Monday

A picturless blog tonight. Without David here to take pictures of me it is harder to visually chronicle my life. Plus, I don't want you all to get sick of looking at me! Maybe I should wait til the hair falls out. That would be more interesting.

Monday morning radiation went as smooth and painlessly as ever. Five minutes, in and out. Happily, I convinced the radiation team to sand down my mask. I realized I was being extremely accomodating since I had mildly complained every day that a sharp piece of plastic from the face mask was digging into my ear. Every day they would try to move the ear part a little but it didn't help much and I always had a red spot on my ear after radiation. FINALLY, I said, "I don't mean be a complainer, but we have a number of sessions left and I would be really grateful if you would look into sanding down that piece of plastic -- it seems doable to me!" Lo and behold, I now have a much more comfortable mask. They cut out that useless piece and put a piece of tape over it to boot. Ask, and ye shall recieve. Another silly lesson in advocating for your own healthcare!

I am sure this imagery is going to play itself out -- exhaust itself sooner or later. But today was interesting as I realized the characters in my head are actually different on the right versus the left side of my brain. Keep in mind, that the left side seems to have the bigger tumors and is the side that causes the symptoms on my right side. So -- when the brain opened on Monday morning on the right side, those lazy characters were shocked it was Monday already. They jumped up, started trying to sweep all the beer bottles off the tables and put their guitars away - they were groggy! And the buzzer started and they were unprepared and so they just starting smashing beer bottles and and chairs and guitars over the bad guys heads. I guess it was effective enough - just not elegant. BUT then the machine moved to the left side of my head. THOSE guys were ON the ball. They were lethal killing machines. Not only had they cleaned up -- they were using wrestling holds to break the necks and backs of the bad guys! SNAP, SNAP! Although satisfying it was pretty gross. I was impressed.

So -- today was my eighth day of fifteen days of radiation. Officially over the half way mark, I guess! That is nice.

I had a really fabulous consultation with a nutritionist today. I am getting back on the bandwagon of healthy, organic eating. It is going to feel good. Basically, the message is no sugars and fats. Eat like a diabetic for now. Whole grains, colored vegetables (lots of shitake mushrooms), lots of garlic, onions, scallions and shallots. Of course, limit all refined sugars, red meat, fried foods, fast foods, transfats, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, non-organic dairy and alcohol (a few glasses of wine a week is okay if I feel like it -- although, frankly, I don't these days). I should stay with fruits from temperate zones like apples, pears, plums, peaches and berries -- and stay away from tropical fruits which are higher in sugar like mango, banana, pineapple, etc. No cheese for now. Low fat organic milk and yoghurt okay. Avoid marbling in meat, white butter and margarine -- basically stick to olive oil for everything. Beans are very good (but moderate on the soy), wild ocean fish NOT organic farm raised fish that eat corn, free range turkey and chicken okay and bison steak also. For nuts I should stick to almonds, pecans and walnuts for now. Seeds are okay (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower). So -- good reminders of good eating. This may seem basic, but we went into a lot of detail about the relationship of these various foods to cancer. I am also reading, at his recommendation (just started today), the Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Interesting so far!

I spent a relaxing day reading that new book. My good friend Kristina came over for dinner -- whole grain wild rice, a steamed medley of broccoli and shitake mushrooms and some organic turkey loaf. It was delicious! So -- that is my day in a nutshell. All is well in NYC! Good night!

By the way -- the Portland crowd elated me today with messages that I was on their minds during the Race for Cure yesterday! That means the world to me!

AND -- a few more unbelievably generous gifts arrived today -- I don't know how to thank people -- so many comforts! My cousins Joanne, Susie and Pam sent me a bathrobe that I may never take off. How do they make things so soft these days? And Sarah sent me the second and third seasons of Entourage, which I have never seen and am so excited to dig into! Fun, Fun, Fun!

I have gotten some great pointers toward yoga and really am going to try to incorporate that into my life. Pam, your message and teachings are inspirational. Michelle -- I am going to call your guru! So thanks for that everyone.

Also, the crazy sexy cancer site, book, etc, has clearly touched a lot of people. My friend Jo just sent me the book and it is filled with good stuff. I have checked out the website and admire the woman (Kris Carr) for following her voice on her journey. I'm in a bit of a different place than her right now -- but I like the sentiments.

LASTLY, many people have asked for an address or telephone number. I am happy to share those, but not on the blog -- since I am staying with other people and I don't feel comfortable posting their private information. If you want addresses or number, please let me know by direct e-mail and I will send them gladly! My e-mail is maragalaty@yahoo.com -- thanks for understanding!