It's Cancer - Happy Halloween

Thank goodness it's Halloween before the Christmas decorations take over. I was riding in the car yesterday and noticed that every retail center is already decorated with sparkling lights and stars. Spooky.

I've read about the fatigue associated with chemo, but are deep sleep and vivid dreams also part of the side effects? I've been sleeping "so hard" as Mr. B describes it. And now the vivid dreams. This morning I had a scary dream that I had to completely and thoroughly clean the house every day.

Today I'm celebrating Halloween, or All Hallows Eve if you prefer that term. There's not a bite of candy in the house, but Mr. B promises there will be by 6 p.m. tonight.

It's Cancer - To cover my head or not

Yesterday I had lunch with Mr. B at the local "grill" where there were several people that we know. I didn't have a cap on my head, which seemed to make even people I didn't know uncomfortable.

Here's my dilemma. As someone with a "people-pleasing" personality, I don't want to make people feel uneasy. Yet when it's 85+ degrees outside, I don't want to put anything on my head because I'll start sweating.

Today I'm celebrating Mr. B's aunt, who is 95 years young. Happy birthday, Evelyn! See you this afternoon at a family gathering to celebrate your long life.

It's Cancer - A better day

My days and nights are all running together. I slept most of yesterday thanks to pain meds, but woke up around 3 a.m. Thank goodness there is all-night television and continuous reruns of Law & Order. I don't think I've ever seen one twice.

My hair is no more than fuzz now so I avoid mirrors. We're invited to a 95th birthday party tomorrow afternoon and another gathering in the evening. I'd like to make an appearance at both, which will require wearing one of my caps or beanies.

Today I'm celebrating lattes. Mr. B brings me one every Saturday morning after he has breakfast with his buddy, Keith. Thanks, Mr. B!

It's Cancer - Day 2 after Chemo #2

Laying in the dark, curled in the fetal position and shivering.

This, too, shall pass.

Today I'm celebrating Rilla, longtime friend and Sweetness' Godmother. Happy birthday, Rilla Ann.

It's Cancer - Day after Chemo #2

On the first day after my second chemo I have no appetite, I'm nauseous, and my hands are shaking. I've eaten a few saltine crackers this morning and in a few minutes I'm going to take my morning meds. About an hour after that I'll be asleep (I hope).

I had a total of seven drip bags during chemo yesterday. I also had an on-body injector (OBI) placed on my arm. This device will help to boost my immune system 27 hours after the small needle was placed on my arm. Once the medicine is delivered I'll pull the device off. The side effect is muscle aches, which I'm experiencing this morning. It feels like I have the flu, except my head isn't congested.

Today I'm celebrating a clinical dietitian I met yesterday at MDA. She gave me tons of tips and ideas on what to eat and what to avoid. I'm ordering a book she recommended. She also recommended some ginger chews to help settle my stomach (have one of those in my mouth now).

It's Cancer - Chemo day

It's chemo day and I'm ready. I'll leave the for hospital in about 30 minutes. Today's activities include: blood work, meeting with dietician, meeting with doctor, needle insert in port, and chemo. It will be a long day and I'll be anxious to get home and in bed.

I'm hoping that on the way home from the hospital Mr. B and I can go vote. We'll play that by ear.

Today I'm celebrating pink. Mr. B and Dr. Mc have left the house in their pink shirts. TLP has his pink shirt ready. And mine is hanging on the back of the door ready to go.

It's Cancer - Errands and chores day

I'm happy to report that Dr. Mc and I finished TLP's Halloween wig last night. Unfortunately it's supposed to be 86 degrees in Houston on Halloween so I don't know if he will wear the wig or his costume. It may be too warm.

Tomorrow is a full day at MDA, including chemo. I think I'll be not feeling well through the weekend, so in preparation I went to Target and Kroger this morning. I want to cook this afternoon and freeze a couple of meals so Mr. B won't have to worry about it. This afternoon I'm also going to wash clothes and change the sheets on the bed. In my world, chemo might slow me down for a few days, but I can still get it (whatever "it" is) done.

Today I'm celebrating the scent of lavender. I love the clean, fresh smell of lavender, such as the candle burning in the kitchen.

All day yesterday I was covered in my own hair. If I scratched my head, hair fell. If the wind blew, hair fell. Just sitting, hair fell. Unfortunately I wore a black top all day so just imagine how my shoulders looked (covered in hair).

