Chemopalooza

New Beginnings

2009-11-14T23:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I said I might have exciting job news on my last post and well, it's actually a little different than expected. I got offered a job with an interesting non-profit, not perfect for me, but interesting. Unfortunately, the salary wasn't what I expected at all. So I actually had to turn it down. It was only a 7 month contract position. It was supposed to be 9 months but they took so long with the interview process that it was down to 7. I thought about it for almost a whole week, weighed my options and thought about my work-life balance that I'm working to find and well and I just couldn't see myself working for an entry-level salary to work 40+ hours a week. It sucks, but that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

The positive thing about this opportunity is that I actually ended up upping my freelance hours to closer to full-time because I told them about my offer. I'm still getting myself situated there, and still trying to prove myself a bit but it seems to be a positive experience. It's actually really close to where I live so I usually work from their office too. I hate working from home, so I'm glad that was an option for me. We're getting a process in place for everything and I think soon some good things will come from it. Plus, people often bring their dogs into the office and you know how much I love dogs! :)

This is about the time that I started improv last year because I felt I was sorta missing out on stuff and looking for new opportunities. Well I'm done with improv and now trying to come up with my next project. I've been getting inspired by reading Kathy Griffin's book which sounds similar to me... I'm a dork, I know. But the thing is, she did improv for years and kinda sucked at it. Her teachers kept telling her to stop being Kathy and try character work and be someone else, and she didn't want to, she wanted to be herself -- just like me. So I'm thinking of trying stand up. It's always been on my to-do list, but I've always been a bit scared of it and the process of writing down "material." I mean so many people have told me to write a book of all the insane things that happen to me-- aside from cancer that is-- there are enough cancer books out there. And of course, people still stumble upon Chemopalooza and find some solace in it as well.

I'm also starting to look for a new place to live which is kinda scary. I've lived here for 3 years and I do love my apartment, but I think it's a bit expensive and it would be nice to save some money or spend it on traveling or something cool instead. Or purchase a male escort to take me on dates -- I kid, I kid. I'm hoping to find a place closer to Boston too. Nicole is going to be my roommate too, so that'll make things cheaper and more entertaining as well.

My parents are selling their house and planning to move to Block Island which is pretty crazy too. They put it on the market a few weeks ago and I've gone back and forth a couple of times and helped to de-clutter my room there. My mom is retired now too, which is so weird. She's worked basically my entire life. Hopefully she'll actually come and visit me now that she has free time -- hint hint.

My dad has knee surgery on Tuesday so think happy thoughts for him. It should be an easy breezy surgery, so I don't expect anything crazy to go down.

That's my latest and greatest, folks. I think my mono is mostly subsided at this point. I've been run down a bit but I really think it's just my new routine of working and sleeping much less.

Mmkay that's all I've got for now. I still haven't set up my RSS feeds on my new computer so I'm sure I've slacked on reading what's going on with all of my cancer peeps. I hope you're all swell and doing fabulous.

Halloween and Octo Me

2009-11-03T20:27:00.003-05:00

This past Halloween was a blast! Even though I'm a super creative individual, I'm always terrible at coming up with costumes. This year, my mom came up with my costume. I was... Octomom! There aren't a ton of pictures because I only brought my phone and apparently the guy who took the picture didn't have steady hands... but you get the idea on my costume. It was a success! And the best part was, I kept losing babies all night and people were yelling at me for being a bad parent, ha ha!

I also made sure to take Veronica's advice and drink my pink champagne from them. I brought it to the party so others could enjoy the wonders that is pink and bubbly. Also, I might have some more interesting job hunt news in a few days so be sure to stay tuned.

Busy Week!

2009-10-24T15:44:00.004-04:00

This week was such a busy week. I started a new freelance gig that's much more stable and organized. It should keep me busy until I land something full time. And of course, the first day I started, I got a call to schedule an interview. It's always how things go. I'm keeping all options open right now, but I could be content on doing this until the perfect job shows itself.

I also bought myself a new laptop this week. Mine was so ridiculously slow that it needed to be replaced, especially since I'd be using my own computer for the freelance stuff. So far, I'm pretty happy with my little 14 inch HP laptop. It's definitely not as hot as my old one either, hooray! It's got Windows 7, so I'm still working on understanding it and setting it up with my old stuff.

