I am coming out of the chemo "coma" this morning. Spent the weekend sleeping and feeling like hell. Will post more later when I have energy.
Cheryl
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Chemo Today
I am off to my second round of chemo in ten minutes, which means I should be home around 11-12. Last time I didn't feel bad on Thursday but start to feel "unwell" by Friday and by Tuesday "unwell" moved its way to "feeling like hell". I am going to have an easier time this go around...that is what I am repeating to myself....feel free to join me!
Margie, our friend and neighbor, is fattening me up! We received the most delicious berry dessert the other day. Thank you, Margie!!!! Berry cobblers, crumbles, etc are Eddy's sweet treat of choice and he was very happy.
Hope you all have a good day.
Cheryl
Margie, our friend and neighbor, is fattening me up! We received the most delicious berry dessert the other day. Thank you, Margie!!!! Berry cobblers, crumbles, etc are Eddy's sweet treat of choice and he was very happy.
Hope you all have a good day.
Cheryl
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Shaved Head
Well, hair was not cooperating today. I just had Eddy buzz it off, then shave my head in the shower. The bald head is not bad, makes your eyes stand out more and shows off a nice pair of earrings. I
am seriously considering going out "topless" some of the time so don't be surprised if you see me sporting my bald do....just have to get the guts up to go out of the house this way!!
I'll see if Eddy will take my photo and post it later.
Cheryl
am seriously considering going out "topless" some of the time so don't be surprised if you see me sporting my bald do....just have to get the guts up to go out of the house this way!!
I'll see if Eddy will take my photo and post it later.
Cheryl
Saturday, June 21, 2008
More Hair News
Still have my hair but it is falling out! I am guessing we are going to do the head shave either Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the rate of fall out. Right now, if I just don't mess with the hair it seems to stay in place, just shedding a bit more than usual. When you pull on the hair it comes out in clumps. I am trying to remember not to touch my head much and not toss and turn at night since that seems to "rub" more hair off. By the way, losing your hair is not pain free. Those of you that have worn a tight ponytail all day and then taken it down know about that weird feeling that your hair "hurts".
My white blood cell count was 1.2 last week (I believe the normal range is 4.0 to 10.0), now it is 13.2! The raised WBC explains why I feel so much better. The Neulasta shot I get on the day after chemo is responsible for the WBC increase.
My mom and Ron are staying at our house until Sunday morning, then they are heading to down south to visit Ron's daughter, son-in-law and grandkids in Newport Beach. Eddy's mom is arriving Sunday morning from Santa Rosa and will go home on Monday. It is nice to have visitors when I feel well.
Our new deck in the backyard is finished and I was finally able to sit outside in a lounge chair and drink my glass of wine! Oh, what a thrill!!!! I've been waiting six or so years to enjoy the backyard and that time has arrived, yeah!
For those of you hearing about the Trabing Fire near Watsonville.....it is not close to us or Ron's son and daughter-in-law (closer to them but going the opposite direction, I think).
Eddy signed a five year lease on new shop space for us in the City of Campbell. We are moving with our decorative paint partner, Buena Vista Faux and Mural, in mid-July. The shop is about 2800 square feel with a spray booth already in the space. There is an area for the show room and offices. Eddy, who is great at seeing the potential in a space, already has plans for expanding the show room, creating more office space, etc. We are very excited about the move!
Signing off for the day. Cheryl
My white blood cell count was 1.2 last week (I believe the normal range is 4.0 to 10.0), now it is 13.2! The raised WBC explains why I feel so much better. The Neulasta shot I get on the day after chemo is responsible for the WBC increase.
My mom and Ron are staying at our house until Sunday morning, then they are heading to down south to visit Ron's daughter, son-in-law and grandkids in Newport Beach. Eddy's mom is arriving Sunday morning from Santa Rosa and will go home on Monday. It is nice to have visitors when I feel well.
Our new deck in the backyard is finished and I was finally able to sit outside in a lounge chair and drink my glass of wine! Oh, what a thrill!!!! I've been waiting six or so years to enjoy the backyard and that time has arrived, yeah!
For those of you hearing about the Trabing Fire near Watsonville.....it is not close to us or Ron's son and daughter-in-law (closer to them but going the opposite direction, I think).
Eddy signed a five year lease on new shop space for us in the City of Campbell. We are moving with our decorative paint partner, Buena Vista Faux and Mural, in mid-July. The shop is about 2800 square feel with a spray booth already in the space. There is an area for the show room and offices. Eddy, who is great at seeing the potential in a space, already has plans for expanding the show room, creating more office space, etc. We are very excited about the move!
