People ask me if I attend a support group. “Why, when I have the best support group right here!”

Let’s get the not-so-fun cancer update out of the way:

The last post was fresh out of surgery, which followed chemotherapy.

The surgery results were very positive, with ‘clean margins’, which means they got all of the cancer from this one area, on the right breast.  My cancer is still potentially ‘alive’ in my mammary lymph nodes, left and right, so we need radiation to do its magic on living cancer, as well as clean up dormant cancer in the radiation field.

I started radiation on Thursday, October 2, which will occur every day, Monday through Friday, for 6 ½ weeks so I will finish around November 16^th. The radiation field will be larger than what I expected, too, as it will cover my chest and right side out to the other lymph nodes under my arm and up to my collarbone.

I’m already putting on cream to prevent a burning and skin discoloration. I’m a “complex” radiation patient since this is a 2^nd pass and we need to avoid my heart, lungs, rib cage, etc. I just learned my heart is close to the center of my chest, which means I’ll need to hold my breast during radiation to separate the heart, preventing damage. Of course I have to be unique…I’m special, right?

I’m in the best hands with my medical family at Virginia Mason Cancer Institute with angels at all levels, from check-in coordinators, nurses, technicians, schedulers and, of course, the best doctors in the country.

Now for the FUN stuff, which exceeds the above not-so-fun

A.  Keynote speaking – telling my story and inspiring donors and participants.

I spoke at the American Cancer Society’s kick-off breakfast on the same day as my LAST day of chemo – great celebration!

Holding Up Hands – 10-10 for October 10 Walk Date

Strides Kick-Off Breakfast

B. TV!

I was on our local “New Day Northwest” TV just 6 days after my surgery following chemo. See the segment clip here: http://kng5.tv/1FzHRvu. Friends and some American Cancer Society staff joined the taping and it was a great way to celebrate surgery recovery.

They wanted PINK!

New Day Northwest TV Segment

C.  Public Service Announcements – for Breast Cancer.

I was asked to record 3 public service announcements for Northwest Cable News on 3 different topics: the NFL Crucial Catch, the October 10^th Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, and breast cancer screening.  Let’s see who catches one of these running throughout the month of October.

You can play each one-minute segment here:

MSABC: https://kingcreates.wistia.com/medias/0xddfrwlz6

A Crucial Catch: https://kingcreates.wistia.com/medias/7ymqcbnig7

Volunteer: https://kingcreates.wistia.com/medias/kzc8n8bx6a

PSAs for NW News Cable

D.  Gilda’s Club Event – Supporting families going through Cancer

Thanks to my friend and committee chair, Tanya Button, I keynoted the breakfast fundraiser for the Gilda’s Club of Seattle on September 24,. Gilda’s Club is named in honor of Gilda Radner, who, when describing the emotional and social support she received when she had cancer, called for such places of participation, education, hope, and friendship to be made available for people with cancer and their families and friends everywhere.

http://www.gildasclubseattle.org/

Gilda’s Club Fundraiser with Tanya Button

E.  Party time!

Then, the American Cancer Society (ACS) had a wonderful Gala two weeks after my surgery and I had a great time dancing (gently). I went with Kari Dart and Karin and Paul Allen, too. (No, not THE Paul Allen, but my Paul is just as special!).  It was the first time out in public with my hair “fuzz” as I have not enjoyed the growing-out look.

ACS Gala with my new hair “fuzz”

ACS Gala with Karin and Paul Allen

F.  Sporting events to rally the community.

The Virginia Mason Cancer Institute invited me to be their “Patient Hero” for the Seattle Sounders soccer game on August 16. I got to place the match ball on the podium, high five the players, and then the announcer read a short story about Tracy and I.. Mathis and Kari and Sean Dart were there – and the Sounders won!

G.  Seattle Seahawks model – for new Pink Merchandise for the NFL’s Crucial Catch.

Last week, I had a blast pretending I was a model. The Seattle Seahawks are launching their new line of PINK Seahawks merchandise and they asked ACS for patient models. Off I went! The campaign is now live and I’ll be in a  different shots.  You can see them rolling out here.

A number of them are used for social media so you’ll see them on Facebook here.

Some samples:

Gwen and Dana

Team Shot

Warm cap and “cool” sweatshirt…all for cancer

You can read about the NFL’s Crucial Catch Program here: http://www.nfl.com/pink.

