Book Excerpts
How to Kill a Watermelon
As I left radiation on my last day, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things. Just inside the door was a large stand of ripe watermelons. Hmmm, I think. Wouldn't that be fun to blow up? So I grab one (and two more just for the fun of it) and put them in...
Phase III
I entered Phase III of chemo back in April. Because it overlapped with radiation, I decided to wait until now to explain what it entails. Phase III of my infusions is a single drug called Herceptin. It is given every three weeks through my port like my other chemo...
Radiation Fatigue
Prior to starting radiation, I heard a lot about the fatigue you get towards the end of treatment. That confused me. I understand why you can get fatigued with chemo therapy. After all, they are putting lots of toxins in you that can lower your blood counts. But...
Hair Watch – Week 10
Last Friday, I had both chemo and radiation. Everyone asked what big plans I had for the weekend. My reply was the same, "Getting a haircut." They all died laughing. Little did they know I was serious. Gene was scheduled for his regular haircut with our stylist,...
Locks of Love
Dear, sweet Sarah donated her hair to Locks of Love in my honor. What an incredibly kind gesture. She is a beautiful young lady both inside and out.
Texas Race for the Cure
I love these photos of my sister-in-law Vicky, niece Jennifer, and Gary at the Ft. Worth Race for the Cure. And I am deeply grateful that they continue to walk in these races in memory of Rhonda and for me. I'm also a little envious of their photos with the cute...
Hair Watch – Week 8
Well, it is official. I have a 5 o'clock shadow! Real starter hair. You don't need a magnifying glass or bright light o see it. It is soft and fuzzy and dark.
Hair Watch – Week 6
Holy cow! Look how much my hair grew in a week! And it turned red! I just couldn't resist. This is a hat that a survivor made for me. I love it. It is soft and fun and fits my quirky sense of humor. It is official. I have starter hair. Granted you can't see it...
Hair Watch – Week 5
It seems that I forgot to post this last week. Week 5 shows no visible signs of hair, but I can feel a texture change on the scalp. I have Gene checking it out and he says there may be some peach fuzz.
The Way People Treat You
One of my observations has been about the way people treat you when you have cancer. It fascinates me that I feel the same, but people treat me differently. In the early stages, people would hug me like I was fragile or like my chest must hurt. I would tell them to...