And Hello Again...

I was 25 when I wrote my last letter to you.  I am 27 now.  I was finally diagnosed with lupus last year, although my symptoms have remained relatively mild.  I have even less energy than I did two years ago.  Sometimes I feel like an old woman, even though I still dance up on stage to your music ... in my head.

No one told me that life would suck so much sometimes.  I kind of wish I would have had a heads up, someone to say, "enjoy life now while it's still enjoyable."  I really had not given a thought to what might happen as I get older, or the dying of youthful vanity.  I am no longer part of the carefree crowd.  A party or a club repels me instead of drawing me in, as either used to do.  And I'm only 27.  How will I feel when I'm 47?

Have you noticed, Gaga?  Has it happened to you yet?  The changes in skin texture, the lines that appear from nowhere, a mixture of sun damage and side-sleeping?  All the more reason to don your costumes and give it all you've got.

Dear Gaga,

My doctor believes that I'm developing lupus.  Before I turned 24, I thought I was as healthy as anyone can be.  Now I'm 25, and everything seems to be falling apart.  I mean, lupus?? Seriously??? I read that you have recently been tested for ANAs and that they came back positive.  I'm wondering how you're doing.  You must have symptoms, because doctors don't just offer these kinds of blood tests for no reason.  Have you been feeling as tired as I have?  I don't even do anything to merit exhaustion, but sometimes I feel like I've just climbed a big hill when I've only walked a block. 

When my doctor met me for the first time this summer, he listened to my symptoms and checked my joints.  He said that I looked pretty good and the blood test results from other doctors indicated that I'm healthy.  Nevertheless, he prescribed me with Plaquenil for my joint/muscle pain and drew blood for his own tests.  I asked him what it could be that was causing my discomfort; he wasn't sure but he was nearly certain it wasn't lupus.  I saw the doctor again, last week.  His thinking had completely changed.  My "complement C4" is low, and apparently that is a dead-on indicator of lupus in progress.  He said that it was a good thing that he had me on the Plaquenil and that I should watch my diet and exercise when I can.  He said he won't make the diagnosis "until" I have my first flare. 

So now what?  Watch my diet, sure, but does this mean that a flare is inevitable?  What is a flare going to feel like?  A best friend in high school lost her mom to lupus ... I don't want to die!!?!

What is a girl to do, Gaga?  Getting older is the pits...

Gaga,

Thank you for being the voice for those who cannot be heard. Don't Ask Don't Tell is an abomination.  I hope we do not have to wait until our generation takes power over the government to repeal such a hateful, hurtful aberration from the constitution.

Faithfully,

Karma

Dear Gaga,

I sent a Dear John letter to an elderly man yesterday. I never, in my wildest imagination, EVER thought I would have an old married man thinking of me as anything other than a student, a friend, a whippersnapper, or perhaps a surrogate granddaughter. I never thought that the age old rule that says men and women can never be just friends would apply in a scenario involving a 50 year age difference and a spouse.  Who can we young beauties trust, if even the septuagenarians are out to get us?

~ Karma

Dear Gaga,

I went to the Sunset Strip Music Festival last weekend. Saw your friends, The Semi-Precious Weapons. They were super awesome, of course. Jason kindly cooled the crowd with champagne. He tried to crowd surf, but he is rather tall and I think he may have landed on the ground somewhere. He is a brave one.

~ Karma

Hey Lady,

Have you discovered etsy yet? High fashion is great, but to me, true fashion is all about lifting up the new and true avant garde. Check it:







A few fresh statements I thought worthy of attention. Time to go jump my boyfriend. Peace!

~ Karma

P.S. Currently addicted to Pink Sugar by Aquolina. I can't stop smelling myself...

P.P.S. In case it's necessary to say this, I am in no way affiliated with etsy or any of the above artists. I just think they're awesome. :)

Miss Gaga,

Please do a show with Morrissey. I'm begging you.

Thank you kindly,

Miss Kamilienne