I hope you had a great holiday weekend. Mine was terrific! I had dinner with Mom and good friends at the wonderful Thanksgiving buffet at Ray's On the River, traveled to Rockmart Friday and Saturday to be with my horse and enjoy a fun evening of dinner, darts, and drinking with more friends, played the Saturday night poker game (I was a winner -- yeah!), and spent Sunday (my birthday) recovering from celebrating my birthday all month long with a lobster dinner and a Falcons WIN! Woo Hoo, what a game, huh? It shouldn't have been that close, but it was worth the drama at the end.

By the way, I had an interesting conversation with a friend at Thanksgiving dinner about Noni juice. Peter's wife has had cancer twice in the last several years. She was initially diagnosed with anal cancer (the same type that Farrah lost her battle with) which later metastacized to her lungs. When she was diagnosed with a dire prognosis the second time, Peter told me her dad sent her a case of Noni juice and it seemed to make quite a difference in her healing -- her blood count would come back to where it should be after chemo much more quickly than it had during her first bout with the disease. He said if they had had nothing to compare it to it might be different, but since his wife went through the treatments twice -- once without Noni -- they had a good benchmark for comparison, and it made a difference. Thankfully, his wife is cancer-free now. What was funny is that he was suggesting I might benefit from the juice and I told him I've already been drinking it for a couple of years. I've often thought it might have made a difference during my treatment. Noni is one of the "superfruits" you may have heard about in recent years -- high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Since I am not great about my diet, my friend (who's also a General Practitioner) suggested a few years ago that I, at least, start taking good vitamins and try the Noni. I've been religious with my regimen, and have definitely felt good changes over time. There are many brands out there -- they vary in expense, and some are much better than others in their purity. But if you're open to trying new things, I thought you might want to know Noni's been beneficial for several people (and a severely arthritic DOG) I know!

This Thanksgiving week gives me pause because it's been quite a year for me, and I feel like I've grown a lot as I'm also coming to my 50th (YIKES) birthday this Sunday. My dear Dad died 21 years ago and that changed the way I felt and dealt with so many things. Ever since, I still think back on my life as Life With Dad, or Life After Dad. You know how the big events in your life seem to make you do that? Now I believe I'm going to be referring to my life experiences in my mind as B.c. (Before cancer -- "little c" on purpose), and A.c.

Maybe you're sharing your views or maybe you're just reading along, but opining with you on this blog is a wonderful, new experience for me that I am thankful for. I am blessed with my amazing family and friends that seem to have been taking turns knowing just what I need and when I need it, helping me keep my spirits up this year. I am very grateful that I've been able to work every day throughout my treatments -- I love what I do, and look forward to waking up early and coming in to work to rock out with you and to work with some of the greatest co-workers ever! I'm thankful that, through my job, I have plenty of opportunities to reach out to others and, hopefully, make a bit of a difference. I can't believe all the new friends I've made this year -- folks with advice, a thoughtful word or gesture, love, and prayers -- what more could anyone ask for?

Recently I had a friend who's been down-in-the-dumps ask me how I kept from getting depressed after my diagnosis -- she commented on how I always seem to be happy and smiling. Although I've certainly had my share of "feeling down" moments, I told her that I learned, very quickly, to get outside of myself. It's all about thinking of others. The day I shared my diagnosis on the radio, I was flooded with phone calls, letters, and e-mail from people who had been or were going through similar experiences with a health crisis. What struck me dumb was that every one of these people was genuinely concerned for me -- they were loving and praying for ME when, in most cases, their own situation was much, much worse than mine. I feel like I've discovered one of life's greatest gifts! And I'm not sure I'd have fully discovered it if I hadn't been going through such a scare. The holidays are a time of reflection for many -- some people become very depressed. It's the perfect time to reach out to others, especially if you're a bit down yourself.

I hope that you are feeling thankful this week. I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The Grand opening at the new Piedmont West facility this past weekend was wonderful! Big thanks to my friends and River listeners who came out to support me and the event. The new Cancer Wellness Center is truly a remarkable place -- please remember to refer people to it if they are finding themselves in need of mind, body and spiritual resources and support during cancer treatment. Almost all the services are free, and it doesn't matter where one lives in metro Atlanta to take advantage of them. The Wellness Center is not only for patients -- it's for loved ones, too!