I took a shower last night and clogged the drain. I got out of the shower and was covered in hair. No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of the hair on me. Finally I sat on the bathroom floor and cried. Crying didn't get rid of the hair either, but somehow after my pity party for one, I laughed at my silly looking head and got dressed. I know I'll adjust to my hair loss. I know it will eventually grow back.

Today I'm celebrating neighbor Sandra. She and I had a nice visit yesterday afternoon. I always enjoy talking with her.

It's Cancer - No football

When the Texans don't play on Sunday afternoon, I'm at a lose for what to do. I don't actually sit and watch the games, but they make good background noise for whatever I'm doing.

Mr. B found me the perfect pumpkin yesterday. I've been looking for one that was taller than it was wide, which is hard to find. I'll clean it today and carve it tomorrow after it dries.

Today I'm celebrating Akin men. While there are more than I'm listing, in particular I'm celebrating my grandfather, father, brother and nephew who share the name Truett Bryan Akin. Like all of these handsome and accomplished men, I, too, am experiencing male-patterned baldness. (I think it looked/looks better on them.)

It's Cancer - Quiet Saturday

I slept past noon this morning and I liked it. I woke up in time to watch K-State defeat UT. Mitzie liked the win. She is from Kansas and K-State is her family's team. In fact, her mom and brother were at the game.

Mr. B doesn't watch sports on television. Instead he has been running my errands, such as getting me a pumpkin latte, going to the cleaners, and pressing pink shirts in time for Wednesday chemo (the family wears pink on chemo days). My blouse is ready, but he needed to press TLP's pink shirt as well as his own, which usually hangs in the closet and is only pulled out for Valentine's Day.

Today I'm celebrating Debbie W. She claims to be a non-cook, although she cooked and brought us pot roast for dinner. YUM!

It's Cancer - National Mammography Day

I was never good about getting regular mammograms. I thought I wasn't at risk for breast cancer since there was no immediate family history and because I didn't take hormone replacements during menopause. It's too late to change my decision not to have regular mammograms, but I can encourage younger women (those 40 and older) to "do as I say, not as I did." Put on your big girl panties and get a mammogram.

Last night Dr. Mc made dinner that included cooking onions. The minute I smelled the onions I became nauseous. Going into the bedroom and closing the door didn't work by itself, so we lit tons of candles. Note to self: smelling or eating onions is a "no-no" at this point.

Today I'm celebrating leftover mac and cheese. I brought home a big portion from lunch yesterday and am looking forward to heating it up and eating it today.

It's Cancer - Hair loss

I have three places on my head where I've lost hair. A long-time friend (Robin) makes fun of me, the McCarley sisters and now TLP because we have pink scalps. I wonder if my scalp will stay pink or if it will turn ash with chemo.

Yesterday I got a text from my cousin, Kate, who lives outside of NYC. I visited Kate and her family at the Jersey Shore last summer. She is a busy wife, attorney and mother with four kids who are running in all directions. It meant so much to me that she took the time to send me a sweet note.

Today I'm celebrating Candy. We try to have lunch a couple of times a year and they always last three hours or so. Usually we're the first people in the restaurant and the last to leave. Today we were at B&B Butchers, which was terrific. We shared a couple of appetizers and then the most delicious filet with a side of mac and cheese. Yum! We ordered two desserts and I brought leftovers home for lunch tomorrow. Thanks, Candy!

It's Cancer - Morning sickness

I'm nauseous every morning and it makes me not want to eat breakfast, which I know is not good. It doesn't matter if I eat a full breakfast or a bowl of cereal or a banana or toast. I didn't have this problem when I was pregnant so it's really disgusting now. I'm going to try smoothies next.

My scalp has also been very sensitive, which is right in time for when I should start losing my hair. Everything I've read says that hair begins to fall out about two weeks after chemo. I hope it gets cooler this week so I can start wearing my caps and cover my balding head.

Today I'm celebrating family. Everyone requested hamburgers tonight before watching Survivor and the presidential debate. While watching the debate, Dr. Mc, TLP and I will be carving pumpkins. Should be a very fun evening.

It's Cancer - Happy birthday, Chuck

I haven't been able to find my iPhone all day. I had it last night in the house when I took photos of TLP while he and his parents were carving a little pumpkin. I've tried calling it this morning, but I didn't hear it ringing. When Mr. B gets home, I'll go on another search, but, actually, it has been nice not hearing the ringing all day.

