Perspective

This morning I woke up early and went to the gym, per doctors' orders. The objective was to strengthen my bones, which have been weakened by the Idarubicin that targeted my bone marrow. During that workout, I achieved more than my original goal. I enjoyed a moment of self righteousness, and I refuse to feel guilty about it.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, and especially to my dad and husband.

If you haven't seen the Dad Life rap video, it's worth watching today.

Dad Life YouTube Video

The dads rap about minivans, hydrangeas, and "shootin' vids of the kids."

As funny as this video is, it rings true.

The lyrics capture the everyday antics of the Dad Life, but there is so much more to being a dad. This spring, Katelyn and I saw just how strong dads can be when their children need them. While my dad was sitting with me by my hospital bed, Ryan was at home taking care of Katelyn. Three decades apart in age, we both needed our dads, and they were there for us. Thank you, from both of us.

Bob Marley and Practical Paranoia

 

Bob Marley died from malignant melanoma at the age of 36. The cancer started under his right big toenail and spread throughout his body.

You might be wondering why I am thinking about a reggae singer who died from skin cancer in 1981.

Survivors' Tricks of the Trade

Thank you to those who responded to my “Wanted” post. The survivor stories, advice, blogs, and new connections have been inspiring and reassuring.

The common theme of the advice I’ve received is mindset, and how much of a difference it can make. Mindset, both in terms of staying positive during the treatment process and any potential setbacks, as well as general outlook on life.

When you fight for your life, you reflect on what you’re fighting for. The biggest prize is being there for your family. But life’s small pleasures are spoils of the war as well. Cancer survivors appreciate each day, instead of always thinking about tomorrow. They are spontaneous and choose to be happy.

Giggle It, Just a Little Bit

This morning I forwarded Ryan an email from What to Expect, which is a website filled with useful tips for parenting during a child's first years. Any time the daily email's topic is relevant, I forward. Today, when I saw the subject line, I laughed, and forwarded. My objective in sending this particular email had nothing to do with improving our parenting skills. 

I hoped a colleague of Ryan's, preferably his boss, would be hovering over Ryan's desk when the email's embarrassing subject line appeared in his Outlook Inbox. Yes, I admit, I was looking for a laugh at my husband's expense. These days, I look for any opportunity to laugh. 

Unfortunately, the prank backfired on me.

Miss Scarlet, in the Drawing Room, with the Arsenic...

Arsenic is a classic murder weapon. The height of its popularity occurred in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Today, it mainly lives on in murder-mystery novels and the game of Clue.

Later today, arsenic will also be flowing through my veins. Although receiving 50 doses of what has traditionally been considered a poison is a little disconcerting, it is better than having Prof. Plum or Col. Mustard wack me 50 times with the lead pipe or the candlestick to knock out my disease. I continue to be amazed by the medical advances that have been made for a condition that only strikes 800 people in the U.S. each year.

A Bald New Approach

While in the hospital, having no hair was the "in" thing for the leukemia wing. Since I've returned home, I've been more conscious of it. Before I share my thoughts on the looks' pros and cons, here's a review of my hair's history and future:

Pre-leukemia