No More Toxic Cocktails

BARTENDER, MANHATTANS AND MARGARITAS FOR EVERYONE !!

Strike up the band, I'm one third of the way through treatment. I'm feeling good and getting stronger each day. I'm overjoyed to be through with the chemotherapy part of treatment.

Last week was momentous. Reiki, acupuncture, massage, meeting Bono and the Edge, saying goodbye to my chemo nurse, seeing the infusion room for the last time. Any OTHER week, meeting celebrities (having recognized them on the street, face to face, time to spare), would top the list. However, doing the Happy Dance with Dr. Erban, my oncologist, topped even that. Igor, the smoldering spec of ash slime, is SO on his way out. This was the music in my ears as I ended the week.

All right, I'll come clean. I had to ASK someone who the balding guy with pink tinted sun glasses was, standing in front of me (next to the police van), shaking and hugging the people around him. I figured out BY MYSELF the guy next to him, with the hat, must be the Edge. A little slow on the uptake, but in my defense, chemo brain was still an issue.

Steve and I went out to dinner to celebrate his birthday on Monday. From champagne cocktails to Baked Alaska, it was quite the evening.

Doctor appointments are scheduled the end of this week, we meet with the surgeon next Monday. Tuesday's the big departure date, Tucson here we come !! Doing NORMAL things for 10 whole days. I never thought they'd mean so much.

My heart is full, thinking of you and all the ways you make everything possible. Your support is the key to my recovery. Thank you for making me feel so blessed.

One Treatment To Go !!

Last Thursday's treatment was only 9 hours, record short time for me. Martha and I went to the Liberty Hotel afterward, walked around the lobby, saw Clink, and the Alibi Bar, and had dinner downstairs. It was a fun way to end the day.

Side effects so far have been minimal, this again is HUGE. I credit the daily Reiki mantra, massage and acupuncture, and blessing the infusion bags. Everything seems to be working together to minimize the discomfort I'd felt before.

Steve and I drove down the Cape for an overnight last weekend. It was great to be up and about. It snowed on Sunday, so beautiful.

My last Taxol treatment is March 12. I'll spend two days at the hospital for scans and pre-op tests, March 19 and 20. March 23 I'll meet with the surgeon, surgery is scheduled for April 6. Everything's moving right along !!

I'm taking a break between meeting with the surgeon and the surgery date. Martha and I will spend a few days with Mary Susanne in Tuscon. I think poolside Margaritas will be the order of the day there. Steve will visit Mr. Tu in Los Angeles where I'll meet him for an overnight. We'll spend the next few days with Sarah and Greg, a much belated Christmas visit. I see morning walks, martinis and shopping on this leg. On the way home I'll stop in Portland to see Jack and Ana. SO looking forward to long talks, Wall Street Pizza and visiting with "the ladies".

I'm almost a third of the way through my journey. I'm blessed beyond words to have so many loving friends and family following my story. I think of you constantly, you're my source of strength, inspiration and hope. "Thank you" hardly seems adequate, but know that I do, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.