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 →
Chemotherapy 5 of 6 – The Darkness Before Dawn
Five rounds of chemo down, just one left. It's a triumph, yes? But, wow....this is a bad one. Here's the thing: actually getting the infusion of drugs isn't bad at all. They puncture my flesh exactly once to access the mediport in my chest and then it's all okay. They draw blood to make sure... Continue Reading →
Disneyland with a side of cancer
I'm in a friend's Redmond driveway, ready for our kids to have a playdate together. My husband has come along to haul Allison's car in the back of his Jeep, so she can race her friend Jacob who has the same car (in green, not pink) around their large yard. Gunny's telling our friend about the... Continue Reading →
10 Good Things About Having Breast Cancer
Well, I feel sort of like an asshole for my last couple of posts. I absolutely do want to give you the straight dope, but I don't want to freak people out who are just starting treatment, or worse, be any part of someone forgoing chemo. So, herewith, ten things that are GOOD about having... Continue Reading →
Why does getting better feel like dying?
First I'm going to tell you the good stuff. In the waning days of Round 3 (and I mean the very last couple of days) I was able to eat meals and enjoy food. The day before Round 4, I ate: A butter and brie baguette, a raspberry Napoleon, and a Big Mac. It was... Continue Reading →
What To Do About the Boobs
First of all, this round of chemo can kiss my ass. Just in the last couple of days have I been able to eat meals, and it's time to do chemo again. As each round gets progressively shittier, I will not be surprised if the awful nausea/gross taste lasts the full three weeks between rounds. Pissed... 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 →
