I am turning into an official conehead. The stubs I used to have are disappearing and now it's the bald look.

Off to work with pink hat and parrot earrings. A good pair.

Today was first day of work after a software update. Therefore, you guessed it. A day from you know what. No lunch break and I worked 1/2 hr. extra just to get my desk cleaned up from my daily work. A very exhausting day. Sure do hope tomorrow is better as I need to be in good shape for Thursday's chemo.

Have spoken to Barry this evening and he is losing some hair on top of his head. Hoping it doesn't all come out. Otherwise, he's going to be my matching conehead.
Time will tell.

I go for blood work tomorrow in preparation for round 2 of chemo. Hope everything is OK to keep rolling.

Where there is faith

Where There Is Faith

I believe in faithfulness
I believe in giving of myself for someone else
I believe in peace and love
I believe in honesty and trust but it's not enough
For all that I believe may never change the way it is
Unless I believe Jesus lives

Where there is faith
There is a voice calling, "keep walking"
You're not alone in this world
Where there is faith
There is a peace like a child sleeping
Hope everlasting in He who is able to
Bear every Burden, to heal every hurt in my heart
It is a wonderful, powerful place
Where there is faith


The above are words from a Christian song I just heard by 4HIM. Wish you could actually hear the song.

I had to work about 5 hours this a.m. Nice way to spend holiday weekend. But was able to do some things today anyway like take a scooter ride, nap and then Barry, Tim and I went to see STAR WARS movie. Pretty good movie. Yes, finally we saw it. Tim's been saying no to all his friends when they have invited him. Wanted to see it with his dad. And we went to new movies with stadium seating. Really nice and roomy.

This weekend what stubby hair I have on my head is coming out. I have found a trick to getting off my scalp. Scotch tape! Don't laugh it works. And it beats it being sore on my scalp, especially when I lay down on it. Am even noticing my legs as having the same prickly feeling. Must be losing the shaved hair on my legs. Yeah, no shaving for a couple of months.

My 2nd chemo is this Thursday. Then I will be 50% done with chemo treatment. One way of looking at it. I'll be taking that day off from work. Past couple of weeks I've been feeling so good that for a moment I forgot what I was going through. But with chemo just a couple of days ago, it does come back to my mind. But at least I know what to expect. Plus, I won't have to worry about losing my hair.

Sunday: worked most of afternoon

The itching was not due to the wig. This a.m. it felt like porcupine, back of my neck. But when I further explored it, it was due to more hair coming out. Am so glad I shaved it already. Little stubs coming out of scalp.

After going to church, I cooked up some 'sghetti and meatballs that Angel Meg had sent over. Another delicious meal. Thank you.

After an early lunch I had to go to work due to a computer upgrade. Worked until 5 p.m. and have to go back early in morning. Some holiday. Would have rather spent the time with family.

For dinner we had hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, and I made some shrimp pasta salad for the "boys" tomorrow while I'm at work. I expect to work the whole morning.

All in all, a pretty good day.

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.