Anywho, just wanted to post a quick update.

XO

Have You Blamed Drew's Cancer Lately?

2009-10-21T23:35:00.004-04:00

I've been overwhelmingly impressed by Drew Olanoff over the past year. He's a social media guru, the proud owner of @drew on twitter and brains behind #blamedrewscancer. He's a fellow Hodge warrior and has been creating some serious buzz, awareness and cash to benefit the LiveStrong Foundation.

People can blame whatever they want on Drew's cancer. How cool is that!? I mean, let's face it, I often blame a lot of stuff on the beast that is the Hodge. Weight gain... Hodge. Gray hair....Hodge. Lack of memory.... again, the Hodge. So why not blame everyday things on Drew's cancer as well? I #BlameDrewsCancer for my computer being slow. It's that simple. And from the looks of his Website, it looks like he's hoping sponsors will donate for every tweet to LiveStrong after he beats it.

Celebrities from Alyssa Milano and Lance Armstrong are following Drew and blaming his cancer for loving chocolate or breaking a bone. And get this, comedian Drew Carey is offering to pay $1 million to the LiveStrong Foundation for Drew's @drew username on Twitter if he gets 1 million people following his @DrewFromTV username on Twitter by December 31. So why not go follow @DrewFromTV on Twitter.

Go!

October Is Champagne Consumption Month

2009-10-17T14:22:00.004-04:00

When Veronica and Wullie came to visit last year for Hodge-a-palooza they were nice enough to bring me a fancy bottle of pink champagne from their layover at Paris. I've been saving it for a special occasion, mainly when I land a job and have good cancer news. Well I've already gotten the good cancer news, but I decided that it's not enough that warrants the champagne. I've decided that I need more good news before I pop the cork. Needless to say, I'm going to finally put it in the fridge to keep it chilled and ready for the opportunity. I have a feeling October is my month for champagne consumption :)

I was in Block Island last weekend for our pseudo Canadian Thanksgiving and quality time with my family and of course, my dog. I stayed until Wednesday which was a refreshing change of pace.

I also updated my music to a perkier tune that I'm loving lately. The bad thing about having an iPhone is that I end up buying way more music that I used to. I recently bought 2 Feist albums and I love love love them.

That's my update for now. XO

From My Phone

2009-10-12T16:37:00.000-04:00

No Hodge, No Foul

2009-10-09T23:02:00.005-04:00

Thank you everyone for your kind words and comments. I'm feeling much better now. It was good to see my family and as always, I kept them smiling when times got sad. I carried around my iPhone and showed people at the wake my favorite picture of my Uncle Donald... him and my stuffed yak on Block Island. It made everyone laugh and smile. They also said he always wanted to have a recording in his casket yelling at people when they sat down to pay their respects... if only I had known :)

I'm heading to Block Island this weekend for our annual Canadian Thanksgiving Bonanza. It'll be a smaller group this year, but still I'm looking forward to it.

And lastly, I've been meaning to post this for almost two weeks now. I know I had posted that I had activity on my last scan and I was nervous about a relapse. Well it sounds like it's not the case and instead I have mono. I don't really have any symptoms of it other than I have an excuse why I enjoy naps and I snore at night sometimes, weird, I know. I must have the mildest case there is, but I'll take it any day over the Hodge. So as I said to my friend Nicole the other day, No Hodge, No Foul.

I'm working on a couple new prospects and expanding my search a little more. I think my bad luck streak will have to change this month even with this news on the job market. Think happy thoughts along with me. Afterall, it's Fall, my favorite season, that's gotta count for something!

XO

I'm In A Funk

2009-10-03T23:20:00.002-04:00

This week I've been in a funk. I've lost two people to cancer this week and it's been pretty overwhelming. First my poor Uncle Donald, and then dear sweet Adrienne who had battled The Hodge for 13 years.

Sometimes I get so frustrated at myself because I should be living the most exciting life since I fought really hard to get this second chance. But of course that's not always the case. I think all of the cancer surrounding my life and my ongoing hunt to find a job has been getting me down.

