Happy Anniversary

Today is our 39th Anniversary and I feel so blessed to have met and married Steven. We've shared alot over the years--highs and lows that are part of life--but we've never been better as a couple than we are right now. He's my rock, my friend, my partner. We're celebrating with a road trip and long weekend at Lake George at the summer home of dear cousins Anne and Richard Adler. Red Bluffs is a magical, healing place where we hang out, rediscover the marvels of nature and share good times with family. , Thomas and George (arriving from LA this morning) will be joining us for the weekend; Emily's working Monday and Tuesday so won't be with us (we're all sad about that). I'm delighted to be out and about and traveling like a regular person.

Musings

I continue to be amazed (and a little scared) at how good I feel. With the exception of a few days following a chemo treatment, I'm really feeling more or less like my old self. Stamina isn't quite the same--I get tired more quickly and relish a quick mid-afternoon nap--but I'm in good spirits and eager to resume normal life. I sometimes worry that this isn't the norm, that I should be "sicker" from the chemo and most importantly, that maybe I'm not getting enough drugs in my system. But the numbers are going down (a good thing), and my hair is gone (a good thing, I guess) so something must be working. I'm in a dosing and tolerability clinical trial which could account for my tolerance. I only hope that the good outcome will be long term as well as immediate.

Chemo II

Sorry for lack of postings here. I guess the goods news is that I've been busy trying to get on with it, rather than spending time just talking/writing about it.




Chemo II was uneventful except that my beloved brother Paul Fulton came down from Boston to join me for the day in Philadelphia. We left early morning (me driving like a demon thanks to steroid-load the night before), spent a peaceful day watching me get marinated, and then home by dinner (Paul driving this time.)








Guess Who


We also had a welcome visit from my friend and colleague Eve who brought love and news from Vox Medica.

As expected, I had a few difficult days (we postponed Fathers Day until this weekend), somewhat more intense than last time, but nothing unmanageable. Once again (knock on wood) no nausea which makes a huge difference in one's ability to tolerate this stuff As I've said before for various reasons, God Bless pharmaceuticals. Happily, the chemo is working. My CA125 number is way down (a good thing) after only one treatment so we're very excited. Now that I'm starting to get this chemo thing down, I 'm more able to anticipate my physical responses, timing, and recovery rates. Which means there's no need to wait around. Life doesn't resume only after I've completed 6 treatment cycles, it begins everyday all over again. I'm ready (make that need) to be out there, engaged, and productive NOW. Maybe a few more naps here and there,but recovery is a process and I'm in it. So I'm ready and eager for dinner with friends, the stimulation of work, weekends away and the resoration of normalcy. Stay tuned. I love you all.

Solidarity

Sister Jane and Cousin Robbie Adler sending positve energy from Chicago

From Drew and Jocelyn

We've been wearing these and thinking of you. We love you Peggy! xoxo Drew + Jocelyn

Full Steam A Head

Okay, it's done. I'm bald. With Steven holding my hand, I went for it -- watched my tresses fall to the floor and the remaining stubble buzzed. Then I focused on the accessories which made it almost fun--turbans, straw hats, fringe wiglets, little caps--lots of different looks. Fashion saves the day. Look for photos on the blog soon--when we figure out how to do it. One more milestone reached and behind me.

Lois Farina said...
hey girl...yes, fashion is fun! i've wanted to see you in a 'new do' and now i'll be able to! you're going thru all of this with a great 'peggy' attitude ~ including your terrific 'a head' sense of humor! remember, i still would love to come visit wheneven you're ready. i'm a fan of buzz cuts!
xx
lois

June 9, 2007 4:28 AM


Lois Farina said...
p.s. ~ i wrote this at 7:29 a.m. not 4:28! last nite was one of those when i actually slept!
xx

June 9, 2007 4:29 AM


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June 9, 2007 6:57 PM


Peggy Fulton Heller said...
THIS IS NOT FROM PEGGY BUT FROM SISTER JANE....
I don't know of anyone who does anything with the flare that you have. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to the fashion show!
much love,
jfa

June 9, 2007 7:04 PM


Benjamin said...
Hi Peggy,

its Benjy, writing from Burlington. I've been wearing the Team Peggy bracelet for a few weeks now. Yeah fasion! I really appreciate it b/c it keeps you at the forefront of my mind. If positive energy helps, then I'm sending it your way everyday.

As for the hair, look at it this way: at least the chemo doesn't turn your hair to dreadlocks.

Ok...back to work. Know that the Adler clan is thinking of you. Be well, be well!!!!

June 11, 2007 4:55 AM

Hair Today. . .

Hi All:

Despite my secret believe that I'd be the first person NOT to lose her hair from Taxol (yes, I'm still in denial), it's happening right on time--exactly two weeks after my first treatment. I thought I was prepared for this--no big deal, matter-of-fact, stocked with wigs, scarves and turbans-- I had a meltdown in the shower yesterday as my beloved locks turned up on my hands. Very traumatic and the hair continues to shed at a rapid pace. Edwin Peterson, my dear friend and hair guru, has promised to come over tonight or Friday to buzz my head and get it over with. Hoping to share the event with some good friends, wine and cheese.

Good news is that I was feeling well enough yesterday to venture down to Philadelphia and resurface at Vox Medica. What a wonderful reception--it was like coming home to another family. Thanks to all, especially Eve, who made me feel loved and welcome. The discussions, meetings, and clien/account issues felt like a return to normalcy. As you can imagine, I came home exhausted but in a good way. I'm eager to engage more fully, reassess my capacity, and return to work in a meaningful but manageable way.

More soon.

Love, Peggy

Cathy said...
OK, so now there's no more surprises now that your hair vanished. So you'll hunker down into a routine and before you know it you'll be on the other side of it....with all of us cheering!!! YOU CAN DO IT. Loads of love--Cathy & the gang