I've been hanging out all day, fighting the sniffles and a headache. Big Daddy Nick came home with a cold last week. Although I tried to avoid him I have the beginnings of a cold. I finally gave up on just living with the headache and took some Tylenol. Besides my prescription drugs, I can only take Tylenol.

Today I'm celebrating Chuck Berry. It's his 90th birthday. I love his rhythm and blues songs such as Maybellene, Roll Over Beethoven, Johnnie Be Good and Sweet Little Sixteen. These songs remind me of Daddy who used to play the guitar and whistle along. Dr. Mc now has the only guitar Daddy ever owned.

It's Cancer - Life goes on

Mr. B and I had dinner out last night before attending the spectacular Houston Symphony performing Simon & Garfunkel songs. I was foot tapping and humming along, although I'm sure no one heard me because those around us were doing the same. I would love to take all the "fam" (except TLP) to the Christmas "Very Pops" performance, but at $185 per ticket (plus handling charges) I think we'll have to settle for listening to CDs.

It must be Monday because I was at the grocery store today. Big Daddy Nick is back in town and offered to go for me, but I said "no" because my list was too long. I spent a good deal of time over the weekend researching cancer fighting foods, which I put on my grocery list for today.

Today I'm celebrating Sweetness. She called between studying for mid-terms to check on me. Not much going on this week with me unless I get an appointment with an MDA nutritionist. In the meantime, I've ordered a highly recommended book from Amazon: The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen. This award-winning book provides "nourishing, big-flavor recipes for cancer treatment and recovery." Just what I need, and I doubt the recipes and tips will hurt others who eat at my table. I just hope it's not full of recipes involving kale.

It's Cancer - Online ordering

I've been spending money today while still in my pajamas. My kind of shopping! I hate going to stores and trying clothes or shoes on. The books I ordered from Amazon don't need me to try them on.

Besides books, I also ordered some caps. Chemo will make my hair fall out so I want to be prepared. I don't look good in caps, but Sweetness does. When I'm through with the caps she'll get them all.

Today I'm celebrating Simon & Garfunkel. Mr. B and I are attending the Houston Symphony's performance of Simon & Garfunkel songs. It will be a fun evening eating out and then going to Jones Hall (thanks Kay and Wilfred for the tickets and parking pass).

It's Cancer - Everything is coming up pink

Last week I bought myself a pair of pink Vans. They arrived today and I LOVE them. They are a soft pink (just slightly darker than flesh tone), so they don't look like clown shoes on my size 8 feet. I once had a bright pink pair of running shoes that I thought were so cool. I had to donate them after I took a good look in the mirror.

I'm watching the Longhorns game. I hope they play better in the second half than they did in the first. Come on, boys! Texas fight.

Today I'm celebrating Michele (Big Daddy Nick's mom). She sent me an extremely soft pink shawl. It's cold in the house so I'm wearing it right now. Even if it wasn't cold in the house I would wrap it around me. So soft. So pretty. Gracious, mi amiga!

It's Cancer - A day without a visit to MDA

Not having to go to MDA today meant that Mitzie and I could have a fun day doing girlie stuff. We began by getting our eyebrows dyed. Since we are both blondes our eyebrows are almost invisible. Mitzie has her's done regularly and treated me today. Probably after my next chemo I'll start losing my eyebrows, but right now they look marvelous!

After a detour to get Mitzie's mom, who lives in Salina, KS, some camisoles that she likes, we had lunch at Helen's in Rice Village. The size of the Greek restaurant reminded me of a NYC restaurant (small). People at the next table (on both sides of us) were about a foot away. It was very cozy.

Today I'm celebrating Greek food. At Helen's, Mitzie and I shared a salad of locally grown red and yellow tomatoes with red onions, olives, cucumbers and feta, plus some lamb meatballs with hummus. This was perfect portions for ladies who lunch.

It's Cancer - Note to my daughters, nieces and cousins

For my daughters: I was at MD Anderson today for genetic screening. After providing extensive family medical history (from grandparents to grandson) the researchers determined that chances are nil that I'm a carrier of BRCA1 or BRCA2. Through a recently completed study of women at MDA, it was concluded that if a woman carries a BRCA gene, there would be (1) a family history of breast or ovarian cancers (none on my side of the family) and (2) my cancer would have occurred before the age of 60. 

