• Wednesday, June 6, 2012 7:46 AM, CDT

  Looking Forward

  I hope you are enjoying the summer with your family.   The weather has been varied, but mostly nice.   Are you planning to do some traveling?   This year I think we will mostly stay home and finish up projects around the house.

  
  

  I have finished a DEXA scan (evaluates bone structure) and a Bone scan (looks for cancer) and they both were fine.   That was good news.   I am experiencing lots of joint pain which seems to be pretty common.   

  
  

  The bone scan did reveal osteo-arthritis just about everywhere.   The diagnosis read like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes..." The most bothersome is my right hand.   Sometimes it feels like I have hit it with a sledgehammer.   I don't really understand how it all works, but it seems like the more I move, the better I feel - to a point.   I don't know if it will improve, but I am figuring this is the "new normal."

  
  

  I have noticed that when I pick things up they have a tendency to fall, so I have to plan carefully.   Yep, always use that camera neck strap.  I guess this is pretty common too.   I talked to one person that went to unbreakable dishes.   Opening things requires a strategy and tools...adapt, and move on.

  
  

  The plan now is to keep taking Tamoxifen (estrogen blocker) or Femara to finish out the 5 year plan.   Either of those can cause joint pain, so maybe when I am done with them it will be better.

  
  

  I have more energy, and I am trying to utilize it as much as possible.   Skipper and I enjoy walks, and I am spending lots of time digging in the dirt - garden therapy.   There are many experiments going on in the back yard this year. :-)  I have also been busy on several geeky projects and doing a fair amount of shooting (video/photo).

  
  

  It is nice to have hair to brush again!   That in itself is therapeutic. Now my biggest challenge is loosing a ton of weight.   It is not going to be easy.

  
  

  I have friends in treatment now, and it has been nice to be able to pass on some of the kindness and prayers that were so graciously extended to me.   It is beginning to seem that more people have cancer than don't have cancer.   It is encouraging to know many people have survived the ordeal for decades.

  
  

  God is good, all the time. :-)
  
  

• Monday, November 21, 2011 7:07 PM, CST

   Hokey Smokes!   Can you believe it's November?   Thanksgiving is this week.   We had the annual Thanksgiving "open mic" Sunday at church this week and it was totally awesome.   I am so blessed to hear the cool things God is doing in the lives of my friends.

  
  

  I have so many things to be thankful for that it would take me the rest of my life to list them.    First on the list is Jesus.  Probably the most important thing is my family and friends.  Right up there on the top of the list are the doctors that keep me going.  I will see Dr. Harb again on January 5th.

  
  

  There are still so many lessons to learn.    We have started a new class called Explore.   It is a multi-generational class.   I thought it would be interesting, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy it and how much I would learn.   We are in a group with two other families and I look forward to hearing the observations of the teens in our group.   John has surprised me with some deep observations as well.   He is a man of few words.   We are going through the gospel of Mark.

  
  

  Skipper is now over a year old.   He is my faithful companion and entertainer.   I have enjoyed him from the moment he arrived.   He has folded right into family life.

  
  

  I am working on a short book(let) born out of my experiences with the 2011 Food Stamp Challenge.   I am working on formulating healthy menus and a list of family activities for those who are having a difficult time financially.   I have included simple recipes and photos.   I know lots of folks are affected by the rising unemployment and cost of living and I hope someone will find the information helpful.

  
  

  Are you traveling over the holidays?   We plan on a trip to Michigan over Thanksgiving.   I have to get out and walk around every two hours, so it becomes a long trip, but we're looking forward to visiting with family.

  
  

  I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.   Thanks for all your prayers and support.
  
  

• Wednesday, September 28, 2011 12:52 PM, CDT

  A Year After Treatment

  Well, it's been a year since my treatment ended and to quote the Monte Python movie, "I'm not dead yet."   I didn't even realize it had been that long until the doctor mentioned that.

  
  

  My checkup went well.   Everything looked good and now I have moved to the 6 month schedule.

  
  

  I talked with the doc quite a while about the success of the treatment and expected outcomes.   I will probably have a small scar that will show up on lung imaging due to the radiation.  That shouldn't be a problem.  I need to be diligent in monitoring for any changes that could signal a problem.   This time period is remission.   If five years pass without any problems, it is rare for it to ever show up again.  

  
  

  We discussed the amazing changes and improvements in treatment in the last twenty years.   The success rate is much improved.   I was amazed that I didn't have many side effects that were difficult.   Back in the day, the chemo really had intense gastronomic affects.   The anti-barfing meds were so effective that I don't think Ipecac could have done  anything.

  
  

  Well I am more that grateful to have passed another milestone.   Thank you for all your prayers and support.

  
  

  God IS GOOD - all the time.   :-) 
  
  

• Tuesday, June 7, 2011 9:07 PM, CDT

   How are you?   Are you enjoying the summer?  I enjoy being outside, even when it's hot.  This journey has been quite long.   I finally feel like I have gotten back on the path of "normal" whatever that means.