Tomorrow I'll be volunteering at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Boston and then heading to Western Mass for my Uncle's wake and funeral. Ugh.

My Uncle Donald

2009-10-01T11:51:00.002-04:00

I have some very sad news to report, my Great Uncle Donald passed away on Tuesday from lung cancer and emphysema. I saw him a few weeks ago and he wasn't doing so well. He was still pretty funny though, just really weak and tired. I prefer to remember him as he was in this picture instead. I believe that weekend in Block Island (Canadian Thanksgiving) he also had me file his nails for him ;)

He will be missed but at least he's comfortable now. XO

Contaminated Water To Blame For Male Breast Cancer Cluster

2009-09-29T22:24:00.006-04:00

I was talking to my dad the other day and he mentioned seeing a segment on CNN the night before about several men that all get breast cancer from drinking contaminated water while being stationed at Camp Lejeune between the 1960s and 1980s. Once I heard this I knew it was about Peter Devereaux, a man I interviewed about his cancer story while volunteering.

I was soooo soooo happy that Peter finally got the media to listen to their heart-wrenching story. Please take a moment to watch the CNN clip and read the story. I'm hoping this coverage of their story will get the Marine Corps to finally take blame for this and compensate these men that served their country.

*pictured is Jim Fontella, one of the men from Camp Lejeune.

A Potential Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2009-09-26T13:07:00.007-04:00

Well folks, I followed up with my oncologist yesterday and it sounds like I might have mono, hoooray! According to him, my blood tests show evidence of Epstein-Barr virus which causes mononucleosis aka mono. I have to get some additional blood tests but I'll definitely take mono over the Hodge any day of the week :)

And if it's mono, I won't have to do any sort of biopsy on my throat! Hopefully that's what it is. Afterall, I like sleeping, and now I have an excuse why I love it so much.

But of course, sorry if you were planning to makeout with me in the near future. I think I'll have to take a rain check.

Stay tuned and of course, XO.

I'm A Conundrum

2009-09-23T21:49:00.005-04:00

At least that's what my oncologist thinks and most likely many of the men I've dated, but that's a whole other story.

I had my PET scan on Monday and met with my oncologist that afternoon for the results. They were sorta what I was expecting and sorta a surprise. I still had activity on my throat which we need to get to the bottom of. I also had spots lighting up in my armpits and my neck, all symmetrical, which isn't a sign of Hodgkin's but my oncologist doesn't know what it could be. He's running additional blood work (you should see my druggie looking arm - 4 pokes and lots of bruising) to rule out a few things like mono, etc. We're thinking I've got to have some sort of immune disorder or something since I'm literally sick every month and a half, and umm that's not normal for someone who's been out of treatment for two and a half years.

My oncologist was pretty concerned and probably spent the longest time with us that he has in a few years trying to determine what's going on with my body. We decided I'm going to do a biopsy of my throat with an Ear Nose and Throat doctor to figure out why my throat infection of sorts hasn't healed in over three months. Hopefully, they won't have to cut me up externally at all and can go right down my throat instead. That was a big concern of mine, my scars just don't heal and stay super pink so I'm not really excited for an additional scar and would probably look into other options if that was the case.

And of course in the back of my head there's still that idea that it could be the Hodge. When it rains it pours, right? I think I'm just in a funk lately so I'm thinking the worst. I've been trying to keep busy and so far I've been pretty good at that. I went to the Big E yesterday with an old friend that I grew up with. As always, the highlight of the day there was the petting zoo with the goats, lambs and donkeys! I'm such a dork. If any decent pictures surface, I'll be sure to post them.

Job Interview Update

2009-09-20T15:04:00.002-04:00

Many of you have been asking about my job interview and if I found out if I got the job. Unfortunately, I found out on Friday evening that I didn't get it. I made it to the final round, it was just me and one or two other people, but I didn't make the cut.

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this job hunt business but it's stressful. Just when I think the hunt is over, it starts back to round 1. So I'm moving on and continuing to pursue other opportunities. It's just disappointing that the things I'm passionate about aren't necessarily hiring. I'm also considering going back to school. I might look and see what kind of financial aid and scholarships I can get too. Of course, all this thinking comes at a time when my parents are retiring and working on selling their house and moving to Block Island so it might rule out a free place to live. Time will tell.

