Cancer Bitch tries home remedies

New round of chemo. This time, Lynn, a charter member of the invisible posse, drove me to JH, to the Blalock building, where I had a port implanted. Had to take a photo of Vivien Thomas and Alfred Blalock, even though, thanks to HBO, I'm always going to see them as Mos Def and Alan Rickman.

Spent 3 hours getting chemo, then got hooked up to a pump which dispenses chemo for 46 hours. The good news is - I'm at home during all this - the bad news, I'm nauseous and sleepy. The prescription for my anti-nausea drug costs $413, so I declined and went old school (think college dorms). A nurse will come to my home and unhook me Thursday. Unlike last time, I only have to do this every two weeks!

Got a mystery answered this week. On the way to JH, we always past a large brick tower and I couldnt figure out its purpose. Its called the "Shot Tower." Did they shoot people? No, but close.

Spring has sprung

Easter was fabulous! Went on the annual cherry blossom walk with the girls (for some reason the guys complained about not being invited).

Grandbabies visited, and we had Easter brunch with the usual crew. I've learned that if I don't suck down a lot of meat and fat, I don't get as sick (go figure). So, I ate a small amount of ham, lots of salad and tried to hurt myself on the Red Velvet Cake.

Back to Hopkins today, where I was told I'm being taken off the Abraxin trial because my liver just wouldn't allow it. The good news is I'm still on chemo, starting a new regimen next Tuesday. The bad news - I have to get a port. Just damn.



I look on skipping chemo as good thing - it gives me a week of energy to study for the comprehensive test that I have to pass Saturday in order to get my Masters, and time to write the article I have due for class. It's all downhill from here.

Graduation May 8th!

Cancer Bitch Pimp Slaps the Bluebird of Happiness

Ok, I confess that the blog is late this week because I spent more time in a funk. Labs weren't good Monday AND they insisted I get a mammogram right away because of something they saw in the CT scan from last week.

After demolishing most of a carton of Lemon Haagen Daz and part of an apple pie, went to Washington Radiology, where they told me that the lump spotted in the CT scan was probably a false alarm.

More depressing news: a local company that was trying to develop a drug to fight pancreatic cancer has given up. Fortunately, it wasn't the drug in my trial, but still bad news.

Now for the good news: spent last weekend and will spend this coming weekend with good friends. My classmates at American U have formed a team for the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" with a goal of raising $2,000 by April 17th. They've already raised more than $2,500. Go "News at 11!"

And I'm off next week! Time to munch on some chocolate bunnies....

No Wonder Poe Was Depressed.....

First we were driving up in blizzards. This week it was Baltimore in the rain. Had to be there at 7:30am for more tests so it was a long day. I didn't get good news - the tumor has not shrunk, but it hasn't grown either. They're also now worried about my liver.

When Steve asked how long I would be in chemo, the Doctor said they didn't have an end date yet. Despite taking me to Cheesecake Factory as a bribe, I spent the evening in a blue funk.

Picked myself up by finishing my homework assignment, "DC Sex Scandals." If that doesn't make you feel better nothing will!

Another thing that made me feel better - some of my classmates are participating in the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" at American University. The team is called "News at 11" and they've raised around $1,000 so far. The relay is April 17-18 at Bender Arena and they plan to camp out at the Arena. Go team!

Last thing to feel good about - Nelly's back and she brought presents from Paris!

Cancer Bitch Takes a Week Off

No chemo today. Just tests and more tests. Since this was a vacation from the drugs, I pretended I was in Paris with Nelly.

Since I actually had an appetite today, Steve and I visited Lexington Market for lunch. Reading Terminal it ain't. That place is all the way live. I don't think I've ever seen so many restaurants in one place selling chicken wings (stewed, fried, barbequed, baked, broiled and smothered). Also chitt'lings. Eeuuuuw! It was great to see something in Baltimore that had nothing to do with the hospital. It occurred to me during the drive up there today that my hospital visits were making me hate the very sight of the city.

Anyway, feeling good today and getting started on homework!

Cancer Bitch does too much

Cancer Bitch copped a ride to the Philadelphia Flower Show with a group of crazed women journalists. The flower displays were gorgeous. I especially liked the decorated cargo containers. But as usual with the Flower Show - its not the flowers its the food and drama...while leaving the parking lot in our mini-van we witnessed our parking attendants meltdown. One began beating his partner over the head and shoulders with his orange flag, while the other aimed karate kicks at his tormentor. We left Philly in a hurry!

Sunday, I had lunch with CSU pals Beverly and Ellen. We looked at yearbooks and remembered life at Moo U. Steve and I also attended the Tuckers Oscar party, where I correctly guessed the most Oscar winners. I won(?) the Tucker Oscar Traveling vase. Someone is getting that for Christmas....

All of this to say I did too much. When I went to chemo Monday, my white cell count was down, and I had to admit to the nurse that I had NOT worn my face mask while venturing out in public and had probably picked up all kinds of germs and viruses. As a result, I only received one of the two chemo drugs. I wore my fedora to Johns Hopkins Monday, my face mask, and with my glasses on I looked like "The Invisible Man."
I'm reading an interesting book sent by Sarah, "Black and White and Dead All Over," by John Darnton. Its about the murder of an editor at a big city newspaper. Obviously fiction. I also received "When Things Fall Apart," from Judy and Barbara gave me a copy of her book, "Fingerprints of God." Hopefully I can make a dent in all three before class starts again this Saturday.

PS: Big thanks to Marlis for taking on driving duties and for the hats and scarves!

Cancer Bitch - Road Warrior

Steve took a Monday off, so Cancer Bitch had a new driver. Self-described "little old lady driver" (death grip on the steering wheel, hugging the right lane) Gail took me to Johns-Hopkins Monday. We left my house at 6:30am and arrived at 7:45am, a new record time!


We had company at the Weinberg Cancer Center, the ex-husband of a dear friend insisted on coming over and regaling us with stories about in-laws and weird law cases for a couple of hours. I hadn't seen him in years and was very grateful for the visit. Was glad to introduce Gail to "5 Guys" (she called it 5 boys). For some reason, after chemo I always get a craving for Cajun fries. Our potatoes that day came from Shoshone, Idaho.

Cee-cee and I aren't getting along. (my wig) It's itchy and hot. Last night, Steve knocked the wig stand over. I woke up this morning to see a styrofoam head with hair standing up all over the place. I really need to learn how to tie a head scarf, or get confident enough to rock a bald look ala Isaac Hayes on the "Hot Buttered Soul" album.