I had a great experience co-hosting a cooking class at The Cancer Wellness Center with author, chef, and cancer survivor, Hans Rueffert. I must tell you more about him as I was very impressed with him and his story. Hans' father is a chef, and his family has owned The Woodbridge Inn in Jasper since 1976. I remember him from the first season of "The Next Food Network Star" a few years ago -- Hans came in third, and was the "Viewer's Choice" to win, so he's a memorable guy! Just two weeks after his stint on The Food Network, Hans was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. He lost half his stomach and esophagus -- and 70 pounds since -- quite ironic for a chef, and Hans will be the first one to crack a good joke about that! While he was in the hospital for many weeks recovering, he began writing his book which came out earlier this year, "Eat Like There's No Tomorrow." It's a beautiful book -- much more than a cookbook -- obviously a labor of love as Hans and his wife took all the photos that accompany his story and recipes, and there are many pictures of his children and lovely family. I bought 9 autographed copies as Christmas gifts (and have since thought of several more people I need to get one for,) along with bottles of his own brand of spices. You can see them all on his website, hanscooks.com, where you'll also find a link to his blog. Hans helped design the amazing kitchen at Piedmont's Cancer Wellness Center, and often teaches free cooking classes there where you get to sample his culinary delights and get great info from Hans' own experiences. Check the piedmontcancer.org Wellness Calendar to find out when Hans will be teaching his next class. In the meantime, if you need some inspiration, see how a surivior flourishes during and following a crisis by visiting Hans' website. I am so glad to have had the experience to get to know him and his parents a bit this past weekend, and I look forward to working with him again in the future!

Saturday's a big day for the new Piedmont Hospital Outpatient Center on Howell Mill at I-75, and The River and I will be there! It's the Grand Opening of the brand new facility from 9-1. The River van and crew will be there from noon - 2p with freebies for you, gearing up for my cooking class at 2p with author, chef, and cancer survivor Hans Rueffert, the fan favorite from the first season of "The Next Food Network Star." Hans will be demonstrating cooking "Power Foods For Health," as we'll learn about foods that contain anti-oxidents and boost immunity. We'll be eating the food Hans cooks, too! I'd love for you to join me -- this class is for River listeners only! You don't have to be in treatment -- you'll learn new things that will be beneficial for anyone's diet. But maybe you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatments -- this is the perfect time for you to check out Piedmont's new Cancer Wellness Center, an amazing place. Come a little later to the Grand Opening, then stick around for the cooking class with Hans and me at 2. It's all FREE! Call 404-425-7944 to register for our class, and to find out more about what you can experience Saturday, go to piedmontcancer.org.

I have deep concerns about the latest cancer study from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that says women should have mammograms starting at age 50, and then only twice a year. The USPSTF also recommends against instructing women on how to do breast self-exams. Of course, these new guidelines do not apply to women who are at high risk for breast cancer. Here's a link to a U.S. News and World Report story about it. As I understand it, in a nutshell, the reasoning is that the treatment can sometimes do more harm than good.

By the time I had been diagnosed in March of this year, I had already been close to the ordeal through several women in my life who had been diagnosed within the past 5 years. Two of my best friends were in their mid 40s, and another good friend was in her 30s. Since I've been diagnosed, I have two other friends -- one in her early 30s and the other in her late 40s -- who have been diagnosed. That's a LOT of women under the age of 50 in my inner circle who have had breast cancer, and I believe EVERY ONE OF US would say that early detection was the key to our (so far) successful recovery.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts about this. I'm sure it will be discussed at the Grand Opening of the Piedmont Hospital Outpatient Center on Howell Mill at I-75 this Saturday from 9-1. Actress Ann Jillian is the keynote speaker on "Surviving and Thriving." The event is free to anyone interested and afterwards, at 2p, I'll be hosting a cooking demonstration with author and cool chef Hans Reuffert. Go to piedmontcancer.org for more info, and call 404-425-7944 to register for the free cooking class!

We had a great time at Cavalia a couple of nights ago. This is what the white big-top hubbub is at Atlantic Station. It's a totally unique horse show from one of the creators of Cirque de Soleil, and it's a beautiful, mesmerizing event. My friend Bruce surprised me for my birthday with "Rendez-Vous" tickets, which get you preferred parking, preferred seating, a pre-show reception with great food and drinks, desserts and cocktails at intermission, and a tour of the stables after the show -- a smart package and a wonderful gift!! Even though it was super cool to sit up close and see every tiny detail, it seems that there's not a bad seat in the house for this show -- in fact, I can see how getting the total view by sitting up higher and a bit further away would be beneficial. You can get very affordably priced tickets (plus parking prices aren't ridiculous at Atlantic Station.) There are several good spots to eat there too, so it's a nice evening. Cavalia has been extended -- I heard till the end of January, but only see dates through early December on their website.

I started doffing Bridgette this weekend -- even did a photo shoot yesterday without her for a benefit I'm involved in. I guess I'm finally feeling liberated -- almost like the crazy short hair is a badge of honor. It's really the only outward sign that something drastic has happened to me, but I'm not as uptight about it now that my treatments are over. I really admire women that put their beautiful bald heads right out there while they're undergoing treatment -- I think that takes a special person and a lot of guts.