Signing off for the day. Cheryl
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Hair
Oh, my hair is starting to fall out. Damn it! I bet by this weekend I will be bald....I might just shave it on Friday because I think this is going to be messy. Maybe we will post pictures of my new look in wigs this weekend. Stay tuned.
My legs better lose hair too or I am going to be really mad! Could you imagine being bald on your head but still having to shave your legs....that wouldn't be very fair.
My legs better lose hair too or I am going to be really mad! Could you imagine being bald on your head but still having to shave your legs....that wouldn't be very fair.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Message by George Carlin
A message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all...mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak. And give time to share the precious thoughts n your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all...mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak. And give time to share the precious thoughts n your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Shot of new hair do
Eddy finally got a picture of the new do! I haven't been fussing with my hair much since I'd like it to last as long as possible. My hope is not using the hair dryer and pulling on it will help it stay in place a day or two longer. I think the haircut makes me look a lot more like my mother, Linda.My dreams last night were of wet, mangy looking cats and kittens that smelled like roses! Not sure why the cat dreams, but I know why I smelled roses. I have a vase of home grown roses that smell absolutely delicious right next to the bed (thank you Margie for the flowers!!!)
Eddy and I are going to snuggle up on the couches this evening to watch two movies loaned to us by Jeff and Bonnie (neighbors above us), Juno and Thank You for Smoking.
Have a good weekend!
Cheryl
Friday, June 13, 2008
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_yivlcCpB4&feature=related
This video clip was posted on the Susan G Komen site. The first minute or so really hit home for me.
This video clip was posted on the Susan G Komen site. The first minute or so really hit home for me.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Spoke Too Soon
Oh, my goodness! Had a bit of a set back this week. Was not feeling well, got a little temp (100.1), a lot of pain from the Neulasta shot and I started throwing up. I had to go in yesterday for re-hydration IV with anti-nausea medicine, which helped perk me up. My white blood cell count was tested and is already very low (I think day 10 is when it is supposed drop, so this is a bit sooner). Since WBC is low, I am on antibiotics for the next week to keep infections at bay.
Next round of chemo is set for 6/26. Hopefully, with the "tweaks" made to my regimen, I will have an easier time.
Next round of chemo is set for 6/26. Hopefully, with the "tweaks" made to my regimen, I will have an easier time.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Getting Better
Wow! Chemotherapy is some powerful medicine. I am drinking water to help clear the chemo out of my system and trying to eat several small meals a day. It feels like I get spurts of energy then it is time for another nap.
I have to send a huge THANK YOU to Lauren Feniello for the wonderful "chemo" cut and the restyle on the wigs! Lauren went with me to pick out wigs, took me back to the salon to get the wigs right for me, then gave me my new short Sharon Stone look (kind of a combination of Tinkerbell meets Peter Pan). Lauren did not charge me for all of her time and effort (wouldn't even take a big tip....this is a good tip for hairdressers....don't run with scissors!). You really learn who cares about you when going through something like cancer! Lauren, THANK YOU. I still need Eddy to post a picture of the new haircut before I am bald, look for that in the next day or two. Lauren works at Main Street Annex (formerly Tangles Salon) in Los Gatos, 408-218-5235 (cell). The salon is under new ownership and completely remodeled inside....I love it!
Time to sign off for today.
Cheryl
I have to send a huge THANK YOU to Lauren Feniello for the wonderful "chemo" cut and the restyle on the wigs! Lauren went with me to pick out wigs, took me back to the salon to get the wigs right for me, then gave me my new short Sharon Stone look (kind of a combination of Tinkerbell meets Peter Pan). Lauren did not charge me for all of her time and effort (wouldn't even take a big tip....this is a good tip for hairdressers....don't run with scissors!). You really learn who cares about you when going through something like cancer! Lauren, THANK YOU. I still need Eddy to post a picture of the new haircut before I am bald, look for that in the next day or two. Lauren works at Main Street Annex (formerly Tangles Salon) in Los Gatos, 408-218-5235 (cell). The salon is under new ownership and completely remodeled inside....I love it!
Time to sign off for today.
Cheryl
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Quick Update
Not feeling 100%, not much of an appetite and a little achy all over. Taking it easy, sleeping and watching TV (there is not much on).
Thank you for all the good thoughts!
Cheryl
Thank you for all the good thoughts!