I know a lot of people question the interest of the sports teams during this month-of-pink.  And there are some people who can’t stand the color pink for this cause, either. But the bottom line, to me, is that any incremental amount of dollars toward screening, patient support, or research is a wonderful dollar. So deal with the pink! Better yet, wear it proudly. I am.

H.  More sports fun coming up:

• October 5^th Seattle Seahawks Game at home: First, I’ll be interviewed by King 5 at 7am. Then I’ll have radiation at 10:45am, then back to the game to be on the field at half time with other survivors for their “Crucial Catch” game.
• October 10^th, Saturday, the big “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K walk with my family and friends. Join us! Go here to sign up as a participant on “Dana’s Gladiators” team or donate.

Even more fun things – a special focus on family

• Chad and Shane were here visiting following Shane’s week of hiking through the Cascade mountains. They come back to Seattle 10/9 with Milo and Mom for the big cancer walk, too!

Mom, Chad and Shane_082515

• I’m planning our wedding celebration for January 2016 and it brings me joy to plan something FABULOUS. Here is a recent photo that our friend, Alison Jensen, a professional photographer, took of us.

Mathis and Dana_090115

• Mexico ahead! 5 days after radiation finishes, Mathis and I are off to Puerto Vallarta with Ilse (Mom), Shane, Chad, and Milo during Thanksgiving week.
• January – a wedding party!
• And I’ll plan more happy milestones after that, of course. Got ideas?

All of our kids and family are doing well…we are so blessed. Mathis’ daughters, Christina and Leslie are thriving and Tracy’s son, Milo, is crushing it down in L.A.

I would just like to express my warmest gratitude for all of your calls, greeting cards, words of support, and invitations to fun things.

Love and hugs,

Dana Manciagli

Relaxing on 9-1-15 – photo courtesy of Alison Jensen

As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please join me in my #1 major event to memorialize Tracy, whom we lost a year ago. And to be a member of “Dana’s Gladiators” by donating and walking if you are in Seattle on Saturday, October 10^th, 8am check-in at the Seattle Center.

Simply go here and do your magic:  http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Danas_Gladiators.

Last year, Mathis, Milo (Tracy’s son), and Chad joined me in our walk.

Mathis, Milo, Dana, Chad Oct 2014

This year, my Mom, Milo, Shane, Chad, and Mathis will be there too! Thank you to all who donated and walked last year; hope you can be with us again this year.

New this year, just for fun, the first 50 of “Dana’s Gladiators” get a great T-shirt, sponsored by American Apparel!

So, simply go here:  http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Danas_Gladiators and:

• Click “Donate”
• Click “Participate” and come out and walk!
• Forward the link to your friends and family to join you.

I’m the American Cancer Society’s “Survivor Ambassador” for this year’s event.

It has been a huge joy and honor to be the American Cancer Society’s “Survivor Ambassador” for their premier event “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” on October 10. I have spent a lot of time being a strong voice, advocate, and storyteller to the media and co-team leaders and I’ll be speaking at the 5K family walk event, too.

With warm hugs and great gratitude,

Dana Manciagli and my new hubby, Mathis Dunn

20 weeks of chemo, check!

Surgery to remove the entire right breast (2^nd mastectomy), check!

My medical team at Virginia Mason was fantastic from the 5:45am check-in on the September 3^rd until my checkout at noon on the 4^th. Mathis stayed overnight on a cot and we’re both glad to be home for a good night’s sleep …and the beginning of my two-week-plus recovery.

Oh, and here is what Mathis packed for his overnight stay. Obviously I’m driving him to drink!

Look what Mathis snuck into the hospital!

Unfortunately – and fortunately – I’ve been through this operation and the recovery process before. I need to take it very easy so I heal faster, which will allow me to head into radiation sooner.

Post-surgery 9/6, sharing a photo with my friend, Karin Allen. She and Paul brought yummy food, flowers and laughter.

Karin Allen Visit_090715

Next treatment: aggressive radiation. The area will be broad, blanketing all mammary lymph nodes up to the bottom of my neck. I’ll be done by Thanksgiving!   Scans again by the end of the year. Then pills to keep the cancer at bay for the rest of my life.

