Tim had a Memorial Day concert to play at this a.m. Was going to be a parade, but changed to an indoor church service due to rain. Nice and sunny now though.

As Barry and I were leaving to go shopping (while Tim was away), we were pleasantly greeted by BJ who was bringing a huge assortment of Dunkin Donuts breakfast goodies. Enough to feed an army. With all these friends, how can you ever feel depressed for a long period of time?

Have spoken to my sister Maureen and she is hoping to be out of hospital this afternoon. Just needs to make sure she keeps meds down. So that is good news.

Since I "pigged" out on donuts, Tim motivated me to take bike ride with him. A little over 2 miles. Enough to get my heart pumping away. And now I deserve my nap!
Thank God for Tim.

Tim is at sleepover at friend's house. Barry and I went out to Chinese buffet. I wore my wig for first time. Told Barry he could think he was on date with another woman! Didn't wear anything under it and now I know what they mean by wigs being itchy. Only wore it in restaurant, not to and from. Just took benadryl to relieve the itch.

My sister Maureen is home from hospital. That's good news.

TGIF

We made it through another work week. Unfortuantely I have to work Sunday and Monday due to a bank update. Only a few hours each day, plus they give us another day off. Which of course will be used as a chemo day! Looks like a nice day so far.

Jeans day at work today so it's an even better day. As for my choice of hat, it's either going to be a Dow Jones cap or a FNB cap. Time will tell...

Thanks to all my buddies at DJ/WSJ last night. And to get another blogger comment makes me more happier than you know.

Heard from my brother in law that Maureen is staying overnite at hospital. Considerable pain. Will miss her bloggin' comments. Had hernia operation.

After dinner, Barry, Tim and I spred mulch out front. This was on our to do list since Mother's Day. Looks great. Really needed it. My oncologist, Dr. Garrow even stopped by for a quick hello. Liked my new "do". A wonderful neighbor to have. Afterwards I spoke to Maureen in the hospital. Quick conversation as the pain is still strong. Think she is need of some of our positive energy tonight.

I would like to thank this week's angels: The Clarks, Sherwoods and LeJeunes. And I have to say one thing: always heard that some of these folks couldn't cook. Well let me tell you this, they've not been telling the truth! Delicious meals made from the heart. Thank you so much. Still would like their recipes.

Bald is beautiful and to be bold is even better..

Since it's a bit cool this a.m., and I don't want to get sick, I think I'm going to "as Jody says" don the hat. And perhaps in my own department shed it and go bald.
I really love it. Didn't know what to do in the shower this a.m. with my head. So much time even after getting out of it. Well, off to early meeting at my job. Keep bloggin' everyone so that I know you are there.

PS. Sorry Bo didn't win American Idol, but he did win me.

Today at work was so cool. I had so many people come up to me and tell me how good I looked. Wore the hat to the meeting and took it off as I was going back to my department. A bold statement on my part. And the only time I put the hat back on was when I got cold. Actually had to get some hot chocolate. And when I got my nails done, I went au naturel and while doing some errands in town. Taking control and feeling good about it.

Am off to Barry's job as they have been very supportive of us. I want to show off my new GI Jane look.

PSS. I have gotten so many emails and blog comments today. You guys are great.

Wishing my sister Maureen (a good blogger) success with her surgery tomorrow. She's one of us and I know she'll do fine.

Retta and me. The background sign actually says STYLE. And do you realize how liberating it is to have a shaved head. Well, it is and I am surviving!! 

I didn't ask for cancer, but I'm going to make the best of it.  

A new beginning, and done with a smile. 

I take control of the situation! and Retta helps me. God Bless friends. 

Angels on earth! Losing hair today but I took CONTROL

Lately when people past my desk at work, they check out to see what I am eating. Often I've had a snack (or two), also. I tell them what I'm eating and I also tell them that Angels deliver our family dinners three times a week. And then I explain the definition of Angel and friend. One in the same. And as you can see from a couple of comments that have been posting, others think that is a cool gesture. I have one suggestion, or should I say my husband does. It would be so nice to have the recipe included with the meal because all the food is so delicious. Again, thanks to our Angels.

Just moments ago, during my lunch, I went to scratch my head and hair came out. I know I've been expecting this to happen and making fun of it, but it is a bit upsetting right now to me. Have just called my hairdresser and she will shave my head tomorrow after my scheduled nail appointment. Since this hair has been in my head for 49 years, I'm saving some pieces for a scrapbook!

Have decided to fight back once again. Going to get head shaved tonight. Not going to let the drugs do it, I'm taking control.

