Greetings to all of the readers/followers of Chippers Journey Blog,

Since the last posting, Karen has not heard anything from her oncologist regarding the PET scan on July 24.  Fortunately, Karen is not fretting over the results of the latest PET scan.  Karen had her monthly Xgeva shot on Friday (08/03), her port cleaned and blood drawn.  When Karen and her mom arrived at the infusion center on Aug. 3rd, it was standing room only in the waiting room.  In all the months that Karen had been going to the infusion center, she had never seen it so busy.  When the nurse (Julie) called for Karen she greeted Karen with a smile and remarked, "We have your sear ready for you."  Karen was somewhat puzzled by this comment because when you walk into the infusion center the nurses generally ask the patient where they would like to sit and let you pick your seat.  As Karen and her mom walked in, Julie pointed to the seat in the corner.  For those of you that ever got in trouble at home or school and ultimately had to quietly sit in the corner, you probably understand the significance of sitting in the corner.  Karen started to laughed and walked proudly to her seat.  Over the months that Karen has been going to the infusion center, Karen has been labeled a "troublemaker" by the nursing staff because of her laughter and humor.  Karen always has a funny story to share with the nurse(s).  This particular day was no exception.  Karen does, however, wait until the nurse has put the needle in her port before the stories began.  When it came time for the Xgeva shot, Julie asked Karen what arm.  Before Karen could respond one of the other nurses said, "Give it to her in her butt."  Needless to say, the laughter began not only with the nurses, Karen and her mother, but also some of the patients receiving their chemo treatments.  Karen finally chose to have the shot in her left arm.  A little side note, Karen's blood results were well within the appropriate ranges making her day. 

Over the past week, Karen and her mom have noticed that Karen is slowly losing her "cue ball" look.  Please understand that Karen has never been upset about losing her hair because of the chemotherapy.  However, Karen has read and been told that sometimes when the hair grows back, it could be a different color, more wavy, not straight, etc.  Excited about a different look, Karen did pray to God asking for curly brown hair.  So far it appears her prayers have been answered as the hair growing on her head is "white and straight (the mohawk look)."  Never let it be said that God does not have a sense of humor.  Most certainly, God must have been on vacation when Karen's hair request came in.  Ha Ha Ha!!!

Karen is feeling better and is now riding her stationary bike and performing breathing and arm exercises on a daily basis.  Karen is sill dealing with the neuropathy in her hands and the occasional pain in her lower back and ribcage. 

Since Karen has completed her chemo and is scheduled for monthly shots and doctor visits, we are going to provide an update to the blog at least every two weeks on the same day.  The next posting to this blog will probably be on Aug. 21.  It is our hope in the future blogs to provide some helpful insights from the perspective of the patient, family member, caregiver, relative and/or friend while coping/dealing with the issues of cancer.

Tip of the blog: Today enjoy your life and give a hug to all your angelic friends.