Friday, April 27, 2012

My friend, Tammy Oxifen


Looking for a makeover

As part of my breast lottery winnings, I was awarded five years of daily use of Tamoxifen. I’ve been on them almost a month now, and I am relieved to say that I am one of the lucky ones with negligible side effects. On the other hand, I now have a perfect scapegoat on which to place all unsociable mental/physical symptoms. Did I hurt your feelings? Oh, sorry, it’s the Tamoxifen. Cramps in my feet? Oh, those are caused by Tamoxifen and now I need new shoes. Expensive ones. That sulphurous slip under the covers? So sorry honey… you guessed it!

I have come to think of Tammy as my really good buddy, not just because she’s my new social pariah, but because she truly is a magic scud missile that annihilates any breast estrogen, those pock-marked, leather-jacketed back-alley bad girls that might allow miscreant behaviour in the future.

I do have one big problem with Tammy, though, and I thought I’d appeal to all of you for ideas. This little vial rests on my bathroom counter, a stark reminder of our commitment to each other. But she is like a best friend that insists on wearing a butt-ugly dress. Ugh. Her colors are drug-store dreadful and unflattering; her accessories, a bold sticker proclaiming “Take with food” (which you don’t have to) and “BC Cancer Agency.” Now really, would you want to look at that dowdy friend 24/7 for the next five years?

Here’s a multi-million idea: Come up with a snazzy pill container. One that fits all the rigid requirements of pilldom - the child-proof cap, light-resistant, completely utilitarian. But! Then we tart it up. How about something reminiscent of a genie’s bottle, bedazzled and elegant? Or a hot pink sports model, that lights up and plays Adele or Jo Dee Messina with every twist of the cap? Maybe a Marilyn Munro-shaped bottle with ego-boosting, sexy affirmations all over it. C’mon, people, send me your Tammy makeover ideas.  She really, really needs it.

5 comments:

  1. Ok so I admit I 'googled' good ideas for decorating pill containers, but it was just to get the creative juices flowing again (they've been a bit stagnant for some time now!)
    Well, the ideas for decor are not so impressive. Things like rhinstone stickers, fabric coverings,etc. Pretty elementary I would say. However, check out a few things you could do with all those bottles you'll collect over 5 years!!!
    1) Make a glitter Shaker 2) Store your headphones 3)Make a Chandelier 4) Soak your reeds for your musical instruments (you know, incase you take up the clarinet again!)
    So fun :)

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  2. So, until I figure out how to change my profile, my comments will be via Barney Trouble.
    I'm a little slow catching up on all your posts so here's my big hooray for scheduled dates and all the Boob Camp plans! You're going to be one busy (far) out patient!
    Lisa, that's just sooo practical. I've always just used my old pill bottles to take stool samples to the vet.
    I really like the music with every twist idea. But, personally, I'm thinking a nice little crocheted sock would be lovely. It could have a little velcroed flap you could open when you need to read the label - 'cause after taking it every day for umpteen months, you may need a refresher on the instructions, right? And you could have matching crocheted toilet roll covers and toothpaste tube wraps and toothbrush handle sleeves - the possibilities are endless. There's naked razors and hair brushes and - ooohh - the blow dryer! Wouldn't your hairspray, gel and mousse all look adorable on the windowsill in matching crocheted stockings??
    Just a thought, Beamer

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  3. (When did you visit my bathroom, Beamer? I have "darling" ones to change them up at Christmas....little elves on them)
    Cathy,why not just take them ALL at the start of the month with a glass of wine?Then you don't need to have a bottle sitting out on your counter...That's how I give my dog his heart pills and the added bonus is that I know I won't forget a dose! Hope this is helpful. I am NOT the decoratey kind as most who have visited my house will tell you! I depend on the ocean view to distract from the lack of style!

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  4. Hilarious, Cathy. True humor: a laugh in a tear. You have a wonderful way with words, and have a great future ahead of you as a columnist. You could even write a book, and pretty it up with all your fantastic pictures.
    Will be thinking of you on the 7th, when you start your radiation-vacation.
    Thanks for sharing your log with me.
    Love and higs,
    Louise
    PS What is wrong with a nice antique diamond studded pillbox ?

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  5. Talk about some wonderful ideas! You are all funtastically creative and your suggestions completely made my week. I'm leaning towards IBeeGood's practicality, but it's hard to give up the sheer glamour of crochet... especially when showcased by a stunning chandelier made of pill bottles. And diamonds? They're always a girl's best friend - as are you all. Hugs.

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