  
  

  Pastor Henderson taught a class on Cures for the Hurried Life several Wednesdays.   It really made me think deeply.   It is so easy to become wrapped up in business and miss the joys in the day to day.   It is hard to slow down.

  
  

  I thought about the time of my diagnosis.   All of the sudden I was keenly aware that my days are limited.   In reality, all of us have a limited number of days and there is nothing new about that.   It is easy to float along the river without a care until the storm rocks your boat.  I really began frantically utilizing every moment as if it were the last one I had.   That is not so bad if you are treasuring the time, but I think I got in over my head.

  
  

  Nature is my passion.   I am making time to be outside.   I love digging in the dirt and working in the garden.   We have lots of critters in our backyard.    Squirrels, bunnies, and a variety of birds.   Skipper and I enjoy being outside.   I love the ravine and trees.

  
  

  There is a robin's nest in the little crabapple tree I planted about three years ago.   We discovered four beautiful blue eggs.   Now they have hatched in to little robins.   

  
  

  We had a terrible storm Saturday night.   Strong wind whipped the trees and rain poured down in sheets.   Our power went out for almost nine hours.   I was concerned about the robins.   I hoped their nest would withstand the storm and that the rain wouldn't drown them.  Then I thought about Luke 8:

   " ‎24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”  He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.  In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

  
  

  In the morning I went out to check on the robins and they were just fine.  Why worry?  :-)

  
  

  I still find it quite challenging to take a break.   I feel like an Indy racer.   Pit stops are necessary.   You loose the race if you run out of tires or gas.

  
  

  I have had a difficult time with clothing.   Some of the cancer literature mentioned that insurance companies do pay for specialized clothing after mastectomy so I called our insurer.   Amazingly, they offer and unlimited amount of coverage.   

  
  

  Oddly, Nordstroms is the only "preferred provider" in our area.   I had never been to Nordstroms, but I had heard that it is a really nice store with exceptional service.  The rumors were true.   They have specially trained associates that are extremely helpful.  I will mention this to other women dealing with breast cancer.

  
  

  It's nice to be able to wear regular clothes again.   I have had a hard time with shoes due to neuropathy.   Chemo apparently damages nerve cells and it often caused my feet to feel completely numb.  

  
  

   I tried some Sketchers Shape Ups and they are working really well.   My feet do not become numb.   I think it has to do with the squishy soles and the rocking bottom of the shoe.   It's kind of like a massage when you are walking.  Sketchers also makes dress shoes that are Shape Ups.   They are the first comfortable dress shoes I have owned.

  
  

  Now I am on a four month check up schedule and everything seems to be going well.   I know that it could quite possibly come back, but life goes on.   It is not productive to keep watching for the creeper that may not ever be there.   I have much better things to do besides worry.   

  
  

  I rejoice at the beginning of each new day.  I still wrap up the day reading the Wall Street Journal.  Initially I was hesitant to subscribe for a year because I was uncertain that I could outlive the subscription.   Now it is part of my celebration of another day.   I have even made it through my chronological Bible a few times.  :-)

  
  

  My last battle is peeling off the pounds.   So far I am just beyond loosing 15 pounds.   I'd like to drop about 35 more.   One day at a time..   The Livestrong.com site has been helpful.

  
  

  I am glad to report our friend Jess is doing fantastic.   His hair is getting really fuzzy.   It is such a great thing to have your hair return after chemo! 

  
  

  Thanks for all your prayers and support.

  
  

  GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

  
  
  
  

• Monday, April 18, 2011 7:21 PM, CDT

   Hi there.   I hope you are enjoying the spring flowers as much as I am.   Tulips are blooming.   Red bud and the magnolia are starting to bloom.   Those magnolia blossoms are delightfully scented.
  
  I had my post surgical follow up today and everything is going well.   Best of all all the "spare parts" were in good condition, so nothing awful had traveled there.   I am pretty amazed at the recovery time.    I really didn't expect it to go this smoothly.
  
  I figure that wiped out any possibilities for uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer, so I am a few moves ahead.   I kind of think I would choose to have done this just as preventative maintenance when 40 rolled around if I had a do-over.   To bad they didn't have the DaVinci machine then...
  
  I am looking forward to getting the PowerPort removed on the 28th.   It is not so much annoying as it is a grim reminder of chemo.   I will be glad to see it gone.   Another milestone passed.
  
  My friend Jess has finished his chemo and is doing great.   It is such a memorable milestone just to finish the final chemo.   I have enjoyed touching base each Sunday to cheer him on.
  
  I am still aggressively battling fat.   I have been sticking to a 1300 calorie diet and using the Livestrong.com site to track my food.   Extra weight is a target for cancer.   So far I have gotten rid of 14 pounds.   I plan on loosing another 40 at least.  The Livestrong site is a great help if you need to drop some weight.
  
  I was glad to get digging in the dirt today.   Unfortunately, Skipper figured he needed to contribute to the project as well.  I had a hard time keeping him out of the garden.   I set out two roma tomato plants and some rosemary.  I know it's early, so I will keep them covered for a while.   
  
