Welcome To The Parker!

I'm one of a very few people who will openly admit that I really enjoy reality television. I also have a life-long love of the desert oasis known as Palm Springs. So, when my good friends at The Parker invited us to the screening party for their new Bravo series, how could I say no? The event was everything a screening should be: relaxed, fun & decidedly "hip". My favorite part about going to screenings is seeing how people in the show/ film react to seeing their friends / themselves on the big screen. They laugh, they cheer, or in the case of the Parker crew they collectively "boo" at a rather obnoxious food critic. We watched the show from a comfy, cushioned circular lounge chair right in front. Although they weren't serving my favorite Kobe Beef Sliders, I munched on my snacks of choice (Junior Mints & Reeses Pieces). We also got to see the second episode of the series, which I enjoyed even more than the first. Check out the show, it's fun to see the chaos that goes on behind the scenes at an upscale resort. By the way, only in Palm Springs will you attend a screening with the Mayor sitting cross legged on the floor in front of you!

On The Road Again

Here I am, 2 weeks post-op & all I can say is that I'm overwhelmed & humbled by the outpouring of love & support that I've received. Surgery went great. I was in superb hands: my surgeon was my long term doctor, who delivered my 3 youngest children. My scar is really low, so I can still wear a bikini (& I did yesterday!). The hardest part of the recovery is actually taking the time to heal. Luckily I have the most wonderful family, who've taken amazing care of me. I'm the proudest mom in the world to see what loving, compassionate children I've raised. When my doctor told me it would take six weeks to be back to 100%, I wasn't quite sure what that meant. I knew I wouldn't be able to do an hour on the stairmaster, but I didn't know that I wouldn't be able to walk up a flight of stairs (or even 2 stairs!). I decided it wouldn't be smart to "post" on Percocet, but I'm totally off all medication now & I'm feeling really good. I'm allowed to start driving tomorrow.
Before my surgery, I made a commitment to attend the Hollywood Collectors Show in Burbank this Friday & Saturday, http://hollywoodcollectorshow.com/Burbank.htm , & I WILL be there. If you're in town stop by to say "Hi".
I don't know if I'll ever be able to respond to all the e-mails, cards & messages that I received (I'm going to try), but please know that your thoughts & prayers are truly appreciated.

Medical Update

Sometimes morning TV keeps you up to date on current events or the latest in fashion and Hollywood gossip & sometimes it provides information that can save your life. The other morning while watching Live With Regis and Kelly, they talked about the funeral of Claudia Cohen (pictured). WHAT? Didn't I just see her on TV a week ago? When did Claudia Cohen die? For those who haven't heard of her, she was a regular on Regis & Kelly and had been the gossip columnist at New York's Page Six for years & was probably just as well known for being the ex-wife of Ronald Perelman. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sadly left a young daughter behind.
The conversation about her death continued on The View where I learned that her only symptoms were sudden weight gain & bloating. Hey, I'm a little boated. I jumped on the scale & to my surprise, I'd gained seven pounds in 2 weeks. It must be the Sprinkles cupcakes (I don't think I've mentioned it, but I'm obsessed with the red velvet ones). To be safe, I called my doctor to schedule an appointment. Well, it turns out that I have a tumor the size of a grapefruit! After further tests, they found two other smaller tumors. I go into the hospital for surgery on Tuesday. Luckily, I'm by the beach, so I'll be able to watch 4th of July fireworks from my hospital room. I really debated writing this post. I certainly don't want anyone to worry about me. But if you read my blog regularly, you know that I'm a big supporter of promoting awareness (AIDS, Autism, etc.). If reading this post encourages even one person, who is experiencing symptoms and ignoring them, to seek medical advice & diagnosis, it's easily worth giving up my lack of privacy.
On the positive side, I may be posting more in the next couple weeks. I'll be on bed rest, so what else do I have to do? I'll be better soon & I've got some fun TV projects lined up for August!