Sweet Cheryl ... our latest angel...

It's with heavy heart that I share with you that my dear "Chemo Buddy" from Dr. Fer's office passed away Saturday evening at 7:00pm.
Cheryl had been battling cancer for 10 years and raising 2 boys all the while. The boys are, now, teenagers. I'm so glad that she had the time to spend with them. I an LIVID that she didn't have more time to make more memories.
Cheryl was one of those rare women that laughed as loud as me. It's a feat unto itself. We would buckle into our Lazy Boys and spend several hours in stitches. She was an inspiration to me when I was clueless and afraid. Always there to give hugs and advise, as she'd been through IT ALL.
Recently, Cheryl made the choice to stop treatment as her body could take no more. She was placed at Bailley Bouchey, a wonderful hospice on Capital Hill.
I spent the night with her this past Thursday night. Wanted her to have someone close. The head nurse that she hadn't seen her that calm in weeks. So, I imagine, she had been feeling lonely at night. And who wouldn't.
It was a bitter-sweet visit. I knew that was probably the last time I'd see her. That just broke me up in side. Thinking about those two beautiful boys losing their Mama. Too, too much.
But, her legacy is that SHE RAISED THOSE TWO AMAZING BOYS. She was such a kind soul and loving mother. She will live on through them both.
Sweet, sweet dreams my dear friend. Hold the fort down until I make my way there. OH ... and stay away from Allen or you'll both get kicked out for riling things up!
Love you.
xoxo
Anna

Today marks Cancerversary #4 ... and counting!!!!

Yes, indeed, people. Today marks my 4-year Cancerversary!!!!! The bone scan that I had on Monday showed that I had no notable metastasis to the bones and that they are holding up pretty darned well ... considering my menopausal "state."
What a long four years. And, what an AMAZING four years. My life's experience in these past years has been something that I, certainly, never expected. I had no clue, even shortly after diagnosis, that I'd have met so many amazing people. Not only that, but, have welcomed them into my heart's-fold.
It's amazing to me that I can sit here and chat (type) about the experience through which I've gone. I'm a lucky lady to be able to do so. Many young women have lost that opportunity to cancer. And, for that, I still harbor much anger. As much as I've filed that into the "useless" category of my mind's "to do" list, it doesn't seem to find its way there. And, I know that's on ME.
However, I'm trying to look at this process in a more positive manner. NO ... that does not mean that I won't continue to curse it, hate it, and want to scalp those that take advantage of generous folks during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."
But, I'm continuing to try to reach out to new survivors and give them a "high five" and a "Guess what??? You're getting new tits ... and you're not gonna have to pay for them!" pep talk. Not that that's the point. But, humor is divine to me. I don't believe boobs are really even relevant, other than their intended function. But, making light of the situation sometimes makes the journey a bit better to navigate.
So, tonight, I thank every single person in my world that has helped my family, friends, and myself in this journey.
Here's to 400 more cancerversaries ... for all of us!!!!
And .... I'd like to give a HUGE shout-out to my sister Sarah T. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA ST!!!!!! I love you ... and your sweet knee caps!
xoxo
Coochie

Right and Wrong ...

I have a dear pal from college who posted on his Facebook page about his political views. Of course, that can get heated at times. Alas, the feedback from one individual was pretty strong ... and, of course, countered his philosophy. The strange thing ... the woman was so very vehement and judgmental that I popped into the conversation. She said that people that are gay are "sick in the head." Well, I can assure you that those gay friends/family/clients/neighbors of mine are less "sick in the head" than some 60 year old woman that professes herself a "Christian." By saying that it is "not natural" and that they are "sick in the head" made me want to jump through my fucking computer screen and ....
I posted back on the facebook page that if she was such a fabulous "Christian", I hope that she never slept in the same bed/house with her husband when she was menstruating. I, also, noted that she would be a "bad" Christian if she didn't wash the feet of every guest that came into her home. The Bible says so...
Low and behold, the conversation got more heated between my pal and this woman. And, suddenly, the last post my pal wrote referred to her as "Mom."
OH, HOLY FUCKING CRAB CAKES WITH A SIDE OF SLAW!!!!!!!!!!
I did respond to her. Stood my ground. At that point, I wasn't snarky , as her son jacked her ass up higher than a damned telephone pole prior to my post (that's my dad's line, by the way). He did this after, yet, another horrible post ... to her OWN SON. It was bizarre.
Seriously woman? You are telling the rest of us what is "natural?" That my beloved friends are "sick in the head?" Well, you know what? Those "sick in the head" people have been carrying my son and myself through a hard transition. My son has had so, so much support and love from those crazy bastards. It might be best if I make straight jackets this Christmas for all of my gay friends that are holding down great jobs, and own homes, and love life, and support their friends, and go to church, and are loyal to their partners
Apparently, they are Satan's spawn.
If that's the case, I DON'T want to know what I may be...
xoxo
Anna

Most fabulous birthday card EVER!!!!