Sorry I don't have super exciting job hunt news folks. Hopefully tomorrow I'll post that I'm still Hodge free.

XOXO

PET Scan On Monday

2009-09-18T12:43:00.001-04:00

On Monday I have my three month follow-up PET scan at Dana Farber. Cross your fingers for no more throat activity!

Also, think happy thoughts for my Uncle Donald, he's battling lung cancer and is doing hospice now.

XO

What A Great Birthday Week!

2009-09-13T23:48:00.003-04:00

It was a great birthday week for me! I treated myself to a pedicure on my birthday afternoon and did a little shopping followed by dinner with Mandy and Jeff which included the most thoughtful birthday present ever -- homemade lamb cupcakes by Mandy!! And they wouldn't let me share them! After dinner we went to meet up with some other friends and do karaoke in Cambridge. It was a good time, I felt like I was in college, except for that fact I was exhausted when I got home :)

It's the little things for sure. I love when people go out of their way for someone, even if it's just to email and say happy birthday :) The lovely Ry Ry and Jenny even sent me a birthday package last week with a shirt that says "Someone in Louisville Loves Me," thankfully they live there!

Oh and I can't forget that my parents called me and had my dog singing Happy Birthday to me. I guess my training paid off!

The Countdown To 09-09-09

2009-09-02T21:39:00.004-04:00

Yes, that's right folks, 09-09-09 is just around the corner. Soon I'll be saying goodbye to 26 and hello to 27. Nothing like celebrating another birthday :)

2009-09-02T12:07:00.003-04:00

The early Fall weather is invigorating! I'm thinking about pup napping my dog and heading to Block Island for the long weekend. It's just a thought, I'll make up my mind tomorrow or Friday :)

I've also unfortunately been hearing of more and more layoffs this month at non-profits. I was starting to think things were picking up until I heard about them. Please keep that in mind when you're asked to donate for your favorite non-profit - it might help it's cause, but it also might keep someone employed.

XO

What A Great Friday!

2009-08-21T21:15:00.005-04:00

Today was such a nice day. I've been feeling a little extra tense lately and scheduled a 30 minute deep tissue massage this morning. After that and catching up with my favorites at The Spa, I decided to run some errands at the Burlington Mall. I played around in Sephora for a bit, one of my favorite indulgences. Then went to go buy some shampoo (I know, I know, I love me some shampoo) and then found out they were offering free hair and scalp treatments today. So of course, being the recessionista that I am, I couldn't pass on the free offer. After a scalp massage and super moisturizing treatment and the massage from earlier, I was super relaxed!

To top the great day off, I checked my home voicemail while I was sitting at the salon and found out that I indeed make it to the second round of interviews! I was floored! What an amazing day! I'm not exactly sure when the second interview will be, but I should find out next week sometime. Stay tuned!

Anywho, just wanted to share my terrific day to you all. Enjoy the weekend!

XO

2009-08-18T08:25:00.001-04:00

The weather has been so nice that I took a quick trip to Block Island on Sunday and stayed with uncle Ron and auntie Judy. Just what I needed...

Quick Interview Update

2009-08-13T12:04:00.003-04:00

Hi folks. Just a quick update that I think the interview went well. The woman I interviewed with even did her research on me and checked out my blog. To me that shows me that she was interested in me -- at least the me on paper.

They are just beginning the interview process. This position hasn't even been posted online (yay) and they had my resume in their database already. HR started with a pool of 60 qualified resumes and then narrowed it down to 5 people to bring in and I was one of the 5. However, that means that right now I'm still actively competing with 4 other qualified candidates so it's anyones game. I should find out in a week or two if I made it to the next round.

Keep everything crossed. It sounds like a great opportunity.

XO

Cross Everything

2009-08-09T21:22:00.003-04:00

I have another interesting interview tomorrow that's actually cancer-related! Please cross everything for me that I like them and they like me! I'll share more once I know more!

