Look good ...feel better... cook food...feel full...living life

Monday had been anticipated - the day I would attend the Cancer Society "Look Good, Feel Better" program. There were six attendees and two guests, myself included, so it was a comfortably-sized group. We each had a bag given us with various make-up items. There was some consistency to the items inside the zippered bags, but as is often the case, mine was mostly different. I have never been a make-up person, but had never had an official teach, either. So, I embraced the opportunity as such, to meet others with cancer and to see if a little make-up would be a good thing. I went itching to have fun, and that part was for sure accomplished.

By the time it was time to look at hair-related topics, I had on foundation, powder, blush, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lip liner and two lipsticks. Geesh! Not only was that a lot, it felt like it too. And I dare add: it looked like a lot. I believe the make-up accentuates every wrinkle forming. So, it was a great teach, and I am not likely to adopt such practices as every day.

I learned a cool trick that involves cutting a small tee shirt and wrapping it around head as a full turban. Gotta find the right solid color tee to try it out with. I learned a good secret tip on the whole scarf thing: use an elastic band to secure it, then tie or braid the remainder! Who knew!? The most exciting part of the whole event, well at least tied as the most exciting, was when the hairdresser who was teaching us went into the wig room specifically looking for a wig for each of us. She came out with one for me...I tried it on...and liked it! Not sure how the time I went in there and tried on so many wigs the person had missed offering it as an option, but this woman picked it immediately. And it was a thumbs up from all at the table. It is kinda sassy...a wee bit wild...and I left with it on. The coolest thing about it is: it is warm! It goes down over the ears, unlike the one I was leaning toward choosing, and in these temps, the warmth it so very welcome. It was on in the wind that night and yesterday and it stayed on! Yay...for hair.

And yay for meeting someone with whom there was mutual connect...Shanna asked for my number and I was going to do the same from her...so there is potentially a friendship coming out of the event, too!

Yesterday I spent much of the day cooking...I made a fresh tomatoe sauce, made meatballs, took a soaking bath with detox salts, took care of some bills and then ran to the store for the salad greens. Ed and I shared the meal and it was delicious. It seems hard to believe the amount of time it takes to do something like cook at Italian meal. Dang.

Today I am getting ready to go to get another Vitamin C infusion. I am looking ahead today, too, for how to get next week's needs met. I know I am going to need help...rides to and fro chemo, someone to be here, in shifts or for a day, to help me out so I can rest as needed. I am trying to ask with a brave face this time, because although it magically came together last time with an unexpected call at the most needed time, I hope to have some arrangements in place this time.

It's hours later and I'm at the infusion center...almost done with the Vit C infusion. I asked for last weeks lab results & got some tremendously affirming news: my CA-125 (ovarian cancer markers) number, which was initially 583 in November, was last 92, is now 7.9....which is the normal range! This suggests the chemo is working...taking the cancer for a last ride into oblivion. I feel very happy, although very worn out. Too much activity too many days in a row. I intend to go home, build a fire, & rest. I feel as though I am fighting a cold.

I want to end this with a note of gratitude. I am obviously hugely grateful to learn that CA-125 no has gone into the normal range after 2 treatments. I am also very grateful to have received another donation to the cancer fund established by my daughter, link on this site. I know it brought me tears of joy this morning to learn of the donation. The monies transfer directly into my bank account and from there to my medical bills. Each dollar matters & eases strain. Thank you kindly for your help.