Friday, May 23, 2008

OUCH!

Have I mentioned that cancer sucks? Well, forgive me for being repetitive.

Yesterday I took myself and had that thing cut out of my left inner thigh. It hurt at times, which reminded the doc that he needed to numb me more (especially when I loudly said, "what the F." And when he was done the end result was a little ugly, but not so hideous I'll have to name it. And it was fine...until the numbing crap wore off. It hurts! A lot!

Today...it still hurts a lot! I am limping because it hurts to step down with that leg, but I guess it's better then the alternative. And you're probably thinking, "stop whining." Okay, I'm done! Thank you to all who have offer assistance, support, and even Sprinkles cupcakes!

So I'm laying here watching tv, because 2 silly 30 year old boys figured out how to hook up the xbox 360 to a 100" screen tv. Just a reminder that they get older, but never grow up! But I must admit, I like this laptop in bed thing...it could become an awful habit.

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to hanging with some of my fav chicas (though some are traveling), and hitting the farmer's market. Sleeping in on Sunday and Monday. Celebrating Ian's 19th b'day on Monday...how did that happen? You have got to love a kid who knows what he wants: mongolian bbq from the place we've been going for more than 25 years!

To all: enjoy the long weekend. Take a moment to remember those who continue to fight for our freedoms, and those who have paid the ultimate price.

love and hugs

Monday, May 12, 2008

CANCER SUCKS!

Today my friend April gave up a kidney, to cancer! I hope they got it all and that her aliens have left the building!

I just got a call from David that his Aunt Kaye is dying (COPD)...this has happened for her very quickly, much more quickly than I expected.

Tomorrow my dear Wendela goes in for a little thing...I know in my heart it will be clear, but it's still a thing.

I don't give up, but this is all a little too real and a lot scary for me right now...I can feel myself shutting down as I write this. Yup, a little scared. But trust me, still angry as shit and fighting back!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Mom's Day, Good Stuff and Sucky Things...

MOM'S DAY
First, let me wish all my girlies a Happy Mother's Day...whether you have 2 legged children or 4 legged children; whether you are or aren't a "mom", but are a supportive friend or daughter, enjoy this day!

I am not the fan of the Mother's Day thing... this is my 18th one as a mum and I can still remember the ONE Mother's Day that truly made me happy! It was spent on the veranda at our Issaquah house sitting in the sun (irony?), reading the Sunday paper and chatting with the people I love. It's amazing how much life has changed since that Mother's Day, and how much richer my life is now. I continue to remember, almost daily, how that move to Washington reshaped who I am; how it brought me to so many amazing friends and experiences, and how it changed my perception of "home".

To my Mommy: You are beautiful. You are graceful and elegant and well-mannered and so much fun to be around. And you are about as cute as they come! You sure have gotten younger as I've gotten older. I love you.

GOOD STUFF
Happy Birthday today to my butthead sister, Ba. When mom and dad rescued you from the puppy farm they picked well! I love you huge.

Happy Birthday Sunday to my darling friend Bucket, who is also a mama. I hope your day is filled with love and fun and that everyone spoils you like crazy! I can't wait to hear all about it... on our walks this week!!!

I talked to my cousin Rachel (who had the same back surgery as me) today. She sounds great and was itching to go home...hope it happened, kiddo! I'll be by to see you soon, and give you a few tips for survival! Hope ya took suggestion #1 and stopped at Fantastic Sam's/SuperCuts and got the skunky hair washed!

Oh, and mazel tov to cousin Emily, who opened a new store today on Abbot Kinney: http://www.edensgreencloset.com/

SUCKY THINGS
Okay, enough with the cancer shit! April, tell them to be sure to get it all on Monday...no more alien invasions! And Kari, you know I'm praying for your mum. And you all know my attitude, but of course I'm noticing "things" so Monday will include a call to the dermatologist to do the full once-over. And to former (were you ever really truly a friend) acquaintance Jayme...I hope the biopsy shows nothing bad.

And Ba, I hope Margarita snaps out of it and that she is okay...late night ER vet visits suck and are always scary (and expensive)!