Some wonderful words of wisdom from my friend, and Tracy’s closest friend, Jennie Grimes:

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited…

It cannot cripple Love

It cannot shatter Hope

It cannot corrode Faith

It cannot destroy Peace

It cannot kill Friendship

It cannot suppress Memories

It cannot silence Courage

It cannot invade the Soul

It cannot steal Eternal Life

It cannot conquer the Spirit

Friday, in the hospital, I had a tough moment when they removed the bandages. Then, this picture arrived and I laughed:

This week, Wednesday, I’ll be interviewed on a local TV show, “New Day Northwest”, along with the American Cancer Society in preparation for the October 10 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K family walk. You can sign up now as a participant and help “Dana’s Gladiator’s” reach 50 people walking together. And/or donate any amount.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY15GW?team_id=1868424&pg=team&fr_id=70071

I love having these milestones to look forward to. More importantly, I love my family and friends love and support.

Love and hugs,

Dana

Hello, friends and family,

First, an update on the cancer front:

Good news! My scans on August 17 showed diminished cancer on the mammary lymph nodes and another area showed no visible cancer. So chemo did most of what it’s supposed to do. Now, we continue to treat the cancer aggressively!

Next on the schedule:

1. Surgery on Thursday, September 3, which is similar to a mastectomy (again) on the right side. At least a few weeks recovery and lots of Vicodin for pain.
2. Radiation will start as soon as possible after surgery for 6 weeks every single day.
3. Puerto Vallarta during Thanksgiving week!

I am feeling much better now as my energy is coming back (along with my hair).  I’m back in the gym, although not 100% yet.  Getting there!   Yes, surgery and radiation will set me back a tiny bit but not too much.

Harley Girl Now!

I like to plan fun things to look forward to. And when opportunities come along, I take them! I recently had a great experience; I got to ride on our friend Carl Sittig’s Harley Davidson motorcycle!

Not only that, but he had the gear so I got to look the part, too!

Getting Ready

                                                       (Oh, my cap says “Suck it up, Buttercup”)

Safe and Snazzy!

Off we go! Around Lake Sammamish

Thank you, Carl, for the special treat!

Later that same day, I saw this cool bike in a store with my friend, Kari   

Fun with Socks

Two of my girlfriends, Gail and Connie, have given me great socks, and I wore them to chemo for every treatment! The nurses loved them, too.

Read this!

3 mix n’ match socks – fun!

“Kick This Day in its SUNSHINY ASS”

Professional Soccer Game Highlight

My medical family at the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute invited me to be the “Patient Hero” at a sold-out professional soccer game between the Seattle Sounders and Orlando FC on August 16, 2015.

I placed the match ball on a podium to kick off the game, high-fived the players as they came out, and then the announcer told my story to a stadium filled with 40,000 people. They learned about my three rounds battling cancer, about Tracy, and my efforts to raise money for the cancer cause. Then we all watched the rest of the game and the Sounders beat Orlando 3-0!

Mathis and Dana at the Sounders

Waving to my closest 40,000 friends

2 Big Screens and an announcer telling my cancer story and honoring Tracy, too.

Photo album here: https://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcM2LFq1Zt2jHbg

Upcoming fun things:

• I’ve really enjoyed giving time to the American Cancer Society and the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute to help raise awareness and funds. So, between now and the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), I’ll be a “survivor ambassador” and do some local TV and radio shows.
• October 2-3, I get to visit my Aunt Sandy, Uncle Bobby and Cousin Elizabeth and her kids in Durham, North Carolina. Can’t wait!
• Saturday, October 10, the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides for Breast Cancer” 5K family walk. I will be leading “Dana’s Gladiators” and many of my friends have started their own teams, hanging under “Dana’s Gladiators.” Here is the link to my team site so you can sign up to walk with us or donate: http://makingstrideswalk.org/danasgladiators 
• Mathis and I are constantly planning concerts, golf, movies, outings with friends and so much more. Join us!

In close, I recently had a wonderful visit by my girlfriend, Mary Foss-Skiftesvik, who was my college roommate at UC Santa Barbara in 1982 and who now lives in Connecticut. She shared the following quote:

Yesterday is History. 

Tomorrow is a Mystery. 

Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.

A special thanks to each of you for being on my team, supporting me every step of the way.  I still hear “Oh, I don’t want to bother you” or “call me when you need me” but please reach out any time of day or night. If I’m resting or sleeping, my devices are off so there is no risk of bothering me.  I cherish each connection with family and friends.  I used to be that “crazy-busy” person and now look back and wish I had taken more time (prioritized) to just be there for friends. Family and health were always a top priority, as they are now.