I met chef Hans Reuffert and his lovely family yesterday at the photo shoot. He's the chef that I'm co-hosting the cooking demonstration with this Saturday at 2p, after the Grand Opening of the new Piedmont Hospital Outpatient Center on Howell Mill. Hans was in his late 20's when he was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. He and his family really went through the wringer, but they now do whatever they can to help others going through similar ordeals. Hans teaches cooking classes on a regular basis at the Piedmont Cancer Wellness Center, and I'm really psyched that he's going to host a class just for River listeners after he does one during the Grand Opening. Seating is limited for this class on cooking with "Power Foods", but it is FREE, and is available to anyone interested in attending. All you have to do is reserve your space by calling 404-425-7944. I hope you'll join me for this special occasion!

My sister-in-law Mary is in town visiting and we enjoyed a fabulous dinner last night at the Greek restaurant Kyma on Piedmont. The food there is wonderfully tasty, and a great thing is that you can order very reasonably priced smaller plates of appetizers to share and create your meal. They also have a half-price bottle of wine selection every day! I ate enough olives to sink a ship!

My friend Bruce has given me an amazing birthday present -- 4 tickets to Cavalia under the big white tent at Atlantic Station for this weekend! I've read several terrific reviews about this show, so I can't wait to see it. I'm extra psyched because our tickets include a reception and post show tour of the stables, so I'll get to see the beautiful horses up close! I hear you'll love this show whether you're a horse lover or not. Cavalia's been extended through November 22.

Would you put me on your calendar for next Saturday, Nov. 21st at 2pm? I'm co-hosting another cooking class at Piedmont Hospital's Cancer Wellness Center at I-75 and Howell Mill Road. Hans Rueffert will be the chef (he was on one of my favorite shows, "The Next Food Network Star," the first season -- he came in third place, but was the Viewer's Choice to win.) Hans is a cancer survivor, and will be giving a demonstration on "Power Foods For Health." Anyone is welcome to attend, so bring a friend. It's a FREE event, and you will LOVE it! You learn a lot and get to eat good, tasty food! It's for River listeners only, but is limited to the first 50 people and you do need to reserve your spot. Call 404-425-7944 to join Hans and me. We'll have lots of River freebies, too! The 21st is also Piedmont's big Grand Opening of the Outpatient Center there where you can check out the amazing facilities from 9-1p. So come a bit earlier if you like, and stay for our cooking demonstration at 2p.

I'm still recovering from Vegas with a bit of jet lag, but it's a happy lag. There were a bunch of pictures taken from the big party Saturday night which I finally saw yesterday and, you know what they say -- "what happens in Vegas"... Except I do have to share a story about my buddy Teague. Teague is part of my "Project Wednesday" group of friends that meets almost every Wednesday night to have dinner, argue politics, gossip, and celebrate our lives. Ever since I lost my hair to chemo, Teague has been DYING to see my head. Saturday being a big college football day, several folks had been drinking beer all day and, after a nice dinner with cocktails, by the time the party started they were nice and toasty. Teague kept asking to see my head so finally I pulled off my wig Bridgette and, his eyes big for a second, Teague smiled a slow, big grin, grabbed my face in his hands, and gave the top of my super-short- platinum-blonde haired head a huge kiss! The next thing I know, Teague (who happens to be decked out in a River tie-dyed t-shirt) is wearing my blonde wig with his dark 5 o'clock shadow, flashing peace signs (although they could have been V for Victory, or even V for Vegas signs.) In the bizarreness of it all, my nephew Bill commented that Teaue looked like Kurt Cobain! Okay, maybe you had to be there. But I can tell you that Bridgette had a ball, and that there are few things funnier than watching people put on a beautiful, long, blonde wig as most of the girls had to try her on too.

Speaking of fashion (ha!,) there's something cool going on for anyone interested in shopping. Through Sunday, it's Fashion Over Atlanta -- fashion and shopping events going on all over the city with designer trunk shows, personal styling experiences, musical performances, bourban tastings, and more! Over 50 local boutiques are involved from The Sand Piper in Vinings, Sage in Buckhead/Midtown/Cumming/Marietta, Meringue in Virginia Highlands, to G Gilbert in Westside Atlanta. Some of the proceeds will benefit Atlanta's MODA (Museum of Design and Art.) To find out more, go to fashionoveratlanta.com.

