Since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March 2015, three women I know have joined the sisterhood. Two of them found it early enough to get by with surgery plus radiation, but one is about to embark on a few rounds of chemotherapy. She reached out to me for advice and I realized that... Continue Reading →
Chemo – Round 2 Roundup
Okay, it may be a bit early to call this a "round-up," but I couldn't resist the alliteration. I really really need to get back to work on my book. Here's the pattern that's emerging with me and chemo: Day 1: Get chemo. My spirits are good and I feel pretty normal. Day 2: Go... Continue Reading →
Chemotherapy 2 of 6 – Getting the Hang of It?
My oncology office is becoming like Cheers for me. I walk in and everyone’s happy to see me. My 19-year-old daughter Callahan accompanied me for my second round of chemo and I’m pleased to report that my master plan to encourage her interest in health care is totally working. She’s registering at Bellevue College in... Continue Reading →
Side Effects – The Straight Poop
It’s been a full week since my first chemo treatment, so I’m going to dish the details on what it feels like. And it’s not going to be pretty. Rather than engage in image-crafting or build some kind of Trixiebrand, I’m just going to put it all out there. It might make you uncomfortable, and... Continue Reading →
Chemotherapy 1 of 6 – The Toxic Bride
Well, I did it! Got through my very first chemo session! Honestly, it was a breeze. The first one was long (5 hours), since I had to do long doses of my targeted therapy (Perjeta and Herceptin) for the HER2+ flavor of my cancer. But the next five rounds will only be 3 hours each. Basically,... Continue Reading →
Cancer gets real
It’s my second visit to the oncologist, Dr. Cappuccino. My husband and daughter are with me, and I’ve got my Binder of Doom tucked under my arm. It’s filled with all my shit: insurance approvals, notes, bills, etc. I say hello to the lady in reception. I call her Harley because she has a Harley... Continue Reading →
