5 NEW ANGELS

Hey Norm,



So, yesterday, I went and got my wig fitted and cut. My sisters and hubby think it makes me look hot! HeeHeeHee. I still think I'll be au natural most of the time, but have this for events like Terrie's (older sis) belated birthday dinner at Ruth Chris' last night. Yummy meal, but not as good as Mortons.



My poor hair is starting to leap off my head in herds, so I think I'm shaving it off this weekend. Called my gal to see if she's available Sat. If not, I'll have Greg (hubby) do it. I'm so having pictures taken...thinking of shaving it off into funny styles as we go...why not have fun, eh?



My scalp literally hurts...so that saying " I hurt all over, even my hair hurts"-although I don't hurt all over- is true! Who knew losing your hair would be painful. And...hey...what's with starting my period today...36 day cycle...I was so hopeful at day 30 thinking whoohoo, I'm done with that whole thing....psych! (That was probably more info than you wanted to know.) What happened to chemopause? Geeze! Maybe the chemo perks are doled out slowly...wouldn't want to get overly excited too quickly. This month, you get to lose your hair- no styling worries, getting ready will be a breeze- and then next month chemopause. :-) I wonder what the prize is in March?



I have my last "fill-up" (I have expanders to prepare my skin for reconstruction) this coming Monday and my second treatment on Tuesday. I'm a little anxious as a few of the gals on the thread Chemo January '08 I chat with, who are taking Taxotere, have had allergic reactions during the second infusion. One gal, a nurse, says that the second infusion is the one you'll most likely have a reaction to if you're going to at all because your body now recognizes this drug as foreign. I'm soooo hoping I don't have a bad reaction. Greg is going with me for this one, and I know the nurses are really good and will be on top it if I do have a reaction. I plan to ask them to do the drip really slowly at first to prevent that potential reaction.



I've felt pretty darn good this week compared to the last two weeks...just in time to do this again next week...but knowing that I have two weeks to recoup between infusions is nice. I can't even imagine doing this every two weeks and having only one week to recoup. I still tire easily compared to before all of this, but I know that this is all temporary inconvenience. I can do this kicking cancer butt thing for the next six months or so.



Anyway, that's the update. Take care of yourself and know how much your friendship and support means to me.



Love, Kimberly (soon to be a baldacious babe with serious balditude) ;-)

PS If you haven't had your physical or your cancer screenings in the past year...please do it!

norm: sending you prayers from Vegas..... now if that's not a combination that creates a smile, i'm not sure what would.......

what a place! don't get me started.

just want you to know that i'm always thinking of you. hoping each day brings a new chance to reflect on what's important in your life.

there was a big explosion today, across the street from where i'm staying. made me think of you & how none of us are ever guarenteed another day. please continue to use your energy in meaningful ways.

how's the smoke-free living going? please do all you can to take good care of yourself in the midst of your healing.

you have gathered a great group of supporters here. kimberly you are truly an angel & norm is lucky to have your insight & humor to cheer him on. we're cheering for you kimberly. did i see that you're a twin? my daughter is currently preggers with TWINS. omg!!

this season ahead will be amazing............. for each of us, as we tackle the challenges ahead. just imagine what we'll be talking about in july, and august, and september and october

Norm: now I'm thinking of you from my view of OK City. I'm a travelin' fool right now -- my very own tour of sorts.

I just want you to know I'm sending you some healing energy. Give us an update. Kimberly & the rest of us are eager to know how you've been holding up lately.

Norm,

Good to hear from you. I'm so sorry that things with Sara aren't going well. Now that the house is hers, is there a move for you in the future? Being around that kind of stress isn't good for your healing process...the fact you're smoking again is proof of that. You're right about Sara not changing. As long as she's getting what she needs and wants, she has no reason to change.



Thanks for your well wishes for my next chemo coming up. I'm hoping it goes easier this time, too. I'll keep you posted.



FaithandFifty- Man...I'll say you're a traveling fool. Vegas...Oklahoma...what do you do that you have to travel so much? Thank you for your positive thoughts... that's what keeps SuperGirl going.



Take care. We're off to our favorite winery in the foothills in an little place called Fair Play in El Dorado County to pick up our quarterly wine shipment. The winery owners are from Canada...Quebec, I believe. Robert makes the best wine...he's really an artist who believes in quality not quantity. Since week 3 is a good taste bud week, I'll be tasting a little of their new releases. ;-)



SIS KImberly

Hey Norm,

Just checking in to see how you are this morning.



Hi Puppy!! Good to hear from you. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...that's what gives SuperGirl her powers. :-)



Had a nice time yesterday at the winery. It was so good to see them. Haven't been up since I was diagnosed in October. My darling husband took me to dinner at a really nice new restaurant for dinner on our way home. I went sans wig...and no one seemed to mind the bald lady eating squab and drinking a glass of Zinfandel in their midst. HeeHee



SIS Kimberly

Hi Norm,

We're in the 40's right now...chilly fo CA.

Sounds like a good plan...staying at home by the fire and just getting caught up on your R&R. I totally agree with you about not worrying that things have to get done right now. Of course there are some things that have a deadline, but most things can wait and will get done.



I'm off for chemo #2 at 10 this morning. I've got my SuperGirl cape, my chemotini glass, and my baldacious balditude all ready to kick some cancer booty.



Hope your day is restful.



Stay warm,

SIS Kimberly

Norm- I'm sorry that call from the school board was hard on you. But instead of looking at it in the negative...look at it in the positive. Brenda made sure that you'ld be financially OK in the event of her death...and it's a gift from her to you. Use it to take care of yourself...



