sjgcbm's Cancer Blog
April 4, 2009
It is not quite one year since my diagnosis. When I first told my Mom (may her memory be for a blessing) the first thing out of her mouth was something like “Oh good, now you’ll lose some weight”. She was right, of course, although it is not a diet I would recommend. So far I have spent about $200 having one dress and six pairs of slacks taken in.
Does anyone think I can take these dollars as part of my medical expenses when I do my taxes???? LOL.. Since I have never filed anything but a 1040 EZ, filing this year is going to be a totally new experience.
I joined Facebook last week and have been hearing from folks I grew up with, which has been great. I have moved so many times since graduating high school that hearing from folks I grew up with has been really nice.
No reallt bad news, still frustrated trying to tweak the cocktail for the neuropathy. Almost fell asleep while driving today, which has not happened since way in the beginning of my treatment. First thing Monday I will call my neurologist to see what new combinaton of drugs or dosages he recommends. Oh joy.
I hope everyoen is trying to enjoy Spring. I uploaded a photo of the cherry blossoms here in DC. One of G-d’s true miracles.
A Shout out to Mac:
Sorry, but I have not been to Indiana in about five years, and have no plans to be there anytime soon. Unfortunately I cannot share my passion for baking with you. I can send you a recipe or two if you like, just let me know.
If it's not one thing, it's another........., 
1 comment)
March 12, 2009
Thanks to all, for their comments about growing hair back in. Especially to Mac, who made me laugh.
I have actually decided to keep my hair short! I love the freedom it gives me, and, as my oncologist says: “You look so French!”
The cruise was a great experience; bad weather, no sun, but no phone, no computer, no doctor(s) and no work! Another honeymoon!
Not sure we would do it again (roush seas meant lots of Bonine – I didn’t think to pack any of my leftover Compazine! Unless, of course, we win anaother cruise! It turns out most cruise lines will post an online sweepstakes, and farily close to the sail date will announce winners – to fill up unsold staterooms (we assume).
It was a wonderful way to travel without over-doing it. We rented a cruise-width electric scooter (lik from the cruise line) and it was worth it.
The best part? A cooking class with the executive chef! He demonstrated Austrian strudel and a chicken dish that was just like something I learned from my Hungarian mother, who learned it from her Mom, and so on and so on. I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me, but what did surprise me was learning that Austrians ate Apple Strudel as a main course on Fridays back when Catholics were not supposed to eat meat on Friday. ANyway, since baking is my (non-paid) passion, it was lots of fun for me!
We met lots of folks we would never have met any other way, and I think we will stay in touch with two other couples – one from Phoenix and the other from Toronto. Who knows, though – I bet folks always think they will stay in touch.
I haven’t even unpacked yet. It was home on Sunday, back to work on Monday for me. Didn’t get through my work email inbox until Wednesday! :-)
Thanks for asking. I think everyone should consider a cruise after chemo! Perhaps we can get our insurance companies to pay for it as part of our mental health coverage. What do you think? LOL
Nice to be back with this group, that’s for sure!
Sarajane
so baking is a passion,,,,,,,,,,,,,hmmmmmmmmmmmm
How far are you from Indiana? glad you had fun.
Mac
Posted on Hi Sarajane,
Can I come over to your place (or you to mine!) to learn how to make apple strudel? OMG, I love desserts. :-)
Glad to hear you and Kat had a good time despite the rough seas. I found my one and only cruise to be a very restful and restorative experience, too.
-Alex F
Posted on That rolling back and forth reminds me a my only seafaring trip in Eastern Canada on the old Blue Nose over to Bay of Fundy. My Dad and I were below the whole time doing the nasty. He was in the Navy in the 2nd world war but still this was too much rough sea for him! Not sure about a cruise for me, I am one of those that likes land beneath my feet, however, I hear cruising is the one great way to see everything, eat like a king, and be entertained as in Vegas. Sounds great, maybe I would chance it. Isn’t it great to meet people you click with and laugh with. We have always done those things on holidays. Not always do you meet the right people, but I’m sure you will stay in touch. As you said the good Dr. should be footing this as an annual voyage of recovery. YOu sound happy and content.
Thanks for the update.
Weezie
Posted on I’d vote in favor of insurance coverage for a post-treatment cruise in the name of emotional health! I’d even be glad to pay my $15 co-pay!:)
Glad you are enjoying the short hair! I think after going through cancer treatment, we all feel the need to simplify our lives just a bit, and I think short hair is an excellent way to do that! I know you look just great!
As for the baking, I never met a dessert I didn’t like! I tried making apple streudel once and my husband has never let me live it down—what a disaster. A cook, I am not! I have just accepted that and now let someone else do the cooking, I’ll take care of the eating! Happy baking to you!
Martha
Posted on 
Thanks for your support - 
CONGRATULATIONS for making the first year. That is wonderful. You are right…..having cancer is a very bad way to lose weight.
Facebook is nice. I have been on there for a while and I enjoy it also.
My late husband had neuropathy and if yours is as painful as he said his was, I feel bad for you.
Spring has been beautiful here but we are having the hot summertime temps lately.
Take care and I will talk to you later.
Hugs,
Joyce