Blood Donations

In the Chicago area, because of the blizzard blood donations are really needed right now.  I was devastated to find out that because of my cancer diagnosis I am no longer able to donate blood.  This is something I have watched my father do since I was old enough to remember and that I couldn't wait to be old enough to do.  When I turned 16, I was anemic and unable to donate but I kept trying.  Occasionally, I still would get turned down, either due to my anemia or because my blood pressure was too low, but I donated on a regular basis.  To be told I cannot donate until I am "5-years cancer free" was just another way this cancer-thing sucks!

Go to Heartland Blood Center and donate blood.  They need it!  I would do it but I can't - not yet.

Chicago International Motorcycle Show

This weekend marks an important weekend for local riders jonesing during the long, cold Chicago winter: the Chicago International Motorcycle Show.  When you haven't been able to ride for a couple of months, you look forward to the chance to wallow in all things motorcycle; clothing, new bikes, accessories; tours and lots and lots of other bikers.  What's not to love?  Plus there's a special Women's Center - haven't really  been all that impressed with it in the past but it's better than nothing.

At past shows I've gotten my Frog Togs, Gerbing heated gear (a must have!!!) and assorted t-shirts and headgear.  At this show, I'd like to look for a mount for my new GPS that I got for Christmas.   The best part of the motorcycle show for me though, is being among other bikers.  Having that chance to chat, to talk about what you ride, where you've ridden, where you plan on riding . . . it makes riding season seem closer.

Superbowl Sunday

I'm rooting for the Steelers today.  I've heard all of the hype about rooting for the "home" team, the midwest team, the local team, but I am a die-hard Bears fan and I cannot, will not root for the Pack - unless they are playing against Michael Vick, who I dislike even more than I do Green Bay.

Blizzards and biopsies

What do the two have to do with each other?  Not much other than tomorrow I am having 2 spots in each breast biopsied with some kind of medieval torture machine that requires my having to lie face down without moving for several hours.  The blizzard of 2011?  Usually something I'd enjoy; I find large snowfalls humbling and awe-inducing but today it allows too much time for waiting and thinking.

I'm pretty sure the results won't be pretty.  I've waited too long.  Gut feeling.  On top of the fact that my primary referred me to an oncologist as well as a breast surgeon, and that the breast surgeon has started talking about DCIS, masectomy, reconstruction, plastic surgeons, chemo, yada, yada, "oh, did you say something?" it's just a feeling I have.  I can point to it.  I know it.  I know my body.

So I don't want to be stuck at home today.  Don't want to wait.  Don't want to be physically "aware" of this invasive growth inside of me.  Because this is the beginning of February.  Riding season starts soon.  My baby is in the shop having her own masectomy and reconstruction; she's getting new head gaskets and new pipes too!  I need to be up and running by the end of March, beginning of April because that's when I told Woodstock Harley to have my baby ready to roll!  So let's get this done.