For all: I was told to inform my daughters, nieces and cousins to have regular mammograms, starting at age 40, and to be sure to tell their doctors that their _____ (insert: mother, aunt, cousin) has triple-negative breast cancer. This may require special screening for early detection since triple-negative breast cancer isn't a good candidate for hormone therapy and tends to be more aggressive. Currently triple-negative is more difficult to treat, but researchers are paying a great deal of attention to it and working to find new and better ways to treat it. (I'm currently participating in a study at MDA regarding triple-negative breast cancer.) This information may be confusing, so please contact me if I can provide more information. The important thing is to let your doctors know about my triple-negative breast cancer.

Today I'm celebrating showers! I was cleared by MDA today to resume showering. So excited to stop washing my hair in the sink so as not to get water or soap on my chest where incisions were made last week.

It's Cancer - Christmas in October

It's always fun to have lunch with girlfriends, and especially nice when they pick up the tab. Katy, Kay, Marilyn and I had lunch at Ritual, a fairly new restaurant in the neighborhood. It was good to catch up with everyone. We're planning our annual Christmas brunch at the Houstonian, which I missed last year.

Besides lunch, Kay gave me tickets to the Houston Pops. She and her husband will be out of town and can't use the tickets. Mr B and I will enjoy the performance of Simon and Garfield tunes.

Today I'm celebrating kindnesses. Lunch. Concert tickets. And this afternoon Kelly left two turbans for me in a cute bag on the front porch. Thank you, ladies, for making me feel so special.

It's Cancer - Great evening with family and friends

Family and friends really brightened my evening! Big Daddy Nick grilled delicious pork chops with an apricot glaze and Dr. Mc made my favorite Caesar salad. At the table we had a fun conversation about Big Daddy's latest travels with The Suffers.

I settled down after dinner to watch Dancing With The Stars when friends Lisa and John made a surprise visit. For the next hour and a half or so we talked and laughed. Both John and Lisa have had more than their fair share of health issues. In fact, about two years ago John had a brain tumor that left him unsteady and walking with a cane. But our ole friend was in fine form last night as he filled the room with his over-the-top stories and laughter. As a former center for the Clemson football team, John is a big man who always gives bear hugs. I smile just thinking about his crushing hugs, big laugh and enormous heart.

Today I'm celebrating Sandy. She brought us dinner for tonight, and stayed to chat. Sandy's mom was a breast cancer survivor who played golf as often as she could until her death in her 80s. I love hearing stories about strong women surviving breast cancer.

It's Cancer - A small setback

I felt great all weekend, but was nauseous last night and didn't sleep a wink. As a result I haven't felt well all day and am extremely sluggish. I've also been very weepy, just tearing up for no reason several times. I talked to my aunt Martha in New York about attending Aggie games as a kid. Later I cried for an hour as I thought about attending the games with her, as well as my parents, older brother and uncle, who have all passed away.

Now I just heard on the news that Nestle has issued a recall for its Drumsticks, which might be contaminated with listeria bacteria. Not having Drumsticks in the grocery store freezer section is something to cry about.

Today I'm celebrating Melinda, Tony and baby Maya. I received some soft fuzzy socks from them today with a sweet note stating they're thinking about me. I wish I was sitting in a Brooklyn park with them and watching Maya play in the autumn leaves.

It's Cancer - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I'm looking forward to several things today. First, a visit from Mitzie this afternoon. I'm feeling somewhat "closed in" so I'm going to ask her to go on a walk with me. I'm also looking forward to the Texans' game. The Longhorns let me down yesterday. I'm hoping for better results from the Texans.

I'm also looking forward to the debate tonight between Clinton and Trump. The first debate Dr. Mc and I played a drinking game that was too fun. Since I can't drink during chemo, I'll have to find a non-spirited beverage to consume.

Today I'm celebrating fresh air. Is that Houston's version of fall I smell outside?

It's Cancer - A 'normal' day

I woke up this morning feeling great! I'm waiting for the cable guy (again) to leave so I can jump in the shower.

The cable guy is back at the house again. He has been here so much in the past 10 days that I may ask him to stay for dinner. I feel I know him so well now. (Just kidding.)

Today I'm celebrating a pretty day. Looking out the window I see nothing but blue skies. It may even start getting cooler at night.