Oh, not to forget my Uncle Benji who had a "thing" this week...CUT THAT OUT!

ENDING ON A POSITIVE NOTE
Today was awesome! Nails in Inglewood...visit with the mommy and the daddy...stop to order the food for tomorrow...walk 4.8 miles...errands...visit Scrapbook Safari (the mecca of local scrapbook stores)...hang with Mel/Duh/Missy and walk another 5 miles an eat Persian food...and here I am.

I have a few projects that MUST be completed for manana, so off I go.

Love and hugs to all, and thank you for supporting me.
xo

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO...SHARE:

First: Saw the surgeon yesterday. The PET scan showed that this melanoma had not spread. It did show I have a cyst in an ovary (nothing to worry about) and a few spots the Oncologist wants to peek at, but overall a very good scan! The surgeon will hack into my thigh on May 22nd (in-office procedure) and remove a chunk slightly smaller than Delaware. He will suture it and bandage it and I can't shower the next day (which is no big whoop since after back surgery I couldn't shower for 2 weeks)! And I'm sure walking will be a bit uncomfortable for a little while, so my walking buddies will tease me. By the way: my idiot son is disheartened...he wanted my leg amputated so he could call me Stumpy. Too bad, so sad!

Second: No, I haven't taken ownership of this cancer alien. Freaked out and concerned and sometimes scared, but no ownership! Clearly making some changes (bought a hat in SF and start my day with sunblock), and changing my walking attire (no more tank tops), but this alien will absolutely NOT survive IN me!

Third: Today my sweet little cousin Rachel had the same surgery I had in November. This is my shout out with wishes for a slow but steady recovery! Take the drugs if you're sore and give in to your body! Call me day or night with your questions and concerns. Love to you and the family!

Next: San Francisco should be illegal! No one should be allowed to have THAT MUCH FUN!!! We stayed at a little hotel (toilets, sinks and showers down the hall) in North Beach. We drank Irish Coffees at Buena Vista; ate chowder in bread bowls at Boudin, and walked and walked and walked! I am of the belief that wheeled transportation in SF is for weenies! We bought our lunch picnic at the farmer's market in front of the Ferry Bldg on Sat morning, and wandered everywhere, and ate our lunch under the dome by the Nordstrom in Union Square! We bought truffles at my cousin Dua's fav truffle shop in North Beach (XOX), and Ba had to see Ghirardelli Square. I can't wait to go back! OMG!

Finally: My darling friend Wendy had to put her sweet girl Kayla to sleep today. Kayla has been he companion for a very long time, and has been a blessing to all who knew her. Wendy, my arms are around you...I love you and wish you the fondest memories.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

Thanks to all for your concern and your offers of assistance. I really appreciate it and will truly take you up on your offers if needed.

I have had lots of questions thrown at me, and many the same so I'm answering here (questions in italics)

WTF? - right there with ya!

How did you get it there (left inner thigh)? - no freakin' clue, though Melinda read in her recent Cosmo that melanoma often shows there.

When is the PET scan? - I just got a call from the Imaging Center...my PET scan is tomorrow (Friday) morning. So, no walk today since they said no exercise. Today is all about water and protein. Apparently the stuff they inject is attracted to "sugar", so can't add any extra to the bod!

When did this happen? - I went to the dermatologist to remove a "thing" on 4/18... he told me about the melanoma on 4/25.

How come you didn't call me/tell me? - Because I didn't have answers. Because although I will tell you "it's all about me" and that "the world revolves around me", it isn't true and other people have much bigger crap to deal with. And because I might not have spoken to you since 4/25.

What can you do for me? - Don't be any nicer then you usually are!

So Ba and I are headed to San Francisco for the weekend...tomorrow afternoon. We plan to walk and walk and eat and drink a little and walk more. If you have a fav place in SF, pop me an email with the location!

Can you believe I'm missing National Scrapbook Day weekend? Well, I'm participating in a belated one May 16-18, but I wish all my Cropping sisters a great weekend!

FOR THE AVAILABLE CHICKS: We're doing A CABI party on May 8th...let me know if you can come and I'll send you the info.

Hugs and love to all,
Susie