May 29

I decided to take some time off from being a cancer patient. In the past 2 weeks I've had countless calls from doctors and labs to schedule the numerous tests I'll need to prove I'm strong enough to survive chemotherapy. I've put off every one until after my next appointment with my oncologist on Tuesday. I think I've frustrated the entire oncology department at UCSD because they have resorted to calling my mom to see if she'll bring me in. Thanks for having my back mom! I anticipate a bit of lecturing at my next appointment, but it has been worth it. I feel that I have to go into chemotherapy not only physically strong, but mentally prepared as well. I can't carry all my stress into my treatment or I will have a harder time tolerating the drugs. So, I've been able to focus on resolving several issues and feel like huge weights have been lifted off my shoulders. Now, I'm ready to have my bones scanned, my heart echocardiogrammed, and my emotions validated by the social worker. I still have lots of questions about the treatment and how it will affect my daily life. I'm hoping to have a very clear picture of what the next 4 months will bring after Tuesday's appointment.

In foob news, I went back to bra stuffing 101 and discovered that a $38 silicone insert can easily be replaced by 50 cents of worth of cotton balls to keep the right bra cup from collapsing. I have an idea to place a handful of organic cotton balls in a pretty pink hemp drawstring bag and sell it in the Nordstrom lingerie department as a green breast prosthesis. Environmentally friendly and practical! What mastectomy shopper could resist?

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!