking about chemo. We did end the day very nicely. We picked up Aunt Chubby (yes, that is her nickname) and we went to dinner.

Wednesday Already!

Wow time sure flies when you are doing nothing! Well sleeping and taking drugs helps. No really as of yesterday I felt good. I actually went through a box of dvd's and put all my pictures on snapfish. If the website ever goes away, there goes my children's past. No not really, I still have the other discs. Today I may check out the old videos. Not that I don't have puzzles to do, thanks to my friends and family I now have ten in reserve! I think the completed count is now six. I have puzzle glue so I have been preserving them all. Anyone have any ideas of what I can do with them now?

Dan is home from school today. He is very excited about his snow day, but does not want to go out to shovel. With all this snow, I am really not minding being home.

I will update you all on my medical status on Friday after I see the oncologist and radiologist! Fun day ha?

Doing Okay

I guess I couldn't expect this month to be any different than last. I was okay on Thursday, but have been really achy yesterday and today. I have been taking the good drugs and sleeping.

I have an appointment to see the radiologist next Friday. I am hoping that between now and them the chemo leaves my body and I can begin to feel normal again.

The boys keep asking if I am going to have a party to celebrate, but I said I am going to wait until I am all done with everything before I party. Maybe in the Spring.

Yeah.... I have reached the end of chemo!

Another long day. My appointment was at 11:15 and I was there until 5. I am not going to miss that place at all. I do have to go back for a check up next week, but no more chemo! I have wonderful friends who called and emailed me well wishes today and Denise came and spent the long day with me (we even stopped at the mall on the way home) and my buddy Rich cooked me a huge dinner! I am very lucky to have such terrific friends!

Now there are a few things I have to do before I can return to the real world. I need to see a radiologist. I think they said I have to go for radiation everyday for six weeks, I am hoping I can do that and work, but I will find out once I meet the new doctor. I also have to go to a pulmonary doctor because I still have that stupid cough. I think it is from the new rug in my bedroom and the three furry things living in my house. (My doc said it seems like it is asthma related to my allergies). I also may have to go back to the surgeon, something about the way my infection healed that time, but my doctor said to go to the radiologist first.

This all sounds like a lot, but I am thrilled because I can still see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so happy and hoping that my last treatment does not bring that stupid joint pain! But I have good drugs for that! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you up to date. If you want my email is dmh180@gmail.com

I am really Mad!

My doctors office called to confirm my appointment today and said it was for Wednesday. Funny they never called to confirm chemo before! I think they overbooked tomorrow and figured they would just change my appointment. They figure I have chemo brain and would never know. Of course there is no way I can go tomorrow. Even though I have been going on Tuedsays since October! I will be sure to tell the doctor, but it really does not help.

Tuesday is the Day!

It is the day of my LAST chemo treatment. I now realize how excited I am because I have tears in my eyes as I am typing this. I am not ready to celebrate yet, because I still have to go through the six weeks of radiation.

I am feeling good. Not as exhausted as I had been weeks ago. According to my friend Cherie, she knew I was feeling better because I was complaining about the homeless! As my mom says, if I am bitching and moaning, then I am happy. Things only a mother and good friend can tell you.

I only have one eyebrow left!

Well I have most of one, nicely shaped one and I just draw in the end of it. The other one is barely there. Just a few space hairs left. Looks Great! I do think my razor stubble on my head getting longer. I am sure I will be just perfect by the spring.

I have finally recovered from my vet adventure the other day. Today I finished my third puzzle. It is getting crazy, I am obsessed with those damn little pieces. I glued one of them and now have the other two layered on oak tag on my kitchen table. Not sure what I am going to do with them all? I need to figure out my hospital bills so I am trying not to open another one. I have three more to do! Crazy ha. I really miss work!

So there are some things I have been thinking about since I have been here watching too much TV. First, how many times can The Cancer Center of America advertise each day? I am getting sick of them and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. You know the one where they have the kid holding up a bald picture of herself. I would like to take a picture of my bald self holding a picture of myself with hair! Next are the Law firms, need I say more. But today was the best there was a Law Firm advertising Cancer misdiagnosis.

Okay, just two more things that are not TV related. First, why don't the homeless people go south? It's not like they are doing that much with their lives, why not just start walking south? Next, what do all the poor people do with the coats that were donated to them last year? I have been using the same one for the last three years! Yeah, Yeah, I have way too much time on my hands!

Feeling Better

It's been a while since I wrote. One would think that I am busy! On Saturday we watched the snow. Both Joe and Sherry the dog slept here all weekend. It was nice having them around. For those of you who don't know, we both took one kid and one dog in the divorce. Not really, but it worked out that way. On Sunday I went to my parents house. I went from my bed to their couch. Monday I spent sleeping and looking at some bills. I paid a few, juggled others. I have a financial assistance form from the hospital, but I need a few days to figure out that one.

