Happy Father's Day

Despite the fact that I'm in Hawaii and my dad is in L.A., trudging away through work and joyfully taking care of Winston, I wanted to dedicate today's post to him and to tell you a previously untold story about my time at Washington Hospital Center. 

Although it feels like it's been a million years since my surgery, now that my wounds have closed and I've closed the door on chemo, my debulking + HIPEC procedure at Washington Hospital Center was only about four months ago. Back then, I woke up in the ICU with 14 tubes coming out of my body, giving the thumbs up to my family and giving the bird to the breathing tube that prevented me from speaking. Seriously, can you imagine me of all people physically unable to speak? It was ridiculous.  

The story I want to tell you is about the days following my time in the ICU, when the hours between midnight and 8am were the toughest for me and my sleep was fitful. My back and ribs were incredibly sore from the procedure (Dr. Sugarbaker had to push and pull them to resect my entire peritoneum, which was great and utterly necessary but not without its ramifications), and I became more sore as the night wore on. My pain meds were quite helpful, but they couldn't really un-spasm the spasms that cropped up on both sides of my back. My mom was the best at kneading those out of my back, but given the fact that she never left my hospital room during my two weeks in the hospital and was awake during most of those two weeks, someone needed to relieve her and make her feel that I was in the best hands possible so she could get some shut-eye every now and then.

That person was my dad.  

He would stay up all night with me, between the hours of midnight and 7am, rubbing my shoulders, arms, and hands, playing soothing music for me (the Vitamin String Quartet's rendition of Radiohead's Kid A, the soundtrack to my favorite movie (Shadowlands), and Fleetwood Mac were some favorites), and guiding me through meditations that relaxed me, took my mind away from my physical body, and gently guided me to sleep. He told me about sandy beaches and crashing waves and about beautiful mountaintops and fresh alpine air. And when I finally fell asleep for that hour or so, he held my hand the whole time. Just feeling my dad's big, warm hand enveloping mine made me feel relaxed, safe, and, thankfully, sleepy. I don't know what I would have done without my dad during those weeks at Washington Hospital Center, because it was precisely that rest I gave my body that comprised the bedrock of my unyieldingly fast and complication-free recovery.

So on this Father's Day, I honor my dad for everything he's done for me -- from teaching me how to swim when I was a little one (which has been very handy considering my new daily exercise), to making the most delicious vegan snacks for me (his guacamole is to die for), to always giving me world-class back/hand/foot rubs no matter what time of day it is (especially during my Benadryl-induced chemo naps and after crazy workouts). 

And for heroically holding my hand when I need him to.

Adventure After Adventure

Today was jam-packed with action.

We started off getting up quite early (I love how the 3 hour time difference makes me feel like a "morning person"), suited up, and headed directly to Diamond Head. Instead of cabbing it the 2.2 miles to the entrance of the state park, we hoofed it, taking in all the sights and sounds of Waikiki Beach. We walked through an art show, then through a field where people were playing football and soccer, and then down a long road with the smallest of walking paths on either side of it. We took a bit of a break at the entrance of the park -- my mom and I ate some fresh pineapple and a granola bar while Will dazzled us with a cheeseburger that smelled incredibly good -- and after resting our feet for a little bit, we were off. The hike up Diamond Head measured 760 feet, although the trail up to the peak, with its switchbacks, tunnels, and stairs, was far longer than that. After a little huffing and puffing, we were at the top, taking in a most breathtaking view of the sand and surf. The ocean was spectacularly gorgeous, and the cool wind whipping into us was a blessing after a sweaty climb to the top. It's hard to beat a amazing view after a solid workout. 

Our trip to Diamond Head wasn't without a little more adventure than we bargained for, however. On the way up to the peak, about 2 minutes away from it, I slid on one of the extra smooth rocks leading down the path. I lost my balance just for a second, but in that second I instinctively grabbed for the railing, which sat precariously above a rusty chain link fence. I managed to nick my finger on one of the exposed parts of the fence, which created a paper cut-like wound. Despite the tiny and superficial nature of the cut, I knew immediately that I was going to need a tetanus shot if I wanted to be safe. That fence was pretty darn rusty, and even though the exposed part that cut me wasn't as rusty, I don't play those kinds of games with my body anymore. After a little back and forth with Dr. Lenz over email, it was settled. Will found an urgent care right next to our hotel, so we caught a cab there. I guess I just missed the constant medical attention I've been so accustomed to so I figured I'd spice up the trip with a little one-on-one time with a doctor. 

