the End of July

I can't believe it has been over two weeks since I last posted anything to this blog! I suppose that is a good thing because I have been busy.....or, sometimes it is just too much of a challenge to write.
So, here I am~ early on a Monday morning. I finally slept for over 4 to 5 hours at a stretch. I actually slept 7 hours & that feels great! Sleeping has become more of a challenge; mostly because the "night sweats" can become overwhelming. Too hot, too wet, & too uncomfortable to stay in bed.
My last Chemo infusion was July 15th. It was the last time that i received the Adriamycin. It is a "Kool Aid" colored medication that has made me nauseous, lost all my hair, watery eyes, some hives, & an aversion to 'red foods'. I also have such a sensitive smell that it is difficult to be in the hospital or the Cancer Center. I truly have a visceral response & i feel gaggy. I have found a hypnotherapist who I am going to try & work through this stuff. This last "go around" really wiped me out.
The next 4 times I receive Chemo will be every 3 weeks (instead of 2) & I will receive Taxol & Carboplatin. These meds are infused over a longer period of time~ 4 to 5 hours. Nausea is less of an issue, although, low blood counts, dark fingernails, joint pain, & mouth sores are the more common side effects. Oh joy!
After my last treatment, my cousin, Stan, came up from LA for a nice visit with me & to consult with my Oncologist. Stan liked Dr. Greenwald every bit as much as me. It was so nice to have Stan up for the day & have his support & input. I love him!
Our dear friend, Tricia, came for a very brief but fun filled visit this past Friday. Tricia lives in New York so it is always fabulous to spend ANY time with her. She had business in LA so we met at Jill's house in Montecito for lunch & for an opportunity for them to meet. (They have have become 'foodie'friends via Facebook via ME) Now they have officially met! I knew they would hit it off right away! We were able to enjoy Barry, Primo, their amazing garden, & their truly amazing art filled home! Thanks you guys!
Then, we came home to reconnect with Susan, say hi to Theo & then relax in our garden. Coincidentally, an old friend & neighbor of mine, Beth Tully (who currently resides in Wichita, Kansas)& is now a chocolatier~ She sent this amazing box of Chocolates! OMG! There was 1 of EVERY kind of Chocolate that she makes! All little works of art & pure decadence! Each one a little treasure! YUM!
Tricia, Susan, Luka & I went for a long lovely walk on Hendry's beach during a low tide. Fantastic! It was warm, clear, & great for long deep conversation. Such a wonderful gift! We came home for a hot tub & then we took Trish to Los Agaves~ Our current favorite Mexican restaurant! Carlos, the owner, is such a sweetie. We had 4 different dishes (that are his special recipes) & ate until we couldn't move any more. Delicious! We came home & relaxed by the hot tub, listening to music (Brandi Carlile) & chatting until we fell asleep. Got up early Saturday morning & enjoyed coffee together & the difficult task of saying good bye............... Bye Tricia....Until our next visit!
Then, Susan's folks came up & we were all invited to a most magnificent birthday party for most of Saturday afternoon. Let me just say, the house is like a little Hearst Castle (the pool with the columns overlooking all of Santa Barbara!) with fabulously cozy chaise lounge chairs, interesting people, talented musicians, tasty food, & a great time! Thank you S&B!
Sunday morning, around 12:30 AM I received a text from Rosalie letting me know she had her first glimpse of the Taj Mahal! I fell back to sleep (happy that she was seeing one of the 'wonders of the world") At 3:45 AM I received a photo text that was of Rosalie in front of the Taj mahal~ blissfully happy fulfilling a dream! How cool is that?! Then I received a call at 7:30 from a dear friend that she was in labor with her third child. I had the honor of attending her first two births! I took a quick shower (NO hair products, of course) & headed to the hospital. The same 4 of us Support people ( minus one who was away ) were able to coach, love, & encourage our friend to have her third Baby Girl at 11:12 in the AM. Such an amazing Sunday morning gift! I so miss my job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, my friends, for the honor & privilege Of being at all three of the girls' births!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My next infusion isn't until August 5th. (Coincidentally the first day of our Fiesta). I am hoping lots of friends will come join me at Chase Palm Park this Thursday for the last summer concert! Let's play & enjoy the music xoxoxo