Huge hugs and love,

Dana

DanaManciagli@hotmail.com

cell: 206.849.1000

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dana.manciagli

You knew that Mathis proposed on my birthday in June, right? What you didn’t know is that we went to the courthouse and got married on Wednesday, July 29^th! So easy and stress-free.

My wonderful mother, Ilse, flew up from L.A. and two of Mathis’ buddies, Joe and Steve, were there as witnesses, too. The judge did a beautiful job with the vows.

We followed the 5pm ceremony with a dinner at Jak’s Grill in Issaquah and then: done!

Marriage Certificate at the Courthouse!

Without sounding presumptuous, Mathis and I want to stress something:

ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO GIFTS (of any kind) !!!

Donations are preferred to the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute, the Dana-Mathis Guild: http://connect.virginiamasonfoundation.org/donation/dana-mathis-guild

Here is our photo album from the wedding: https://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcM2LFq1Zt2jGsg

More Great News

I had my last chemo treatment on Tuesday, August 4, and we celebrated with the nurses and oncologist. Next steps are scans on August 17^th, then surgery, and then radiation for 6 weeks. Almost done – I can see the end. I know I crushed this stupid cancer!

I can’t thank my friends and family enough for being AMAZING. My family has been by my side every step of the way. And my wonderful husband, Mathis, has truly been dedicated to my breast cancer battle 24/7; reducing his travel for work, gently scolding me when I’m overdoing it, and holding me when the nighttime blues hit. Thank you, my love.

“You may kiss the bride”

“What Happened?” – Cancer Happened

During a recent fun trip to Los Angeles, my Mom, Ilse, and I had a mother-daughter bachelorette party. We started at 3 in the afternoon with facials and massages. Then, we went to dinner with celebratory beverages. Then we saw Magic Mike XXL! Yes, indeed, and loved every minute of it.

Mother-daughter bachelorette party – my blouse says “NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE”

Another “what not to say to cancer patients” story: During my facial in L.A., when I crawled under the warm blanket, “Evy,” the facialist said, “What happened?” when she saw my bald head. I paused, stumped since this was a first. So I said, “Cancer happened.”

Then, Evy proceeded to tell me that she thought her mother-in-law was in chemo for her arthritis. I paused again and gently said, “I’ve never heard of this treatment for arthritis. Did your mother-in-law lose her hair, too?” Evy said “No.” Stumped again. We didn’t talk for the next 50 minutes.

Afterwards, laughing with my mom about it, I wished I had a great response. Here are some ideas my girlfriend Alexis and I brainstormed:

• “I had hair down to my lower back then my hair stylist accidentally shaved it.”
• “I have a crush on Bruce Willis.”
• “I fell off my bike.”
• “I had a hang nail.”
• …what are some you recommend? Reply in Facebook or via this blog with your best answers!

I love, love visiting with friends. You give me energy, love and laughter. In the last week, I’ve had two friends fly up to Seattle: Ina from L.A. (a high school buddy), Lindy from San Diego (a college roommate). Then, during my short L.A. trip, I not only spent time with Mom and Milo, but I saw Vicki (kindergarten-through-high school), Randy and Alexis (1984, on), and Francine (since 4 years old).

So many of you ask how Milo, Tracy’s son, is doing. He is amazing. He co-manages a hot, Santa Monica bar, the Shore Bar, and helps the parent company with their other restaurant and bar venues, too. He’s learning so much and is able to go to auditions and gigs for commercials during the day. He recently taped a two-day Footlocker commercial. He’s got amazing friends around all the time and he has simply blossomed. (Yes, I’m embarrassing him right now…oh well). He’ll be coming to Puerto Vallarta during Thanksgiving with Chad, Shane, Mathis, Grandma Ilse, and I, too.

 to: 

Joy from being engaged! I’m enjoying planning a wedding celebration in early 2016. Mathis and I will get married at the courthouse on July 29 and Mom will fly up from L.A. to be a witness, along with one or two of Mathis’ friends. It’s all very special.

Next cancer treatments:

• 4 weeks of chemo with the last one on August 4
• Wait 2-3 weeks for scans (by end of August)
• Start radiation for 6+ weeks

I’ve had some challenges with my low white blood cell count, but my oncologists don’t anticipate any further low counts. Fatigue is increasing and good size headaches pop up. However, overall, I’m doing well. Naps are my best friend, my appetite and taste buds have returned, and I’m getting better at listening to my body and going horizontal when I need to rest.

