Chemo or No Chemo?

Unfortunately, the cold that I have been trying to fight off has hit with full force. Not the best thing to have when your daughter is home for Thanksgiving, and you really want to go to Black Friday and have some fun. I spent most of the weekend in the house trying to rest and get better. By Saturday, I knew I better call the doctor. Thank goodness for the Z Pak! The sore throat and itchy ears went away within a day. Sadly, the dry cough did not. Up half the night, I went today to make sure it wasn't anything worse. Blood work and a chest x ray later, all seems to be fine- clear lungs and pretty good blood counts. It's all in the hands of my oncologist, Dr. Schwartz, now. He'll make the final call tomorrow morning. Keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed that all goes well.

My Birthday Week

As I mentioned in my last post, I just had a birthday.  Not only did I get amazing news, but Craig flew Bryan home to surprise me right before the big day. He is the Best Husband EVER!!!) I knew there was a surprise but wasn't really sure what it was. I knew it would be coming soon because Craig told me he was going to Home Depot (we even made a list) but then went to take a shower! As my friend Sue says, "Who takes a shower to go to Home Depot! I was just telling her on the phone that I was hoping the surprise would be Bryan when the door opened and in he walked!! Of course, I started to cry tears of joy! My boy was home! We had a great time together-Breakers Brunch and Beach, shopping, movies. . .

The Ladies

Next up, my birthday buddy Donna came to Florida to celebrate our 51st birthdays together.  It's kind of an annual thing. It meant a lot that she was here for the scan and the great news that the growths were disappearing!! Time to celebrate with lunch, shopping and  Ladies Night Out at PGA National. What a fun night made even more special because a portion of the proceeds were going to "Be A Star"- a charity for children with cancer. It was my pleasure to meet Daisy, an almost 12 year old that was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 4 and is now in remission. She is an inspiration as well as a true hero!.

I finally made it to the famous wig shop that everyone told me to go to. Carol, a fellow Scorpio, found the perfect wig for me. I look like me again! What a treat! All of the little kids that live on my street love it because "You like like you again, Mrs. Martin." Even little Josh, who lives next door, said, "Nice wig, Mrs. Martin!" They crack me up. I have to say, though, I really don't mind being bald. It's just so easy. . . and sometimes breezy! :)

In closing, I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. Between Facebook and postal service, I received more birthday wishes than I could have ever imagined! I am so thankful to all of you for being there for me. I feel so loved!

Best Birthday Present Ever

Crazy as it may seem, I decided to have my mid-way cat scan done on my birthday, which was yesterday. I figured it would bring me good luck. . . and it did!!!! The Doctor just called and told me that the growths have shrunk. . . A LOT!!!  The treatment is working!!!! I am so ecstatic and can not stop crying tears of
joy!

My treatments will continue-there are 3 more to go. We are going to annihilate this thing! Then, I will be on a maintenance program for two years! No problem- I am in it to win it!!!

I Will Survive!!

Top 10 Reasons Being Bald Rocks

10. Topless tanning.
9. No hair in your soup. Or anywhere else for that matter.
8. No haircuts, no shampoo, no styling-can you say low maintenance.
7. No Lice. EWWW
6. When on the run from the police, you can hide out in the melon section of the grocery store.
5. Magic Marker skull tattoos.
4. On really hot nights, a cool satin pillowcase is better than sex.
3.Low maintenance= more time on your hands=higher blood counts.
2. You can join the Bald Hall of Fame.
1. Aerodynamics, baby!

Thank you the Wall Street Journal for printing this and my friend Roger for sending it to me.

Round 3 is Now Behind Me!

I can't believe it! As Bon Jovi says, "Whoa, I'm halfway there. Whoa, Living on a prayer." I feel I have to change the words a little and say that I am living on each and every one of your prayers. The love and inspiration that I have received from my friends and family, near and far, have helped me so much in maintaining my positive outlook and attitude. So, THANK YOU ALL! XOXO

Katie

Now for the update: We went back to a 2 day regimen of chemo in an attempt to keep me from getting so sick. Both of my nurses were great but I am still partial to Katie and I was lucky enough to have her as my angel yesterday! She gave me a big hug, rubbed my fuzzy head, made a wish and hooked me up with the strong stuff. Her positivity and sage advice is amazing!! She always sends me home feeling great!

Craig said I am like a "pop star" there, but, I told him "I am a Rock Star!" (That's what Katie says!)

The great news is that the plan worked-I did not get sick at all this time!  I was able to eat, go to the doctor to get my shot, and even do a little shopping with my buddy Sue. It was a very good day!

I Believe

I have received so many cards from so many wonderful people and I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your love and inspirational words. You have no idea how much every single note, e-mail and facebook post means to me. The support you continue to send my way with prayers and hugs and phone calls are truly like oxygen to me. They help me feed my positive attitude and become the "Cancer Vixen" that one card depicted. As another card said, "There is a circle of caring all around. . . and I am right in the middle." What a wonderful place to be!

As I get ready for my third round of chemo tomorrow, I will close with the words from the card Lindsey gave me today:

I believe. I believe in mind over matter. I believe in the human spirit to prevail. I believe in miracles and blessings, both great and small. I believe in possibilities. I believe that hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over, not as something to stop us. I Believe.

What's been happening?

I suppose everyone has been wondering what has been happening in my life since my last post. Well, as you know,  Halloween has come and gone. Most of my friends know that I love Halloween. Four years ago, I started carving pumpkins with my friends Cindy and Aref's children. I didn't set it up this year because I didn't know if I was up to it. Saturday morning I got a phone call from Costa, (he is in fourth grade) and he said, "Hi, Fran. This is Costa. I was wondering if you would like to carve a pumpkin with me today?" He made my day! I was so touched. I think the joy shows on both of our faces!

I have always loved to dress up and become someone new for awhile. My students at school look forward to trick or treating at my house each year because they never know who they are going to find at the door. As my facebook friends know, I chose someone who represents my present battle (as well as my friend Darcy's battle) - GI Jane! (one more way for me to embrace the baldness!) This costume truly embodies my spirit-I am in it to win it!!!