Week in Review/Week in Preview

The weeks just keep getting better and better. Time to review (I think I'll be reflecting on this past week for a long, long time) and preview (because the cancer-killing train just keeps on moving).

Week in Review

• Successfully prepped for and completed my CT scan on Monday
• Successfully got back to normal in the bowels department after the CT scan prep, which really threw things off (laxative + 36 ounces of freakish white barium drink = interesting bathroom experiences)
• Kicked in to party planning mode -- visited two venues (hotel and zoo), chose one (hotel), sent out my invites, and monitored the head count for my soiree (hint hint to those who have yet to RSVP)
• Spent time with my mom as she cooked and baked her way to a very delicious, healthy Thanksgiving 
• Flew to Portland for the Duke/Oregon game!! Spent Friday soaking in downtown Portland and spent Saturday watching my Blue Devils from behind Duke's bench. Also spent Saturday meeting Coach K and Mrs. K and having my heart filled with joy.
• Met one of my heroes, Coach K. This needed its own bullet point, don't you agree? 
• Flew back home to L.A. on Sunday, enjoyed some Thanksgiving leftovers, and fully caught up on Mad Men and The Office
• Finished Anatomy of an Illness book -- very empowering and insightful. The author claims that laughter, among other things, is essential to recovery. I think I've got that covered.
• Pumped iron at Educogym on Monday-Wednesday -- definitely feeling the burn. 
• Watched my Blue Devils go 6-0 after defeating a very good Kansas State team and a very spirited University of Oregon team. By the way, I LOVE Oregon's mascot (the Duck) and I really have a newfound respect for their fans, who were extremely sportsmanlike. 
• Took all my vitamins, got all my Lovenox shots, drank a good amount of water (though I wouldn't call it lots), and...met Coach K. It deserved another mention.

Week in Preview

• Chemo Round 4: blood draw, pee in a cup, meet with Dr. Lenz, results from CT scan, 4.5 hours of chemo-absorbing fun, get attached to my bag o', then -- of course -- the gym...just to give cancer another knockout punch. Just to show it that chemo doesn't stop me for a second. Just to scare the hell out of it.
• Continue pumping iron for the rest of the week -- I've got a consult with my trainer, Wayne, on Friday so I can measure my muscle and watch it grow. 
• Continue working on the blog and the book.
• Acupuncture with Mary Ellen on Wednesday to make sure all systems are go -- maybe I'll visit my favorite swans at the Self-Realization Center down the street afterwards.
• Keep cranking out the "Love Life" paintings -- Christmas is coming and people need presents!
• Hang out with my friend and one of my college roommates, Tope, who is visiting from Boston.
• Trip to Santa Barbara for the weekend for some ocean-gazing and inspiration
• Take all my vitamins, get all my Lovenox shots, drink tons of water, give thanks to my Duke family for making last week so unforgettable.
• Keep terrifying cancer.

Have an awesome week, everyone! Much love to you.