Hodgkin's Gets Strong Corporate Advocates

2009-07-28T20:15:00.003-04:00

Here's some info that my pal Duane at JournalofaPrizefighter recently shared with me:

Taco Bell President - Greg Creed and Honeywell International - Senior-Vice President Adriane Brown, are emerging as strong advocates for Hodgkin's research.

These two powerful executives reside on the Board of Directors for the Alese Coco - Fight 2 Win Foundation. This New York based foundation is dedicated strictly to Hodgkin's research. Alese was also Duane's friend and they often conversed while she was being treated at Sloan-Kettering. She lost her battle to the Hodge in 2007 at the young age of 23.

On July 1, 2009, Greg Creed and Taco Bell facilitated the taping of the first ever Public Service Announcement for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which was taped at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. The PSA was directed by the Russo Brothers who directed Arrested Development and the motion picture, You, Me & Dupree.

Duane spoke to Paul Coco (Alese's father) last week and he described the PSA as: 'Both challenging and gripping. It will bring much needed attention to a lymphoma that receives far too little consideration from pharmaceutical companies for research. 'The fact is that Hodgkin's has somewhere between 25% - 40% recurrence rate and nearly half of all stem cell transplants fail, and that's unacceptable. We're striving for complete cure.'

The 30 second spot will begin airing nationally on several major networks beginning this September.

Please be sure to check out the foundation's Website and read more about Alese. I've recently emailed with her father and he seems like such an amazing person. I can't wait to see the PSA!

XO

Gap's Give & Get Program Is Back

2009-07-27T13:04:00.004-04:00

Just in time for you back to school shopping Gap is offering 30% off of purchases with 5% going towards the charity of your choice, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This sale is going on from July 30 - August 2.

Personally, I'm a huge fanatic of Gap because they always have great sales, benefit causes close to me, AND the clothes they sell always fit me which is a tough feat. I bought a bunch of great stuff there a month or so ago including 2 pairs of $70 jeans for $20 each instead. Can't beat that!

To download your coupon click here. Think about it, the more money you spend, the more money LLS gets, the more financial aid available to blood cancer patients.

Okay, now go spread the words to your friends!

Updates And Pictures

2009-07-20T22:34:00.006-04:00

Again, I've been out of commission for a while. I was having such a great time on Block Island with my family and my dog. Swimming, walking the dog every night, enjoying the sun. Then I went off Island to my first improv class for the level 5 session (which went great), and when I got back to the Island that Sunday I had a fever, the chills, and felt awful. It continued for several days, so I headed to the doctors office on Block Island. The doctor here thought I might have Lyme Disease since I had a fever for several days as well as most of the symptoms of it. Apparently, just living in the Northeast makes you at great risk for it. Plus, I've been playing with my dog and walking him and whatnot, so I've been at greater risk. So alas, I went on medication for it, doxycycline, and it was awful. Last night was the last day I could stand it, I ended up throwing up from the nausea associated with it. I've since switched to amoxicillin and hope that I can continue to enjoy my last week on the Island.

Here are some pictures I took tonight. I hope you enjoy!!

Bailey posing with my dad after I asked him if he likes to swim

North Point at sunsetNorth Point at sunset

The Sorta Good And The Crappy

2009-07-06T12:07:00.002-04:00

Well folks, I've got some sorta good news and some crappy news. First let's start with the crappy news. I just found out that I didn't get the job at Dana Farber and it went to an internal applicant. I'm really bummed because I thought I was perfect for it and it was all finally going to happen. But alas, someone already in their system got it.

Now for the sorta good news. I talked to my oncologist the other day and he gave me the results of my PET scan. He said it doesn't look like Hodgkin's, but it looks like there's something in my throat - most likely an infection. But he sounded weird about everything, he's a pretty serious guy anyways, so I'm not sure what to think. Either way, I've got to get rescanned in September at some point so I can be officially clean again. So for now, I'm taking it as I'm clean with some sort of leftover infection from my bout with strep or whatever it was last month.

I'm still on Block Island and the weather and fresh air is perfect. I just got back from walking my lazy pup and am probably heading to the beach shortly. Might as well enjoy the vacation while I can :)