Cancer is like a bad boyfriend. After smacking the shit out of you, he promises to do better, goes to AA and lulls you into a false sense of complacency. Then....
Three weeks ago, my Doctor called - he was concerned that my last blood test showed an increased level of so-called "cancer markers". He suggested one more blood test before my regularly scheduled meeting with him on Friday. Well, today he decided to put me back on chemo. My "cancer markers" are up, and, even though he didn't see an increase in the tumor size on my CT scan, he thought it better to be safe than sorry. Party's over. But, damn, I had a good time during my 6 month break!
And, you know me - the glass is always half full. There was a reason that deer took out our van, forcing Steve to buy a sedan. Now we'll be traversing the highway to Baltimore in a car that doesn't waste as much gas and has fully functioning air-conditioning! The money I put aside for the trip to California that I now wouldn't be able to take? Paid for the car. See? Master Plan. 100 degree DC summer with monster humidity? Time to cut my hair again anyway.
I confess to having had my fingers crossed, hoping to be able to see Nelly graduate. I did it. So, I'll live up to my part of the bargain and go quietly back to chemo. Although I will confess to stuffing my face with onion rings and a DQ blizzard before I have to turn myself in next week. Coping mechanism. Really. I am now officially back on celery and salad.
Back to the Master Plan... Last weekend, I clipped the newspaper before Steve and I started our day of errands and found a coupon for a discount breakfast at "Friendlys" in Burke. Sitting across from us at the restaurant was a teenager wearing a purple tee-shirt advertising the "PurpleStride DC." I was astonished and asked her about it. Turns out we were missing a walkathon for pancreatic cancer. Tuesday, June 14th was also the 5th Annual "Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day"on Capitol Hill. I was gobsmacked that all my internet research hadn't led me to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. So my new bargain is, if I'm healthy enough next Spring, I'm putting a purple shirt on and I'm walking the walk!
12 comments:
Box, your posse loves you and is with you all the way. I can drive you next week - let me know what day. Burrito
You know what? Posses rally when those bad boys return.
And since we're both blessed to be living in the Old Dominion, i'd be honored to be part of the Boxilla Posse Patrol to Hopkins when needed. (DQ included)
Its so "Box" of you to share your news with that joyful picture attached. The perfect counterpoint. Ongoing prayers have been duly stepped up.
The party isn't over until WE SAY it's over! We're not going to let a little thing like chemo stop the posse. Saddle up -- let's ride!
Boxtops
We know all of your bad former boyfriends. Stared them down with that 'don't mess with Brenda, or you'll be sorry' glare. This one won't be able to scale the prayer hedge erected around you either.
Your radiant glow in the photo shows you've already won!
You've got this. Stay strong. :)
Life stinks.
Stay strong, and fight hard.
True words of my aunt, fought breast, lung, and cervical cancer for three years before losing on September 4, 2010.
You can do this.
Very good post, loved reading this blog. I am sure this blog was from your heart.
Great Post
i found you clicking next blog and i am engrossed...i adore your attitude...kick its ass fabulous girl! xxxxxxxx
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