I decided this photo is my “Warrior” look.

I’ve been thinking of the many times a breast cancer patient feels alone when dealing with this disease. What you are going through is unique to you. Unless they’re experiencing this disease, no one else can truly understand. Sure there are internet buddies, support groups, your care-givers and family. But what about those people who have gone before you and have survived.

Susan G. Koman (Okay, I know she didn’t survive breast cancer, but her legacy lives on, so Susan G. Koman gets included on this list)
Nancy Brinker - Sister of Susan G. Koman and Founder of Susan G. Koman for the Cure
Melissa Etheridge - American Singer
Christine Applegate - Actress
Shirley Temple Black - Famous Oscar-winning American former child star & former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia
Sheryl Crow - American Singer/Musician
Dorothy Hamill - American Olympic figure skater
Sandra Day O’Connell - U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Cokie Roberts - Journalist
Carly Simon - Singer
Jaclyn Smith - Actress
Rhona Brankin - British politician
Edna Campbell - African American Basketball Star
Jami Bernard - Author and Film Critic for the New York Daily News
Olivia Newton-John - UK/Australian Singer/Actress

And let’s not forget former first ladies, Betty Ford (who is credited with bringing this disease out of the closet and into the limelight … way to go Betty. Breast cancer is not a four letter word) and Nancy Reagan. Both are long time breast cancer survivors.

I used the names of women who are famous and from all walks of life. It just goes to show you that it doesn’t matter if you’re famous or just the neighbor next door. Breast cancer can happen to anyone at any time. Its an equal opportunity disease.

And remember, you don’t have to be a celebrity to be special. I consider myself special … as well as Edie here in Wisconsin, Dee in Portland, R. in Seattle, RM, J. and anyone else I’ve met during the course of this … let’s call it an adventure.

And Remember …“WE ARE ALL CANCER WARRIORS”

What are you reading right now? Lately I’ve been finding it difficult to settle on just one book … so right now I have three going … plus my WIP. The books are just for my own reading pleasure. A bit of a break from writing. Or you could call it research … whatever.

While at work, I try to sneak in a few pages here and there. The book I’m reading there is something light “Butterfly Wishes”. If and when I have time once I get home, I’m reading a sci fi/romance by Linnea Sinclair and before going to bed, I’m reading something dark and violent “Red” by Jordan Sommers … how disturbing is that?

Yes, it takes me forever to complete a book, but I don’t feel that reading is a race. Books are meant to be savored and enjoyed. If it’s a particularly good book, yes, it seems like you hurry through it … but then its over.

Hubby thinks I’m out of my mind and my daughter has absolutely no idea how I manage to keep track of them. If you’re an avid reader, this is no problem. At least I don’t think it’s a problem. Are you able to juggle several books at a time?

No, not a reversal to my continued progress. I’m talking about a reversal of side affects. This is good. After six weeks without chemo I’m noticing a couple of things … minor things when you think about it, but significant. There isn’t a real noticeable decline in the numbness in my fingers and feet. Still there — still weird, but I’m not getting that shooting pain up my legs as often. My hair is about a quarter inch long and I had to shave my legs for the first time since October of 2008.

My sense of taste is coming back. Red meats doesn’t taste metallic anymore and I can once again enjoy ice cream. (Big plus … I’m rather partial to strawberry at the moment.) Eating out is becoming a pleasure again.

I can also drink carbonated drinks without major gaseous results. Still a little bit, but tolerable. I’m not a huge beer drinker … as a result of a past chemo treatment, I got out of the habit of any type of heavy drinking years ago … but I do enjoy a cold beer or two when I’m out for an evening or just relaxing in the backyard on a hot summer day. However, I do love drinking diet Coke. Talk about a heavy carbonation. Rather than give it up completely, I would open a can of Coke at work in the morning, let it sit on my desk all day and all night and by the following morning, it was flat. I could then drink it without discomfort. Its one way to get in your Coca-Cola if you don’t mind it flat and that its room temperature. Does that sound desperate?

Finally, the energy level is much better. I still go to bed around 8:00 p.m., but then, I’m up writing at 4:30/5:00 a.m., so I’m putting my evening fatigue down to the funky hours I’ve been keeping. Plus, its rare that I manage to sleep the entire night through. I’m constantly tossing and turning so that doesn’t make for a particularly restful night. Oh well. It’s all what you get used to and having broken sleep is becoming a norm for me.

So, that’s the latest and greatest news with regard to current progress.

And Remember …“YOU ARE A CANCER WARRIOR”

Last Tuesday, I participated in an evening of “Mystery and Romance” at our local library. Barbara Vey, blogger extrordinaire over at Publishers Weekly, hosted a meet and greet of local authors at the South Milwaukee Public Library. What an evening! There were six authors in all. Myself, Lori Handelan, Kate Fellowes, Mary Brady, Shari Anton and Pam Ford.

The director of the South Milwaukee Library (Bob) was terrific, although Barb and I had a good laugh at the start of the evening. Bob set out only nine chairs. Before we were ready to roll, we had to rustle up another 65 or so chairs and even then, it was standing room only. The turnout was fabulous. (A note to anyone planning to do one of these. Put together flyers and mail them out to family and friends. You want to be assured a good turnout).

Anyway, Barb introduced the authors and we all had an opportunity to say a few words. Barb then opened the floor for questions … and what a lot of questions there were. Everything from “where to you get your ideas?” to “what about writer’s block” … to which Shari Anton said that “when you’re working under a deadline, you kick the muse in the pants to get it moving.” Or words to that effect. There were also drawings for giveaways and refreshments. I think everyone left with a book donated by the authors and publishers.

Barb tells me that the evening was such a success that she’s getting emails from other local authors and libraries asking if she’d host another. How cool is that? Time allowing, she plans to take this on the road and host more author meet and greets at other libraries.

Way to go, Barbara Vey!

First off, you’ll notice that I’m going for a new heading for my Wednesday post regarding cancer. I’ve decided I no longer feel like a “Cancer Winner” … but rather, a “Cancer Warrior”. A “Winner” indicates that you’ve beat the pants off of this disease, but seeing how my cancer has this insistence of coming back, I feel more like a “Warrior” … waging a continuous fight. Strikes me as more appropriate. It’s also a powerful word and one that should be every person’s cancer fighting arsenal.

Just wanted to share that the last time I saw Dr. D. he started a new method of communicating with his patients. He has what he calls a “Goal Sheet” which he brings to each appointment. One column has the word “Cure”, the next “Control of Disease” and the final “Palliative Only”. As he was talking, he sorta glanced at me and calmly crossed out “Cure”. I found it kinda funny, actually, and started laughing.

Right now, I’m well aware that I’m strictly “Control of Disease”. I’ve been in this game for around 13 years and have grown very pragmatic about cancer. Barring a miracle cure, I’m never going to be cancer free … and I accept that. This realization gives me the ability to move on with my life. I do what I gotta do to “control” my disease, but I refuse to let it take over every waking moment of my life. Sure, the future may bring a remission or a breakthrough cure and I’ll be the first in line to try it, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m an optimist … but only to a certain point.

On a side note … Dee in Portland came through her Tram flap surgery with flying colors. What I didn’t realize is that she had both girls done at the same time. Way to go, Dee. You’re an inspiration. Check out her progress here.

And Remember …“YOU ARE A CANCER WARRIOR”