Look Good, Feel Better

American Cancer Society, thank you. Hearst Cancer Resource Center, thank you.

Ok. I guess I feel better. But, It was sort of weird sitting there with other cancer patients. I haven't been in this situation much. Usually, I'm solo, except for Bridgett, my daughter, at my chemo sessions. I really haven't been around other women with cancer. This was a get together of myself and four others. Only one other woman had started losing her hair. I've been there, done that, have some growing back, in fact. The truth is, I am finally in touch with the facts. I had cancer. It was serious. And even though I'm done with chemotherapy, I know I need to realize there are such things as recurrences. But, I'm not living that way. I choose to live in the present, and right now I'm feeling pretty good. Still on the clinical trial experimental therapy, still on a short leash with my oncologist. Every 3 weeks I have therapy which is an antibody supposed to block the blood supply to the tumors. Confusing because I don't think I have any tumors anymore. But hey, I'm a work in progress. I can't possibly accept everything that's changed in my life in the last 6 months.

So, I'm feeling better, yes. Looking good, yes. Just for today, and that's all that counts, this exact moment.

Getting fit after chemo

Well, I finally feel like walking and exercising again. Even though I'm on a short leash with my doctor as I am still in the clinical trial, I still feel really well and want to get back into shape. I haven't gone back to the gym yet, but am trying to walk more and eat better. During chemo I ate whatever sounded good on the days I wasn't nauseated. Now I need to tweak my diet a little to include greens and proteins and put the mashed potatoes and gravy back on the back shelf. Hooray!
My hair is growing back and it's either blonde or white! I have about a quarter inch sticking straight up. It is enough to keep my head a little warmer at night, but still pretty scary looking so I usually wear a cap. Tommy has been helping me with transfer tatoos on the back of my neck below my caps. The nurses and staff at the doc's office never know what to expect from me. I keep them smiling and its good for all of us. I look forward to the summer months and my energy returning so I can be with my grandsons and Ella more. Carpe Diem!