The Perks of Chemotherapy

I’m about halfway through my chemotherapy now (only 31 more days till the fourth and last one!). It hasn’t been the nicest experience of my lifetime, but it’s been bearable—especially since my doctors reassure me that I can consider myself cured when I’ve completed the radiation treatment that will follow. Because of that, I’ve been able to endure my cancer treatment with better grace than I might otherwise and also keep my sense of humor. Hey folks, I’m fine, and I’m going to stay that way! To be honest, I’ve suffered few side effects compared to the more usual course of chemo. I’ve been so fortunate, and I am very grateful. All the same, I was not happy when 98% of my hair fell out, and the dental sensitivity I feel for the first week after each infusion is distressing. I never knew how cold my head would get without hair, and I can’t get used to looking at myself in the mirror, because the reflection I see just is NOT me!

There have been a few compensations:

I never knew how many truly wonderful friends I had. They pitch in to help whenever and with whatever. Need a ride to your chemo or radiation treatment? They're there. Need someone to talk to when you're feeling down? They are on-call. Want somebody to put in a few extra prayers on your behalf? You don't even need to ask. I am surrounded by love, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You are awesome!

I’ve been approved for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) if I need to take time off due to my illness. Since I’ve been fortunate enough not to feel sick because of the chemotherapy, I’ve been able to continue my normal work routine, only taking off the day of my infusions , because I’m much too sleepy to work afterward (Ativan, an anti-nausea, anti-anxiety medicine that also makes you sleepy is part of the IV medication I get with the chemotherapy drugs).

If I ever suffer from nausea in the future, I have plenty of medication on hand to deal with it without going to the store.

Ever thought of breast reconstruction? In about another year, when the effects of radiation have taken their toll, I can get implants (or whatever) and insurance will pay.

Need something to put on your head? Are you unhappy with your current hairstyle or color? No problemo! Just head for a nice wig shop with plenty of inventory and try on whatever suits your fancy. You can match your current style and color or really go wild. Always wanted the long blonde California goddess look? You can have it! How about a cute little bob, shag, bangs in your face, or pixie cut? How about redhead, brunette, or frosted? Go for it Baby, the only limits are your imagination, facial shape, and the depth of your pocketbook!

Ever wondered how you’d look as a pirate? Clap on a couple heavy gold hoop earrings, stick a knife between your teeth, and you’ve got it! By the time Halloween rolls around, though, I’ll have hair again, so I'll have to consider a different costume. Maybe Cleopatra this year (hit the wig store)?

Seriously though, I’m only looking forward to when this process is over and I can get back to my normal life—whatever that is. Spring is coming! I have things to do, places to go, people to meet! I ain’t nearly done yet, brother, and I’ve got plans for my life!

The Soundtrack of My Life

A few days back I fielded a challenge from a friend that went like this: “If you were a star and your life a motion picture, what music would be playing?” I must admit I had not thought of that one. I have created dozens of playlists for CDs and my iPod, but this was a subject I had yet to consider. After two days spent combing through my iTunes folder (while Sam probably wondered if I was going to do anything else—fortunately, he understands what it’s like when the writing fit is on), I was able to come up with “my” soundtrack (though it’s still under review)—and I was humbled by how difficult the project was.

On some subjects, such as “car driving scene,” there were oodles of selections to choose from, but with others, such as “happy friend scene,” I had to rack my brain for titles. I had plenty of party music—loads of it, but most of it was not quite right, so I had to buy more. Even then, I was not completely satisfied with some of my choices, but these will have to do for now. Why not give it a try yourself? Go ahead! Have fun!


Opening Credits: Ride the Wind by Poison

Waking Up Scene: Local Hero/Wild Theme by Dire Straits

Car Driving Scene: Road Runner by Aerosmith

High School Flashback Scene: Leader of the Pack by The Shangri-Las

High School Love/Crush Scene: It Hurts to Be in Love by Gene Pitney

Nostalgic Scene: All Good Things (Come to an End) by Nelly Furtado

Bitter, Angry Scene: Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence

Break-Up Scene: Already Gone by The Eagles

Regret Scene: Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson

Nightclub/Bar Scene: Hideaway by The Blues Breakers (with Eric Clapton and John Mayall)

Fight/Action Scene: The Rumble/West Side Story Movie Soundtrack

Lawn Mowing Scene: Working for the Man by Roy Orbison

Sad, Breakdown Scene: In My Secret Life by Leonard Cohen

Death Scene: Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring XIV/Sacrificial Dance (various artists)

Funeral Scene: Amazing Grace by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Mellow/Pot-Smoking/Drunk Scene: More than a Feeling by Boston

Dreaming About Someone Scene: Enchanted by The Platters

Seeing Your Significant Other Scene: If Not For You by George Harrison

Sex Scene: Loco por Ti by Oscar Lopez

Contemplation Scene: Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune (various artists)

Chase Scene: Wipe Out by The Ventures

Happy Love Scene: Bailemos by Enrique Iglesias

Happy Friend Scene: Lots of Drops of Brandy by The Chieftains

Closing Credits: Paint the Sky with Stars by Enya

In Honor of Furry Little Critters

I’m sure you’ve already heard the bad news: Punxsutawney Phil (AKA the Official American Weather Groundhog) saw his shadow today, so that means we’re in for six more weeks of winter. This may seem a bit arcane to some of you. Tsk, tsk, having a groundhog predict the weather! It is pretty reliable, though, at least from what I’ve read through the years. One Canadian study says the rodents’ forecasts have been about 37% accurate for the past 30-40 years, based on data from 13 cities, whereas the National Climatic Data Center puts it at 39%.*That’s actually not too bad, when it comes to guessing what Mother Nature’s going to do.

Groundhog’s Day is an American folk tradition and the translation of an old European custom where a badger or sacred bear would see its shadow, be frightened, and return to its burrow to hibernate a few more weeks until the weather improved.* Anyway, who cares how accurate it is? I’m resigned to Spring getting here when it gets here (I’m planting peas and washing my car today, so you know I’ve already done my part to insure that we’ve got six more weeks to go). I like the fact that it’s a holiday where a fat, furry little critter presides, and it’s a great excuse to party—especially if you happen to be in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania**: the town made famous by Bill Murray and Andie McDowell in the 1993 film Groundhog Day. If you haven’t seen it yet, by all means run down and grab a rental. It is one of the best comedies I have ever seen, and I never tire of watching it.

Phil has his own website***, if you want to read more about the goings on and the Wikipedia article* is most enlightening as well. I especially love the colorful names of the various chosen woodchucks through the years. There is quite a troupe (Flock? Herd? Tribe? Horde? Who knows what a grouping of hoary marmots is called?) of them now! The names range from French Creek Freddie to Jimmy the Groundhog—but so far Punxsutawney Phil still seems to be king of the rock. At least, he gets the most publicity. Oh, and the 2009 Phil beanie babies are already sold out, though the word is you might find one from an earlier year on eBay.

Well, not to cut this short, but I have those peas to plant and my car to wash! Happy Groundhog’s Day everyone! Let’s all lift a glass and salute these cute (and no so little) guys!

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*Statistics and background material courtesy of Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day)

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**The Official Website of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club:
http://www.groundhog.org/

***Phil’s Site:
http://www.groundhogs.com/

The YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM0-G80EoCk