I’ll be a tricky radiation patient since I had radiation back in 2002, during my 1^st bout. But the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute has a plan! Here I am in chemo today, 7-14:

I can’t thank Mathis enough for being all-in every day and night. He has curtailed his travel, is always checking in on me, warning me when I’m over-doing it, and being super sensitive when I get anxious or scared. Shane, Chad, and Milo are also amazing for calling, dropping lines, and visiting. And Mathis’ girls, Christina and Leslie live out of state, but constantly send their warmth. And my mom, of course, is “all in” too!

THANK YOU: Everybody near and far has been amazing and please don’t ever think that you’re bothering me. I’ve heard that from a number of folks. Please know that when I’m sleeping, my phone is off. I get energy and joy from visits e-mails, Facebook notes, cards or phone calls.

Love and hugs from Mathis and I and our families,

Dana Manciagli

cell: 206.849.100

e-mail:  Dana@DanaManciagli.com or DanaManciagli@hotmail.com

(to get future posts in your inbox, sign up in the “follow” box at the very bottom!)

I’m a Prize-Winner!

Last Saturday, Mathis and I attended a Junior Achievement fund-raising picnic since I’m still on the board. They sold raffle tickets for a number of cool prizes so we donated to the cause and put little red tickets in each prize bowl.

Wouldn’t you know it? Of ALL the prizes and ALL the event-goers, I won two free haircuts at a local salon! Just what I need, right?

Dana wins haircuts!

My Hair Doesn’t Talk to One Another

About three weeks ago, the hair on my head started to grow back! But now it stopped growing. I think my hair was thinking, “Oh, goodie, we’re done with chemo,” when I finished the first wave of chemo. But then I started a second round of a different chemo and it said, “Shit. I have to lay low a little longer.”

But the real dilemma is that the hair on my head doesn’t talk to my eyelashes or eyebrows. Once my head hair started growing back, my eyelashes fully fell out. Then, my eyebrows started peeling away a few weeks later. Can’t you guys get coordinated?

Makeup Is a Wonderful Thing

I found wonderful YouTube videos done by other cancer patients showing how to create the illusion of having eyelashes and eyebrows. And I have also done make-overs at the Nordstrom cosmetic department where I learned a lot! I now wake up every morning and put on makeup since it makes me feel more “normal.” Even if I am sitting around most of the day…

Engagement Bliss

Well, I must share our glee with getting married. And since most of you saw the “joke” ring that Mathis bought me, I thought I would show you the real wedding ring that I’m already wearing. Who cares about the order of things, right? It’s my favorite designer, David Yurman, and so gorgeous.

We’ll be getting our marriage certificate and get “legal” by the court sometime in July. Then plan festivities when possible. Here’s a recent photo of us from this past Saturday night:

Dana and Mathis_062715

Cancer Update

I am doing great. Really. Yes, I’m fatigued, but no serious side effects of chemo. I have 5 weeks left of chemo (August 4) then two weeks to wait for scans, then radiation for 6 weeks.

Recently my white blood counts have been very low so I missed one week of chemo and then only got partial chemo the following week. That means my bone marrow is “tired of chemo.” But I just started new shots that I’ll give myself daily to boost them up again through the end of chemo.

Radiation is tricky since I’ve had radiation before in 2002, but I have a lot of faith in my amazing Virginia Mason cancer team of doctors. There may be some surgery, too. All depends on those scans so please keep up the happy thoughts and prayers!

Here’s a shot from Tuesday’s chemo (June 30) and Mathis was sitting there right next to me!

Thank you for all of the well-wishes, prayers and happy thoughts streaming in. Please stay close!

Love and hugs,

Dana

Announcement!

On June 17, after a wonderful birthday dinner, Mathis asked me to marry him!  We’re so thrilled and we’ll continue to enjoy our wonderful life together.

Our celebrations will be low key; however, we’re certainly celebrating life every day and wanted to share our joy with you, too.

What about the ring, people ask!

You all know Mathis is a jokester and would like to be a stand-up comedian in his next life. You also know he knows me quite well (and tolerates my unique characteristics). He knew I would want to select my preferred ring style.

So he went to Ross Dress for Less and poured through a stack of cheap, costume rings. He found my engagement ring prize for $7.49 so here is “the rock” I received.

It’s a beauty, eh?   Hysterical!

P.S. Mathis already bought me a gorgeous David Yurman wedding ring.

We just want to share our love and appreciation for all of our family and friends.