Got the head shaved and it is so liberating. Just what my other bosom buddy cancer survivors told me! Jody and Linda. Don't know why but it is. Just something magical that happens to us. Retta is my hairdresser and she was wonderful to me. I took pictures as I got it shaved and will post them soon. Watching American Idol and hoping Bo wins.

I must say it was a GREAT day!

Going to try one of my new scarves today. This way I won't try to itch my scalp. Nice bright red one. And I forgot, red earrings also.

As they say, it must be the time of the month (or should I say chemo cycle), but this past weekend and today are GREAT days for me. I feel so good and actually able to chuckle a bit at work today. So many people commented on my new scarf. Made me feel even better. Kept the scarf on all day and wasn't bothered by my scalp. When I talked to doctor's office and they confirmed it was part of losing the hair, I told them what my mother has told me: "all part of the aging process"! Yes, mom you're a smart one.

Short blog tonight. Have to get myself ready for Bo on American Idol.

Thanks for so many nice comments. Love them.

Itchy scalp

Barry's aches seemed to disappear at about 1 a.m. last night. Today is a good day for him.

I'm beginning to get some pimples in my scalp (which is also a bit itchy). Have been told this is the start of the hair coming out. Am prepared so bring it on. I know it will probably be a bit upsetting for me, but considering the whole scheme of things I can handle it.

By the time I got home from work, my scalp and even eye brows are itchy. Per nurse Maureen (my sister) I have taken some benadryl. As Tim said to me, this way you'll be glad when the hair comes out! Smart kid.

I got new hats/scarf in mail today which I ordered. Can't wait to wear them. A new me which is going to be different and better than the old one...

Barry feels the aches of Neulasta/chemo

Barry is now feeling the aches of neulasta/chemo. Sternum/shins/ankles. Has taken a pain pill and is feeling a bit better. Now he knows what day/s will be crummy for him. One side effect that has gone away is the tingly feeling in his fingers, that's from one of the chemo drugs.

Tim and I went out for awhile to do some shopping in Boardman. I turned around and he was sound asleep listening to his music. Don't know what made me think this, but I prayed that he continue to be strong during our treatments. And as I prayed I couldn't help but cry a bit. He's such a good and smart kid and I can't imagine what is going on in his head. No kid should have to go through such a thing. And believe me, I know of no book that is entitled "how to deal with your child when both parents have cancer." Going shopping broke up our day a bit, he was able to get some new shorts at Old Navy so he's quite content.

I've come to the conclusion that Tim's going to do just fine. How could he not, look at his parents! Just my last thoughts of the day.

This is me in my 2nd Relay for Life Cancer event. A beautiful day to meet wonderful friends. 

Me, Michelle and Jody: Smiling for a cause. 

Cancer survivors: 1 month to 5 years. 

A 7 year old cancer survivor!  

A great day at my 2nd Relay for Life event!

Believe it or not, I was in bed at 8:15 p.m. last night. And probably asleep within 10 minutes. A tiring week for me. I don't think there are many moments of the day/week that cancer is not on my mind. And even more so with Barry's diagnosis. So, for me to be able to sleep is a gift. I slept right through until 7:15 a.m.!! A record for me. No bathroom breaks even. And to finally dream once again was so nice. It's the type of sleep that when you wake up, you stretch your toes to the end of the bed and just feel so good. I didn't even hear Tim and his friend Jonathan last night.

Looks like another great day out there. Hope everyone enjoys it to the fullest.

I have changed today's title because I just got back from my 2nd Relay for Life event and it was so inspirational! The first one I went to in town had about 15 survivors, and this event had about 375 registered survivors. A much larger event and very moving. I am so thankful that Jody invited me to it, and for the opportunity to meet so many of her friends who are survivors.
Thanks Jody! I not only met her friends but I also recognized a lady who goes to my church. A face that I had seen a couple of times but was too shy to go up to. I noticed her once with a great scarf but didn't do anything about it. So today I took advantage of the situation and introduced myself to her. She is a young breast cancer survivor raising two young children. Her name is Michelle. I've said this before and I'll say it again, had I not been diagnosed with breast cancer I would never have met such great and inspirational people. Somehow it's all in God's hands, I truly believe that.

So many memories to enjoy and to go over in my mind from today. Barry continues to be good, considering it's his first weekend from receiving chemo. And thank God for that.

Just a great day.

Day after Chemo for Barry

I slept great last night for a change. Not even a bathroom break. Barry, on the other hand, had the side effects of lots of energy (one of the pre-meds) and therefore lots on his mind. And if that's the only side effect, he's doing fine.

Our friend Becky is creating a meal of love for us tonight. Has kept it a mystery and can't wait to see what it is. She's like me, a usual non-cooker of meals. Thanks again to all my friends.

