Tag Archive | chemotherapy

The Funny Side of Tired :)

How could we live without humor? Humor for humor’s sake. Humor as a means of communication. Humor for times of stress and heartache. Humor in times of joy and glee.

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is fatigue, which I’ve starting experiencing. When my husband asked this morning how I’m feeling, my mouth spoke tired and my brain thought, I’m feeling a little “Lili Von Shtupp” – “I’m so Tired” – the brilliant musical number from the Mel Brooks comedy, “Blazing Saddles.” (I’m a movie geek so that’s how my brain works) This number is my kind of funny. Hilarious! Totally took my mind off of actually being tired and brought a big ole grin to my face.

Madeline Kahn (Lili) is celebrated as an incredible actress, singer and comedienne, (even though she didn’t see herself as naturally funny so had to really work at it). She developed ovarian cancer in 1998 and we lost her genius in 1999. She was 57 years old.

Her take on humor: “Laughter is a strange response. I mean, what is it? It’s a spasm of some kind! Is that always joy? It’s very often discomfort. It’s some sort of explosive reaction. It’s very complex.”

For me, humor’s always been a coping mechanism and saving grace. And, I have to agree with Madeline, it’s complicated.

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Thank You!

I’d like to thank everyone for their words of encouragement and appreciation of my previous post, “It’s a Beautiful Day!” I start chemotherapy for my Colon Cancer tomorrow and it feels great going into it with positive thoughts and energy.

I claim there will be no side-effects from the treatment. I know some might think that’s being a little optimistic but how many people do you know with two unrelated cancers at the same time? Huh? I’m that special. Not at all typical and neither will be my experience. 😊

Erase all Doubt!

Pure Imagination

One of my favorite films from childhood is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I’m inspired by his belief that all things are possible, and with imagination whatever you dream can be. What a great philosophy and attitude to keep joy and a positive spirit in your life.

The next step in my journey is chemotherapy for colon cancer. I just completed radiation therapy for my breast cancer and that was a breeze. Twice a day for five days. Five and a half minutes of actual radiation. All I did was lay there on my side hooked up to the machine and listen to classic 70’s music. A little “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Croft, yes! The staff was great, especially Rachel who set me up and took care of me. No side effects. A little fatigue but that was it. Outstanding!

Now, time to take care of the colon cancer. Has to be chemo, no way around it, however, I’ve already claimed that I won’t have any side effects. Fatigue is all I will accept. Faith has gotten me this far, and I know it will deliver me the rest of the way.

Erase all Doubt

Met with my Oncologist today to review what to expect with Chemotherapy. After the meeting, I was given a tour of the Infusion Suite (where all the fun happens) which brings me back to pure imagination. Gonna be needing a lot of that because it’s the least warm space I’ve ever seen. Sure, there are lounge chairs, tvs and snacks but the energy is definitely lacking. I have to spend 8 hours twice a month for 6 months to receive my treatment – which in that room is going to be a challenge.

Cue the pure imagination Wonka! Take me there!