It's Cancer - Staying positive

Compared to all the side effects I could have suffered yesterday, I feel very lucky. Day one after my first chemo I had no vomiting, mild nausea, and a strong headache. These are very manageable. I have a little bit of pain from where my port was implanted and some throbbing from the biopsy area. Again, manageable.

My neighbor, Mary, who had cancer last year, sends me much appreciated tips everyday. She also let me borrow an extremely soft blanket that brought her comfort during her cancer. I hope she doesn't mind that Rose is also enjoying the soft blanket.

Today I'm celebrating Diane. She is another sweet neighbor who sends cards all the time. We even get Christmas cards from her dogs. Anyway, yesterday I got a handmade card that included a breast cancer ribbon and scarf. I live in such a great neighborhood.

It's Cancer - Two traumatic days are over

Tuesday the port was inserted into my chest. The doctors and nurses were so fun. The surgeon even sang to me. He had a terrific voice. We got home around 2 p.m. and I went immediately to sleep. Mr. B wake me up so I would eat something. The port was somewhat uncomfortable at first. I think I just have to get used to something being in my chest.

Wednesday began with a Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI). It's a study I joined, which is a special scan to find breast cancer. "It uses a small amount of radioactive material that gives off energy, seen with a special camera, which makes images of the breast. In women with dense breasts (me) MBI is more accurate than mammography alone." This took about an hour. The only painful part was having the "pick" put in my hand to deliver the radioactive material. After the MBI was another breast biopsy to determine the exact cancer before I began the chemo. This is another study that I'm participating in so researchers can better determine how to treat the triple-negative, invasive type of cancer I have. This was painful because my breast wasn't fully deadened. After a second application of deadening medication, it was much better. This took about another hour. Next I visited with on oncologist for a pep talk. About 30 minutes. Finally I had my first chemo treatment. It was the treatment that I most feared, but there was nothing to it. I had five vials of medicines put through the port in my chest. Every once in a while I would feel something cool or taste salt, but other than that it was painless. While receiving chemo I was brought lunch, juices and water. I watched television, napped, and got visits from volunteers offering me scarves and caps. This took about 2.5 hours). When I got home (thanks KS for being my driver yesterday) I went to sleep. Mr. B and Dr. Mc made me eat something before I went back to bed around 8 p.m. Around 1 a.m. I woke up with a headache and nausea. I took medicine, drank water and propped myself up until I was feeling better. No vomiting, for which I'm thankful.

Today I'm celebrating flowers. I'm pretty sure my neighbor Sandra left some lilies and natural soap on the front porch yesterday. Thanks, my friend.

It's Cancer - Monday errands

I have so much to do today before my surgery tomorrow. And in the middle of everything the cable guy (who didn't show on Saturday) is set to arrive between noon and 4 p.m. today.

While I was out this morning, I stopped in a children's store. I found a long sleeve, pink, button down shirt for TLP to wear on Wednesday (my first chemo). If any of you think about it on Wednesday, wear something pink, drink something pink or think pink and post it on my Facebook timeline. I'll get a picture of TLP on his way to preschool and post it on my timeline, also.

Today I'm celebrating friendships. Girlfriend Chris called me today to set up a lunch with her and a few others for week after next. I'll be ready.

It's Cancer - Cool(er) weather

FUN, Fun, fun Saturday night. First a girlfriend and I went to art openings then we met our handsome and delightful husbands for Tex-Mex. Yum, yum. Always a good time with K+K.

I'm taking it easy today, watching the Texans' game. So far, so good although the game isn't nearly as exciting without JJ Watt. I hope he is recovering well from another back surgery.

Today I'm celebrating Rose. My sweet furry girl knows something is wrong with her mama. Wherever I am, she is just steps away. Last night she slept on my feet. This morning she put her toy next to me.

It's Cancer - Hello October

Mr. B and I had a yummy and fun dinner last night with Sandy and Dave. We talk to them all the time, but hadn't seen each other in some time. We were at a local restaurant, Shade. People come from all over town to eat at Shade, plus the local crowd is there. It was good to see other people that I hadn't seen in awhile.

Sandy has promised to help me however she can during my cancer treatments. She already has two items in her freezer for us, whenever we need them. At the end of the evening we made plans for where to eat a special meal and celebrate when I'm cancer free.

Today I'm celebrating super short hair. I love jumping out of the shower and towel drawing my hair. By the time I'm dressed, my hair is dry. I'm still not used to the shortness, but I sure enjoy the convenience.