Friends & Chemo Angels

It’s the eve of my port placement … which will be implanted just below my right collarbone to facilitate the chemotherapy that begins Tuesday, September 7, 2010—great way to celebrate Labor Day, eh?! Some serious labor goin’ on here. While this won’t be what I’d consider fun, I must say that since I now have an idea of what’s involved, and know there really is no way around the obvious, I want to get the show on the road. Waiting has never been my strong suit and oftentimes, the wait is at least as bad, if not worse, than the actuality. At least once it gets started, the initial experience will be behind me, and the reality will be known.

I’ve reviewed all the offered names for my port, and I have to say my absolute favorite is Betty. All of them were spectacular but, as when we’re naming a baby, or a book, or anything that remains close to us—out of endearment or necessity—there has to be one that comes out on top. Betty was offered up by Lisa Renee Brown Spangler (click off the "Twitter" sign-in that shows when you go to her blog & the blog immediately comes up). Lisa's reasoning for that name? “Betty … as in Betty get well quick....” Since that’s my exact sentiment, I’m going with it.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to post, and utilize those loverly brain cells of yours in my favor. I do appreciate it. Please keep those prayers, good thought and good vibes a’comin’ in. Prayer chain additions are welcome.

Maybe next time ‘round we can write a community story about how Chemo Superhero CHOP-R has made mincemeat of the big, bad yucky cells that have noooo chance against all the good, decent people I’m meeting along this journey’s path … and the medicine of modern man that is, literally, a Godsend. Read "Asha's Diary," from a child's point-of-view, a child fighting leukemia.

I want to add—I’ve just located what appears to be a fantastic site created in support of chemo patients. Chemo Angels exists for the sole purpose to support folks who are going through chemo. Each person selected to be a part of the program is assigned her very own “Chemo Angel,” someone who checks in regularly to offer good words, prayers, thoughts … and simply be there.

So if you have a bit of extra time you can offer to be someone’s angel … check out the Chemo Angels site. I am pledging here-and-now to pay it forward as soon as I have been declared free and clear. Lovely, lovely idea!

Step Out In Faith--Then Remove Your Bra

Lord, when that thought came into my brain years ago about becoming famous—at 54—this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. While there isn’t anything necessarily famous about my sit-chee-a-shun … I’ll make it so by virtue of how I handle it. And you’ll be there with me, every step of the way. I really, really believe that.

I’ve been diagnosed with diffuse large cell lymphoma, and that’s the last time I’ll use that word here. I won’t mention the “C” word. Wallowing, moaning & groaning will get me no-where. NOwhere. It’s 2010; advances in medicine are vast. Cures are common and in most cases, expected. I’ve had a week full of tests, and I stand to have a week or so more before that other “C” word—chemotherapy—becomes a regular part of my world.

I prefer to put my brain power and energy into the positive. Life continues. I’m gonna grow a set of cohones the likes of which many have never seen … not a pretty picture, but picture it, anywho. Give yourself a good giggle.

Here’s what I’ve learned. Take serious notes. YOU may need this advice.

1. All who keeping saying you need to stop and smell the roses—fercryinoutloud, stop talking. Do it.

2. If you’ve wanted to do something for a long time but say you don’t have time … trust me, you have time. If you continue with that useless litany, shame on you. It wasn’t that important after all.

3. Everything has a shelf life. Deal with it.



4. The idea that we should tell those we love how we feel ain’t just words. Go for it, every chance you get.

5. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Laugh you’re a** off, at everything. How can this be a bad idea?

6. Have faith. Believe. You are what you think. My God told me that, and God’s right. Always.



7. Life changes in an instant—in small ways or humongous ways. Be prepared and be flexible.

8. Learn from everything. Everything.

9. Prepare to be famous. For something. It’s coming your way.



10. Take your bra off as soon as you get in the house … an important “feel-good” moment.


I will not entertain negativity. I’ve no misconceptions of a walk in the park … but I’ll act as if I’m not only walking in the park, but stopping to smell those loverly flowers along the way. I’m enjoying the sunshine, and the Sonshine, and thankful for every blessed God-given moment. I am what I believe.

YOU are what you believe. Let’s be famous together … and tell the world about it. Find the highest mountain, have faith, start laughing—and make sure you always take your bra off ASAP for comfort.