The cooking class at Piedmont West's new Cancer Wellness Center was terrific! I assumed we'd be tasting food, but didn't know we'd enjoy an entire lunch that was prepared by Chef Nancy Waldeck as we watched. We got loads of interesting tips from Nancy and Dietician Shayna Komar about creating great tasting, healthy meals. The kitchen's tables were full of cancer survivors/patients and caretakers, and my good buddies who came out to support the cause. We noshed on Creamy Pumpkin Peanut Ginger Soup, Tortilla Pizza,Tortilla Wraps, pasta salad, and a dessert of oranges and dates with cinnamon-pomegranate honey. The pasta salad had an amazing homemade dressing that incorporated the Indian spice Garam Marsala that ROCKED. Every bite of the food was delicious and simply prepared, and we all left with a booklet of the recipes. The Cancer Wellness Center has these classes all the time at no cost to patients and caretakers -- hard to believe, but true! And there are yoga, exercise, and art classes, support groups, and lots more. It doesn't matter where you live and the support is free! If you couldn't get out to be with me during the workday this week to check it out, Piedmont West (I-75 and Howell Mill) is having an Open House on Saturday, November 21st from 9a - 1p. God forbid you ever have a need for it, but I'm finding there isn't a soul I know that hasn't been closely touched by someone with cancer. You or someone you know may be looking for just this kind of support. So the 21st is the perfect time to join me and see what it's all about. Actress and Survivor Ann Jillian is the keynote speaker, and Chef Hans Rueffert (was on one of my favorite shows, the 1st season of The Next Food Network Star -- he came in 3rd, but was The Viewer's Choice) will be doing a cooking demonstration and cookbook signing. Then, at 2pm, Hans will be doing a special cooking class for you with me. So please plan to come. Go to piedmontcancer.org/littlec for all the info you'll need.

I'm hopping on my favorite Airtran Airways after my show today for Las Vega$ with 20 of my friends and family for an early birthday/post-cancer-treatment celebration! My nephew Bill has quite the festive weekend planned, including us seeing Cirque's "Love" (with The Beatles' music rearranged by George Martin and his son.) I'll tell you all about it when I get back next week. My girl "Pipes" Reece will be filling in for me.

You still have time to join me for a cooking class at Piedmont West (I-75 and Howell Mill) this Wednesday from noon - 2pm. If you can take a little extra time for your lunch hour, I think you'll really enjoy what you'll find at the brand new Cancer Wellness Center -- it's a beautiful space that offers support for cancer patients and their loved ones, and the plethora of classes offered are FREE!! It doesn't matter where you live, you can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and become part of an incredibly supportive community. Wednesday's class is called, "What To Eat When You Are Undergoing Chemotherapy And/Or Radiation." My friends Brooke and Anita really had issues with chemo and their taste buds. The problem is that, if you don't feel like eating because nothing tastes good, you're not getting the nutition you need to help fight your battle. This class is about simple recipes that taste good and help boost your appetite. You do need to register, but the class is FREE -- call to register (404-425-7944,) and check out this link for more info: http://www.piedmontcancerconnection.org/evc/page.asp?PageID=EVC000265&date=2009-11-04

So if you think you or a friend may benefit from this, please bring a friend with you and I'll look forward to seeing you!

It's hard to forget if you've been watching any tv, but don't forget to vote today! I voted early last week and was happy to see lots of folks doing the same thing.

Whew, stayed up late last night to watch the Falcons -- what a game!! Too bad we were on the losing end. Get this! It was around 12:05 am, the Falcons had seconds left to play (with an actual chance to win) and had just kicked the onside kick. As the officials were trying to break-up the pile of guys to see who had possession, and they were down to the last 2 guys in the pile, MY CABLE WENT OUT!!!! And it didn't go out for a minute. It was still out when I went to bed at 12:45! I guess somebody somewhere in my neighborhood sneezed!

Okay, if you're a woman like I am who hasn't had a short, short haircut since a pixie cut when you were 5, you're going to want to experiment a little bit as your chemo hair is growing out. My hair has always been very straight and fine, but I have lots of it. Now my hair is super dark with lots of waves, and it seems like it's going to be thick. It's still way too short to have any style, so the only thing I can really do is have fun with the color. Although I've been blonde much of my adult life, I've never been PLATINUM blonde. I went to my hair guy, Richard, this weekend and the bleaching process began. Unfortunately, it's not really done yet. It takes a long time to get my hair to bleach out, and after two hours I had to run for another appointment so it's got kind of a yellow tinge to it. But it's fun just for me, even though I'm not quite ready to expose it to the world yet -- I look like a Q-Tip!

I saw the Michael Jackson movie with a group of friends this weekend. It's good -- doesn't live up to the extreme hype it's getting but I don't see how it could. It's the best movie it can be, under the circumstances. Any fan will enjoy it, and seeing the process of how Jackson worked is interesting. There was nothing freakish about him when he was on the stage, that's for sure -- performing onstage is where he belonged. The music is great, of course!

I'm psyched about the Falcons game tonight against the team we love to hate, the undefeated N.O.Saints. It's at 8:30pm on ESPN. I plan to take a looonnnggg nap so I can stay up to watch!