Cheryl
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Chemo
Made it through my first round of chemo today. Very long, long day for the two of us. My chemo was set to start at 10:45 but we didn't really get going until around noon. There was a back up of patients and only one oncology nurse today. Next go around should be better. I am tired from all of the drugs other than the chemo you get (Benydrl and more steroids along with anti-nausea in the IV).
Tomorrow I go in for the Neulasta shot, which will make me fatigued but helps fight infection. The doctor said I should start feeling the effects of chemo starting tomorrow.
Signing off for the evening.
Tomorrow I go in for the Neulasta shot, which will make me fatigued but helps fight infection. The doctor said I should start feeling the effects of chemo starting tomorrow.
Signing off for the evening.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Chemo Cut
I love my new chemo cut! Once Eddy takes a couple of pictures, I can post them. I also got a nice wig and one of those half-head wig things that go under hats. The store also had sleeping hats because when you have no hair your head tends to get cold (I was told by several people, not just the sales person).
Cheryl
Cheryl
Monday, June 2, 2008
Good Day
We had our front yard cleared of weeds, ivy and jasmine today! Yard is down to dirt except for the front lawn, which is getting torn up for new sod. The back got attacked by the weed eater and looks much better. This evening I was able to see a fawn bouncing around in the field behind our house since there were no more weeds blocking my view. Cute as a button!
My sister, Suzanne, took me shopping in San Jose today at Valley Fair. It was nice to get away for the day, find a couple of things and have lunch. I wish it could have been a longer day but I still get tired in the afternoons and I just wasn't super interested in anything. For those of you that know about DSW (the shoe store), I couldn't find anything I wanted, which is saying a lot since there are sooooo many shoes to choose from in there. It was obviously not my shopping day.
Tomorrow is new hair cut day! I am very excited and wished I had done it a few weeks ago when I had my hair colored. Cat is out of the bag, I color my hair! I started getting grays around thirtysomething, so I've been coloring since then. Now my eyebrows, lashes, etc are getting gray. In fact, I found a couple of gray arm hairs the other day!
We are also wig shopping tomorrow. Not sure how I feel about the wig thing, mixed emotions. I feel too young for a wig and like everyone will know I have it on. We'll see how the morning goes and if I actually get one. By the way, Eddy is going for the wig shopping trip. Could you ask for a better best friend in life?
I talked to three cancer survivors today. Judy B who I met on the Susan G Komen message boards, Beverly who I met at the hairdresser getting her wig trimmed a few weeks ago (doing chemo right now) and the clerk I met at Nordstrom today who is a stage IV survivor (five years). It means so much for me to talk with women who are going through the same or have gone through the same experiences I am. It is hard to understand if you have not been diagnosed with cancer, you might have an idea but you really don't feel the full impact of what it means to have cancer and all that goes with it. I will never be the same person that I was before diagnosis and I know I will continue to change through this life altering journey I am on. It will be interesting to see who I am on the other side.
Please keep up the positive thoughts for me....I need them for the upcoming days.
Cheryl
My sister, Suzanne, took me shopping in San Jose today at Valley Fair. It was nice to get away for the day, find a couple of things and have lunch. I wish it could have been a longer day but I still get tired in the afternoons and I just wasn't super interested in anything. For those of you that know about DSW (the shoe store), I couldn't find anything I wanted, which is saying a lot since there are sooooo many shoes to choose from in there. It was obviously not my shopping day.
Tomorrow is new hair cut day! I am very excited and wished I had done it a few weeks ago when I had my hair colored. Cat is out of the bag, I color my hair! I started getting grays around thirtysomething, so I've been coloring since then. Now my eyebrows, lashes, etc are getting gray. In fact, I found a couple of gray arm hairs the other day!
We are also wig shopping tomorrow. Not sure how I feel about the wig thing, mixed emotions. I feel too young for a wig and like everyone will know I have it on. We'll see how the morning goes and if I actually get one. By the way, Eddy is going for the wig shopping trip. Could you ask for a better best friend in life?
I talked to three cancer survivors today. Judy B who I met on the Susan G Komen message boards, Beverly who I met at the hairdresser getting her wig trimmed a few weeks ago (doing chemo right now) and the clerk I met at Nordstrom today who is a stage IV survivor (five years). It means so much for me to talk with women who are going through the same or have gone through the same experiences I am. It is hard to understand if you have not been diagnosed with cancer, you might have an idea but you really don't feel the full impact of what it means to have cancer and all that goes with it. I will never be the same person that I was before diagnosis and I know I will continue to change through this life altering journey I am on. It will be interesting to see who I am on the other side.
Please keep up the positive thoughts for me....I need them for the upcoming days.
Cheryl
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