Just received a belated birthday card from my sweet brother. I should add that I opened it in the yard, read it, began to ball, and then noticed that Tootsie was humping Otis as I sat there in tears. My poor, poor neighbors must think that we run a "Mad House." But, I could care less.
The picture on the card is of a young girl in a white dress spinning in circles. The front of the card is read "Remember when you were a kid ... and wanted to grow up and become something special?"
The inside reads: "You did!!!!!"
The personal message he wrote me will not be shared here, as it's ours ... and ours alone.
But, it was such an amazing gift to have those words sent to me from afar. His love and support, especially this past year or so, has been phenomenal. Of course, that goes for all of my family and friends.
Thank you Joshy.
I love and cherish you more than you'll EVER know.
xoxo,
Anna

12 Days and counting ...

Anddddd .... it's upon us. NYC baby!!! E-Beth and I will be "setting sail" on the 14th. This trip is going to be "off the hook" as the kids say. We'll be having a date night the evening we arrive in NYC ... at Sardi's. A nice, quiet, dinner with just the two of us reflecting and such. E-Beth has never been there. I had the honor of being hosted there by a playwright professor of mine in '97 when I was a Senior in college. It's such a fabulous and historical restaurant. So, we will toast NYC and our adventures that evening.
Friday night, we'll be attending "The New Normal." From what I've gleaned, the show has started to sell out. So, it'll be interesting to see that energy. This show sounds amazing.
My family and friends (13 or so) from South Carolina arrive on Friday. We've all ended up at The Chelsea. Again, that hotel will NEVER be the same.
I've planned on attending the show, again, on Saturday.
It's still so, so surreal to me ... this experience. It's one of those "once in a lifetime" deals.
I cannot tell you how much my friends mean to me ... these women (My Hoodies) that are sending me to New York. I cannot tell you how much my family and friends from SC mean to me, as well. Those "13 or so" have all bought plane fare, hotel rooms, are missing work at various elementary schools and hospitals in the greater Charleston and York areas.
I'm so BLESSED and THANKFUL to share this moment with them.
Don't know what I did to deserve this ... But, I'm so thankful for those in my life that have made this "sinking ship" rise up, once again. It's pretty, damned, dreamy!!!!!!!
Baby steps.
xoxo,
Anna
p.s. ANDDDD ... none of this would have come to fruition had Donnetta not taken on this MEATY BEAST! For that: I owe you "one" sister.

Old-school acting pics ...

....Were just posted on my facebook page by the director/producer of "The NIght Shift." Thanks Dom Zook. I'm gonna take you down for this!
It was a comedy show that was on Public Access some 8 or 9 years ago. We were all young actors/writers/directors/ect. that were living "the dream." Dear God ... where has the time gone? But, what a fabulous time. We were so chomping at the bit to live our art's dream.
I, actually, still have that horrific dress in my closet. Haven't worn it in, nearly, 7 years! Ahhhhhhhhhh, the "mammaries."
xoxo,
Anna

Screw this cold ... 10 days until I'm FOUR years out!!!

After having worked with 6 clients this week that were "under the weather," the inevitable cold is upon me. Been miserable all day and my ass has decided that its newest (and most favorite) appendage is my couch. Hard to break that love match.
Silas has been such a dream today. Stayed in our PJs today and ate alot of crap and drank more than our weight in water: he decided that he should get the water for me and that I should sit still. What a HOOT!
Hydration doesn't seem to be doing the trick, as the snot has moved to my chest. I'm gonna stay on the couch tonight so that he might get a good night's sleep tucked away with the menagerie of furry friends.
No work for me tomorrow. Just rest.
Anddddd ..... I realized this evening that my 4 year Cancerversary is in 10 days: October 6th.
What a stupid-ass thing to complain about: a silly, silly cold. I'm lucky to be alive to, actually, catch a damned cold.
I've been through worse. And, many friends of mine have experienced MUCH more than I have ever experienced. So, I think I'll shut the hell up now.
xoxo,
Anna