Today was crazy, not sure how I am still awake. I had to bring the dog and one cat to the vet for their shots/yearly check up. Dad and I took them early this morning. The girl said they would be a few hours and she would call us. So we went to by some puzzles(my new obsession). Then we went grocery shopping. After that I called the vet and they said no they would not be ready until 4. It was only 12 then. So we came home and I told Dad that I would pick up Dan from school and then go get them. Dad left and went out with mom and I sent Dan a text telling him that I would pick him up. Then I went to take a nap. I did not even fall asleep and the vet called to say that they were ready. I hate leaving them there so I went to get them. Today I decided to get a new vet. The one I was using was Banfield in Petsmart and I had some plan with them, but that is another story. Anyway, there I am with 80lb Chip who likes to stand on my console and look out my front window when I drive. When I look over and Alex is out of his carrier. I pull over, put him back in and he was out a minute later. So Chip is finally sitting in the back and the cat is walking around the car. I don't know how I did not crash since I hardly drive at all anymore. It was a long ride but I made it home in one piece! Then I send Dan another text canceling the plans. Of course I could not reach him, so a half hour later I go get him from school. I am exhausted just typing this. I am not leaving the house again until my doctors appointment on Friday! Oh yeah, if I forgot to say, my horrible pains are gone, but that stupid cough is back. Over all I am doing okay.

Sleeping Since Wednesday

So I did not think this month was as bad as last, but I was mistaken. I have done nothing but sleep for days. Not sure if those painkillers work, but they help me sleep. I just have to say only one more! I can do this! I have actually been up for a few hours now and have not taken anything yet, so I guess that is a good thing.

My cleaning people (aka my parents) did come by yesterday. They did some grocery shopping and cleaning. They are just too good to me. They are on their way over here now to finish up before the snow.

Another nice thing I remember about yesterday is that my friend Rich came by twice. Once to visit and once to drop off some homemade macaroni and cheese. I thought it only came in a box with that powdery cheese!

Doing Pretty Good

I had Chemo on Tuesday. Mom came with me and then Denise met me there. It was really weird because I started to talk to the guy next to me and we realized we went to high school together. He was a football player in high school and now he is this poor man with a walker and wheelchair who is fighting liver cancer and going for chemo for the last two years. Made my four months of this seem like nothing! What a reality check.

It is a good thing that Denise came because it was fun catching up and hanging out. After chemo we went to Toys R Us and I got two more puzzles. I just finished the smaller one this morning. We then got chinese food and came back home. The boys were out so it was a nice quite dinner.

This morning I took different pain killers and they are pretty good. I am not in agony, like I was the last two times. I am sore, but not too bad.

My last chemo is in two weeks. It is too early to get excited yet, but it is great to be typing about it. From what the nurses told me it seems that they will probably release me back to work a month after chemo ends. All depending on how I am doing on radiation. Which will be for six weeks. I hope I remember how to do my job when I finally do go back!

Nothing New

Been doing nothing much for the last few days. I am supposed to go for chemo tomorrow, so I am trying to stay healthy. I am still fighting this cough, but my infection seems to have cleared up. The bad thing is that Daniel started coughing yesterday and came home from school early today!

He just keeps laughing at me because I have almost no eyebrow left on my right side, but I still have more than half of my left one. Crazy ha? I do take time to draw them in when I go out.

If you tried to become a follower of this blog and had trouble I found out that you have to have a google account in order to do so. Sorry if I caused any problems.

Updates

I figured you are all waiting to find out what I accomplished yesterday. Well I finished the puzzle and took down most of the decorations. I didn't feel like taking the tree out of the stand so I just put the whole thing outside the front door. It looks pretty good out there. Kinda like a white trash Christmas!

Today I had to go out to pick up my own prescription, my caretakers (mom and dad) are sick. They have some stomach bug so they are staying far away. Aunt Chub did stop by here with another puzzle but I am not ready to tackle that one yet. It is a 3D one that is a building. Daniel said it will be like building Leggo's, I told him that he has to help me.

I know there are a lot of you who follow this blog. If you could, would you click on the link that says "followers" so my friend Deni does not have to be my one and only official follower. I think it just asks for your email address. Thanks a million.

Happy New Year

For Christmas my parents got me a puzzle and that is all I did yesterday, I was totally obsessed, it is 1000 pieces and I am about 3/4 of the way there. I would have finished it but my eyes and back hurt so I had to give up. Daniel helped me a little but then decided the Military channel on TV was much for exciting. He did shovel the snow just in case I decided to go out and party. The most exciting part of the day was when the UPS man came with flowers from my cousin Debi and family. Looking at beautiful roses was much better then watching the snow!

Joe and Dan always spend New Years Eve with their dad so I went to sleep at 11:30, I did not want to stay up for the end of 2008. I figured sleep was the best way to say so long to it. Daniel called me a little after midnight so the new year started off good. Joe actually came in to wish me a Happy New Year when they picked up Daniel!

Today I am going to finish my puzzle, put away some Christmas stuff and eat my lentils. Aunt Chubby says you have to eat them on New Year's for good luck. I figure I must have forgotten last year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009!