I'll be off to work today and it's Barry's day off. He did work last night, and it was not an easy night. But a quality paper was produced which made him happy in the end.

Barry invited me to lunch which was a pleasant surprise. Always a treat to eat out. Afterwards, he went to cancer center for his neulasta (booster) shot. Hope he doesn't ache like I did last weekend.

You should see our lawn. Tim did the back yard this p.m., and Barry in my opinion, over did it in the woods area and creek area. He spent a good 4 hrs. weedwacking and such. Too much work and am sure he'll pay the price. Think he'll sleep fine tonight since he didn't sleep last night and he did lots today. End result, the lawn is in excellent shape.

June Cleaver/AKA Becky delivered our meal this evening. Yes, she does cook after all! And it was delicious, like all the other meals we've had. As I would tell my mother when I would visit the Cape, "have never had a bad meal yet."

Tim's got a friend sleeping over tonight. A good change for him. In morning he refs a game, and later in the day I am hoping to go to another Relay for Life cancer walk.

And now Barry's first chemo treatment

My husband Barry's first chemo treatment is today at 10 a.m. I will be going with him for support. His treatment will last a total of 4 hrs. It consists of a 4 hr. slow IV drip, unlike my chemo. It is so wonderful hearing from so many people about our journey. We certainly are not alone now. As a friend told me when I went to my first oncology appt., you will not be alone in the waiting room. Many people who love you will be beside you.

On more thing: slept so good last night. Only woke up once. Yeah.

We got to the appt. at 10 a.m., unfortunately they were running behind schedule due to people calling in sick. And since we did not know his pre-meds would take about 45 minutes to administer, just getting home at about 5:30 p.m. A very long and tiring day. Luckily Barry was able to sleep a portion of the time, but I wasn't able to do so. Barry did great! Tomorrow he goes for his neulasta shot and hopefully won't be as achy as I was last weekend. I did drop Barry off at his job for a few hours to do some paperwork and will pick him up earlier if needed.

That's it for today. A bit tired to write anymore right now. Going to lie down a bit, Tim outside cutting the lawn.

PS. I spoke to social worker today at the Center. She contacted Karen, the woman I met at the Look Good program and has told her that I would like her telephone number. When I got home today, there was a message from Karen giving me her work and home phone number. Can't wait to talk to her. Not sure how many weeks her treatment is ahead of mine.

PSS. I called Karen and spoke to her. Having cancer has given me another friend in this world. How lucky can I be? She will be doing her 2nd chemo treatment tomorrow, therefore is a couple of weeks ahead of me. She's had no side effects so far. It was great being able to talk to her and I'm sure we will keep in touch. A wonderful spirit.

Meals of love and new bloggers

Couldn't get into bed fast enough last night. Had good time at program, but during the p.m. at work I was feeling as if I was losing steam. Sort of a stiff neck coming, a lot of burping and a feeling of lump in my throat as I swallowed. So wished I could just lie down somewhere but I was at work. My sister told me to take tums and to speak to doctor about it. I'll call my doctor this a.m. Still don't feel %100 now. But I must say that I slept the longest intervals last night.

My work environment is strange. I continue to work there with little and no comments like "how are you feeling?" from my area. There is one girl that does talk to me about the cancer. But others perhaps don't know what to say. I just would expect more since I do have more than just a common cold. I am thankful for a couple of my buddies at the job, and they know who they are.

I did make a call to the nurse at the Cancer Center on how I've been feeling. She told me to take a compazine pill/anti nausea. Also, said these are probably my crappy days. Have to go through a cycle to see what/how your body will react. That way you know for next cycles. The pill did the trick and the burping stopped. I just had very little energy at work, just kept yawning most of the time.

Came home once again to another wonderful meal of love. Thanks to Lisa, Kelly, Meg and Michelle for the recent meals. It is such a load off of my mind, you wouldn't believe it. Also, thanks to all my new blogger friends. You bring a smile to my face as I read your comments.

Go Bo! American Idol

Look good and feel even better.

Just wanted to say thanks to all my new "posters" of comments. Now I know you are out there reading my journal. Gives me more strength in knowing that.

After work I went to American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Better program. They give you about $130 free cosmetics, along with helpful hints about wigs/scarves. Met some more wonderful ladies. There was one woman there, her name is Karen. She volunteered to have her hair shaved as today it was coming out all over. What a gal. She was wearing such a beautiful hat, so color co-ordinated. I asked if she always wore hats, and she said no. Her hair was cut short like mine. She said that she didn't ask to be in this situation but was going to make the best of it! My kind of people.

If only I can remember how to put on the makeup by myself. I wish I could save my face as it is now. Really look nice in my opinion.