As I have been updating this blog, getting it to a new platform, and giving it a bit of an expansion and a make-over I found this draft from 2011, right after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While I am in a much different place these days, this remains a topic worthy of discussion…
That Darned and Blessed “New Normal”
Dear Ones, Rest, with supervision. I’m feeling so much better, and learning how I need to live with metastatic breast cancer, well at least how it works for me at the moment. If you are curious, my updates follow. So so medical info – from a recent CT scan (that was relatively anxiety free)…
Took Me a Moment
It took me more than a few moments to wrap my head around the news I received from myoncologist recently. No more mammograms for me… After seemingly a lifetime of breast smushing, with all the associated pain, anxiety, and dread, now all of a sudden I don’t need to do it anymore. Statistically, the breast…
Awareness Time!
Dear Ones, I am part of a new community this year, one that none of us wanted to join. The metastatic breast cancer community. never in october While I am new there, those here who have known me for awhile are probably aware that I start bristling as October approaches. All the shades of pink…
A Sunny D Moment
Driving around the corner on 665 in Annapolis, into the late summer afternoon sunlight the memory returned. The feeling of coming home, being home after a long trip, it was a moment filled with a deep and powerful feeling. Add a memory of that feeling many years ago, a memory that I haven’t considered deeply,…
The Power of Friends and Meds
The Power of Friends and Meds, Diagnosis is often a challenge and getting the specifics involves a lot of imaging. CTs, PET scans, MRIs, Sonograms, and X-Rays… so much so, I am on a first name basis with quite a few radiology techs at Chesapeake Medical Imaging. There is a bit of a problem though….
Carrot Juice and Untangling Self-Responsibility
The noise that juicer made was enough to wake the neighbors, and carrots came in 50lb. bags, all to satisfy Mike’s desires to make the best possible choices for his health. Juicing was one of many paths he followed as he read Prevention magazine, bought supplements, followed eating plans and diets, turned slightly orange, attended…
Not the News I wanted – I’m in the 30%
Dear Ones, Seven years ago for my 50th birthday, I was prepping for a second breast cancer surgery, an axcillary dissection. Today, for my 57th I am sharing this news widely so that I feel comfortable getting back to my writing and blog. I am one of the about 30% who experience a return of…
I Can Feel My Belly
As I relax in the sun watching girls ride after school and after work I can feel the warmth and the breeze. I can feel my connection with the kids and horses and feel my face shift to a smile when someone jumps a good course. In every moment there are so many sensory inputs….
Surveillance circa 2013
Dear Ones, First, let me state that I really prefer the Staying Alive option right now. Earth school and all the blessed people I am sharing life with are all wonderful reasons to stick around for a long time. This morning I am frustrated though. We are headed off for another doctor appointment. I see…