Alp Beck's Blog

Oh yeah, man. Feeling groovy...
Study found it eased anxieties, lifted spirits in those with advanced disease. Subscribe in a reader

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Helen CareyI've never been a Fashion expert, nor a Neophyte, but today's amazing performance of Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore, reminded me that we all notice clothes at some point in our lives, along with their related events. The play's various vignettes are relatable, entertaining and incredibly funny.

Victoria Clark Nancy Giles The play's talented cast will have you laughing within seconds of their entrance. No one attending will be immune to this likable cast. Bring your friends and run, don't walk, to see Love, Loss, and What I Wore. The moment you leave the theater, you will want to turn around and return to the warm bosom of these wonderful stories.


All of the cast was gracious and generous with their time, signing autographs & taking pictures with their demanding fans... (me)
Stacy London (What not to Wear) & me Nancy Giles & me Now this is a bag!
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So I owe you all at least 3 more posts, then I will leave the Blog up here for others to read. You never know, it might help someone to deal with the fright that is a cancer diagnosis.

In case some of you are worried about my lack of posts, rest assured I'm fine. In fact, better than fine. Just trying to get back to my schedule (writing in the early a.m.) which is turning out to be more difficult than I'd thought. I've reverted back to my younger body clock of being more awake in the afternoon, than the morning. So please bear with me.

Will write more soon. Subscribe in a reader

Here is a great article from the NY Times on this phenomenon...

Chemotherapy Fog Is No Longer Ignored as Illusion


Enjoy!

A Subscribe in a reader

2007 DogsWalk Festival Against Cancer Saturday, April 28th Subscribe in a reader

2007 ACS Pacesetters Cruise for Web






So, folks, today Barbara and I were privileged enough to take the 2007 American Cancer Society's Pac esetters Cruise. This due, to Barbara's amazing fund raising efforts - she raised almost $5,000 single-handedly (almost $15,000 by our group, led by Erica Mizutani)

It's a wonderful example of what can be achieved when we bind together. It makes one believe that anything is possible.

Today's cruise on the Spirit line was wonderful: relaxing and entertaining. We met so many wonderful people, who not only raised a lot of money to fight cancer, but who, sadly, have been touched by the dreaded C. But it was so much fun. A great day (rain held out), great staff; excellent food and most of all, wonderful conversation. Many thanks to all those that made this possible, as well as the wonderful women at out table.

I'm posting the pix of the trip here. If you want them emailed (or a cd) let me know. You can click on the image titled: 2007 ACS Pacesetters Cruise for the Web to view the full album.

You can contact me at: alphorizons@gmail.com

Thank you again for a memorable day.

Annelise

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Dear Friends and Family,

I want to thank you for all the support and encouragement you have provided me with, throughout this difficult year. It has been rough on everyone but I made some wonderful discoveries through out it.

I've been reminded of how lucky I am and how many wonderful people surround me. Some, I've collected through the years, some I was born with and some came into my world of their own volition. I'm consistently reminded of the joys of life, most of all how fortunate I am to be here.

So I leave you all with my heartfelt thanks for every breath I take, and wish you all Health, Happiness and all the love you can withstand.

Remember to tell those close to you, how much they matter and mean to you. Don't wait for opportune times, because those times might not arrive until it's too late. Look at the bright spots in life, and don't dwell on the dark ones, because if you do, you'll miss all the light around you.

Greet everyone you care about, like a dog does. Without reservation and with abandon. Don't worry about feeling foolish, we all do foolish things sometimes, but greeting someone as if they were your sun and your moon is not one of them.

I'll be back with more adventures in January. For now, Have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

xxx

Annelise Subscribe in a reader

Currently . . .

My hair is coming back, albeit, with much gray and a Cruella DeVille white streak in the front. The eyebrows have returned; I guess they rec eived the 'all clear' signal. The eyelashes have also made an appearance, although they seem a bit shell-shocked, since some of them are coming in striped (yes, I said, striped) ala Tabby Cat, and others look like a bunch of ZZZ, resembling crinkled Christmas tinsel.

In the remake of THE FLY , with , Seth Brundel's DNA mingles with a fly’s, he then begins his metamorphosis. Brundelfly is what Jeff’s character begins to call himself as his inner fly (and I don’t mean fly , as in the common slang usage) makes its appearance. He is both the person going through the changes, and the clinical, scientific observer.

Since this adventure began, I’ve felt a bit like Brundelfly . I’ve been keenly interested in the changes I’ve undergone physically during this process, -- at once horrified and fascinated. I reside simultaneously inside and outside. I guess, I’m more curious than afraid . . . most of the time, anyway.

©2006 Annelise Pichardo Subscribe in a reader

Now, I am posting this, because if is quite a tale. It will warm your heart. It was emailed to me and I really liked it, however, I can't vouch that it's a TRUE story. I'm posting it anyway with hopes that it is.

Mary and her husband Mike had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Mike had company com e for a weekend visit, they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Mike would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her .... what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Mike, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Mike took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully; but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Mike made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke, for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!

While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every night.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Live every day to the fullest. Remember it is a blessing from God. The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. The ones who really care are the ones who never forget you. Enjoy this day, my friends! Subscribe in a reader

For all of those out there, who were worried about me: I'm okay.

The mastectomy was done on Wednesday, and I was released on Thursday (yesterday).

I feel fine. Other than some discomfort and having to remember not to lift anything heavy w/my right hand, I'm great.

Thank you all, for the sweet thoughts and kind gestures/flowers/food/cards that I've received. (Really. I am very lucky)

As I've said before, I feel I'm an incredibly lucky person. And I am reminded of that everyday. Having you all (those that know me) in my life has shown me that.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society. As I've mentioned, Barbara is walking this year, and we are hoping to break some records! Here is her link for making a donation.

Again, my heartfelt thanks for all your support!

xxxx
Annelise Subscribe in a reader