  It's holy week.   What is going on for you?  Last night we attended a Seder meal at Canal Park with some Calvary Chapel friends.   It was a really good way to prepare for Easter.  This week is going to be really busy for the Tech Crew, so that was a really nice break.
  
  I am going to invite my Chinese friends to the services.   I hope they are able to attend.   I want to learn more about their culture too.
  
  I finished 24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton.  It was a thought provoking book for this season.   I was glad that my sister recommended it to me.  Check it out yourself.
  
  I hope that you have a blessed week and that the Resurrection has a whole new depth of meaning in your life.
  
  Thank you so much for all the prayers and support.   
  
  God is good - ALL THE TIME!
  
  

• Monday, April 4, 2011 4:38 PM, CDT

  Wow!  Spring flowers are everywhere and the grass is going to need mowed before long.   How is Spring coming along where you are?
  
  I saw Dr. Harb today and he reviewed my blood tests.   Everything looked good except hemoglobin and thyroid.   The surgery is probably the cause on the hemoglobin.   It was just a tad below the normal range.   Dr. Bridge changed the thyroid meds up just a little, so that ought to do okay.
  
  Soon I'll be getting the port out.   Dr. Harb said if I ever needed another one, they could put one in.   Fortunately, Dr. Smith can remove it with local anesthesia in the office.  I will be glad to see it go.   Think of Ironman...
  
  I got to feeling pretty bad on Saturday and went in to the Urgent Care.   A little bit of bladder infection, or post-surgical stuff.   They gave me an antibiotic and it seems to be somewhat better today.
  
  I am glad to report that Travis (Liz's husband) returned safely from his trip to Israel.   I can't wait to see his photos!   Received an invite to the graduation at Grace.   He will soon be wrapping up his studies.  He has had several interviews.   We hope that they don't move far away, but God has the plan.
  
  Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement!
  
  God is good - ALL THE TIME!
  
  
  
  

• Wednesday, March 23, 2011 5:38 PM, CDT

   Wow!  It has been a beautiful day here.   I am still feeling like I have jet-lag and I am still a little sore, but over all I am feeling pretty good.   Who couldn't feel good on a lovely day like today?
  
  I took Skipper for a little walk around the cul-de-sac.   There are so many spring flowers!   I couldn't believe how warm it is.  
  
  Later I did some very light raking in the back yard.   I just needed to move a little and feel the sunshine.   John got the wheel barrel and gathered up Skippers stick collection.
  
  I just had to get outside with my camera for a few minutes and capture some of the beauty of spring flowers.
  
  Now I am pretty tired, so I think I will have a slow evening.   I hope you have had an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful day.   
  
  Thanks for all your prayers!
  
  God is good, ALL THE TIME! :-)
  
  

• Tuesday, March 22, 2011 12:03 AM, CDT

  Hi everybody.   I am back home.   I have got to say the DaVinci surgery is quite  impressive.    I am really amazed.   I have 3 bandaids on my abdomen, and that's pretty much it.
  
  I am really tired - who ever sleeps in the hospital?   Other than that I am doing pretty well.   It feels like I received some kind of impact to my abdomen, but I don't need the pain medication.
  
  Thanks to all of you who have prayed for me.   I know that makes a HUGE difference.   Thanks to Peg who called the night before and Mrs. Remo who stopped in the hospital and prayed. 
  
  My mom and sister have come down to help yesterday and today.   That has been a big help.    Nelson stayed in the hospital with me last night.   
  
  We are going to take a trip to the grocery store.   I can't drive yet, but I am going along.  :-)
  
  God is good, ALL THE TIME!
  
  

• Saturday, March 19, 2011 10:01 AM, CDT

  I am loving the spring weather, how about you?   Lots of my bulb plants are poking through and our grass is green again.   This is one of my favorite times of year.
  
  Just a quick update for today.  First, tomorrow my sister is being honored with a retirement party.   We are all looking forward to the event.   It will be a fun time to get together  with family.
  
  On Monday, I will be in the hospital for DaVinci Robotic surgery for a hysterectomy.   Hopefully it will be just a 23 hour ordeal.   The recovery time is supposed to be much faster than the conventional surgery.
  
  I am not looking forward to it, but it seems like the logical thing to do.   My cancer was estrogen dependant, so yanking the ovaries seems like a good plan.   My whole ordeal began with uterine fibroids and a plan to eliminate them.   Then we discovered the breast cancer.
  
  Being female is certainly not fun.   The chemo has already initilized menopause, so removing ovaries shouldn't cause anything new.   Those fun hot-flash moments are like having the 3 minute flu.   Fortunately, that phase is just about over.
  
  Hopefully within a week I will be back to normal - whatever that is.:-)   
  
  I have been working really hard to loose all the weight I have gained through treatment.   So far I have lost 12 pounds. :-)   I have really benefited by incorporated the Livestrong.com web page.   If you want to work on a diet/fitness program - I highly recommend that site.
  
  I would appreciate prayer for an uncomplicated surgery and a quick recovery.
  
  Have a fantastic weekend!
  
  God is good - ALL THE TIME!