Chemo and Accessorizing

"It's been my experience that as long as we are correctly accessorized, we can pretty much face anything" - friend and author Denise Caruso.

I was able to get chemo yesterday because my white blood count bounced back to within the normal range (very good news). The distention in my abdomen is significantly better after only one treatment (more good news). I no longer worry that they will think I'm the oldest pregnant woman at MacGee Womens Hospital (even more good news). They gave me a new drug for nausea so here's hoping it helps me weather this round. Whoever thought that seeing the numbers on the scale go up would be GOOD news?

What does all this have to do with accessorizing? I decided yesterday morning to get dressed up for chemo - a look good, feel good sort of approach. I thought it might be time to alter what my husband described as the "straight from the shtetl" look (imagine a schmata on my head and loose fitting clothing). I even put on makeup and earrings and wore a pumpkin colored scarf with gold threads wrapped around my head several times. In the chemo waiting room, two women independently asked how I tied my scarf. Once inside, another woman asked too. Finally, a man came over. He wanted to know where I got my "headdress". He wanted to purchase one as a gift for his wife. He was amazed when I told that I did it myself. When I had to arrange a group tutorial, I knew my moment had arrived. In a room filled with people with cancer...you find joy in surprising places. Somehow it seems appropriate that my first contribution to the world of cancer patients would involve accessorizing.

I read a terrific article from the Huffington Post about the gender wage gap written by friend and colleague Joan Williams. When I put the article away I turned to check on the blog only to find a lovely comment from said Joan Williams. These connections astound me.

Chemo went well and Jonathan was my steady and comforting companion. I had a really good day yesterday, but last night I got anxious again. Fortunately, my newly learned breathing exercises help me move through the anxiety. I appreciate the good days and never take them for granted.

Brother Joe is hosting the kids till Monday - we miss them terribly...but know that the time with their aunt, uncle and cousins is allowing them to build lifelong connections. It brings me back to my summers with my own cousins, who now feature so prominently in my life. A recent visit from John and Heather a prime example.

I'm enjoying my time with Jonathan - we're beginning to reconnect with some projects that are particularly meaningful. Especially our documentary CHANGING THE FACE OF SCIENCE. As always, we're thankful for your support. By the way, we had Mexican last night from WHEEL DELIVER. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to Franny for the chicken soup. Yum.

Love MJ (and JR)