Hugs to all,

Dana and Mathis

Great news! I’m past the half way point in my chemo treatments! I have 10 more weeks to go of weekly chemo sessions. I’ll have scans after that and the doctors will determine what’s next. It could be more treatment and we’ll be aggressive!

It’s been quite a roller-coaster ride, but I’m not alone. Mathis has been telling friends that he has a front row “E-ticket” – the ones Disneyland reserved for the most exciting rides. We’re definitely on the Space Mountain rails this time!

Old Disneyland E Ticket

What are my “Cancer Days” like?

(Chose one, several, all, or none of the following.)

• Sleeping in until 9 or 10am – I used to get up at 6…
• Waking up and still feeling exhausted
• Going to the gym for a light workout
• Going back to bed for a long nap
• Running one errand…slowly
• Eating small quantities throughout the day, ‘cause I’m just not hungry
• Visiting with friends
• Going for a walk
• Writing blog posts for my business and nationally-syndicated column
• Eating Mathis’ home-cooked dinner
• Lounging on the sofa until bedtime

I am blessed that I have not had the major side effects I was warned about. And, I get to stop taking the HUGE stack of chemo-related medicine that went with the first batch of chemo. It was quite a large batch of pills, shots and liquids.

Yes, I’ve been surprised by how tired I get, then I remind myself, “Oh, yeah, it’s chemo.” The doctors say that the fatigue caused by chemo is cumulative so I can anticipate more sleepy days ahead.

My new hobby: Helping other cancer patients and cancer fund-raising

I’ve enjoyed donating my time to two organizations: The American Cancer Society and my hospital, the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute. Recently I recorded a video that was played at a major Virginia Mason fund-raiser for their Cancer Institute; you can watch it here.

Coming up: June 13^th! You are invited, no matter where you live! Join me at this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to celebrate my birthday and raise money for cancer research. I look forward to seeing as many of my wonderful friends as possible

On August 30, I’ll be out in centerfield wearing my favorite bright green and blue as a Virginia Mason “patient hero” at a Seattle Sounders professional soccer game. So look for the bald head!

Then, of course, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I’ll host a team for the second time at the wonderful Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk by the American Cancer Society. Save the date: Saturday, October 10, 2015. Last year was so wonderful and I would love an even bigger team walking together this year!

Mathis, Milo, Dana, Chad

Comic relief – on the lighter side

Continuing the theme of what to say or do with cancer patients (see prior blog posts), I have identified a new “family” of gawkers. Yes, those who stare at my bald head. They’re everywhere and I understand it…a bald woman stands out, for sure.

Let me describe them for you:

1. The stare-then-smiler. This person stares. Then, when we make eye contact, and they realize they’ve been busted, they smile at me. A classic example is of those boarding an airplane, walking down the aisle, and staring at me. I look up from my seat and they are surprised to make eye contact so they smile! It’s nice. Keep smiling!
2. The long distance gawker. This person stares for long periods of time from a distance. They appear so shocked that they don’t know I see them gawking. Happened at the gym: a person on the other side of the gym, sitting on a weight machine, and doing nothing but staring at me! Great form of exercise, eh?
3. The shocked child. We all know that children speak the truth. Period. So they point and ask questions. Recently a mother was walking her 4-year old daughter around our neighborhood. The daughter stopped, pointed at me, and asked her mom, “Why doesn’t she have any hair?” Her mom just looked at me imploring me to answer her. Mathis was with me and I totally fumbled the answer. I said, “I lost my hair with a medical treatment.” Yeah, right. As if she would understand that. Since then I am still stumped as to what to tell a child or her mom. What would you say? Please reply with your recommendation in Facebook or on my blog.

Quotes of the Day:

My mom, Ilse, just sent me a T-shirt that says:

YOU CHOOSE

It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. It’s not what you see, it’s how you look at it. It’s not how your life is, it’s how you live it.

And my sister, Lynn, just shared this:

TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

that have sent me best wishes or other promises of good luck,

NONE OF THAT SHIT IS WORKING

so could you please just send me cash, vodka, chocolates, wine or airline tickets instead?

Thank you!

Thank you, friends and family!

I can’t express enough gratitude for everybody’s incredible support and positive energy. I thought, by now, it would get “quiet.” But, no, the visits, cards, phone calls, e-mails, Facebook comments, texts, and more, just keep flowing in from near and far. I assure you that every touch makes a huge difference.

Loads of hugs and love,

Dana