The urgent care center was immaculate and it took about 15 minutes to see the doctor, and about 15 seconds to get the shot. No pain and only thirty-five bucks. And now I'm set to cut myself on a rusty nail whenever I want for the next ten years!! 

After that, we did a little shopping and a little eating (can you say vegan chili dog?) and then headed back to the Sheraton for some pool time. The water in the infinity pool was perfect, the ocean waves were crashing gracefully, and the jacuzzi soothed our sore muscles. Right now, all three of us are on our balcony, relaxing and taking in the last rays of sun as it sets over the ocean. The sky is a mix of night blue and sunset pink, and it couldn't be more beautiful. As for me, I couldn't be more grateful for this moment.

No Days Off

Even in gorgeous Waikiki Beach, your devoted cancer warrior is still focused on getting stronger and fitter than ever. When you're fighting cancer, and you are from the moment you're diagnosed for the rest of your life regardless of how long you've been a survivor, there are no days off.

After spending some time working on my charity basketball tournament and eating breakfast (a vegan protein bar and some oatmeal), I grabbed my iPod and headed for the gym. My mom jumped at the chance to join me, and Will joined too, although I wouldn't say he jumped at the chance.

I put myself through a pretty solid workout - focusing on back, chest, and shoulders for my lifting regimen, then following that with 25 burpees as fast as I could (I was faster than I thought I'd be) and then figured "oh why not?" and worked on my hamstrings and quads as well. By the end of it, I was only sweating a little bit, but given how little I sweat (my trainers know all about this since I taunt them endlessly after workouts about not pushing me hard enough), that means I put in some good work. I know I'll be drinking a little bit on the trip (strictly red wine and maybe a mimosa) and I'm sure I'll have some fries here and there, so I need to keep my body in check and happy with some challenging workouts.

Speaking of food, so far it's been a breeze and quite yummy. I had an incredibly delicious portabello mushroom sandwich yesterday (with some of the mango BBQ sauce normally used on their ribs) and some waffle fries. For lunch just now, I had a pineapple/strawberry smoothie (with no milk in it, of course) and some of a cheeseless mushroom pizza. See what I mean about needing the workouts? I'm not exactly dieting here.

Now I'm soaking up the sun in my lovely new bikini and a nice little layer of sunscreen. I feel like skin cancer sees what an a**-whoopin' I gave colon cancer and will stay far away from me but, as I said, vigilance is key. Even in Paradise.

Just Landed!!

And already loving it.

Hawaii-Bound!!

After a crazy busy day yesterday which included a call with a dean at USC Keck School of Medicine and Norris Cancer Center, the Director of Development at Fight Colorectal Cancer, the senior counsel in charge of pro bono projects at OMM, acupuncture with Mary Ellen, killer workouts at both Educogym and LAAC, and a bedtime of approximately 3(ish) am, I am on my way to LAX. Next stop: Waikiki Beach.

I need to share a few exciting developments with you before I turn my energy to catching some zzzs on the plane: The WunderGlo Foundation (or something like that), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting colon cancer research and advocacy, is officially going to be a real thing in a matter of months. My beloved OMM is helping me with the entire application process, which solidifies them as the greatest law firm in the world. I'm going to raise so much money for Dr. Lenz and Fight CRC that it's not even funny. I am 1000% on board to do everything in my power to help cure cancer. I'm sick of it taking so many brilliant people. Starting The WunderGlo Foundation is my way of making sure that cancer's days are numbered.

In addition, planning for my 3-on-3 basketball tournament and silent auction is coming together nicely, with some spiffy promotional literature ready for mass consumption. Do let me know if you'd like me to send you my information. Any donation, big and small, is much appreciated.

Finally, after acupuncture and a serious legs workout (I'm slowly creeping up in weights and now I'm pushing 160 pounds on the leg press without any problem), followed by swimming half a mile at LAAC, I feel incredible. My body is acting as if I've never had a drop of chemo, or a surgery, or a battle with "the cancer." It's pretty incredible. I feel like Superwoman over here. :)

Finally, I bought my first post-op bikini yesterday. Stay tuned for pics of me rocking the belly button-less look on the beaches of Hawaii soon!!

You know your girl won't leave you in the lurch while enjoying paradise - updates will be just as regular as ever. Aloha, dear readers!!