My brother Mark and niece/Goddaughter Lucy are flying in today to visit for a few days, so I'm hoping I'll feel better after a long nap so I can enjoy them.

Ok, please excuse this deviation if you are sick to death of the Michael Jackson stuff, but as long as I'm feeling crabby... as I was getting ready this morning watching the overnight news, they showed M J's dad on the red carpet the other night for the BET awards, plugging his new record label -- NO KIDDING, it was insane to watch!  It's bad enough to have the media make such a spectacle about M J, but his family needs to grab the hook and pull dear ol' dad out of the public eye -- he's disgraceful!!  I know every family has issues, but am I ever thankful for the one I've got!

Hey, if you're looking for something fun to do this weekend for a very reasonable price AND you'll be helping out a Georgia landmark, head to the Laughing Skull Lounge in midtown Atlanta tonight through Sunday for a fundraiser for the Georgia Theater in Athens.  The landmark burned down a week ago, and was a treasure of a live music venue with many of the greatest artists from the south having played there over the last several decades. They are trying to rebuild with our help.  My buddy Marshall Chiles owns the cool, new Laughing Skull Lounge on Peachtree -- it's inside the wonderful Vortex Bar & Grill -- and this weekend it's The Marshall Chiles and Friends Comedy Show with over 10 local comedians performing their stand-up.  Find out more by calling 877-Laff-at-you (877-523-3288,) or by going to www.vortexcomedy.com. 

Susan was originally diagnosed during the Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Piedmont Hospital debacle a few years ago.  The insurance company and hospital couldn't come to an agreement, and Susan's diagnosis came within days of the deadline when Piedmont doctors would no longer accept BC/BS insurance. All of Susan's docs are a Piedmont.  Of course, the businesses eventually reached an agreement, but my friend had to make life altering decisions in such a hurry it would make your head spin.  Susan did so with such grace and courage.  I am very proud of how she handled the situation, but I'm bitter to this day about the hoops she had to jump through during the most difficult time of her life.

Susan's cancer was in the very early stages, but because of how it was in her breast, her doc advised her to have a mastectomy.  She didn't require chemo or radiation, but did decide on reconstruction and has been happy with the results.  Recovery from a mastectomy with reconstruction is intense, but Susan has literally glowed with good health ever since.

That was all 3 years ago.  Then 2 nights ago I got the call from Sus.  She found a funny little spot, the docs figured it was probably nothing but (thankfully) extracted it right away... and found low grade cancer cells.  I feel like someone knocked the wind out of me -- imagine how my friend feels.   I'm going with Susan for her MRI on Monday.

Of course, I don't know why this is happening to my friend.  She's already been through enough. It has nothing to do with her insurance company or the hospital -- she's always gotten the best care possible.  It's not happening because Susan is or isn't doing something. As one of my docs said, "It's just s%&**y luck."  I know Susan will be alright eventually --she's a strong woman with a wonderful support system who's devoted in her faith.  But I still can't help wondering why...

I'm glad Susan doesn't mind me sharing her story with you.  You've been such a source of strength for me, I would appreciate it so much if you would keep her in your prayers.   

There are several private chemo rooms at my doctors office and one big communal room.  For your first chemo, they put you in a private room.  I caught a glimpse of folks in the communal room my first time and was impressed by the fact that most of the people in there were kicked back in their recliners reading.  They looked like they were right at home!  I got the private room again for my second treatment because there were so few people getting chemo that day.

Chemo's a pretty scary thing, but now that I'm going through it I am so thankful for it!  Losing my hair, the heartburn, the fatigue, and God knows what may come next, I know that it's working and kicking the hell out of any bad cells.  Most important, I keep in mind that all this is, God willing, temporary.

Of course, going through all of this, I'm always looking for a good laugh.  Saw the movie "The Hagover" this past weekend and it's been a LONG time since I laughed so hard.  Well worth going to see now, especially if you can handle some of the gross humor -- that's not too bad, though.  Bradley Cooper's hotness makes up for anything offensive!

I had some friends coming over for dinner, margaritas, and WII last night.  They showed up 5 minutes early when I was putting the finishing touches on the make-up, but had no hair going.  I looked over and perched on my make-up mirror was the perfect thing to grab -- "Hattie," my baseball cap with half of a blond wig velcroed into the band!  Threw it on before the doorbell even rang twice.

I know there are catalogues you'll find at your doc's office and places online you can order accessories, but I found mine where I got my wig -- "A Woman's Place" boutique at Northside Hospital -- worth a trip if it's anywhere near you.  There are usually stores in hospitals like it that have the cute headgear.  I made a good time out of picking mine out with my niece and friend -- I also got a fuzzy cap to sleep in when I get cold (which, in this Atlanta summer, hasn't happened yet,) and a couple of other cute, colorful caps.  Everything I picked out was under $25, except for "Hattie" which was $50, but so worth it!  If you're feeling very adventurous, you could get your own Hattie with long, curly, dark locks -- or go red!  My mom is a whiz at sewing and she took a few of my favorite baseball caps and sewed some velcro into them so I can change up the baseball caps too.  Hard to believe that this is actually FUN stuff! 

It sounds crazy (and I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit it) but, when I was first diagnosed, I was more concerned about the possibility of losing my hair than just about anything.  I've since learned that it's a normal reaction -- my doc told me he had a patient that even went as far as refusing chemo because of her imminent hair loss!?  But I finally realized that, with me, it had to do with appearing weak and not wanting people to feel sorry for me.  Initially, my preference would have been to hide away and deal with this on my own but, having just started a new job that I love and having to make public appearances, disappearing was not an option.  Thank Goodness it wasn't because I'd be missing out on a lot! 

I've always favored long hair and from the moment mine got buzzed I felt a freedom I've never felt.  Having no hair feels great!  For women, I'd liken it to losing your bra -- you usually don't do it out in public but around people you feel safe with or home alone, it's wonderful to go hairless!  But it's not something I'm up for doing in front of most people. Thankfully I was led to the right place for me to get a "cranial prostheses" before I lost my hair and, honestly, the experience has been incredible.  I'm able to get ready for work in much less time.  No matter how I'm feeling in the morning preparing for my day, I can feel confident about the way I look because I've got something that helps me to look like myself, even when I feel like I'm losing myself.

To anyone who has cut off their long, beautiful hair and donated it, thank you!!  You are empowering someone to face the world with confidence when they're at their most vulnerable.  What a wonderful gift that is!

I have my 2nd round of chemo tomorrow afternoon.  You know, I can't help but think about how lucky I am that I found my lump early.  I only have to have 4 rounds of chemo -- after tomorrow I'll be halfway through!  I've talked to many people that live with chemo for SO much longer.  It's another reminder that you shouldn't wait if you're not feeling right, or if you find a lump.  It's amazing how far cancer research has come in the past few years -- they've refined the treatment so much.  Will give you my chemo update soon!