Bracelet

This is a special bracelet my dear friend Christine Kourkounian had made for me. Actually, she had one made for each of us in our little group. We are known as Armenian Desperate Housewives (I know, it's a really corny name). The group meets once a month to catch up on "things". We are supposed to play cards or play a game but basically we just talk - oh, and eat of course! I just love my bracelet!!

It's Been a Long Time!

Sorry folks, it's been a long time since an update. I've been pretty busy getting the kids back to school, doing radiation and working on helping the church kitchen get a permit to serve food to the public. Here's an update:

• I've finished 5 of the 6 1/2 weeks of radiation treatment. I can't wait for it to be over. I'm a little tired but mostly tired of going to the hospital every day. I am going to do a dance when it's finally over!

• I've started medication to help stop a recurrance. It has a lot of side effects but I'm trying to manage them as I have to be on this med for 5 years. It's tough to take but I'm trying to go with the flow and stick with it. I DON'T want a recurrance!!!

• In two weeks from today - September 26th 35 of us will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Boston. I'm am so looking forward to it. I can't wait to be with you all. I hope I don't cry through the whole thing. I am VERY touched by all of you with your continuous support. I've never felt so optimistic about life. If you want to participe or to just check it out, here is the link: http://komenmassrace.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=305839&team=3467966.

That's all for now, got to go and make paklava for the church picnic on Sunday the 13th of September. See you soon.

xoxo Susan

Chemo - Treatments 3 and 4

Well, it's been a while since I've posted. I'm not a great blogger (but I'm great at other things!). Treatments 3 and 4 have come and Thank God, gone!!! Ginger was there with me, keeping me company, laughing and observing. I think maybe the chemo room is happy we're gone too. Yes, we were loud, yes I had an allergic reaction everytime, and yes, they don't know how much they're going to miss us! However, my goal is to never go back to that room as a patient! I'm done!!! Now, it's on to radiation treatment. That will start in August. Did you know that I get a tatoo?? Yup, a tatoo. I guess it's to make sure they are radiating the right spot. Do you think they could fashion it into a rose or a daisy? I'll ask!
Oh! BTW, my neighbor Lisa Corti has formed a team to run/walk in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure to be held in Boston on September 26th. Contact her or me if you are interested in being on our team. It should be a great time for a great cause. I hope you will think about joining us!
xoxo Susan

P.S. Lisa's email address is: cortivet@yahoo.com

The Many Hats You Can Wear When You're Bald

Ah, the many hats I wear. Last week my friend Lori came all the from NJ to visit me. We had a lot of laughs reading my diary from when I was a teenager and enjoyed spending a couple of days together. While she was here we took some pictures of me in my new hats. Please enjoy the photos and if you have a hat that you think I would enjoy wearing, send in on over.

Who Wants to be Bald? Join the Club!!

Wow!!!! I got a call the week after my second treatment from my good friend Steve Rosenfeld. He told me that he had something to show me and could he drop over. Yes, of course, please do!! When he got to the door and took off his baseball cap I couldn't believe it! He had shaved his head in the ultimate support of me!! Check out the pictures and don't forget to comment (I hope you are able to make comments, I changed some settings to make it easier).

Two Down Two to Go!

I finished my second treatment on Monday May 18. It went well, just a little reaction to one of the drugs but not anything near as bad as the last time. Mom drove me to the hospital, Ginger stayed and watched over me (made me laugh too) and Simone picked me up and drove me home. A real team effort! While I'm sitting in the recliner hooked up to the iv I'm pretty much out of it. You never know what I'm going to say (well, ok, even when I'm not "out of it" you never know what I'm going to say so you can imagine how bad it could be). Ginger is there to remind me of all that goes on. A few days after the treatment we play the "Do you remember when....." game. I really don't remember much about what went on there in the chemo room but Ginger fills me in. Here are some of the things that happened (according to Ginger) at my second treatment:

• The guy who was really grouchy at my first treatment was there again. He was not as grouchy this time. I woke up to find Ginger in a very pleasant conversation. She could tell you his life story but you'd probaly not be very interested.
• The chemo nurse was mean to me and to Ginger. We don't like her. She wouldn't let Ginger sit in a recliner (even though there were empty one and she wouldn't have taken one from a patient). She also said we talked too much (are you kidding????).
• An old woman shuffled in and brought her lunch in a brown bag (I missed this whole thing). Sounds like a really fascinating story. Sorry to have slept through it.
• When I had a reaction to one of the drugs I jumped up and yelled. I do remember this and no, I'm not embarrased, although I probably should be.
• Ginger bought the formally grouchy guy a bag of chips. Yes, she's definitely going to heaven for her generosity.
• I had to use the "facilities". The nurse and Ginger came into the bathroom to me. According to Ginger I had a lot of liquids to pass. Aren't you glad to know this.
• Ginger got me a salad from the cafeteria down stairs. It was really good and I ate the whole thing. Also, this is when she bought the chips for the formally grouchy guy.

So, now you know the kind of things that go on at chemo camp. I hope you find this information fascinating and maybe even useful in some weird way. Got lots more to tell. I'll update again soon. xoxo Susan

Hair Yesterday, Gone Today

Well, it's gone. It was there yesterday but it's gone today. I'm talking about my hair. I really thought I was going to be one of those people who keep their hair during chemo. You know the 1% of so who have hair that just won't let go. But.... I am not. I went to my hairdresser Angie yesterday who opened her shop for me. She's normally closed on Mondays but I called her and she ran down to meet me there. She cut it really, really short and told me to pull it out by hand. No shaving or buzzing it because it hurts. I got home last night and starting to pull it out by hand. It didn't hurt because it was ready to come right out. I am officially bald (well, except for a few stubborn stragglers). I have a bandana on today. I'm also wearing large hoop earrings. I feel like a pirate. Maybe I'll get an eye patch to complet the look! I do have a wig but it feels big on my now bald head. I got it fitted when I had a huge head of hair - might have been a mistake?? I'll wear it when John takes me out to all those fancy places but I'm probably just going to wear the bandana or a scarf. They're just more comfortable for me. I'll take pictures so those of you who are far away can see the "look". It 's really something to see!!