With her second round of chemotherapy in her bout with primary peritoneal cancer, publicist and arts supporter Lisa Josephsohn has realized that her "stable cancer" diagnosis means chronic treatment. While her tumors have not grown, they also have not shrunk — meaning she has to endure chemo treatments the rest of her life, much like a diabetic relies on insulin.

"The basic thing is, to quote my dearest friend Cherye Pierce, 'my life as I have known it is over,' " said Josephsohn. Translation: a more regimented lifestyle, with dramatic reduction of those wee-hour activities that sap her strength. "I have to accept, not just give."

Her pals are finalizing a benefit for Josephsohn, "That's What Friends Are For," from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at Ruth's Chris Steak House at Restaurant Row, where her foodie clients — Ruth's Chris, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Auntie Pasto's and Dixie Grill — will provide food. There is no admission, but monetary donations will be accepted. There will be music, a silent auction and fellowship — what Josephsohn cherishes most in her time of need. "I believe in collective energy and know that all good strength I have comes from tapping into the well of my love ones," said Josephsohn. For more information, go to www.friendsoflisa.com.

Also, her sister, Debbie Koerner, will visit Oct. 28. And Temple Emanu-El will hold special services and a blessing Nov. 7 in Josephsohn's honor. She revisits her Dr. Beth Karlan at Cedars-Sinai on Nov. 13 and expects to participate in the Run for Life as she did last year. …

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Navy Dr. Andy Baldwin, aka "The Bachelor" via his ABC TV fame, visited the keiki at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children on Tuesday and dubbed them "honorary sailors." He also found the aforementioned Josephsohn in treatment at the Women's Cancer Center, which thrilled her and her fellow patients. Such aloha — which Josephsohn helped Pam Davis plan — is a vital healing tool, and even the folks at the Spa Suite at the Kahala Hotel & Resort gave mini-messages, facials and foot rubs for the patients. …

Kit Samson provided entertainment at Diamond Head Theatre's 'Ilima Awards gala Monday night and left the next day with spouse Nellie for a three-week Philippines visit. The pianist has landed a New Year's Eve gig at The Kahala and also resumes his Sunday serenades there Dec. 14. "I'm blessed," said Samson. …

Pianist Jeffrey Swann will help the Ernest Chang Piano Studio mark its 45th anniversary in a recital at 4 p.m. Saturday at Orvis Auditorium at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. Halloween-inspired music will be performed — "MacBeth and the Witches," "Demons of the Night," "Mephisto Waltz." Tickets are $20 general, $12 seniors and students. Call 536-0218. …

Like the shuttered "Waikiki Nei" at Level 4 of the Royal Hawaiian Center, Danny Couch is a victim of the struggling visitor traffic in Waikiki. His Wednesday-only shows at the Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani's Ainahau Showroom closed last night, though he's planning to do Valentine's and Mother's Day serenades in the future. Also due: "Danny Couch — 'I'll Remember You,' " a Don Ho tribute album …

SIGHT 'EMS: Opening night of that superb "Miss Saigon" at Paliku Theatre was a gathering of the show's alumni — on and off stage. Michael Bright, playing Chris, and Jade Stice, as Ellen, have been on tour and Broadway; Bright's wife, Jade Anguay Bright, was choreographer. In the audience, applauding like crazy, were ex-Saigoners Traci Toguchi, Don Nahaku and Matthew Pedersen, all with previous show ties. …

And ex-local Willy Falk, who originated the Chris role on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony, attended another performance, with Betty Friedman, who was a first-nighter with Falk's early vocal coach, Neva Rego. Falk was impressed with Lloyd S. Riford III's helicopter with a live pilot that "flies" and The Engineer's car — made from steel. …

Brittany Browning as Kim (she's 15) definitely is a find, and Leonard J. Villanueva as The Engineer and Les Ceballos as Thuy (and vocal director) are powerful elements of Ron Bright's astounding corral of troupers who bond and perform like a touring company. …

"Saigon" has added two performances, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29; Info: 235-7310, www.etickethawaii.com. …

Amazingly, tickets have been sold to folks in Guam, Texas, Alaska and Japan. …

We went back for another "Les Miserables" fix at Diamond Head Theatre, and it has settled into a truly polished endeavor. Show co-directors Peter Lockyer and Melanie Tojio Lockyer gifted each trouper with Cosette's image and that memorable line from the show: "To love another person is to see the face of God." …

And that's Show Biz. …

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.