It's going to take time...you know that in your head, but your heart is so hurt right now...and your God is listening...I think you're right that you're not hearing through your grief. I know it's easy to drown your sorrow in habits like smoking and drinking to numb the pain...but remember, all that does is numb it for the time being...you still have to deal with it when that wears off. I really think you need to seek counseling, Norm. I know you don't think they're worth much, but I'll tell you, they have saved my butt a few times...just having an objective ear and being allowed to find my own way with a little guidance was so helpful. There are counselors that deal in the grieving process...look some up and check a few out until you find one you feel you can work with. OK, off my soap box.



Thanks for the shout out PUPPY, I appreciate your love and support.



My chemo #2 went well...no bad reaction to the taxotere...I had the nurse drip it really slowly. My hubby went with me, and took me to lunch afterwards at Red Robin. When I was in the bathroom, he had the hostess tie a pink balloon to my chair. He's so sweet to me.



I wrote a poem yesterday about being a baldacious babe...



Baldacious Babe With Balditude 1/29/08





You know, I didn’t really care

when I found out I would lose my hair

I knew it was only temporary and

no, there is not one reason to get upset.



I rather liked the novel notion

of only needing soothing lotion

on my newly baby bare legs, since

no shaving would be required.



The very thought of no hair was sublime

just thinking about how much time

I would save every morning with

no blow drying or styling.



The reality came in only eleven days

and in such unexpected ways,

for at first my hair leapt unannounced

no real traces to be found, but feeling thinner.



On day eight, my sore scalp threw off strands;

they came out right in my hands!

It wasn’t a lot, but Wow

no denying my hair was a changin’



The very next day, a wig would be found

to wear out on occasions when my bald mound

might be ‘out of place’, or I just wanted to look HOT!

No reason to limit my head covering potential.



On day eleven, hair now everywhere, we did the big shave.

What a blast we had; my Mohawk was all the rave!

The star of Hoshalls Salon for at least the day;

no way they’ll soon forget that crazy lady's new do.



I feel strangely empowered and wonderfully free

like I have broken a stereotype I had of me

I am not my breasts, nor my hair.

No, those things are not what matters!



It’s my confidence. My boldly looking Cancer in the eye

And saying with conviction, “I don’t even care why”

What I know is I am gonna kick your sorry behind,

NO mercy granted, ‘cause I’m one baldacious babe with baldtitude.



Yep, having a new Balditude is what matters!



Hope today finds you feeling better, Norm.



One Day at a time...moment by moment,

SIS Kimberly

I feel such Comfort here! Is that Crazy???

Norm, I agree with Our sweet Kimberly, It is time You get

the help You need!! Because I can see You doing something

so Special in not only Your Life But Others!!! God is Driving

Sweet Brother, just talk to Him now and then!!! xoxo

{{Faithandfifty}} You are Really very busy with Travels!!

Please be careful, the weather sucks big time!!

You need not worry, You have Lots of help from Above!! Gods Speed

{{KIMBERLY}} I Love Your Poem!! HAHA Cancer has a Problem Houston!!! Your Husband sounds so Precious

Hi FaithandFifty and Puppy-

Puppy- It isn't crazy at all feeling such comfort here. I love coming here and checkin in on my fellow Angel Watchers. Glad you liked the poem, and I agree that my darling man is a keeper.



FaithandFifty- Man, I can't even imagine all the traveling. Do you enjoy it, or is it just part of the job you have to put up with? What do you do that keeps you going all over the country? I'll be keeping you in my thoughts as you travel this unpredictable weather driven winter we're having.



Sending positive energy your way, Norm.

(((((HUGS)))) to my dear friends,

SIS KImberly

Norm!!!! You've got an appointment to talk with someone. Our prayers are being answered. Reaching out for support from people who can give you eye contact is awesome. Congratulations.

Kimberly & Puppy: praying for both of you in your journey.

My work is a true blessing.... and this national travel is a dream come true. (Other than the flight cancellations, the driving in storms yada yada.....) I am a VERY fortunate person. I'll tell you all about it when I come up for air next week.

The FL part of my 2 week adventure is to get R&R on the beach. I'll be soaking up sunshine for you Norm. I thought of you this afternoon as I left the elementary I was visiting, at the end of their day. It was just a shade past 3:00. Know that we're cheering for you Norm.

Norm..... slid safely into frozen Indy for my keynote tomorrow. I'm really eager to hear about your first impressions of your counselor.

I'll be eager to hear if you've made a good match.

Take care. Prayers your way, as always.

Kimberly: hilarious videos, knock knock jokes-- whatever it takes to keep you looking on the bright side.

and Puppy love

Hi Angel watchers

Norm, do tell! can't wait to hear how everything went!

SuperSis, You keep on keepin on!! How Precious You are!

Praying Your treatments go fast and furious!!! xoxo

{{Faithand fifty}}

I have no idea what Your dream job is, But I know this,

we have been Blessed to have You! always feel better when I come here, Have a Fw Sisters not making It and I feel numb!

This Place gives me comfort, and I thank all of You!

Puppy

Good Morning, Angel Watchers!

Norm, I think I can feel a little Strength in Your Post!

so happy You called and made a new appt.

Kimberly, some day and soon, You will be making the most beautiful

Poems on how Happy to be NED!! know I care, Sweet {{SIS}}

{{{{{Faithandfifty}}}}}

You bring thaat fresh feeling every time You Visit!!

We are soooo Fortunate to have a Sister like You!!!

Love You all, and thanks for the prayers!

Puppy